Summer Meals and Summer Stars Programs Shine at CHOC's Washington Square Community
Americorps VISTA associates Kiely Pilcher and Nefertiti Castro with Washington Square's youngest residents during activity time. Photo: United Way California Capital Region (July 23, 2019).
(Sacramento, CA) - On July 23rd, CHOC had the honor of hosting United Way California Capital Region's leadership during Summer Meals and Summer Stars programming at our Washington Square property. This programming is made possible through collaboration with UWCCR, our AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates, CHOC Services interns and teen interns. United Way and CHOC were equally thrilled to host KCRA News 3 and FOX40 News onsite!
Terri Smyth Canillo MSW, CHOC's Director of Family and Youth Services, didn't expect to be KCRA's first interview, but she more than rose to the occasion, answering reporters’ Summer Lunches and Summer Meals questions, the latter working to prevent a “summer slide” in reading levels; this critical summer collaboration for kids has already served 5,000 meals across seven (7) CHOC properties in just seven (7) weeks!
United Way California Capital Region President and CEO Stephanie Bray also took time to explain to KCRA why this is a pivotal age for kids, and that providing young CHOC residents with continuous learning opportunities like Summer Stars matters and makes a difference. Watch here.
CHOC Services' AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates, interns and volunteers power on the ground programming at every CHOC property. This event was no exception, perfectly illustrating how these talented individuals, as directed by CHOC's Alassandra Feathers and Terri Smyth Canillo, create meaningful community-level experiences, learning and play for young residents, as well as invaluable experience for themselves, young adults growing into respective, professional roles.
CHOC COO Maurilio León delivered comments to visiting UWCCR dignitaries, referencing Washington Square, and stating that "everyone has the right to quality housing. Our best hope is that our youngest residents grow up to become homeowners. We believe that CHOC is bridge to opportunity for our residents here at Washington Square and across all of CHOC's properties."
Congrats and supreme thanks to UWCCR, as well as Terri and her amazing team of CHOC staff, interns, teen interns and AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates. Together, our organizations work to keep CHOC's young residents fed and healthy, as well as focused and engaged with reading while on summer break. CHOC remains grateful for the opportunity to showcase our successful Washington Square collaboration with United Way California Capital Region, an exceptional community partner and partnership.
CHOC, founded in in 1984, has housed thousands of families throughout the Northern California region, from Davis to Sacramento to Woodland. CHOC’s holistic approach to housing has earned it an award-winning reputation for excellence, both in the design of our buildings and in the sustainable lifestyle our organization brings to communities. CHOC creates equitable communities for individuals, families, seniors and for those with special needs. Our success confirms that affordable housing is key to self-sufficiency and is achievable with enriching, supportive programs that give pride to residents, stabilize families and improve local economies.