What brings together two housing developers, their neighboring affordable housing communities and residents, a Housing Authority, a city council member, and seven local community partners? Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO) hosted an Art Fair at El Verano, IHO’s senior property adjacent to Jamboree’s Rockwood family community, featuring a variety of local creative partners and original art by residents from both properties. IHO was Jamboree’s joint venture partner on Rockwood, demonstrating how good partners and good neighbors can make inspiring things happen.
Jamboree staff and volunteers from Rockwood assisted IHO in the submission and setup of more than 30 original artworks by Rockwood and El Verano residents. Submissions ranged from watercolors and acrylic paintings to pencil line art, and original crocheted pieces, including a variegated purple shawl and baby Yoda! Residents from both communities came out to enjoy tasty tacos, local artists, and the community entertainment.
Experiences that are meaningful and relevant
Activities like this are part of REACH, an acrostic that outlines our unique approach to resident services using five key values for customized services that enrich the lives of residents – kids, families, and seniors. REACH encourages the success of kids and students at our properties, ensures that our families are thriving in the surrounding neighborhood, both academically at school and practically for work and life, and help seniors thrive as they age in place, building confidence for an engaged and healthy life.
The E value in our REACH approach is for Experiences that are meaningful and relevant. Jamboree intentionally develops activities that provide physical and mental wellness, team and leadership skills, education and employment assistance, with virtual and in-person programs designed to meet the unique needs of each community.
The Art Fair provided a wide variety of experiences for both parents and kids. In addition to the resident art show, various community partners volunteered to provide activities such as storytelling, face painting, jewelry design, and watercolor lessons. Anaheim City Councilmember Stephen Faessel stopped by, along with ballerinas from the Anaheim Ballet, and six singers from UC Irvine’s opera program performed. The Anaheim Housing Authority provided art materials for guests to create posters that conveyed the theme What Home Means to Me. These posters will be entered into a national poster contest sponsored by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
Collaborating for success
A favorite activity of the day was Hearts for Homes, an art collaboration provided by a local artist and painting instructor. Residents painted two wooden hearts; one to keep in their home, and the second to be included in a large collaborative art piece. The hearts will be attached to large letters spelling HOME – and will become a community art installation at one of our communities.
Help students and families REACH their potential
- Volunteer: Did you know that people who volunteered to help with the activities above include a museum director, an organizational leadership consultant, and a retired Marketing Director? Share your skills and knowledge with families at a Jamboree property near you for one of our ongoing programs or at a special event. Find out more.
- Give: Help purchase activity materials so kids at our properties can continue to connect and learn with other students in our online and onsite after-school programs. You, your business, or group of friends can provide opportunities that encourage their future success by giving today.
- Donate: If you have a local retail business near a Jamboree property, consider donating gift cards, items and services, and more as prizes to help us support families and the academic achievement of students in this school year. For more information, contact Jimena Galvan, Jamboree’s Senior Manager of Community Impact.
- Underwrite: If you’re a local business or corporate partner, a donation of $250 helps underwrite a variety of learning experiences to inspire parents and kids at more Jamboree properties.
- Every dollar counts: As an individual, donations of any amount add up to better education. Help provide books, supplies, and other materials for kids and teens. You can even set up a monthly recurring donation.
