CITY YEAR TULSA
GETTING STARTED [Document title] [Document subtitle]
CITY YEAR TULSA
Abstract
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GETTING STARTED andee arrett [Email address]
Contents
Dear Future Corps Member and Tulsan, ....................................................................................................................1 DATES TO KNOW ..............................................................................................................................................................2 UNIFORM ...........................................................................................................................................................................2 CITY YEAR BENEFITS..........................................................................................................................................................3 OUR WORK IN TULSA SCHOOLS ....................................................................................................................................5 TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................................................................6 APARTMENT SEARCH .......................................................................................................................................................7 ROOMMATES ....................................................................................................................................................................8 NEIGHBORHOODS .........................................................................................................................................................10 SECURING YOUR NEW HOME ............................................................................................................................15 MOVING IN .................................................................................................................................................................15 LIVING ON A STIPEND....................................................................................................................................................16 MAKING TULSA “HOME” ...............................................................................................................................................17 Contact your Admissions Manager ...........................................................................................................................18
Dear Future Corps Member and Tulsan, First of all, thank you for deciding to dedicate a year of your time, talent and treasure to the students of Tulsa with City Year. We are thrilled to welcome you to our City Year community. Whether you were born and raised in Tulsa, or you have never seen this city, we have filled this document to the brim with resources that we hope prove helpful before we meet you on registration day. Our first weeks together will be full of trainings, so this is just the start of tools and resources you will be provided with. With that in mind, any questions comments or concerns you have can be directed to your admissions manager (contact information on last page) or you can reach out on the 2017-2018 City Year Tulsa Facebook page. To date there have been over a million AmeriCorps Members in this country. As you prepare to stand on the shoulders of the giants who have been here before you, working hard for our students, we’d like you to know that we cannot wait to serve beside you!
Yours in service, City Year Tulsa Staff
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DATES TO KNOW Registration Day
Registration day is mandatory for all AmeriCorps Members. You will need to come to the City Year Tulsa Office (15 E 5th street, Tulsa OK, 74013, Suite 1621) with the documents listed below. Failure to bring in these documents will result in a delayed first paycheck. If you are having issues with this – Please contact your admissions manager (see contact info on last page of this document). Dress code for this day will be business casual. Additionally, shortly after you confirm your position with City Year, you will receive an email concerning the fingerprinting process. This is a mandatory AmeriCorps standard, and you must complete your fingerprinting before registration day. Required Documents – MUST BE ORIGINALS: OPTION A Passport Government-issued photo ID Social Security Card
OPTION B Birth Certificate Government-issued photo ID Social Security Card
At registration day you will receive much more information about the rest of the year, for now, you should know that from the first day of service on days run from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional required Saturday or evening hours. Please keep in mind that some days you may get to leave early and other days you may need to stay late depending on your service work and any deadlines you may have.
UNIFORM
From the first day of service on, you will be required to wear your City Year Uniform. Most pieces of the Uniform will be provided, it will take some time for all of the pieces to be received. You will also receive a notification about ordering your uniform – make sure you follow the instructions carefully and submit your order as soon as possible. Until you receive your uniform pieces you will need to provide your own uniform pieces. That will need to be: • • • •
Solid White Shirts Black Pants (no leggings/sweats, must have belt loops) Black Belt Black Shoes
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CITY YEAR BENEFITS A more comprehensive list can be found here
Health Insurance
AmeriCorps members may choose to opt into medical insurance, you will be walked through that process in person. That medical insurance will include the following • Physician services for illness or injury • Hospital room and board • Emergency room • X-ray and laboratory • Prescription drugs • Limited mental/nervous disorders • Limited substance abuse coverage • An annual deductible of no more than $250 charges per member • No more than $1,000 total annual out-of-pocket per member • A 20% co-pay or comparable fixed fee with the exception of a 50% co-pay for mental and substance abuse care • A maximum benefit of at least $50,000 per occurrence or cause The plan currently in use does not cover routine optical exams or dental visits (unless a tooth is injured in a nonservice related accident). In addition to the medical coverage, all active corps members have free access to City Year’s Employee Assistance Program, Health Resources Inc., which is a confidential intervention and referral resource for help with personal issues. Health care coverage begins on your first day actively serving as a corps member and will continue through the last day of any month in which you actively serve (June 30th for members who graduate). As an AmeriCorps participant and not a City Year employee, you will not be eligible for COBRA benefits after graduation. As such, corps members who are already enrolled in a plan when they begin with City Year may wish to remain so in order to ensure continuous coverage after graduation.
Loan Deferment
As an AmeriCorps member, you are entitled to have your government (public) loans deferred for the time that you are in service (program start date through City Year graduation). During the first week of the program, you will fill out the appropriate paperwork that will then be sent to AmeriCorps, which notifies your lenders that your loans are deferred. Make sure you bring addresses for all of your lenders at registration. We will submit the form for deferment on your program start date with City Year. If you really want to get a start on things, you can fill out a profile on my.americorps.gov and wait for further instructions. If you just graduated college in May you automatically have a six-month grace period to begin paying back your loans. Filling out paperwork in September will be no problem. If you are currently paying back loans and are worried about paying them in September and October while making a corps member stipend, you should contact your loan officer to see if you can fill out paperwork through them for deferment. We can provide a letter supporting your claim. In addition, AmeriCorps also pays for any interest that has accrued during your term of service. You will fill out this form at the end of the year.
Professional Development
At City Year we are committed to providing as many avenues for professional development as possible to our AmeriCorps Members. From coaching conversations with your Impact Manager, to mock interviews with our dedicated Career Services Manager, to networking lunches – there are many opportunities you can take advantage of! Each month AmeriCorps Members experience multiple training days to learn about how to best serve their students as well as time dedicated to working on professional growth. Tulsa is a unique hub of career incubation – it is wonderful place for young professionals to blossom.
Scholarships
There are too many scholarship opportunities to mention in this manual, many of them can be found here. It is worth mentioning that the Eli Segal Education Award is given to every AmeriCorps Member who completes their
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year of service successfully, and that many institutions match that award dollar for dollar. City Year scholarships AmeriCorps scholarships
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OUR WORK IN TULSA SCHOOLS
City Year Tulsa AmeriCorps members currently serve in eight Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) throughout the Eugene Field and Kendall-Whittier neighborhoods. The eight schools are Kendall-Whittier Elementary School, Sequoyah Elementary School, Eugene Field Elementary School, Clinton Middle School, Will Rogers Junior High School, Webster High School, McLain Junior High School, and McLain High School. You will be serving with the same team and school throughout the year. Within the first couple weeks of training you will learn about each of the partner schools. This is when the Impact Director and Managers will place you on a service team. School placements are done by taking into consideration AmeriCorps members’ addresses, skill sets, the needs of City Year Tulsa’s partner schools, and creating diverse teams.
Address
Point of Interest
City Year Office (Location for trainings, events, 15 E 5th St, Tulsa, OK 74103, Suite 1621 etc.)
Neighborhood Downtown
Kendall-Whittier Elementary
2601 E 5th Pl, 74104
Kendall-Whittier
Sequoyah Elementary
724 North Birmingham Avenue, 74110
Kendall-Whittier
Will Rogers Junior High School
3909 E 5th Pl, 74112
Kendall-Whittier
Eugene Field Elementary School
2249 S. Phoenix, 74107
Eugene Field
Webster Middle School
2224 W 41st St, 74107
Eugene Field
Webster High School
1919 W 40th St, 74107
Eugene Field
McLain Junior High School
4929 N Peoria Ave, 74126
North Tulsa
McLain High School
4929 N Peoria Ave, 74126
North Tulsa
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TRANSPORTATION
Public Transportation is not truly a viable option for most AmeriCorps Members as the bus routes are very long and very slow, the commute time and wait time can add hours to your day in order to arrive to service on time. If you will not be bringing a vehicle to service, it is key that you live with or near other Corps Members so you can work out carpooling. If you will be bringing a vehicle to service, you may consider ensuring any maintenance is up-to-date and that you have emergency road-side supplies in your vehicle (jumper cables, spare tires, first aid kit, etc.).
Thoughts from current Corps Members “If you do not have access to a car, you really should consider having a roommate who does have adequate transportation!” “I wish I had known it would have been BEST to have a car.” “If you do not have a car, find housing near an area where there is a bus line nearby.” “The bus system is not very reliable.” “Have a car or a roommate with a car.”
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APARTMENT SEARCH Thoughts from current Corps Members “Spread far and wide. Don’t think you’ve exhausted your options just because you’ve previewed every option on Craigslist or Zillow. Be rigorous when doing research on areas/prices, and know from the start that renting a house tends to be cheaper than renting an apartment.” “Gas is cheap; get a good apartment that is farther out rather than a bad apartment that is close.” “Find out all of the facts about your apartment complex and community before signing a lease. Ask lots of questions, they want your money, so it’s your right to do so.” “Take your time and call around.” “Always ask if there’s a discounted price for AmeriCorps members. Even if there are not officially, some landlords will be accommodating. We got half off our first month’s rent.” “Look at heat maps of crime in Tulsa when looking for the safest neighborhood to live in.” “Keep in mind that low rent may not include utilities-factor that into your budget!” “Either take over an existing place where AmeriCorps Members live, or come visit Tulsa for several days, drive around and pick out available houses or apartments” “Live where current AmeriCorps Members live.” “It is a big hassle having to go to a laundromat. Live somewhere that has machines in the vicinity.”
More resources
apartments.com craigslist.org mashable.com article movingtoday.com socialserve.com
apartmentguide.com move.com trulia.com zillow.com sublet.com
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Featured Apartments
City Year Tulsa has partnerships with many community partners who offer housing. While the housing benefits listed below are NOT managed by City Year, this section provides information on the existing partnerships we have. Other partnerships may come on a case-by-case basis and will be posted to the facebook group.
Tulsa University
Mel France, the director of housing at TU, offers an extreme discount on on-campus housing. Living on campus provides many benefits for AmeriCorps Members. The campus is close to a bus stop and has 13 places to eat on campus, and your residency there provides you access to some of the student benefits, such as the library and campus internet. Contact Melissa France, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services Phone: 918/631-2516 | Website: utulsa.edu
Things to know Mel does require that you prove your employment with City Year. As you will not have received your first paystub before you move in, City Year can provide a “proof of employment” letter, verifying that you are indeed an AmeriCorps Member. You will need to request it from your admissions manager by email, or wait to get a paper copy on your registration day.
(you can access the apartment application from the school’s website, just be sure to note that you are an AmeriCorps Member on the application, or when you speak directly to Mel France to receive the correct pricing!)
Case & Associates
Case & Associates is a property management firm that offers AmeriCorps Members great discounts on apartments! They have 11 properties that are within 20 minutes of schools City Year serves. They offer all AmeriCorps Members a $25 dollar decrease in the rent, and for AmeriCorps Members who have prior rental history, you may be offered half off of your deposit!
Contact
Things to know
www.caseusa.com/apartments/ok/tulsa/
Case and Associates may require that you prove your employment with City Year. As you will not have received your first paystub before you move in, City Year can provide a “proof of employment” letter, verifying that you are indeed an AmeriCorps Member. You will need to request it from your admissions manager by email, or wait to get a paper copy on your registration day.
or google “Case & Associates Tulsa
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ROOMMATES Thoughts from current Corps Members
“I would recommend living with a roommate to share the financial burden.”
“Solitude is worth the price.” “Find a roommate in City Year that you can live well with. Don’t live right on a busy road (the windows are often old and do not keep out sounds at all). Be patient, there are always things for rent, and do not assume a low rent means the place is low quality. Tulsa is CHEAP.” “Be honest with roommates and set guidelines and expectations early!!!” “Having a roommate really helps!” “Live in a place current AmeriCorps Members live and cluster up so you can easily make friends and get rides if your car breaks down. You need a car to live in Tulsa.”
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NEIGHBORHOODS
AmeriCorps members most highly recommend looking into Midtown, apartments along Riverside Drive, Cherry Street, Brookside and Downtown Tulsa.
You will want to keep in mind that: •
It will be nearly impossible to find a four-bedroom apartment.
•
It will be nearly impossible to find a three-bedroom apartment. Consider options that have 2 bedrooms and a den and turn the den into a third bedroom or living in a two bedroom. If you have planned on living with four people, you may need to split into groups of two. If you make the group smaller, make sure everyone in the original group is on the same page about this change of plans.
•
This is a 10-month commitment and you do not need a super fancy place to live.
Thoughts from current Corps Members
“The farther South you live, the more disconnected you will probably feel from the City Year social scene.”
“I had no idea we’d be downtown so frequently. You will probably be downtown twice per week.” “Trying to find living arrangements closer to downtown would be best for central location to the office and all schools.” “Really explore your options and what you want out of your housing experience- do you want to be near points of interest or do you mind being in the suburbs?” “Decide how often you want to use a car versus how often you want to walk and bike. If you like walking/using a bike, West Tulsa and North Tulsa aren’t good locations. If you don’t mind using a car, any neighborhood works.” “If you plan on coming to Tulsa without a car, live in the Brookside neighborhood since there are many grocery stores, bus stops, and attractions.” “Try to find a place near the Tulsa schools we serve in.” “Reach out to your corps buddies for advice.”
Additional resources
Wikipedia run-down of Tulsa neighborhoods
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KENDALL-WHITTIER Thoughts from current Corps Members
“It’s a really cool, budding neighborhood.” “Yes, I would recommend it with a caveat. It’s highly affordable and safe for the most part, but crime does occur here and there, and that’s a reality the incoming CM should be aware of. “ “It is convenient for downtown, Kendall Whittier schools, and really anything you would want to do in Tulsa.” West Park Apartments: “It’s a safe apartment complex with no problems.” Townhouse right by University of Tulsa: “It has been relatively straightforward and simple. It’s affordable, safe, and close to Downtown/ Cherry Street, which is fun and convenient.” AmeriCorps members have had mixed reviews of Kendall-Whittier. West Park Apartments gets great reviews and is right across from the Kendall-Whittier Elementary School we live in. Also, townhouses by the University of Tulsa are nice and you will be surrounded by students. If you decide to live in another area of Kendall-Whittier, do your research to make sure it is a safe neighborhood that you would feel comfortable living in.
Current ACM’s suggest West Park Apartments
ALONG RIVERSIDE DRIVE Thoughts from current Corps Members
“It is safe and conveniently located between the two neighborhoods we work in. It is close to downtown and highway. Only 2 blocks from river and the trails for biking/running!”
Current ACM’s suggest:
University Club Apartments Mansion House Apartments Cascades at Southern Hills Westport on the River Legacy Apartments Lincoln Park Apartments
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DOWNTOWN Thoughts from current Corps Members
“It’s in walking distance from cute shops, coffee shops, Woodward Park, and the Riverside trails. It is more expensive than some areas, but still cheap (as it is still Tulsa) and the price is worth the safety. It is also conveniently located for bus travel.” Elms Apartments: “There is a good landlord, nice apartments, and is a nice area.”
Current ACMs suggest:
Greenarch Apartment Building
SOUTH TULSA
The apartments in South Tulsa are a farther drive away, however, the AmeriCorps members who live there currently love their apartments. It depends on how much you are willing or wanting to drive on your commute home.
Thoughts from current Corps Members
“Nice suburban area, but relatively far from downtown and other points of interest, although in Tulsa that means somewhere in the vicinity of around 10 miles.” Pheasant Run: “There is a 24-hour gym (free weights and a couple of treadmills), swimming pool, laundry room on facilities, relatively cheap, great management.” “It’s cheap and close-ish to west side schools, but pretty far from the east side/downtown. I don’t think the price difference is worth the inconvenience.” Park Villas: “It’s a nice area with amenities nearby.” “It is an excellent area with lots of businesses, restaurants, and shop- ping.” Riverside Park Apartments: “Apartments are really nice, close to Tulsa Hills and Brookside.”
Current ACMs suggest:
Monaco Park Apartment Building Yacht Club Apartments Coppermill Apartments Alexis Park Apartments
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BROOKSIDE Thoughts from current Corps Members “It is very convenient!”
“It is close to many restaurants, to grocery stores, riverside, and two coffee shops.” The Enclave at Brookside: “I like it a lot, but it is expensive. Brookside Garden: “The landlady was very willing to work with us, it is well protected (you are screened before being allowed to become an attendant), and the maintenance is up to date.”
Current ACMs suggest:
Park Place South Apartments Brookside Gardens Gives half off first month’s rent to AmeriCorps Members!
MIDTOWN
The Midtown area is highly recommended by Tulsa AmeriCorps members. The bus is easily accessible on South Harvard, the prices are affordable, and it is a close drive to the different schools and downtown.
Thoughts from current Corps Members
“It is not too expensive and near a lot of food options and parks.” “I would recommend this neighborhood. It is conveniently located about 15 minutes away from pretty much anywhere in the city and has a nice range of grocery stores, malls, theaters, and restaurants all within walk- ing distance. As of yet, I have had no problems with unsolicited atten- tion from other people.” “It’s close to pretty much everything in Tulsa. It’s easily accessible to highways and grocery stores.” Heritage: “Reasonable rent, a great landlord, & it’s safe.” “Yes, I would recommend the Heritage. Jason Walin is a wonderful land- lord and the area is phenomenal. The price is a little hefty for stipend living, but there are currently five corps members who live here and we all make it.” “I live alone so my rent is a little high but with a roommate I think it is very affordable.” City Gardens: “Everyone should live here. Great mid-point for many locations, close to Walmart, Walgreens, restaurants, awesome landlord, $640 a month.”
Current ACMs suggest:
Harvard Terrace Apartments El Dorado Apartments
Norwood Apartments
City Garden Apartments Heritage Apartments Southern Elms Apartments
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WEST TULSA Thoughts from current Corps Members
“If you have a car it’s probably a convenient location especially if you are serving at Eugene Field, Clinton, or Webster.” “It’s cheap so that’s a plus. It’s not a great area, though…I haven’t had any problems with crime, etc., but it could potentially be a problem.” Westport on The River: “It’s affordable on a stipend; the only downside is that there are 2,000 residents and only 2 maintenance guys, but the front office is helpful.” “I would recommend it, but there is not much on this side of the river.” “It’s cheap and close to downtown.” “The complex is very safe and affordable with a roommate. It is also near three of our partner schools!” “Yes! Perfect location and concession offered on rent.” “I like it because I have a I have a washer, dryer, and fridge.” “It is clean, safe, and affordable. I would recommend it if you are not in the two buildings directly on SW Boulevard.”
CITY GARDENS Thoughts from current Corps Members
“Everyone ever should live here. Great mid-point for many locations, close to Walmart, Walgreens, restaurants, awesome landlord, $640 a month.”
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SECURING YOUR NEW HOME
You probably have a lot of questions about moving in to a new place. It can be hard to remember what questions you have! In general, here a few basic questions most folks will need to know: • • • • • • • • • •
Which utilities are included in the rent? How much is the security deposit? What is required to receive the deposit back when the lease ends? Will you need a cosigner for the lease and who qualifies? Is the apartment close to public transportation? Is parking available and for how much per car? If there is street parking will you be able to easily find a space when you need to? Are pets allowed? Are additional fees or security deposits necessary and how often must these fees be paid? Is the house or apartment in good condition? If something breaks, who will fix it and pay the cost? Is there a laundry room? If not where is the closest Laundromat? Is there air conditioning? If not, are there enough windows or ceiling fans to keep the area well ventilated in the summer months?
MOVING IN
Once you have narrowed down your list of places you want to live, make sure you updated your budget based on expenses related to living at that community (rent, parking, laundry, what utilities are included in rent, etc.) It is important to do this prior applying to live there It is suggested that you move into your apartment a week or so before your in-person registration date. The Admissions Team will be in touch with logistical information closer to registration. Moving in a week or so prior to registration will give you time to set up your apartment and get to know your new community prior to starting with City Year Tulsa. Consider that turning on utilities may take time and require you to be present - as you will be required to work full time starting on the site start date- it is vital to coordinate that beforehand if at all possible so you do not have to use days-off to do that, particularly during key trainings. It is suggested that you move into your apartment a week or so before your in-person registration date. The Admissions Team will be in touch with logistical information closer to registration. Moving in a week or so prior to registration will give you time to set up your apartment and get to know your new community prior to starting with City Year Tulsa.
Furniture options •
Using an air mattress for the ten months you are here.
These are affordable and easy to pack/move when
•
you leave your apartment at the end of your ten months.
•
Keep an eye on the Facebook page, as the
Shop at the following non-profits for gently used furniture:
•
Goodwill Industries
•
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (search by
outgoing corps moves on to their next adventures,
zip code and then scroll down to
many will sell or give a way furniture to the incoming
“ReStores”
corps.
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LIVING ON A STIPEND
The cost of living in Tulsa falls below the national average – which means you can “ball on a budget” as the young folks say. The low cost-of-living means your standard of living can really be heightened compared to other cities! When you take advantage of local deals and follow your budget, it is possible to live comfortably with the City Year stipend. City Year Tulsa Stipend
$630 bi-weekly (pre-tax)
Rent
$300 – $500 per person
Movie ticket
$3.25 -$10.00
Large pizza
$8.00
Half-gallon of milk
$1.80
Dinner (inexpensive)
$10.00 per person
Barbeque Rib Dinner
$12.00
Ticket to baseball game
$5.00-$15.00
Ticket to Performing Arts Center
$10.00 - $100.00
Starbucks Coffee
$3.50
QuickTrip Coffee
$1.00
Eat lunch at service site
$5.00
Eat lunch downtown
$7-10
Make lunch daily
$2.00
YMCA membership
FREE for City Year ACMs
SAMPLE MONTHLY BUDGET Expenses
Revenue
rent
$350
City Year stipend $1,260
bills
$80
food stamps*
$189
phone
$50
food
$189
entertainment
$200
gas/insurance
$130
TOTAL
$999
TOTAL
$1,449
*AmeriCorps stipends are not considered earnings, so AmeriCorps members are usually eligible for food stamps.
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MAKING TULSA “HOME”
3 things you should know • Tulsa is a music mecca - Check out this Spotify playlist of some popular Tulsa Tunes. Songs about Oklahoma, artists from across the sooner state, albums that attempt to capture that Tulsa feel, and some of the incredible acts that have graced stages from the infamous Cain's Ballroom to the downtown streets during MayFest. • Tulsa is Coffee Lover’s Paradise - There are approximately 119 coffee shops across seven counties in the Tulsa metropolitan area. This ain’t your average cup o’ joe, while you can find some coffee in a pinch from Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts – Tulsa’s coffee culture is piping hot – so you may want to ditch the basics and taste something you’ve never tried before from a locally owned company. • Need some fresh air? Tulsa has some great outdoor spots like Guthrie Green that locals routinely take advantage of. More than 130 parks dot the metro area, including the popular River West Festival Park and Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. Roughly 50 miles of trails traverse the Tulsa area, providing hikers and bikers with beautiful views of the Arkansas River. Making Tulsa your home for this next year of service may look very different for different people. These quick and easy things may help you acclimate a bit faster! • • • •
Get an Oklahoma Driver’s License/Identification card. You can make an appointment at the DMV and that will save you so much time! Get a Library card, Tulsa public libraries are LIT. LITerally.LITerary. Having a Library card also opens you up to a lot of great community benefits. Spend a day getting intentionally “lost” in your new neighborhood. With the advent of GPS that fits in your pocket, are any of us ever truly lost anymore? Not all those who wonder are lost. Contact fellow Corps Members, staying in touch using the Facebook page before you arrive and after can make your Tulsa exploration so much better!
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Contact your Admissions Manager Mandee Barrett Regional Admissions Manager, Central City Year Little Rock Alum '14,'15
O: (918) 986-1939 C:(918) 814-0894 abarrett@cityyear.org
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