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YMCA at Mary Tyler McClenahan Child Development Center

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Call for Nominations: Golden Hammer Awards

Better Housing Coalition's Golden Hammer Awards celebrate excellence in neighborhood revitalization and historic preservation.  We are seeking nominations of Richmond-area projects in the following categories:

• Best Single-Family Residential Renovation
• Best Commercial Renovation - Neighborhood Scale
• Best Commercial Renovation - Large Scale
• Best New Infill Project
• Best Neighborhood Design Project
• Green Hammer for Sustainable Design

Click to see the 2011 Golden Hammer recipients.

Click here for the nomination form.    

All nominees will be honored at BHC's annual Groundbreakers event on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at the Hotel John Marshall.  Visit the Golden Hammer page for more details.  Don't miss this opportunity for your project to be recognized!

Announcing Our All-New Signature Event

Better Housing Coalition's two signature events, Groundbreakers and the Golden Hammer Awards, will co-star in one spectacular evening on Thursday, November 8 at the glamorous Hotel John Marshall.  With a nod to Hollywood's Academy Awards, Groundbreakers will be a red-carpet affair to celebrate the Golden Hammer winners and nominees.  We'll also honor a Groundbreaker whose leadership and vision are aligned with BHC's vision of changing lives and transforming communities.  A spirited After-Party will celebrate the honorees.

Tickets are on sale now! 

To purchase tickets or learn more,

visit our Groundbreakers web page.

Casting call for sponsors!

See the new categories available. 

Intergenerational Activities Promote

Residents of all ages walked together around Winchester Greens.

Senior and young residents of adjacent Market Square and Winchester Greens communities have enjoyed engaging in several intergenerational activities coordinated by BHC's Community Social Work division.  One large- scale acitivity, the second annual Community Walk at Winchester Greens, gathered residents of all ages to walk in the spirit of togetherness and community pride.  The route included four stations with activities that encouraged interaction among residents.

This past winter, 18 pre-schoolers visited the seniors for story time.  Twelve of the 18 kids are learning English.  During their visit, the kids sang and danced for the seniors.

"BHC's intergenerational programs provide multiple benefits to residents," said Joyce Jackson, VP of Community Social Work for BHC.  "Children and youth build communication skills, and in some instances develop relationships with positive role models, while seniors remain social and engaged in the community."

Two BHC Associates Honored Among

Virginia Housing Development Authority recognized BHC associates Alison McCabe and Lee Alford among the "Top 40 Under 40" in housing for professional excellence and commitment to service.

Alison McCabe, Project Coordinator, and Lee Alford, Project Manager

Alison, project coordinator in our single-family homes program, joined BHC in 2004.  She has been involved with nearly 100 transactions with first-time homebuyers, helping them through the loan qualification process and preparing them for settlement.  In her quest to provide outstanding service to BHC's homebuyers, Alison has earned a real estate license, Housing Counselor certification through the NeighborWorks training institute, and Mortgage Loan Originator certification through HUD.

Lee has served as Project Manager on several BHC developments, including Randolph Place, Beckstoffer's Mill Apartments, and Claiborne Square, and ensures a smooth transition between a community's development phase and its operational phase.  Lee is active in the Urban Land Institute's Young Leaders Program and has been a Board Member of the Emerging Leaders Network since 2009.

"It is incumbent upon all of us in housing to recognize and mentor the next generation of professionals," said T.K. Somanath, president and CEO of BHC.  "We are thrilled that Lee and Alison were honored, and we're encouraged that so many talented professionals across the Commonwealth are committed to housing." 

BHC's Junior Board Under Way  

Recruitment for BHC's first junior board is in full swing.  Two introductory meetings took place this spring for interested young professionals.  The junior board, called 3HC, will expand BHC's impact through volunteerism and advocacy.  

Tori Drummond of Dominion, chair of 3HC, said, "We are excited that many volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines want to support BHC's mission." 

Prospective Junior Board members met in one of BHC's new single-family homes in Oak Summit at Goose Greek.

For more information about joining, please contact Drew Melson at

804-644-0546 x23. 

Donor Spotlight: Karl Bren  

Karl Bren

Nearly 25 years ago, Karl Bren attended a general meeting called by BHC co-founder Mary Tyler McClenahan and was inspired by her vision and passion for the notion that high-quality, affordable housing is imperative to relieving the ills of poverty. 

Karl, founder of GreenVisions Consulting, became a long-time supporter of and advocate for BHC--even before we officially formed as a non-profit organization.  He went on to serve as vice chairman of BHC's Board of Directors for 20 years, and was instrumental in leading BHC's "green vision" for eco-friendly housing as a means to affordability.  Karl still values his close relationship with BHC, and he and his wife, Jane, are faithful donors to BHC's annual fund.

"I continue to give and care for BHC because it is the most powerful force for positive community change," said Karl.  "I can't think of a better investment than to support the work of BHC."

Click here to read more.

YMCA to operate programs at Mary Tyler McClenahan Child Development Center

The YMCA of Greater Richmond became the child care services provider at the Mary Tyler McClenahan Childcare Center at our Winchester Greens community this month.  Named for our co-founder, the center is now the YMCA Mary Tyler McClenahan Child Development Center.

The center is a state-of-the-art facility off Jefferson Davis Highway.

Under the Y's leadership, the center will be equipped and licensed to serve up to 154 children and their families, providing infant care, preschool and before- and after-school care, and on-site swimming and pee wee sports camps.

For enrollment information, contact 804-271-0590.

Click here to read more.