Posted on March 23, 2015
WORCESTER, March 23, 2015 --- Worcester Common Ground today released three success stories of people it has helped through its various programs.
Told in their own words, the stories were heard at a community event held on Saturday Feb. 21. Despite snow falling outside, residents of the Common Ground neighborhood gathered to hear these stories, eat food and see the nonprofit's new music video.
The video was commissioned by WCG and done by 4 Elements, a youth program that uses hip-hop as a vehicle to promote leaderhship development and community empowerment. 4 Elements performed the video live at the event.
One of the success stories was told by Arline Rosario, who lives at 133 Chandler St., a three-story brick building that was seized by the city for back taxes and then redeveloped by WCG in 2003 thanks in part to a $215,000 first mortgage and a $200,000 second mortgage from MHP. Below is Ms. Rosario's story. To read all the stories, click here.
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Arline Rosario. I have lived in this area of Worcester at many times throughout my life. First time, about 30 years ago on Preston St when I was in elementary school. Again a little over 15 years ago, on Piedmont St when my first son was born and now on the corner of Chandler and Piedmont. I went to Tatnuck Elementary, Doherty High and attended Becker College, where I earned an Associate’s Degree of Science in 1996. The Pickle Barrel has fed me many meals.
About 10 years ago, I moved to Philadelphia and lived there for 6 years. What brought me back home to Worcester was the need for my family and community in order to rebuild my life. I was in an abusive relationship. My older son was already living in Worcester with his father because the circumstances in Philadelphia were not something we wanted him to witness. When I got to Worcester in 2011, my sister took me in with my younger son, while my older son continued to live with his dad.
Building Community
Since I already felt part of this community, Worcester Common Ground was one of the first places I applied for an apartment. When I walked in, Jeshenia was extremely helpful, and I felt at ease sharing with her, my need to get back on my feet. She followed up with me and would call when there were apartments available. Unfortunately I didn’t have a job yet, in order to get the funds to pay for an apartment. I believe everything has its timing. After 11 months, I was working, had saved up money, and at a friend’s urging, I called Jeshenia right before 5 pm. She answered. 133 Chandler St was available. In a month’s time, I moved in.
Nurturing Joy
Within a year, I made the apartment a home. Not only were both my boys with me & under the same roof, I had the stability to switch jobs and get back into college. Being in this apartment allowed for me to nurture joy into my life, by attending local events, like the farmer’s market held here at Y during the summer, and being part of the video being released.
Bringing Beauty to the Neighborhood
While living here, I had numerous conversations with my neighbor, during one of them, she mentioned having a garden in the back yard but because of the overflow of soapy water from the car dealership next door, it kept dying. She gave up on it. Now all my time in Philly hadn’t been dark and dreary. I was part of a neighborhood garden like the one on Oread St while living there. I had learned a few things. So I set out to make it happen. It was another year before the garden boxes became a reality but they are there now. With help from Jeshenia, and another neighbor, we used pallets, over 125lbs of dirt and seedlings purchased from The Oread St Garden to bring beauty to the neighborhood. This summer, I’d like to add a rain collection system to water them.
Being part of this community has brought this future into my life:
I graduate from Worcester State University this May, earning a Bachelor in Science. I will be celebrating a big birthday in June. I will be the Worcester delegate representing Dress for Success in Arizona. I am currently in a healthy relationship. I have my sons here with me and my family.
So in closing I will leave you with this:
When one has stability, security and feels integrated, one feels joy and can grow naturally. That joy will show itself in the beauty of a plant within a garden.