Community Services Update

December 2023

Our teams at AHF enjoy donating time and resources to other local organizations that are helping people in our communities. This is something we practice throughout the year with our volunteer time off and other initiatives, but we include a special emphasis during the last months of the year. We've found that significant community transformation is not something we can do on our own - it takes many people coming together, joining their talents and resources to truly make a difference. Read on for the latest events as this year draws to a close. We wish you and yours a happy holiday and new year!

AHF corporate staff members joined forces to feed 60 clients and staff members at Metrocare Services. Metrocare is the largest provider of mental health, developmental disability and permanent supported housing services in Dallas County serving over 50,000 children, teens and adults annually. It was an honor to serve those who are faithfully serving our neighbors in the Dallas community.

AHF team members also collected donations for Toys for Tots at our Dallas headquarters to make the Christmas season a little brighter for families in need in North Texas. Toys for Tots is a foundation established by the U.S. Marine Reserve to "deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them into becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens."

Seeing Santa

The Waters at Fairfield management team hosted a meet and greet with Santa. Kids dropped by the office to tell him their wish list and enjoy some hot cocoa and candy canes. 

Community Manager Terri Curran shared that "one of our residents here was dressed as Santa and really did a wonderful job with the kids. The excitement in their faces when they walked in the door was wonderful."

Award-Winning Teams

Congratulations to the Stonebriar Village Management Team for winning the Reader's Choice Award for Best Apartment Complex! Gold and silver winners were announced by the Plainview Herald, and Stonebriar won gold - first place! They were awarded a plaque and a feature in the magazine.

AHF Way Award

Congratulations to Yvette Garcia, Community Manager at Westfield! Yvette was nominated for the AHF Way Award because she exemplifies our Atlantic Housing mission and core values. Yvette is described as "a true team player." She has gone to several other communities to assist with onboarding new managers and is always willing to assist when needed. Yvette also served as the speaker for our Career Series where she shared her career journey with other Atlantic Housing employees.

Yvette’s team had glowing things to say about her:

"She is always kind and more than willing to help our staff and residents any way she can." "Great attitude, dedicated, and committed." "Yvette always goes above and beyond not only with her job but by helping everyone that needs it.

"Her positive energy is contagious."

"Yvette has shown compassion and inclusiveness not only to our community but also with our team."

Yvette has worked at AHF for eight years. As a community manager, she enjoys building relationships and finding solutions. She says, "I love getting to know people and their stories. While I may not have enjoyed solution-solving earlier in my career, as I've grown professionally, I've come to appreciate the challenges it brings. What I love most is working together to be part of a team that can say, 'we did it!'"

The work she and her team are doing in student housing is truly making a difference, and she approaches it with a great sense of purpose."We make it a point to find at least one thing that each resident likes to bring up in casual conversation...In reality, we are all human and want to feel special. If we can make one person forget about their struggles, then I know that all of our hard work was worthwhile."

We're still receiving AHF Scholarship applications! Review the checklist below and be sure you have everything turned in by the February 1 deadline. Got questions?

Email scholarships@atlantichousing.org

It is with deep sadness that Atlantic Housing Foundation announced the passing of dear friend, Founder and Board Member, Dan French. Dan passed away December 7, 2023, from natural causes at the age of 73.

Dan established Atlantic Housing Foundation (AHF) in South Carolina in 1999 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. His vision was to create a world-class, affordable housing organization to serve low and moderate income families. He served as President and CEO of Atlantic Housing from its founding until 2008 and Chairman of the Board of Trustees until 2022. Dan retired in 2019 but continued to serve on the board until his untimely passing. Upon sharing the news with AHF staff, President and CEO Michael Nguyen said, “We will always be grateful for his bold, forward-thinking vision that has helped thousands of people get the housing, education and community resources they need to improve their lives. Dan is known for his quick wit and great storytelling. He was a great and loyal friend and a true visionary in the affordable housing industry. He will be sorely missed.”

Dan has been married to his wife Jane for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Sandie and Suzanne, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. AHF continues to hold Dan’s family in our thoughts and prayers.

A memorial service has been held with members of Dan’s immediate family, and AHF will hold a celebration of life service for him at the Dallas headquarters in January.

Do you have a story about Atlantic Housing's impact in your life or community? Tell us about it at communications@atlantichousing.org. We'd love to feature your story in an upcoming newsletter.