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Safety Net Nonprofits Provide School Supplies to Students In Need

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Safety Net Nonprofits Provide School Supplies to Students In Need

(Arlington, VA – August 2, 2020) – AHC Inc., a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Arlington, VA, is proud to announce our participation in the “Buy a Neighbor School Supplies” program, a new community partnership to provide school supplies and resources to students in need in Arlington, VA.

“AHC is delighted to partner with our fellow Arlington safety net nonprofits to help our residents start school with the supplies they need to succeed,” said Susan Davidson, AHC’s Resident Services Director. “Our Resident Services program has a long history of  providing our students with back-to-school supplies. This year, as families struggle even more due to financial strains and complications of virtual learning caused by the pandemic, we are grateful to work with the community to address this immense challenge together.”

The collaborative initiative includes Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN); Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH); AHC Inc.; Bonder & Amanda Johnson Community Development Corp; Bridges to Independence; Edu-Futuro; OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church; and Volunteer Arlington.

Neighbors can support children and families for as little as $10. All donations will be combined to provide gift cards, allowing families to purchase their own school supplies, health and safety supplies, and any additional resources they need for at-home or distance learning for the 2020-2021 school year.

Community members can donate on the Volunteer Arlington website until August 23.

For more information and to donate, visit the Volunteer Arlington website at https://bit.ly/buyaneighborschoolsupplies

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About AHC

Founded in 1975, AHC Inc. is a nonprofit developer of affordable housing that provides qualtiy homes and education programs for low- and moderate-income families. Based in Arlington, VA, AHC has developed more than 7,500 apartment units in 50+ properties in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. AHC’s Resident Services program reaches 3,000 children, teens, adults and seniors each year through onsite education and social service programs and activities. For more information, visit www.ahcinc.org 

Media Contact

Celia Slater, AHC Inc.
571-228-5948
celia.slater@ahcinc.org

 

AHC’s Class of 2020 Tops $1 Million in Scholarships and Aid

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AHC Inc. Celebrates 31 High School Graduates – All the First-Generation in Their Families to Go to College

Contact:
Celia Slater, Communications Director, AHC Inc., 571-228-5948 or celia.slater@ahcinc.org

(June 30, 2020 – Arlington, VA) Celebrating graduation may have looked a little different this year, but we could not be any prouder of the students from our College and Career Readiness (CCR) program who graduated from high school in 2020. All 31 of the amazing young people who participated in the program this year are off to college in the fall. In total, they were accepted into 135 schools and received an estimated $1.24 million in scholarships and aid.

“I’m going to be the first person in my family to go to college in the United States,” said Sosna Marshet “I’m looking forward to all the college experiences.” Sosna, like all of her CCR classmates this year, is among the first in her family to pursue a college education.

Sagar Sapkota echoed Sosna’s sentiments saying, “I’m really happy that I’m going to college because my parents have sacrificed a lot for me and my brothers.”

Throughout the school year, volunteer mentors work one-on-one with the students to study for standardized tests, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and write their college essays. Many of the students in our College and Career Readiness program have been with us since elementary school. And, that is by design. AHC offers after school and summer programming that grows with children, meets their needs at each stage from elementary school to senior year of high school, and helps them build stronger futures.

Students are already planning their next steps. Many are choosing practical majors like Information Technology, Business or Engineering. Others are committed to helping others by becoming teachers, social justice lawyers, doctors, nurses, and social workers. And several are exploring creative careers in journalism and architecture.

“We have such hardworking students in this program. It is so valuable to connect them with another caring and supportive adult who can help them navigate applying for college – especially since so many of them are first-generation college students,” said Milenka Coronel, AHC’s College and Career Readiness Manager. “Thanks to our volunteer mentors and supporters, these students are all taking that crucial next step. I’m so proud of our graduates; they are going to do such great things in college and beyond.”

You can hear from our graduates about their hopes for college in their own words in this video.

Meet the Graduates:

Congratulations again to the class of 2020!

  • Sachin Acharya (George Mason University)
  • Sebirya Ahmed (Lehigh University)
  • Natnael Aklilu (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Erika Amaya (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Melissa Barrera (NOVA)
  • Brandon Escobar-Campos (University of Virginia)
  • Carlos Cordova (Virginia Tech)
  • Sharon Corrales (George Mason University)
  • Michael Dorjsuren (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Jacqui Flakes (NOVA)
  • Alejandra Galdo-Hernandez (Marymount University)
  • Raquel Garcia (Virginia Tech)
  • Netsanet Gurmu (University of Pittsburgh)
  • Celeste Lazo-Villarroel (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Valeria Lopez (West Virginia University)
  • Sosna Marshet (Virginia Commonwealth University)
  • Najae McCoy (University of Delaware – Career and Life Studies Certificate)
  • Mohamed Mohamed (George Mason University)
  • Analy Morales (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Ochirbat Munkhchuluun (George Mason University)
  • Yasna Nasiree (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Jacqueline Ortiz (Old Dominion University)
  • Jamileth Picavia-Salazar (George Mason University)
  • Jennifer Rivera (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Sagar Sapkota (University of Virginia)
  • Michelle Soliz (Old Dominion University)
  • Sabiha Tajul (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Kimberlie Tellez (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Santiago Ulunque (NOVA-Pathways)
  • Brikiti Yohannes (Virginia Commonwealth University)
  • Mahvash Zahid (George Mason University)

Thank you to our 2019/2020 mentors for their dedication to our students!

  • Benjamin Bigelow, Jim Burridge, Terry Burridge, Tara Claeys, Milenka Coronel, Adrienne Eng, Ami Foster, Gregory Frey, Lindsey Guarni, Alex Hegji, Chelsea Jones, Maureen Keeney, Chris Kruckenberg, Catherine Latell, Marjorie Macieira, Zaynab Malik, Gail Markulin, Yehoshua Orozco, Alex Payne, Karissa Ruano, Maureen Strotland, Jeanne Sweeney, Ann Symonds, and Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Visit AHC’s Instagram at @AHC_Inc for individual portraits of our amazing students.

To learn more about volunteering with AHC, please email volunteer@ahcinc.org or visit https://www.ahcinc.org/get-involved/volunteers/.

About AHC Inc.

Founded in 1975, AHC Inc. is a nonprofit developer of affordable housing that provides quality homes and education programs for low- and moderate-income families. Based in Arlington, VA, AHC has developed more than 7,500 apartment units in 50+ properties in Virginia,  Maryland and Washington, DC. AHC’s Resident Services program reaches 3,000 children, teens, adults and seniors each year through onsite education and social service programs and activities. For more information, visit www.ahcinc.org

Hanh Nguyen Wins Volunteer Arlington’s Lifetime of Service Award

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Thirty-year AHC Inc. veteran Hanh Nguyen has dedicated her life to helping others. Over the course of the past four decades, Hanh has left an indelible impact on AHC, the people she worked with, and the many residents who continue to benefit from her generous spirit.

On July 14, Volunteer Arlington honored Hanh’s long-time volunteerism by awarding her the 2020 Volunteer Arlington Lifetime of Service Award during the organization’s annual Arlington Cares event. The award recognizes and celebrates an individual for whom volunteerism and service to others is a part of the fabric of their being. Whether through their organized volunteer work or through their pattern of consistently thinking of and acting on others’ needs before their own, this person’s life is an example of a life lived for their community.

“I wanted to volunteer in the community after retirement because I wanted to give back as a way to show my appreciation to the United States – my second home – and to all the Americans who accepted me and allowed me to have the freedom to live, to work, and be happy,” said Hanh during the virtual award ceremony.

Hanh was a committed volunteer during her 30-year career in AHC’s accounting department. She cooked meals for residents and volunteered at her Buddhist temple to help with day and funeral services as well as weekend retreats. She also found time in her schedule to help distribute home cooked meals to the homeless in Washington, D.C.

Ten years after retiring, Hanh continues to be a steadfast volunteer. Twice a week, she helps distribute food to AHC residents through our partnership with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). She always goes above and beyond the basic volunteer duties.

“Hanh always has a smile for residents coming to pick up food. She takes the time to form connections with other volunteers and staff and often brings homemade food to share,” says Jennifer Endo, AHC’s Vice President of Community Relations. “She not only provides nurturing food for residents and families; Hanh nurtures their overall well-being and sense of dignity.”

Hanh’s co-workers remember her as a warm, generous, and much-loved colleague. “I’ve known Hanh for decades and she is truly an inspiration,” says Stephen Smith, AHC’s Executive Vice President. “She is one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, and I am grateful for the many ways she has enhanced the lives of countless AHC residents, staff members, and others in the community.”

Congratulations to Hanh Nguyen for receiving the 2020 Volunteer Arlington Lifetime of Service Award!

About AHC Inc.

Founded in 1975, AHC Inc. is a nonprofit developer of affordable housing that provides quality homes and education programs for low- and moderate-income families. Based in Arlington, VA, AHC has developed more than 7,500 apartment units in 50+ properties in Virginia,  Maryland and Washington, DC. AHC’s Resident Services program reaches 3,000 children, teens, adults and seniors each year through onsite education and social service programs and activities. For more information, visit www.ahcinc.org

AHC Stands Against Racial Injustice

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To AHC friends and supporters,

The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are deeply horrific – and are only the most recent atrocities in our nation’s long history of systemic racism.

These deaths, along with the disproportionate pain of the pandemic on people of color, shine a bright light on the impact of racial disparity.

As an organization dedicated to providing affordable and stable homes for people in need, AHC Inc. does not tolerate racial injustice. We believe housing equity is critical in addressing longstanding structural racism and the equality gap in our country. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.

We also understand we have a lot more work to do. This is a moment to not only reflect on our values, but to put them into action.

AHC is committed to standing up against racism in all its forms and listening to and supporting our colleagues, neighbors, residents, and partners.

We will hold ourselves accountable to ensure racial equity is embedded in our programs, operations, and corporate culture. We will intensify our efforts to ensure that all people have equal access to stable and affordable housing. And, we will help amplify our residents’ voices by promoting the importance of voting and participating in the census.

Building racial equity is a journey. We are determined to move forward and take action alongside our communities, partners, residents, and staff members to create real change.

Sincerely,

Walter D. Webdale
President & CEO

AHC Celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Month

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AHC Celebrates 400 Volunteers Who Donated 6,000 Hours To Children and Families This Year, including 23 Dedicated Five- and Ten-Year Volunteers 

Contact:
Celia Slater, Communications Director, AHC Inc., 571-228-5948 or celia.slater@ahcinc.org

As a nonprofit community organization, AHC Inc. is immensely grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who contribute to the success of our residents and programs. During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we celebrate 400 volunteers who provided more than 6,000 hours this year to AHC’s education and social services programs in our affordable apartment communities. That includes 23 dedicated individuals who have volunteered for more than five years and 68 volunteers from 20+ different businesses and groups.

“Our volunteers are special, generous individuals who are critical to the success of the students, families and senior citizens we serve,” said Laura Jackson, AHC’s Volunteer Coordinator. “From tutoring teens and helping students get into college to delivering backpacks and helping at our annual Thanksgiving feasts, we couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers’ commitment.”

Many children start AHC’s education programs in elementary school and continue through 12th grade. The multi-year program’s consistency and stability help level the playing field. “Education can transcend so many barriers, so I want to be a part of that, even if in a small way,” said Bernie Piper, who has worked with AHC students for more than 10 years. “An ability and desire to learn are the keys to our success both as individuals and a society.”

Thanks to dedicated volunteers and staff, AHC’s students are beating the odds and building stronger futures.  For more than 10 years, 100% of the students in AHC’s program have graduated from high school and most have gone on to college – often the first in their families to achieve that milestone.

AHC’s volunteers also provide safe spaces and a sense of family that lasts for years. Many volunteers work with the same student year after year and celebrate their achievements as they grow and change. “Working with the kids is the best,” said Terron Sims, who has volunteered with AHC students for 14 years. “Assisting them with their homework and helping to build their self-esteem and confidence is a great joy.” The long-time relationships build a sense of community for both students and volunteers. “Since I’ve been at Harvey Hall since 2006, I feel as though I am part of that community because I am at a point where I have tutored the older siblings and a parent of some of my current kids.”

Celebrating Five and Ten-Year Volunteers

Creating personal connections and making a difference are key to many volunteers’ long-time commitment. “When kids graduate and are happy about their own accomplishments and achievements, which they didn’t see coming, that makes me feel our time together was a great investment,” said Marjorie Macieira, a five-year volunteer who still keeps touch with one of her students who is now in her junior year of college.

Emily Lorenz, who has also volunteered for five years, is also enjoying the personal connection she has developed working with the same student for two years. Although volunteering weekly seemed like a big commitment, she has found that “it fills her up more than it takes away.”  “I look forward to coming each week and adore the student I’m working with,” said Lorenz.

This year we celebrate 23 wonderful individuals who have volunteered with AHC for more than five years, including seven who have participated for 10 years or more. We are grateful for their dedication and immeasurable contributions to our residents’ success.

Ten-year Volunteers

Jim Burridge, Terry Burridge, Santosh Chokhani, Hanh Nguyen, Bernie Piper, Alison Sheahan, and Terron Sims

Five-year Volunteers

Kate Athing and the Marymount Women’s Lacrosse Team, Tim Bellaire, Lisa Blake, Anne Blacksten, Charles Cope, Adrienne Eng, Greg Frey, Coral Harris, Evan Heit, Emily Lorenz, Marjorie Macieira, Ty Mitchell, Laura Noble, and Maria Woolverton.

Visit AHC’s Instagram at @AHC_Inc for individual portraits of many of our long-time volunteers.

To learn more about volunteering with AHC, please email volunteer@ahcinc.org or visit https://www.ahcinc.org/get-involved/volunteers/.

About AHC Inc.

Founded in 1975, AHC Inc. is a nonprofit developer of affordable housing that provides quality homes and education programs for low- and moderate-income families. Based in Arlington, VA, AHC has developed more than 7,500 apartment units in 50+ properties in Virginia,  Maryland and Washington, DC. AHC’s Resident Services program reaches 3,000 children, teens, adults and seniors each year through onsite education and social service programs and activities. For more information, visit www.ahcinc.org