MHFOA news & updates
April 6, 2021| Issue 31
BLACK LIVES MATTER:
The Women Whose Shoulders We Stand: Something about the name of Mary. by Dr. Imani Woody
ELDER BLACK LGBTQ+/SGL VOICES: Jackie Cooke
HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Why Advanced Directive? Don't Make Your Loved Ones Guess
Free Webinar
BOARD AND EXECUTIVE VOLUNTEER RETREAT:
New: Registration Is Now Required
THE DC ELDERS HOPE PROJECT: Housing Vouchers Available NOW!
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE UPDATES
REMEMBERING
ALYCE MURRELL: 3.24.21
REACH OUT AND TOUCH: Thank You to Unity Fellowship Church
HEALTH COVERAGE AVAILABLE NOW
CELEBRATING OLDER ADULTS MONTH: AUDRE LORDE FILM SCREENING
Mary's House for Older Adults continues to be committed to structures that empower Black Lives, because for us, BLACK LIVES MATTER; 
always and all ways. 

BLACK LIVES MATTER: 
The Women Whose Shoulders We Stand
Something about the name of Mary.

 Of course, I start with my mother, Mary McFadden Woody of which Mary’s House for Older Adults is named. She is part of the Southern Migration that made their way “up North.” She joined my grandparents and Aunts and Uncles who were already here. She imparted to me at a young age, the importance of reading and the love of books. She believed that obtaining an education was one of the most important things one could do in life. She showed by example that it was important to be of service to my church, my neighborhood, and my community. She was kind and generous in her dealings, taught me how to stand up for what was right, and was quick to forgive.

And when I am asked who "Mary" is when people hear the name of the Project, I always say my mother AND Mary Johnson, one of the first enslaved Black woman in the Americas; Stagecoach Mary, a Black woman, who dressed as a man, drank in the saloons and who protected stage coaches in the Wild West; Mary McLeod Bethune a major advocate for the education of Black folks and advisor to US Presidents; and Mary Church Terrell who worked tirelessly to end the discriminatory practices of restaurants in Washington, DC. These women demonstrated that Black Lives Matter and made a space for me and a space for you.

Health and Wellness: Why Advanced Directives? Don't Make Your Loved Ones Them Guess
We invite you to join us and our three distinguished panelists to delve into an important, but often avoided, topic: Advanced Directives. Our panelists, each with decades of experience in their respective fields (Social Work, Medicine and Law), will help us become familiar with Advanced Directives and explain why we should complete them. Practical information will be presented including suggested resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. We hope you can join us!
Register now!
BLACK LGBTQ/SGL Elder Series with Jackie Cook
Jacqueline Cooke and Unity Fellowship Church have been loyal and active supporters of the mission of MHFOA to create affordable housing and environments for LGBTQ+/SGL since its inception. Jacqueline, in particular, and as an elder, leads the OLKIAMA Elders group at UFC. We invite you to share her experiences as a Black Lesbian Elder through our Elder BLACK Voices Series.
THE DC ELDERS HOPE PROJECT:
Housing Vouchers Available NOW!
CORONAVIRUS:  Vaccine Updates
  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland 
  • Virginia
Remembering Alyce Murrell
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Alyce Murrell, Seabury's Community Outreach Planner in Ward 6, passed away on March 24, 2021. We are stunned and saddened by this news. Alyce was such a beautiful presence - offering a ready smile, hardy laugh, and embodying a beautiful spirit.

We remember when Alyce and
Le' Antta Obsanjo wrote a grant to begin the LGBTQ+/SGL programing at Seabury. In 2016, the amazing programming began for us that included plays at Arena Stage, city tour trolley rides, and scrumptious meals.

Many of us remember Alyce from her work at Emmaus Senior Services, Iona Senior Services, and her own educational enrichment program.  She approached all of life's challenges with enthusiasm and optimism. One of her favorite quotes is from MLK Jr.: "Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do and use it for a purpose greater than myself." She embodied that sentiment.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family Alyce leaves behind -- two brothers, two sisters and host of nephews and nieces.  She is buried in North Carolina on family property next to her beloved mother.

We understand that Seabury will arrange an online tribute to Alyce over the coming months. It will be an opportunity to share our fond and funny stories of Alyce's positive and inspiring impact on our lives and those we serve.

Alyce, rest in peace and in power.
Pictured: Arie Gray (L) and Jackie Cooke
Reach Out and Touch: Unity Fellowship Church of Washington D.C.
Mary's House for Older Adults is grateful to UFC (Unity Fellowship Church) for providing PPE that includes masks and hand sanitizers. They also donated food gift cards for 20 Elders. This has allowed MHFOA to continue to provide safety and food to elder families.

MHFOA still has masks and hand sanitizers for those who need them. Their donation allows us to continue this work. To help, please contact Ms. Arie Gray at agray@maryshousedc.org.
Health Coverage Now Available
You can sign up for a comprehensive health plan at http://www.healthcare.gov until May 15th. 
Celebrating National Older Adults Month*

Save the Date: May 31st

Film Screening & Filmmaker Talk Back

A Litany For Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde

* National LGBTQ+/SGL Elders Day is May 16
Mary's House For Older Adults, Inc. |www.maryshousedc.org