THIS is Columbia Housing Vol. 5-2023
THIS is Columbia Housing
Catch up on the latest from Columbia Housing: Volume 2023 - 5
Resident Spotlight: Elizabeth Taylor
Now retired, Elizabeth "Liz" Taylor began a career as a licensed Cosmetology instructor in 1975. Around the same time, she got an internship as a cosmetology student at Manigault-Hurley Funeral Home in Columbia, SC. After graduation, she was hired as the staff beautician for the funeral home. Liz held that job with Manigault-Hurley until their closing a few years ago for a total of 45 years.
Liz is an outspoken advocate for the underserved having served in a host of leadership positions. Most recently, she was appointed by the South Carolina Housing and Finance Authority's Board of Commissioners to serve on its influential Trust Fund Advisory Committee which advises the Board on upcoming housing developments in rural areas.
Over the years, Liz has also served as a leader with the Columbia Housing's Resident Executive Council where she had previously been elected for three terms as the Council Secretary. She has volunteered with the non-profit, Progressive Network, and worked part-time with Senior Resources' Meals on Wheels Program.
Still very active in her retirement, Liz is also the co-founder of the Pickleball Club at the Drew Wellness Center where she and other team members play twice weekly.
Columbia Housing's Board of Commissioners, its CEO Yvonda Bean, and staff are proud to honor outstanding residents like Liz Taylor.
"Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. I don't care who you are, you are deserving of respect. The kindness we put out into the world returns to us a hundredfold." - Elizabeth "Liz" Taylor
Chairman Cromartie Named "Commissioner of the Year"
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi
Congratulations to our very own Board Chair Ernest W. Cromartie, III for being selected as Commissioner of the Year by the Carolina's Council of the National Association of Housing Redevelopment & Codes Officials!
Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment & Codes Officials (CCHRCO), also known as "Carolinas Council", is a membership association serving Housing and Community Development Agencies in North and South Carolina.
Chairman Cromartie was nominated by Columbia Housing CEO Yvonda Bean for his outstanding service to Columbia Housing. "Chairman Cromartie set a high bar with his commitment to the residents of Columbia Housing and his passion for affordable housing. We are fortunate to have his leadership and wisdom on our Board," said Bean.
Congratulations Chairman Cromartie on your prestigious award and accomplishment!
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#Leadership
#Achievement
#Service
Columbia Housing Prioritizes Customer Service Training for Employees
Dr. Dub Taylor recently led Columbia Housing employees in an intensive and interactive Customer Service Training on how to deliver legendary customer service with empathy.
Dr. Taylor is a highly sought-after Speaker and Consultant widely known for his transformative leadership strategies, techniques, and concepts. He is credited with producing significant results for multiple industry leaders across the US and abroad through training and coaching sessions.
CH CEO Yvonda A. Bean said, "We are fortunate to have a resource like Dr. Taylor in Columbia. He delivers important information in ways that everyone can relate to and learn from. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service, and engaging in these types of training and education opportunities are critical to realizing that goal".
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#ProfessionalDevelopment
#HousersatWork
#CHCares
Columbia Housing Wins "Best in Class" and "Chairman's Award"
It is with pride and pleasure that we highlight the OUTSTANDING philanthropic efforts of the employees at Columbia Housing! Not only did staff meet its annual goal, staff exceeded it raising $49,000 for its 2022 United Way of the Midlands Campaign.
For those efforts, Columbia Housing earned major awards in two key categories on April 26th:
- The Chairman's Award - Public Sector
- Best in Class - Public Sector 100 plus Employees
Congratulations to the Columbia Housing Team for your selfless act of giving!
Thank you CEO Yvonda Bean for setting a high bar and Congratulations to Campaign Chair Deneishia Graves, for leading a successful campaign!
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#PowerofPartnerships
Columbia Housing Enriching the Lives of Seniors
SC Farmers Market
The SC Farmers Market was the destination for CH Seniors in search of fresh local produce and plants during an outing in April. They enjoyed a beautiful day of selecting nutritious fruits and vegetables!
Fishing Fun!
There is nothing better than a sunny day spent at the lake fishing!
CH Staff transported a group of senior residents to Lake Murray for a day of fellowship and fishing earlier this Spring.
Cottle Strawberry Farm
Seniors from the Oak Read and Arrington Manor high rises traveled to Hopkins, SC to pick and enjoy fresh strawberries from the Cottle Strawberry Farm.
Everyone was excited and enjoyed their visit. Thanks to the Resident & Family Services Team for coordinating the trip!
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#SeniorActivities
#SpringFun2023
#CHCares
Health & Resource Fair Held for Residents, CH Staff, and the Community
Columbia Housing held a Health and Resource Fair in May to bring important services to CH staff and the surrounding community.
Participants had the opportunity to meet with healthcare providers, local businesses, and participate in an exercise class led by CH CEO, Yvonda A. Bean. Midlands Technical College was also on hand giving free mini-massages!
"People do better when they feel better. We want to make sure our employees and the residents we serve have access to the things they need to live their lives to the fullest", said VP of Human Resources Cynthia Gore.
Thanks to the CH HR Department for planning and executing a successful event!
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#HousersForHealth
#PowerofPartnerships
#CommunityEngagement
Summer Youth Employment Program Now Taking Applications!
Application Submission Deadline: June 15, 2023
Program Start Date: July 10, 2023
Program End Date: August 2, 2023
Work Schedule for Program: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Are you a recent high school graduate?
Are you a Columbia Housing resident in the 10th - 11th grade?
Apply for Columbia Housing's Summer Youth Employment Program!