Since its founding in 1989, Jonathan Rose Cos. has worked to show that each community can benefit by interacting positively with its neighborhood. Through a test program of 10 of its communities, each with Sec. 8 housing, the firm decided it could bring the concept to life through a program it initiated called Communities of Opportunity.
Squire Village, a large property in Manchester, Conn., with a population of 1,300 (300 of which are children), was selected to be the first development to test the concept. “Our goal was to match the community with the right local resources by hiring a resident service coordinator to be on-site and work with the tenants to hear their needs and identify assets available in the community,” says Lori Stanlick, director of social services.
Coordinator Jennifer DiMauro learned that, for some, that meant access to health-care screenings; for others, GED classes; and, for still others, better English As a Second Language instruction. “We offer adults classes in the morning, and classes and enrichment for children after school,” she says.
Funds totaling $2.5 million were secured to build a new, 7,000-square-foot community house, also known as the community center or clubhouse, which houses a large common room, gym, a computer room, a study room, two health-care screening wellness rooms, a kitchen, and an outdoor play area. Existing structures were updated with solar panels and better lighting. A food truck brings healthy food.
Since all has been put into place, a magical domino effect has occurred, Stanlick says. “Partners have brought in partners and efforts have increased exponentially.” DiMauro agrees: “It’s like throwing a rock in the water and seeing a ripple effect. We’ve been overwhelmed with Manchester’s generosity."
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