Programs that Have Residents Coming Back for More

Presenters:

David Jennings
Vice President, Education
Community Associations Institute

Dave Jennings is the executive director of the Foundation for Community Association Research. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the Foundation is a national, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to common interest community research, development, and scholarship. Incorporated in 1975, the Foundation supports and conducts research in the community, homeowner, and condominium association industry. Jennings joined the Foundation in 2006 after nine years with the American Society for Training and Development. Jennings earned a master’s degree in corporate training and organizational development from Loyola University Chicago, and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Society for Human Resource Management.

Rose Mabwa
Manager
Lavergne Court Learning Center/Mercy Housing Resident Lab Technology Center
Chicago, IL

Rose Mabwa is the manager of Lavergne/Washington Courts Neighborhood Networks Center in Chicago. In this position, Mabwa uses her extensive resident services and service coordination experience to help the residents of the 500-unit Mercy Housing Lakefront community achieve greater self-sufficiency and obtain technology access. Mabwa is skilled at leveraging resources through collaborative efforts and partnerships. Mabwa was one of Chicago’s first pioneers of green spaces, which involves converting empty city lots into green spaces to beautify the community, serve as a therapeutic space for youth, and create a space for training and employment. For her efforts, Mabwa was the recipient of Mayor Daley’s Landscaping Award. Recently, Mabwa became a C3 advocate, facilitating workshops to educate residents on environmental issues, recycling, and worm composting. Mabwa serves on several boards and is a member of the advisory committee for the YWCA-Chicago West Side and member of the advisory board for the Dominican University community outreach for student service connector. Mabwa earned a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University, and will complete her studies for a master’s degree in human services administration in 2008.

Gloria Smith
Property Manager
Newport Harbour Apartments
Newport News, VA

Karen Voiss
Program Director
Tualatin Valley Housing Partners
Beaverton, OR

Karen Voiss has been involved in the development, implementation, and delivery of resident programs and activities since 1994. She believes that while housing is necessary to individuals in poverty in order to alleviate their situation and move towards economic stability, residents also need access to ongoing programs, resources, and support. Recognizing that residents face many barriers in identifying and accessing the services available in the community, Voiss works to bring services to the residents. Programs are developed based on the residents’ needs at each property. Some needs cross cultural and economic lines, and delivery of those programs may need to be tailored to the specific audience.