Winter 2024
SCDHC’s 2023 Year-in-Review
Check out some of the significant strides made by SCDHC in 2023! We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team’s efforts in fostering vibrant, thriving, and sustainable communities. Here’s a glimpse at everything that we’ve accomplished together in 2023:
SCDHC Shines at the Executive Mansion
On the evening of December 7th, the SCDHC team, donned in holiday splendor, experienced a momentous occasion at the Executive Mansion. Hosted by Governor Glenn and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, the event was a vibrant celebration, spotlighting the 2023 Spirit of Virginia Award honorees, a group esteemed for their extraordinary contributions to our state.
In a room filled with noteworthy figures and groups, SCDHC shined brightly. Our unwavering dedication to fostering communities and expanding access to affordable housing positioned us as one of the six elite beneficiaries. In January 2023, SCDHC had the distinct honor of being the first to receive the Spirit of Virginia Award, highlighting our significant efforts and the dedication of our staff.
This accolade both celebrates SCDHC’s influential history and serves as a guiding light for our future endeavors. It underscores our pivotal role in community enhancement and housing accessibility, bolstering our determination to create a thriving Virginia for everyone. This award is a symbol of the impact organizations like SCDHC can have in forging an inclusive, brighter tomorrow.
SCDHC remains deeply committed to the ideals encapsulated by the Spirit of Virginia Award. Our objective is clear and resolute: to make a significant, positive difference in the lives of our clients. We continue to advocate for hope and advancement throughout the Commonwealth, fueled by the conviction that our efforts do more than just reshape communities - they ignite an inspiring and more promising future for all.
Welcome Back, Donna!
SCDHC is excited to announce that Donna Stallings is rejoining our team, now under the role of Compliance Officer. Her return, backed by a robust 20-year career in the Housing Industry, heralds a new era of expertise and insight for our team.
Donna's journey through various roles, from hands-on housing counseling to strategic grants management, coupled with her acumen as a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, empowers her to adeptly steer our compliance initiatives.
Her passion for empowering others extends beyond her professional scope. As an author of the motivational book “ I Can Conquer It,” and a dedicated Water Aerobics Instructor at the YMCA of Greater Richmond since 1999, Donna embodies a commitment to holistic development and community involvement.
Donna’s unique mix of industry knowledge, leadership skills, and personal dedication positions her to make a substantial impact in her new role. Join us in welcoming Donna back to the SCDHC family!
Wheeling In Wonder This Holiday Season
The spirit of generosity enveloped the Trinity Life Center on December 9th, as SCDHC joined forces with other community leaders to sponsor the Radio One Toy Drive. This event, brimming with holiday cheer, brought smiles to the faces of 75 families from the City of Richmond and surrounding areas. The atmosphere was filled with festive spirit, as Christmas gifts and seasonal merriment were generously shared.
The Trinity Life Center, aglow with yuletide charm, became a hub where joy and generosity converged. Families were greeted by an array of gifts, waiting to be unwrapped. Beyond our role as a sponsor, SCDHC proudly donated eight new bicycles, alongside a diverse selection of toys and giveaways.
The event’s magic, however, lay beyond the tangible gifts. SCDHC team members embraced the opportunity to create genuine connections with each family, providing insights into the compassionate services offered at SCDHC. These exchanges sparked the beginning of lasting partnerships, promising support that extends well beyond the holiday season.
At SCDHC, we stand as more than service providers; we are steadfast allies committed to building enduring bonds. This event was a showcase of that commitment, highlighting the strength of unity and the impact of collective kindness.
Festive Flair & Community Care
On December 2, 2023, the streets of Richmond transformed into a vibrant tableau of holiday spirit as the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade unveiled its enchanting spectacle. This year’s procession was especially memorable thanks to a partnership between SCDHC and InnovAge PACE, infusing a narrative of togetherness with the zest of our seniors.
Amidst the parade’s resplendent hues, SCDHC’s Shanice Mosely emerged as a standout on the InnovAge float. Echoing the theme “Healthy Independence,” the float was a moving embodiment of InnovAge’s ethos, seamlessly blending with SCDHC’s commitment to promoting senior autonomy. As it journeyed down West Broad Street, the float illustrated the grace and empowerment that comes with aging, captivating the hearts of onlookers.
The festivities continued on December 5th at Sandston Plateau, where SCDHC and InnovAge hosted a viewing party of the parade. Here, the event blossomed into an exuberant celebration of collective memories and laughter, immersing participants in a cocoon of holiday warmth. It was a day marked by the resilience of our community, where the holiday spirit shone in every shared story and smile.
These holiday gatherings are a testament to SCDHC’s dedication to fostering thriving, connected communities. Each moment of joy and heartfelt interaction illustrated the core of SCDHC’s mission.
As we usher in the new year, SCDHC extends heartfelt wishes to everyone. Looking ahead, we envision a year rich with health, happiness, and deepening community bonds. Let’s step together into a future bright with promise, united in spirit, and basking in the enduring glow that defines our community’s essence.
Jim’s Handy Home Hints
As winter settles in, many homeowners are focusing on preparing their homes for the colder months ahead. While considerations like updating your thermostat or sealing drafty windows are common, it’s equally important to think about your home’s indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health issues, including allergies, asthma, fatigue, and headaches. Fortunately, with a few simple changes, you can enhance the air quality in your home this season, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality
Keep your home clean: One of the
easiest ways to improve your home’ s air quality is to keep it clean. Dust, pet dander, and other allergies can accumulate in your carpets, furniture, and bedding, which can lead to poor air quality over time.
Control humidity: High humidity levels can lead to the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria in your home. You can control the humidity levels in your home by utilizing a humidifier or a dehumidifier.
Increase ventilation: During winter
months, it is common for homeowners to keep windows and door tightly closed, which can trap air pollutants inside. To improve ventilation, consider using fans or opening a window periodically to allow fresh air inside.
Change your HVAC filters: It’ s simple - change your HVAC air filters every time you notice they are dirty. Don’ t wait 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. Change them when they’ re dirty! You may also consider an “ upgrade” to the type of filter you use but just make sure it’ s compatible with your HVAC system.
By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a home with better indoor air quality this winter!
Celebrating Shanice & Tarik
We are thrilled to share that two of our beloved staff members, Shanice and Tarik, have earned their certifications as HUD-certified Housing Counselors. Their journey was marked by unwavering dedication, intensive training, and a profound understanding of housing laws and financial management.
This milestone holds immense value for our organization and the community we serve. As HUD-certified housing Counselors, Shanice and Tarik now possess advanced expertise to guide clients through the often complex housing terrain, aiding them in making informed and sustainable housing decisions - a core objective of SCDHC.
Join us in applauding Shanice and Tarik for their remarkable success!
Gratitude Corner
We are extremely grateful to the organizations and foundations who support SCDHC through grants and charitable donations! Our work would not be possible without these supporters:
Fannie Mae
Virginia Housing
Amandla Fund for Economic & Racial Justice
LISC Virginia
Fulton Bank and the Fulton Forward Foundation
Richmond Memorial Health Foundation
Bon Secours Community Benefits Investments
Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond
Wells Fargo
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
Capital One Impact Initiative
George Mason Mortgage
Truist Bank
First Citizens Bank
JP Morgan Chase
The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund
Chesapeake Bank
Thank you for helping us make an impact in our communities!