James Bland V’s First Home Owner!

Rya Knight a JBV resident for 4 years recently became a first time home owner.

As a hard working single mother working in the Administrative field she encompasses the true meaning of accomplishment in regards to becoming self-sufficient. I spoke to Rya and asked her to tell me how it felt to accomplish her mission to become a first time home owner.

In her own words this is what she stated, “As a single mother don’t feel defeated because your child’s father does not pay child support. Let that give you motivation to know you can succeed in whatever you want to accomplish by staying focused on your goal objective. Don’t get comfortable in just any job, always look for a better job that can help you get to where you want to be. The assistance I received from ARHA was a great help for me. However, I understood that it was a stepping stone to help me accomplish becoming self-sufficient. I did not want to stay in subsidized housing for the rest of my life. If you want more in life, you have to do more in order to get want you want."

Jessica Tate, ROSS Participant 

Jessica graduated from Together We Bake. 

After attending a Together We Bake Information Meeting, I enrolled in the Fall Session. One significant accomplishment is that I managed to get my depression under control with the motivational classes they held. In addition, I learned how to bake granola, cookies, & apple chips.

"I finished the 8-week program strong, with a different mentality. I AM AN EMPOWERED WOMAN! I am a better mother, daughter, and friend. I made and graduated with 9 new friends, passed my ServSafe exam (which led to my Food Managers license). There was an evident boost in my self- confidence and I gained more motivation and life skills than you can imagine."

Hiwot Mekonen, James Bland V Supportive Services Program Participant 

Hiwot is a single mother who worked for the past two years as a nurse assistant while she attended university to earn a degree as an x-ray technician. she completed her degree and also passed the state board exam on her first try and is now working as an x-ray technician.

Janeka Cogdell, James Bland V Supportive Services Program Participant 

Janeka is an advocate for residents and an active member of the Resident Association Council, is determined to succeed in her many endeavors.  She enrolled in the Together We Bake Program and earned a Virginia State Food Handler’s License. 

On April 11, The Foundation of the Alexandria Bar Association presented its 16th Annual Beat the Odds Scholarship Awards. This year, five residents of ARHA properties received these awards which honor outstanding high school and college students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic achievement, academic improvement, and given back to their community. ARHA is proud to recognize the following young scholars for “beating the odds.”

$2,500 Award Winners

Hannah Bangura

Hannah arrived in the United States four years ago from Sierra Leone. She joined her mother who had been here for several years. When living in Sierra Leone, Hannah witnessed first-hand the devastation brought by the Ebola virus outbreak, she lost family members and her best friend to the virus and had to take many measures to prevent infection herself. Currently, she works very hard in school and at home where she helps her single mom maintain the household and care of her younger brother. Hannah has been accepted at Norfolk State University.

Illiana Lynissa Moses

Illiana has endure hardships and abuse, her resiliency and can-do attitude has led her to the right path. She works hard in school. Illiana is a cheerleader and participates in community service opportunities. She is committed to putting herself in the position to achieve her goals. She has been accepted by six colleges including Morgan State and Delaware State. She plans to study Social Work, Nursing or Teaching.

$1,500 Award Winners

Diondre Charlton

Diondre is the oldest of three boys raised by a single mom. He has been a member of the Alexandria Boys and Girls Club since Elementary School, and now works there mentoring young men. He was the quarterback of the TC Williams football team all four years of his high school career but suffered a serious setback when the school he attended High School abruptly shut down due to an investigation for criminal activity. Diondre is committed to overcome the obstacles presented by the detour to his dream of playing college football and obtaining a college education. He will be enrolling in Delaware State.

Najee Elijah Dillard

Najee is the oldest of six children. His father is disabled and Najee has taken on many household obligations. He is resourceful and hardworking. He taught himself to play the saxophone and often plays in busy public areas as a way to make money. He has a tremendous strength of character, a positive outlook and values education. Najee is a standout student in his automotive tech class, He has been accepted at Brigham Young University – Provo and Brigham Young University, Idaho.

Audrey Kwakye

$1,000 Award Winner

Audrey is a senior at TC Williams who plans to attend George Mason and study Graphic Design. Art is her creative outlet. She is the only child and assist her mother with her physical and medical needs. Her father was involved in the criminal justice system and the experience was traumatic for Audrey as resulted in her father not being able to be in her life. Despite her obligations at home, she works hard in school and volunteers at the library and mentor and tutor for children living in her community.

Etagen Mengistu

Etagen Mengistu immigrated to America from Ethiopia ten years ago. Although she had a college degree from home country she was unable to secure any work in her profession. She came to the FSSC two years ago frustrated by her inability to move forward career wise. I encourage her to get a GED first and then decide what she wanted to do. She successfully passed three GED courses but failed the English portion. She felt like giving up but decided to try again. 3 weeks ago she successfully passed the English section and is extremely happy. She is now enrolled in nova working toward being an x-ray technician.

Edna Farmer

Edna Farmer, Ross Participant, completed the Together We Bake Program receiving the highest score  on her Servsafe exam as well as receiving perfect attendance. This accomplishment has encouraged Ms. Farmer on her employment and empowerment path. Ms. Farmer now serves as an ambassador to other ARHA residents to take advantage of this life changing opportunity.

“When I started at TWB in September, I expected to be baking, but I soon learned there was much more to the program than that. TWB showed me that I am not alone in my struggles – so many women face the same challenges as me. I found comfort and strength in the other women that shared their stories with the group, and even though confronting my past and healing is difficult, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.” ~ Edna Farmer

Sharmain Orellana

 Sharmain Orellana is a JBV resident who recently moved out of her residence and into a Rent To Own House she intends to purchase. This is the 2nd JBV resident within one year that has accomplished Self Sufficency and have moved on with their lives.  Ms. Orellana was always determined to eventually have her own home and stated that she will now have one set of keys that will belong to her. Sharmain is a success story because she established a long term goal objective and has accomplished it. Moreover, Sharmain will be a FSS Program graduate and is thankful for the program that allowed her to have an escrow account so she can ensure she meets the necessary financial obligations she will now have. ARHA wishes her all the best.