Born and raised in DC, Marie is a resident who it seems was destined to make The SeVerna her home. The 34-year-old mother of three not only followed her mother, but her mother’s example as a caretaker of community and an advocate for her neighbors. That model of placemaking is one reflected in the relationship between residents and Resident Services staff. Beyond just providing a place to call home, Resident Services creates community by providing resources, opportunities for youth, access to healthy resources and fresh food, the things that support Marie and her children’s realization of their dreams.

In 2018, Marie, a certified nurse’s assistant (CNA), moved into The SeVerna to be closer to her ailing mother who passed away about a year later. After her mother’s passing, Marie wanted to stay in her home and neighborhood that she had become rooted in and further extend herself to the housing community, that serves diverse populations including seniors and families.

“Every baby is my baby.” says the energetic working mother, who sites yellow as her favorite color because it’s just as bright as she is. Clearly her apple has not fallen far, as her mother took on a very similar role in the community when she was in better health. Just as her daughter does now, she advocated for her neighbors, touting the benefits of Resident Services programming and encouraging them to take part. “She was the neighborhood mom,” Marie recalls, noting her mother’s willingness to watch a neighbor’s children or ferrying other’s children to and from the bus stop. Marie’s presence brings that energy full circle, in particular supporting and advocating for children and elderly residents.

Marie makes sure elderly residents receive mail and packages, as well as access to several regular grocery deliveries facilitated by partner organizations when they cannot get to these resources themselves. Her love also extends beyond her own front door to the community’s children and youth. She encourages her children to do the same. Her two oldest have seen great benefit from initiatives provided by Mission First’s Resident Services team, such as daily tutoring and the robust after-school program, and both excel in the classroom. If they feel as if they do not need tutoring or homework help, Marie makes sure they extend themselves to their peers who may need help, instilling in them the same value of service her mother instilled in her.

Marie is a standout, though as she explains, the support she and her neighbors receive from Resident Services team plays a large role in her advocacy and energy. “Put yourself out there and participate,” she says, noting that very little is asked of residents in regards to on-site programming, all they’re asked to do is participate. She notes her own history of attending whatever is on offer, from entertainment events to community meetings. The same applies for her kids, who are regular participants in Mission First’s 5-week summer camp, Camp Upward, as well as the Masterminds after school program. “My kids love Mr. Justin,” speaking of Youth Development Coordinator, Justin Stalling. She praises Stalling’s patience, capacity and intentional attention, as tools that change the narrative for youngsters in the community. The thing is, she seems to match that positive energy step for step.

A member of an adult double-dutch team, she wants to continue promoting healthy, active lifestyles among adult residents as well. When she had time during the day, she spearheaded a regular fitness meet-up group in the building. Despite her work schedule keeping her from participating regularly she still wants to make the time! She is looking to book a consistent space for a weekend fitness meet-up with Interim Regional Director of Resident Services, District II, Brigette Johnson.

Her birds-eye view includes someday opening a community center, like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where the community’s children can play, learn and explore safely. It is a journey she’s confident she’ll complete.

She also has the intention to become a nurse, as she began her CNA studies with a “white coat mentality”, and she is driven to make that goal a reality. She is patient, waiting until her youngest is a bit older to make her next step in that regard, but building foundations and planting seeds where she is for the time being.

Home for her means safety, peace of mind for her family, and place to breathe free from worry. This at times can be a lot to ask amidst DC’s urban sprawl. The emotion in her voice is clear as she details the perils of city life for her and those she cares about—essentially everyone.



“We need more people in the community that want to change it. That’s it.” she says honestly, without a hint of blame. “This is a village, if everybody helped everybody we’d be alright.”

While everyone may be a tall order, what’s clear is that Marie will never shy away from setting an example.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Welcome Home 2024 celebration on October 17th! It was a great evening full of conversation and connection on the terrace at the Independence Visitor Center.

For those who were unable to attend, we missed you.

Proceeds from our 2024 event series - Building Home and Welcome Home - exceeded $145,000! These funds will support housing and services for individuals and families in need across the Mid-Atlantic. Click here if you would still like to donate to the event.

PHOTOS: Click here to see photos from the event.

VIDEO: Click here to watch this year's video featuring the evolution of our work in neighborhood revitalization and our impact on communities in Washington, DC and Philadelphia that has led us to our work on the Perkins Somerset Oldtown Transformation plan in Baltimore.