Home About Us Properties Development Resident Resources Culinary Concepts News RESIDENT RESOURCES 1 2 3 4 5 6 Prev Next For 20 years, Somerset has partnered with tenant associations, non-profits and resident councils to provide a robust set of Resident Resources and Social Services to the residents of our affordable apartment communities. It takes much more than bricks and mortar to make meaningful change in historically underserved communities. Our goal is to expand their access to opportunity and allow each individual to reach his or her full potential. Somerset’s Overarching Resident Services Objectives, aim to: Create a platform of opportunity and stability Create a healthier and more sustainable community Empower residents by involving them in decision making Encourage successful tenancies Somerset serves more than 2,500 low-income residents across eleven affordable properties. On-site Resident Resource managers and coordinators develop and implement on-site programs; cultivate partnerships with expert providers; and provide one-on-one referrals for those in need of assistance. All of our affordable properties are built and maintained to high-quality standards such as Enterprise Green Communities to assure healthy living environments. In addition, we have created community gardens on our properties which are maintained by the residents and are a resource for cooking classes, education, and intergenerational activities. Every property includes a computer room for resident use and training; and for after school programming. Somerset invests 15% or more of the net cash flow from each property in Resident Resources. Below are some highlights on the impact of Resident Resources for the past 20 years: Over $5.68 million dedicated to Resident Resources which leverages much more About 900 children attend on site after-school and summer programs 8 graduates of D.C. Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training Program 29 children awarded scholarships to the Dance Institute of Washington 45 scholarships for higher education and job training certifications worth more than $32,000 Over 140 residents placed into jobs 40 partnerships with community organizations Over $500,000 worth of produce and healthy meals provided to residents 6 community gardens created and maintained by residents YOUTH RESOURCES After-school programs and tutoring Summer programs Work opportunities through the DC Summer Youth Employment program, Urban Alliance and an on-site Counselor-in-Training program Dance Scholarships to the prestigious Dance Institute of Washington Cultural events and educational field trips Healthy meals provided by DC Central Kitchen College & Career Readiness (a new program currently being developed in 2020) EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Scholarships provided for college tuition, professional certifications, and training leading to employment Financial Literacy and Banking workshops Computer instruction EMPLOYMENT & JOB SKILLS One-on-one resume & job application assistance with onsite Resident Resource Coordinators Culinary Arts Job Training and Placement with DC Central Kitchen Summer employment opportunities through the DC Summer Youth Employment program One-on-One employment assistance with the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) FAMILY & HOUSING STABILITY Referrals are provided by Resident Resource Coordinators on such topics as rental and utility assistance, benefits and taxes, employment, education, childcare, and healthcare benefits Food Assistance through Capital Area Food Bank, DC Central Kitchen, the Maryland Food Bank, and Maryland Commission on Aging’s “Eat Together” program HEALTHY LIVING Community Gardens Nutrition courses, cooking classes, food budgeting Workshops on diabetes, dental care, blood pressure management, sex education, housekeeping Fitness classes, everything from Zumba to dance and chair exercises for seniors COMMUNITY BUILDING Sister circles Movie Nights Current Event Discussions Trips and excursions to museums, plays, etc. Book Clubs Holiday parties and community gatherings Game Nights Spiritual Conversation Groups ABOUT US PROPERTIES NEWS & MEDIA CAREERS AWARDS RESIDENT SERVICES COMPANY INFO About Us Our Impact Careers Contact Us 5101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 410 Washington, DC 20016 Phone: (202) 363-2090 | Fax: (202) 363-1110 Copyright © 2021 Somerset Development Company. All Rights Reserved.