APARTMENTS GIVING BACK
Finding an Entryway to the Industry with Simpson Housing
A
sudden change in life ' s circumstances , experiencing the trauma of losing one ' s home and stability , and searching for a way back ...
Aaliyah ' s story with Entryway began when her case worker at the Deloris Project , a shelter for women in Denver , recommended her to the program .
" Trying to start a new career later in life was really challenging and I had given up . Too many doors had been closed on me . Entryway sounded too good to be true after all I had been through , but I needed a new beginning and nothing else had seemed to be happening for me ."
Aaliyah applied to Entryway and met Kit Baker-Carr , Entryway Denver Executive Director , and the next chapter of her story began .
" When I met Kit , he gave me the hope I ' d lost and helped me to not just find a new door , but to open it . I realized I ' d been in a dark tunnel , and there was no light . He and Entryway provided me the light , and he walked with me until I reached it . They gave me hope , a feeling I hadn ' t had in a very long time .
I ' d forgotten how to work , what that was like , and now I had to do the work . Nothing was handed to me , but now I had a little confidence again . I really just needed someone to believe in me again . I took the leasing courses and prepared for my interview . Simpson Housing gave me a chance , the first and only one I ' d had in a long time .
I had to take their leasing exam , and I was nervous . Would I have learned what I needed from the Entryway course ? I scored a 97 %! And , they offered me the job . I was starting a new career as a Leasing Consultant . Simpson saw I ' d done the work and that I was excited to begin again .
Now I really began again to believe in myself . I know there are second chances and new beginnings . To have someone else believe in me when I didn ' t believe in myself has meant the world to me . To have someone there for you , cheering for you as you go through the process , knowing you ' re not alone made all the difference ."
A TRUE WIN-WIN PARTNERSHIP
Entryway Industry Partners , like Simpson Housing , provide life changing opportunities for the individuals and families we serve . Not only has Simpson provided Aaliyah with the second chance she needed , they have gained a motivated and valuable employee with an incredible perspective to bring to the company and to the on-site residents .
Tina Tamondong , Simpson Housing ' s Senior Vice President of People Services , shared , “ It has been both an honor and a privilege for Simpson Housing to partner with Entryway . From the first day I met Kit , I knew we were getting involved with something special . Through our collaboration , we were able to offer Aaliyah not only a job in leasing and a place to call home , but a fresh start . We are incredibly pleased with the strength and determination Aaliyah has shown . It takes immense courage to rebuild your life , and the way she has embraced this new chapter with resilience and grace is truly inspiring . Aaliyah ’ s journey is a testament to her character , and we couldn ’ t be more grateful to witness her growth and success . This partnership embodies the very essence of what it means to uplift and empower others , and we couldn ’ t be prouder to be a part of this incredible journey ”.
THANK YOU ! To The Following Companies For Partnering With Us In This Initiative !
www . aamdhq . org 27 | TRENDS JANUARY 2025