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BACK
Lisette’s involvement with community development began two years ago when she began assisting RCD Program Specialist Judy Sparks in holding bilingual community meetings. Learning about various available services inspired Lisette to use her English speaking skills to become a liaison to many of her monolingual neighbors. Although she is already a busy working mother, Lisette still finds the time and energy to assist her neighbors in everything from translating official documents, finding the local food bank, to giving her neighbors rides to work. Lisette enjoys a strong working relationship with both Judy and Property Manager Diane Kennedy: “Judy and Diane are great because when we tell them about the services we need, they always bring us good ideas and ways for us to get involved. I’ve never seen managers get involved like they do here. I like it; their help makes it easier for us to build a caring community.” Lisette’s passion for community development has inspired many of the Circle’s residents to follow suit: “Not many people came to the meetings in the beginning, so I went and knocked on the doors and told people to come, that it was important that they had a voice for what they wanted to see happen in their community.” Thanks to Lisette’s dedication and persistence, meetings are well attended and Camara residents are beginning to witness the results of their hard work. With the help of RCD, residents have gotten a children’s playground approved, and are now actively involved in petitioning the city for speed bumps and new sidewalks. Lisette enjoys her living environment and attributes much of it to RCD’s mission to create affordable housing options and community resources. “I have lived in the United States for 27 years, and this is the first time that I have seen a community get involved. People really care about one another here. It is so nice to finally live in a nice apartment and living environment that is within my budget. That is very important to many of us, who have never gotten such good housing before. When you are not worrying about crime and paying the rent, you have more time to think about other things, like the education of your child and loving and caring for your family. It makes more sense this way.” Lisette plans to continue to be active in her community: “I am thankful for having met Judy and for this opportunity to help others. Now I know how a living environment should be, and everyplace I live in for now on I will continue this kind of work.” Lisette’s dedication to her community is truly a wonderful addition to Camara Circle and an inspiration to us all. We look forward to her future endeavors!
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If you live in Camara Circle, chances are that resident
Lisette Hernandez has lent you a helping hand. An active member of the
Camara Circle Tenants
Association, she is dedicated to empowering her community and has been
an integral part of providing residents with resources on important community
needs such as childcare, employment and medical services.