Resident Voices: Snapshots from 2023
Breakfast of Champions at Edwin Berry Manor Apartments
RSC Andrea Richard Launches Young Women’s Wellness Program
VICTOR BROWN
RED TENT GATHERING
ANDREA RICHARD, the RSC at both Anacostia Gardens and Benning Heights in the District of Columbia, had a brainstorm. As she got better acquainted with the pre-teen girls living in both communities, Andrea sensed a need to provide a gathering place where the young women could receive education and engage in meaningful conversation on topics like personal empowerment, body awareness, and self care. Andrea reached out to a few companies in the progressive feminine hygiene space including Aunt Flow, Saalt, and Lhamo Organic pads. All three responded with project funding and sample products and thus the Red Tent Gathering was launched. Andrea describes it as a “community where we provide education for pre-adolescent girls, teenagers, and women.” This program offers space for sharing, creativity outlets, parenting classes, expectant mom support, and rites of passage for our young women. Andrea adds, “I feel like we had a good turnout and look forward to growing this program at both of my sites.” The need to provide education, sense of agency, and bodily awareness for young women in our communities is great. This rewarding work benefits all the residents of Anacostia Gardens and Benning Heights.
SOMETIMES, something as simple as a healthy, accessible breakfast can bring immeasurable joy. Victor Brown, a resident at Edwin Berry Manor Apartments, enjoys his work staffing the front desk, checking in visitors at this senior property in Chicago, IL. So much so, that he doesn’t like to leave, even to get his meals. The RSC, Tomica, knew of Mr. Brown’s dedication to his role, and thought “Why not bring Mr. Brown his breakfast so he can stay at a job that gives him such pride?” Tomica had instituted a buffet-style continental breakfast and was happy to regularly bring Mr. Brown his favorites. Grateful for this kindness, Mr. Brown told Tomica, “Since you’ve been here you have done some great things. I really liked the continental breakfast day event. I couldn’t wait to come down to get my coffee and see the set up.” Good, nutritious food and social mealtimes are a hallmark of OP work at our properties. So, it was also great news when RSC Tomica informed Mr. Brown that the property is beginning onsite cooking classes, thanks to a grant from United Healthcare Group and Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF). Tomica added, “Mr. Brown was so happy that Berry Manor has access to a grant that will bring more food options to both the property and the community.” Mr. Brown also enjoys the camaraderie that sharing a meal with neighbors brings to him and is looking forward to learning some new recipes in the upcoming cooking classes.
OPERATION PATHWAYS, INC. | FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 3
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