“You Made Me Feel Important Again”

When this work is centered around the unique perspectives and experiences of residents, it is transformational and can spark positive change at all levels – the individual level, the community level, and the systems level.  This past July, HDC celebrated the first-year anniversary of our Resident Advisory Council, where residents, from ages 23 to 79 from across our three-state footprint, access learning opportunities, provide input and feedback on organizational decision-making, and connect with HDC’s Board of Directors.  All council meetings were held virtually, but council members wanted to meet each other in person to celebrate their first year together. We were disappointed to learn that the youngest member at 23 years of age, who also is paraplegic, declined to attend the event and informed us he would not serve a second year on council.

He shared that he was unable to attend the celebration because it would be his first day at college, and that he would no longer serve on Council because he wanted to give college his all.  Via text, he asked us to share these words with his fellow council members:    

“Thank you for everything. If it wasn’t for the resident council, I don’t think I ever would’ve been brave enough to try college. Tell everyone I wish them a great year ahead. You all made me feel like I am an important person again.”

-Renee S, Umbrella Works Apartments, Lancaster, PA

Thanks to Dana Hanchin, President and CEO, HDC Mid-Atlantic, for sharing this powerful story and words that reminds us that engaging people with lived experience matters to their overall sense of themselves.