Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it can take just one moment to turn everything upside down. That's what happened to Zlena Addison, a hard-working mom who had always prided herself on her helping others. If someone needed a ride, connection to a community service, or just a listening ear—Zlena was the one to call.
Yolanda Marshall is a survivor who is learning that a supportive health community can change your mind, body, and life. For Yolanda, the toll of heart disease has led her to experience several heart attacks, each one taking a significant physical and emotional toll. However, with the help of a new healthcare provider and the support of therapists and patient navigators, she is able to make better health decisions and live her life to the fullest.
20 years ago, when Taneka delivered her second daughter at Community of Hope, she had no idea that her medical team would still be caring for her family 20 years later. Community of Hope and our comprehensive healthcare approach now provide care for her whole family, including an 8-month-old baby. She leans daily on learnings from her doctor to manage chronic disease and be empowered to live a healthier life.
2022 was a pivotal year in many ways—not only for Community of Hope, but for many local and national nonprofit organizations. While many were still trying to catch their post-shutdown footing, Leah has been storming ahead with innovative ideas and strategies to maintain funds and increase the organization's visibility. We celebrate you and your contribution to this organization, Leah! Read a fun Q&A with Leah here.
Jeannie, 61, spent the new year stably housed in a place to call her own for the first time in over fifteen years. After a vicious attack left Jeannie at her lowest, she was able to rely on the support of The Bridge program to be a place of refuge and recovery for her mind, body, and spirit.
The same day Chanice found out she was pregnant with twins; she lost her home of 10 years. Amid the joyful news of the pregnancy, things fell apart around her.
“I literally lost everything all at one time. I lost my job, I lost my vehicle, I lost my home,” says Chanice.
The 2022 Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service honors Caty Poulin for her 16 years of visionary partnership. Caty first walked through the doors of Community of Hope in 2006 as we opened our first Ward 8 location. Over the years, she has been a committed friend, thoughtful advisor, and inspirational leader as Community of Hope has grown from then two locations to now 8 properties and expanded services throughout DC.
Sherry Williams, a mother and survivor, knows trauma all too well – but despite growing up in foster care, experiencing homelessness, managing addiction, and overcoming physical, mental, and emotional abuse from a young age, Sherry stands tall today as a woman rebuilt on hope.
Adyba found healing at Community of Hope after fleeing Afghanistan in August 2021.
Escaping her home country was no easy journey. Traveling alone, she was stuck in Kabul airport for six days without food and water. For another six challenging days, she waited in Qatar before she finally arrived in the United States.
An opportunity to donate to Bellevue’s 10th annual Back to School Bash in August became a full circle moment for one former Community of Hope housing client, Diane. She was elated to be able to give back to her community—especially through an organization Diane credits, along with her faith, as a catalyst to her personal evolution.