From Coding Club to Credit Building: Community Events and Engagement from January 2024
As we welcome the new year, our communities came alive with a series of community events that not only brought our residents closer, but also enriched hundreds of lives in meaningful ways. January was a month filled with activities that celebrated history, creativity, and provided delightful family moments.
Honoring a Legacy at Barcroft Apartments
In a heartfelt tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., residents of Barcroft Apartments gathered on January 12th to remember and honor his contributions. A special display in the leasing office featured photos and articles about MLK, allowing everyone to reflect on his impactful legacy. This initiative saw a wonderful turnout of 55 residents, each taking home memorable items to commemorate MLK Day. It was a poignant reminder of the values we hold dear in our community.
Additionally, Barcroft Apartments buzzed with excitement as we launched a Boolean Coding Club for our middle schoolers. This program introduced 14 young residents to the world of coding and electronics, sparking an interest in STEM careers. It was inspiring to see young residents embrace learning with such enthusiasm, highlighting the vibrant spirit of curiosity within this wonderful community.
We also introduced a personal finance and credit worthiness class to the Barcroft neighborhood. This vital class was offered in both English and Spanish, covering essential topics such as building budgets, managing debt, and understanding the importance of credit. What was initially planned as a one-hour session extended to 2.5 hours, thanks to the enthusiastic engagement and insightful questions from our residents. The positive feedback was overwhelming, with attendees expressing how valuable the knowledge gained from the class was for their personal growth and financial empowerment.
Given the success and impact of this session, we’re thrilled to announce that the HUD instructor will return to conduct this class every quarter. This initiative is a testament to the Barcroft community’s eagerness to learn and grow, and we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities that support our residents’ financial stability.
Crafting Visions at Entwine
The start of 2024 brought out the artists at Entwine, where our property management partner hosted a vision board workshop. Twelve residents unleashed their creativity, cutting and pasting images to craft vision boards that represented their hopes for the year ahead. The workshop turned into a beautiful expression of dreams and aspirations, with participants deciding to display their vision boards in the community room. This event not only brought our residents together but also filled the community space with personal touches of inspiration.
Entwine hosted another event that allowed residents to explore their artistic side, Fun with Acrylics – A Bob Ross Inspired Painting Evening. During this gathering, residents were provided with acrylic paints and canvases as they followed along to a video of the legendary painter Bob Ross, focusing on his iconic Winter Frost artwork. The event proved to be both fun and relaxing, creating an environment where creativity flowed freely. Participants were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the art skills they discovered in themselves, many of which they hadn’t realized they possessed. This painting event not only provided a peaceful retreat from daily life but provided residents an opportunity to connect with their neighbors.
Movie Night Magic and Welcoming Change at Cascades Crossing
Laughter echoed throughout Cascades Crossing during our family movie night, where 65 neighbors came together to watch the new Super Mario Bros. movie. This gathering was a perfect blend of fun and togetherness, complete with popcorn, snacks, and drinks. It was a positive example of how simple moments can create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within our community.
The events of January have demonstrated the value of coming together, whether to honor a historical figure, learn new skills, advance life goals, or simply enjoy a movie under the stars. Each activity has not only provided enjoyment and enrichment but also deepened the sense of connection among our residents.
These shared experiences are what make our communities truly special. As we move forward into the year, we carry with us the memories of January—a month that set the tone for togetherness, learning, and mutual support. We’re always on the lookout for impact partners who’d like to help us make a difference for the communities we serve. Are you looking for ways to get involved? Email Melissa Rodrigues, Resident Engagement Manager for Jair Lynch, to get started.
