> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Families find self sufficiency
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/families-find-self-sufficiency/
- Published: 2003-10-13T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T03:05:40.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Education, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

The Santa Monica Housing Authority and St. Joseph Center held their Third Annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony — “Riding the Wave of Success” — ear-lier this month at Shutters on the Beach, presenting certificates to 18 men and women who have successfully completed SJC’s five-year “Family Self-sufficiency Program” and are now realizing their dreams of economic independence.

“The FSS program helps Santa Monica families receiving Section 8 rental assistance to rise above the need to depend on public assistance and to contribute back to the community that has helped them through difficult times,” said Kristina Eppler, coordinator of the St. Joseph Family Center.

“One family purchased their own home; six graduates completed college degrees; six completed training programs; three received multiple promotions in their jobs and one started her own business,” said Julie Lansing, FSS coordinator for the Santa Monica Housing Authority. “Collectively the 18 graduates saved a total of $210,388 in their FSS rental escrow accounts, which they get to keep now that they have graduated.”

Requirements for graduation from the program are: Being off public assistance for one year, being employed, and receiving consistent case management. A project of the Santa Monica Housing Authority, FSSP is a partnership of many Westside agencies, organizations and business. Shutters on the Beach hosted the Graduation and Awards Ceremony for free.

“Somehow when you don’t have to worry about your housing, other good things happen,” said Bob Moncrief, the manager of the city’s housing and development department. “We will continue to support this program for a very long time, to encourage excellence in the lives of its participants.”

St. Joseph Center serves 8,000 low-income adults and children each year through 11 programs and services on seven sites in Venice, Santa Monica and West Los Angeles, providing emergency services, case management, educational activities, job training, childcare, and housing assistance.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 13, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/101303.pdf?ref=smdp.com)