Since moving into the community in September 2021, a year before the building’s renovation, Jones has consistently gone above and beyond to support her neighbors. It has truly been a pleasure to have her as a resident volunteer, as she has been praised by Resident Services Manager Kellie Thomas.

“As a resident volunteer, Mrs. Barbara takes it upon herself to wipe down and disinfect the tables in the community room each morning before activities begin,” said Thomas. “She also oversees the bimonthly coffee hour, often donating items from her own kitchen to accommodate an overflow of residents.” 

A key focus area for Resident Services is ensuring residents are food secured or addressing food insecurity across the portfolio. Jones pursues programs and opportunities that directly align with initiative. She has coordinated with her church, Mount Gregory Methodist, to provide fresh produce to the residents of Park View at Ellicott City I and II every second Monday of the month. Jones also ensures that goods from the church’s food bank are always easily accessible for her neighbors, as she brings additional food to the community to share.

Acts of volunteerism establish powerful connections amongst neighbors, thus strengthening long-lasting bonds. Beyond food assistance, Jones fosters a strong sense of community and care. Residents consistently rave about the monthly potluck dinners she organizes. If a resident is unwell or hospitalized, she promptly informs the community’s site associates and ensures they receive a card or small gift to lift their spirits. 

Jones' volunteer efforts do not stop there. Currently, she is taking the Chromebook classes offered at Ellicott City II a second time so she can assist less tech-savvy residents. Deciding to acquire new technological skills is no small feat and for Jones to enroll in the classes a second time displays her desire to encourage her neighbors to learn the basics and a variety of computer programs.

“If you were to look up the definition of an exemplary resident volunteer, you would surely find Mrs. Barbara’s picture,” expressed Thomas. “We are incredibly grateful for her kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community.”

We would like to extend a special thank you to Jones for her gracious heart and the time spent improving the lives of the residents at her community. Her thoughtful spirit is truly admirable, as she encourages all residents to actively participate in volunteer initiatives and to always feel empowered to lend fellow neighbors a helping hand.

The post Resident Volunteer Spotlight: Unifying and Uplifting the Community appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

At 67, Darlene Hamilton, a resident of College Parkway Place in Maryland, is heading back to school.

After spending her life serving others through a career in the medical field, she is about to start a certified clinical medical assistant certification program which will allow her additional opportunities for private duty healthcare work.

“I care a lot about people,” she explained. “And I have a lot to give to others, emotionally and physically, and I still have a lot of energy. This is a calling—and passion—for me, to do the Lord’s work in helping people.”

The program begins this June at Anne Arundel Community College on the Glen Burnie campus near Hamilton’s home.

Hamilton acknowledges there were several roadblocks that made signing up for the certification a challenge, from finding and applying to the program to pursuing and finalizing the financial aid requirements.

“This application and financial process can be discouraging for older people,” she said. “My generation did not grow up with technology and older people may throw in the towel in pursuing similar opportunities because they are not technology-savvy. I refused to give up even though some parts of the process felt like a brick wall I couldn’t get past.”

She credits Lakeshia Pinder-Jackson, a regional resident service manager with Enterprise, for being a crucial resource to get her application and financial aid in order. Hamilton notes how Pinder-Jackson made important phone calls to help bridge the gap between the college’s initial acceptance and its final scholarship offer. Pinder-Jackson’s outreach is part of Enterprise’s Resident Services program which aims to connect residents to resources and opportunities most impactful to them and their families.

“You are only as old as you feel and this opportunity is an exciting one,” Hamilton concluded. “I’ve got good energy and the right mindset. I’m so appreciative of Enterprise and Lakeshia for going the extra mile to help make this educational opportunity a reality for me. I can’t wait to start this educational journey.”

As Enterprise celebrates its one millionth home created we celebrate resident milestones and ongoing achievements like this one for Ms. Darlene Hamilton.

The post Resident Milestone: Heading Back to School for a Medical Assistant Certification appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

Her story starts in New York. Brooklyn to be exact, where she grew up with two older brothers and her parents. Her mother was a nurse and her father was a medical technician. Velleda admired her mother and wanted to follow in her footsteps.

“When I was growing up, I always knew I was going to be a nurse,” she said. “I never thought to be anything else.”

Caring came naturally to Velleda, a trait evident from her early days as a nurse’s aide and then as a licensed practical nurse. She went back to college later in her 30s to become a registered nurse.

But in between, Velleda fell in love or rather she was swept off her feet. She went with a friend to a college mixer. Her friend’s boyfriend had a best friend who attended the same college. The best friend turned out to be the love of her life, her husband Dick.

“Two best friends married two best friends,” said Velleda. “From the first day we met he said he wanted to propose. He was a big romantic.”

They dated and married young and soon after started a family. Not long into their marriage, Velleda’s husband was diagnosed with cancer. He was only 25, but the diagnosis inspired Scalise to go into oncology. “When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I got to know a lot of the doctors and nurses at Roswell Park where he was treated, and it stuck with me.

Her heart was drawn to oncology, a field many approach with caution, but for Velleda it held purpose. “Right out of nursing school, I went into oncology, which is unusual. Typically they make you do a year or two of med-surge, but I was valedictorian of my nursing class, so I was accepted into oncology right away.”

Her husband’s cancer diagnosis early in their marriage kindled a desire to bring solace and support to those navigating cancer. “There’s so much reward. Either you help patients be cured or you help them pass away peaceful,” she said.

Together, Velleda and her husband journeyed into marriage and raised a family, even as cancer cast a shadow, a constant companion that would shape the Scalise’s path.

Life’s trajectory led them to Maryland. By this time, the Scalises had welcomed their first grandchild and their daughter sought out their help. Since Dick’s cancer diagnosis no longer allowed him to work, the ever-devoted husband and caring grandpa embraced the role of “daddy daycare” with unwavering love.

When Dick wasn’t caring for his grandson, he took on the role of coach. “Baseball was Dick’s passion,” said Velleda. When the cancer impacted his ability to work, her husband kept busy by volunteering as coach for Little League Baseball and football.

Velleda meanwhile found purpose at Walter Reed Medical Center where she cared for U.S. service men and women returning from conflict in Afghanistan. She witnessed their bravery and unyielding spirit amidst sometimes horrific pain.

“They had the best attitudes. They were always trying to cheer us up but there were days when I went home in tears when I’d see a double amputee or someone who had gotten shrapnel and we’d have to debride wounds and it was very painful.”

As fate would have it, an injury marked the end of her nursing career leading them to a crossroad they hadn’t foreseen. Disability and her husband’s recurring cancer brough the realization that change was inevitable. Dick wanted to be closer to the doctors and nurses he was familiar with in New York. Plus, as his illness progressed, he needed more support physically.

They downsized into a one-bedroom apartment on a ground level to make the most of their remaining days together. “My husband, at the end, for two months, I couldn’t leave him alone because he kept falling. He was so weak from the cancer and the medications,” recalled Velleda.

The Scalises were married almost 49 years, before Dick succumbed to cancer. “I wouldn’t change anything at all,” said Velleda beaming with love at the memory of her husband.

At his memorial service, players he coached made the trip to New York to share memories and pay their respects. “He was like a father to all these kids,” said Velleda. “Their mothers would say what a positive influence he was on their sons.”

Her husband’s passing was a poignant chapter, leaving an ache only time, memories and family could soothe. With the guidance and encouragement of her children, Velleda found herself in a new home and new community that wrapped its arms around her.

My daughters wanted me to be closer. My son-in-law is a mortgage broker, so he knows people in housing. He had heard of Park View at Emerson, located in Maryland, and suggested we check it out.

Velleda’s daughter and son-in-law visited the senior community owned and managed by Enterprise, and gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“By some miracle they had an opening,” said Velleda who admitted it was a hard decision to move. She was close to long-time friends and neighbors in New York, but understood her daughters were worried and wanted her to be nearer.

Now, the days in her new home are filled with reflections of her husband, of their dreams and shared passions. Her apartment is a haven that echoes with the laughter of grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. She is surrounded by family, friends and the nostalgia of a generous, caring life lived to the fullest.

Velleda strolls the neighborhood—a regular two-mile route when the weather is fair. Every greeting exchanged is a new thread binding her to a community reminiscent of the small-town camaraderie she had known before her husband’s passing. Luncheons, community meetings and shared trips with new friends and neighbors who live at Park View at Emerson have become part of her new routine.

Velleda finds comfort in this new chapter of life. Every moment is a testament to the love that shapes her, the resilience that defines her and the caring spirit that continues to light her path. Her remarkable story is a tribute to the amazing loves of her life. “I have been blessed,” she said.

Enterprise Residential would like to thank Mrs. Scalise for sharing her story with us. Velleda Scalise is a resident of Park View at Emerson senior community in Maryland. For more about Park View at Emerson or any Enterprise community, find us online at enterpriseresidential.org.

The post Resilience & Love: Velleda’s Story appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

The post Supporting Resident Success appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

Earlier this year, Enterprise Residential Property Manager Kristen Bush hosted a pizza party, which residents greatly appreciated. Bush decided to host another pizza party during spring break this year, but this time she implemented the creative activity of rock painting to engage the residents'

children.

A total of 15 residents participated in Pizza and Paint.

The event's atmosphere was peaceful and joyful as children showed off their inner creativity while designing creative rock designs. Bush also screened the film Sonic the Hedgehog for the children as they indulged in snacks and refreshments, including cheese and pepperoni pizza from Papa John's, juice boxes, water, chips, fruit snacks and dessert.

For this event, everything the children needed to be creative was supplied such as brushes, paint, stickers, etc. The children showed off their artistic skills and painted their rocks with designs which included butterflies, rainbows, hearts and many other designs.

Adults also participated in the rock painting activity.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​" We have never seen such a big turnout, said Bush. “This was awesome for us.”​​​​​​​
​​​
Bush received lots of positive feedback from residents about Pizza and Paint. The residents are not only looking forward to another artistic event but also expressed their appreciation and look forward to more opportunities for community engagement in the future.​​​​​​​

To learn more about Woodbridge Commons or Enterprise Residential's properties, please contact 443-451-6800 or [email protected].

See more of Enterprise's community events on Facebook at @EnterpriseResidential! 

The post Woodbridge Commons Pizza and Paint appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

“Resident Voices: Celebrating Power, Pride, and Belonging” is a platform for residents to share their stories, life lessons, and experience living at an Enterprise community and also an upgraded system in how we create a feedback loop – all to deliver quality services and opportunity that elevate residents’ experiences.

Through podcasts, short films, panels, and community gatherings, Resident Voices shines a light on what it truly means to live in affordable housing and shatters prevailing myths and stereotypes of those who live in them.

Click here to watch the video of our Hollins House Golden Girls! 

The post Resident Voices: Celebrating Hollins House Golden Girls appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

The post World Poetry Day appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

“The ocean is precious to me,” said Swain as she points out a watercolor painting of Fenwick Island hanging on the wall. “I was born in Atlantic City so I always take a little of the beach with me where ever I go.”  

Swain, who’s now in her 70s, is a watercolor artist.  Beautiful paintings hang throughout her home.  “I love to paint flowers,” she says. One painting features a bunch of beautiful, bold hydrangeas—white with delicate tips of purple and green.   

A new painting sits on her desk where she works.  A soft pink poppy.  The painting, she hopes, is for a great-granddaughter on the way.  “My granddaughter told me she’s thinking about naming the baby Poppy, so of course I knew I had to paint a poppy for her,” she said.  

As a child, Swain would go to Saturday matinee movies and sit under the exit lights where she would have a little light to sketch the costumes she’d see in films. Then, she’d come home and re-create them for her paper dolls. “My mother called me ‘fixy’ because I was always creating things,” said Swain.  

Despite growing up creative, Swain didn’t pursue art as a career.  “I pursued talking,” she said.  Swain took a job right of high school working in customer service for the telephone company where she says she learned how to talk to people.  Later she put those skills to work as a product market researcher for a local family-based business. 

“Back in the day, we didn’t have careers.  My daughter once asked me if I had any career goals and I said get married, buy a house and have kids.”  Swain did all those things but not without some challenges along the way.  In her late 30s, Swain’s husband unexpectedly passed away and she suddenly found herself responsible for raising three children and caring for a household all on her own.  

Her kids were in their teens at the time and starting to think about college.  “That was a scary time for me,” said Swain who remembers worrying about if and how she’d get them through college.  But she did.  All three of her children went to college. Two went on to pursue higher degrees.  

Her children are still close by and now she has a growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren, too.  

After she retired, Swain explored her interest in art and decided to take watercolor painting classes at a local community center.  “I love the ethereal quality of watercolors” said Swain who points out a painting she calls Window in Paris showing a scene from a trip she took to Paris with bright pink flowers and green foliage cascading from a window. 

Swain pursued classes for about 12 years.  She said she loved the classes and learning new techniques, and that she had a wonderful instructor that inspired her. She also loved the people she met over the years—others with an interest in art and painting.   

Swain said she still gets together with about seven friends she met through the classes.  They’ve painting together now for about 20 years. “We paint here [at Park View at Naaman’s Creek] in the community room.  I host an art class for residents, and my friends will come over and join us. We have been really lucky to be together so long.”  

Over the years, Swain and her friends have exhibited their art at local shows and businesses.  She belongs to an organization called the Art Guild of Delaware County which helps connect artists with local business willing to display works from area makers.  “Once we hung our art in a local bank. Of course, no one bought anything.  In fact, the bank was robbed while our art was there, and no one even tried to steal it,” laughed Swain. She didn’t take it personal.  

“It’s a wonderful feeling to sell something—to know that someone values your work,” said Swain who still enjoys exhibiting her works though admits most of the painting she does these days is for her growing family.  “The grandkids call me ‘Hubby’,” she said.   

In addition to teaching watercolor painting in her community, Swain also hosts a Sing-A-Long Friday.  “Singing is such an expression of joy,” said Swain, who seems to have something of a reputation for sparking joy herself. Park View at Naaman’s Creek Property Manager Susan Harbison said residents have heard about the watercolor painting and will ask about it when they move in.   

“It is a fine life,” said Swain.   

Each year, Enterprise Residential hosts an art contest.  The winning artwork is featured on an end-of-year card Enterprise sends to friends, partners and neighbors.  In 2020, Swain’s painting—a snowy scene with deep green pine trees and a setting sun—was selected as the winner and featured on the card. Swain’s paintings can be seen hanging at local businesses in and around Delaware County, Pa.   

Enterprise would like to thank Gail Swain for sharing her story with us. To learn more about Park View at Naaman’s Creek or any Enterprise Residential community, visit us at EnterpriseResidential.org. 

The post A Fine Life appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.

Sha’Miyae, 11, has been learning and speaking French since enrolling at the Baltimore International Academy, an internationally oriented learning environment that provides culturally and linguistically diverse education. 

In addition to being bilingual, Sha’Miyae is smart and bubbly, and has a smile as bright as the pageant crown she’s wearing for winning Miss International United Maryland Preteen.    

“Pageants are a great way for Sha’Miyae to practice her interviewing and public speaking skills,” said Sha’Miyae’s mother SherWanda Knight.   

Interviewing and public speaking are probably not top of mind for most 11-year olds, but Sha’Miyae puts them good use as the owner and founder of a budding nonprofit—Faithfully Gifted Hearts Charity.  

Her mother tells the story. When Sha’Miyae was four years old, she saw a person who was homeless on the sidewalk.  Most people would walk by without a second look, but Sha’Miyae saw that person and asked her mom if she could give him her snack.  Sherwanda said she was a little nervous to let her young daughter near the stranger but said ok. In that moment, young Sha’Miyae found her purpose. 

Wise beyond her years, Sha’Miyae is driven by an innate desire to help others. “This is what my heart is telling me to do,” she said.  

Sha’Miyae started by organizing food drives, then clothing drives and school supply drives.  She puts up flyers in the Enterprise Residential community she lives in or at church. She raises funds by asking family, friends and neighbors for support, and by doing liturgical dance for local faith communities. “I feel joyful when I dance,” Sha’Miyae said.   

In fact, joy radiates from Sha’Miyae.  With support from her family, church and community, Sha’Miyae’s nonprofit, Faithfully Gifted Hearts Charity, focuses on serving those who are struggling with homelessness, and supporting young people who have lost a parent to violence.   

“Helping people even only to share a meal or offer words of encouragement makes me feel happy and fulfilled.” Despite the immense challenges associated with these very complicated issues, Sha’Miyae is pure inspiration.  “She’s teaching me,” said her mother SherWanda.  “When Sha’Miyae sees somebody in need, you can see that desire to help inside her.”  

Others are starting to take notice of that desire, too.  Sha’Miyae has become a bit of a local celebrity.  She’s been featured on a few local news stations for her efforts, where this smart young lady never misses the opportunity to ask others to join with her in support of the community.  

Today, Sha’Miyae still loves dance as a way of expressing herself and now pageants have become an extension of her creative endeavors as well as place to continue sharing her purpose and passion. They have given her a platform to talk about the causes she works so hard to uplift in her community.   

“I want to help other people. I want to encourage and inspire others,” she said.  “When I talk to youth who’ve lost a parent to violence and I can see they’re sad, I tell them ‘you can be strong’ and I feel like that kind of encouragement helps them.”   

That kind of encouragement takes a lot of courage, and Sha’Miyae admits sometimes she’s scared.  Despite that feeling, Sha’Miyae’s empathy for others is genuine. This remarkable young lady puts herself out there and she is making incredible strides for her nonprofit and for her community.  

“It’s my purpose,” said Sha’Miyae.  

You can learn more about Sha’Miyae’s nonprofit, Faithfully Gifted Hearts Charity, by contacting the organization at 667-207-4722. 

Sha’Miyae lives with her mother, grandmother, younger sister and brother in an Enterprise Residential community located in Baltimore.  At Enterprise Residential, our philosophy is simple—Residents First.  We serve more than 20,000 residents living in over 100 affordable and market rate communities designed for seniors, families and individuals including those living with disabilities.  To learn more, find us at EnterpriseResidential.org or follow us on Facebook @EnterpriseResidential. 

The post Purpose Driven appeared first on Enterprise Residential LLC Blog.