Operation Pathways Annual Report 2021: Laying the Groundwork
Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report Laying the Groundwork for a Dynamic Future
2021: Impact through Resourcefulness
RICHARD F. BURNS
KENNETH D. WHITE
Since COVID-19 still loomed large in 2021, Operation Pathways Resident Services Coordinators remained steadfast and resourceful in working alongside residents to realize their goals and keep them safe and healthy. Operation Pathways held 38 vaccination clinics in 2021, administering more than 900 vaccinations. The organization also gained significant traction in Healthier Living programming by nurturing and leveraging creative partnerships. In addition to working with local health providers offering infectious disease screenings, mammograms, prediabetes screenings, and blood pressure checks. Resident Service Coordinators also partnered with local farmers’ markets to bring fresh, nutritious produce to the residents where they live. Walking clubs sprouted up as did more new community gardens. At a time when our country is facing unprecedented mental health crises, Operation Pathways RSCs provided crisis intervention and connections to support counseling. In 2022, Operation Pathways will expand this capability with planned Trauma Awareness Training for all property site staff. RSCs also provided preemptive services for eviction prevention and financial support. A rise in unemployment, a shift to remote learning for youth, and increased pandemic expenditures for many families left struggling to pay rent. This past year, our RSCs rallied around our community members and worked in partnership with government, for profit and not-for-profit organizations, to secure over $950,000 in rental relief to keep residents in their homes.
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“Ordinary people with commitment can make an extraordinary impact on their world.” —AUTHOR JOHN C. MAXWELL
MAKERSPACE AT BAYVIEW TOWERS IN STAMFORD, CT
Looking ahead to a still uncertain job market, Operation Pathways marshalled resources to train hundreds of residents in computer skills and financial support services. Our Makerspace at Bayview Towers in Stamford, CT expanded its programming to provide many opportunities for residents to increase STEM learning in a multi-generational setting. 2021 also saw the continuation and expansion of The Affordable Housing Teen Internship Program. Post-program survey results showed high satisfaction from enrollees. Teens participated at 16 different sites and 91% of participants believe they are better prepared to achieve their future educational, career, and personal goals because of the internship program. Everyone at Operation Pathways strives to continue to make significant impact on the residents we serve through extraordinary resourcefulness. It is baked into our culture even in the most challenging times.
Sincerely,
Richard F. Burns
Kenneth D. White
President,
Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer,
Operation Pathways, Inc.
Operation Pathways, Inc.
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Resident Voices: Snapshots from 2021
A Plaza Borinquen Holiday Resident Story
IN THE PUERTO RICAN CULTURE, the holiday season is ingrained in the populace from the day one is born, enriching all with values, traditions and the history of the island and its people. Most of the residents at Plaza Borinquen are from Puerto Rico and enjoy Christmas time, which is a nonstop celebration until mid-January. Christmas celebrations in Puerto Rico begin very late in November and do not stop on December 25. The biggest holiday dates are December 24—Nochebuena/Good Night-Christmas Eve; December 25—Navidad/Christmas; December 31—Despedida de Año/New Year’s Eve; and the biggest and most important of all for the children, el Día de Los Reyes Margos/Three
Kings Day—Epiphany on January 6. The pandemic has hit many of the residents hard; for some losing loved ones they couldn’t say goodbye to back home. One resident, Pablo Diaz (right) and the Superintendent, Carlos Miranda (left) wanted to bring a piece of home and holiday cheer to the residents. After all, Puerto Ricans are known for their unforgettable get-togethers which include food and music. Everyone here has that Uncle, Grandfather, or Father on the congas, or guitar with everyone singing old Christmas songs like Feliz Navidad and Silent Night—Merry Christmas and Noche de Paz. Pablo and Carlos brought the islands home to the community of Plaza Borinquen, for those who couldn’t travel due to pandemic restrictions. The holiday tree that Pablo bought also brought camaraderie to the residents who were able to see their neighbors and spend time with them. To the residents here at Plaza Borinquen, it is a tree of hope and new beginnings.
Where Pablo Diaz lives matters.
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Remembering Ms. Beverly
BEVERLY JOHNSON served as Operation Pathways’ Resident Services Coordinator at The Roundtree Residences in Washington, DC for over five years. During her years of service to our organization and her lifetime of service to her community, Beverly was known for her positive energy, supportive presence, and, most importantly, her love for her work, her community, and her Operation Pathways family. Ms. Beverly, as she was fondly known, passed away in her sleep on December 9, 2021. To honor Ms. Beverly’s contribution to our work, Operation Pathways created an award in her name. The Beverly Johnson RSC Spirit Award will be presented annually by Operation Pathways to an RSC
who best exemplifies the qualities of Support, Positive Energy, and Love. Ms. Beverly exemplified the qualities this award honors. During her tenure as the RSC at Roundtree, Ms. Beverly led with love. She always took time to care for others, engaging with nearly every resident at Roundtree. She coordinated many senior field trips and resident appreciation events, registered 106 members in her community to vote, and coordinated a variety of healthy living programming, including the delivery of over 4,000 meals and 2,700 bags of produce and groceries. The twelfth of thirteen children Ms. Beverly was a staunch believer in education, holding both a BA in Business Management from Southeastern University and later a Master’s in Leadership and Management from Webster University. Much of Ms. Beverly’s career was dedicated to motivating others to further their education as well as seek positions of community service. She volunteered continuously for the Black Caucus and worked for the Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. Not only did she inspire others through her work and mentorship, she may be best remembered as a fashionista. Even in her 70s, Ms. Beverly’s sense of fashion was unmatched—she had her own style that was both timeless and trendy. This exuberant, unforgettable leader is survived by her husband, Vincent Lamont Odoms; sons, James Darryl Williams and Darrion Vincent Shannon; and five grandchildren. On behalf of everyone at Operation Pathways, we love you Ms. Beverly, and miss you dearly.
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Our Mission Operation Pathways seeks to transform affordable housing communities through innovative programs that engage, empower, and support residents to achieve the future they desire. Our Vision Through our work, we envision vibrant, collaborative communities where neighbors help neighbors and families thrive.
122 EAST 42ND STREET, SUITE 4900, NEW YORK, NY 10168 1090 VERMONT AVENUE, NW, SUITE 400, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 159 N SANGAMON STREET, SUITES 200 & 300, CHICAGO, IL 60607 1501 ST. PAUL STREET, SUITE 128, BALTIMORE, MD 21202 operationpathways.org
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