When Symmone first came to the Bellevue Family Success Center, she was excited but a little nervous about meeting new people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while her college classes had moved online, her mother encouraged her to explore a summer volunteer opportunity. It was a chance to get involved, build new skills, and give back to the community she had always called home.
The Bellevue Family Success Center is a place where Ward 8 residents can access resources, build connections, and find support across many areas of life, from employment and housing assistance to parenting programs, community events, and health care referrals.
Born and raised in Ward 8, now Symmone meaningfully impacts her community as a volunteer and a member of the Bellevue Family Success Center’s Community Advisory Council (CAC). She is strengthening her communication skills, collaborating with others, and becoming more involved in the neighborhood she grew up in. Over time, her connection to Community of Hope grew beyond the Family Success Center. She also receives primary care through Community of Hope and describes her care team as “welcoming” and “supportive.”
While attending the University of the District of Columbia, Symmone started applying the skills she developed through volunteering to her college coursework. At the Bellevue Family Success Center, Symmone became involved in planning and supporting activities that bring the Ward 8 community together, including the annual Back to School Bash and holiday celebrations.
“I started to learn about what I can do, and how I can bring new ideas to the Family Success Center.”
One of her favorite memories is the annual holiday party, where families gathered to enjoy arts and crafts, decorate cookies, meet Santa Claus, and receive gift bags. Seeing children and parents come together for an afternoon of fun was especially rewarding for Symmone, who had helped prepare for the celebration.
For her, the growing participation of local families was a reminder of why these gatherings matter. Neighbors connect and celebrate together. The Family Success Center is more than a place where families can find resources. It is where community members can discover their strengths, build relationships, and play an active role in supporting one another.
“What I’m most proud of is being a good volunteer member and being a team player,” she said. “And I like bringing new ideas to the Bellevue Family Success Center.”
an find resources. It is where community members can discover their strengths, build relationships, and play an active role in supporting one another.
Are you interested in getting involved? Whether you’re looking for resources, hoping to connect with the Ward 8 community, or interested in volunteering, the Bellevue Family Success
Center welcomes you! Learn more about available programs, upcoming events, and ways to get involved by visiting Community of Hope’s website.
