Educational services have always been a central part of Jubilee Housing’s mission and program offerings, and a large part of our Justice Housing® model and Jubilee Year principles of Filling Gaps, Breaking Down Boundaries, and Resetting the System. Over the past 50 years, this has taken many forms, with many people following their inspiration and passions to start different programs that have shaped our current Youth Services program and spun off into partner organizations such as Jubilee Jumpstart and Sitar Arts Center. We also work with other partners, such as Martha’s Table, to provide its Healthy Start early childhood programming to the neighborhood at our Maycroft building. This month, we look back at the founding of some of these programs, such as Jubilee Children’s House, Good Shepherd Ministries, and the future of Youth Services with special interviews with Children’s House founder Nona Beth Cresswell, current Director of Youth Services Audrey Walker, and past program participants. Through these programs, Jubilee and its partners promote academic advancement and personal development to empower youth and strengthen opportunities for future success. We believe every person has in them what is needed to live a fulfilling life and that access to opportunities helps surface these inherent gifts. We believe in the self-determination of each person and working in partnership with one another to discover our gifts.
50th Anniversary Stories – Special Spotlight
Growing Up in Jubilee Housing: Karen Salmeron, Jubilee Board Member
As Jubilee Housing celebrates 50 years of providing Justice Housing®, we are reminded that countless people grew up in the Jubilee community. Some were born in the community, some came as young children, and others arrived as young adults. The common threads in their histories are that Jubilee offered a safe environment, they had access to programs that provided a myriad of opportunities, and they found warmth and connection from countless community members. Karen Salmeron’s story is an example of the rich tapestry of caring and opportunity that enables Jubilee Housing to make a lasting and meaningful difference in many young lives.
What was it like to grow up in the Jubilee community?
The community activities and events organized by Jubilee Housing fostered a sense of belonging and togetherness among us. It was a place where everyone looked out for each other, where you could always find someone willing to lend a hand or offer support when needed. Jubilee Housing not only provided us with stable housing but also with a supportive environment that shaped my upbringing in a positive way.
What did Good Shepherd Ministries mean to you?
For me, Good Shepherd was more than just a physical space; it was a community where I could explore my interests, build lasting friendships, and receive guidance and support from mentors. The programs and activities offered there were instrumental in helping me develop essential life skills, fostering a sense of responsibility, and providing opportunities to give back to the community.
The Teen Center and the “Jubilee to College” scholarship played a crucial role in shaping my identity and aspirations, offering a supportive environment where I felt valued and encouraged to pursue my dreams of higher education. The resources and mentorship provided by these programs were instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of adolescence and stay focused on my academic goals. They not only fostered a sense of community but also instilled in me the confidence and determination to succeed in college and beyond.
Any special stories to share?
Growing up in the city, I was used to busy streets and constant noise. But Jubilee Housing’s Good Shepherd program gave me a chance to experience something completely different. One summer, they organized a camping trip to Dayspring Silent Retreat Center, and for many of us, it was our first time leaving the city.
We were so excited as we boarded the bus, not knowing what to expect. When we arrived at Dayspring, the peaceful landscape of forests and lakes amazed us. It was nothing like the buildings and traffic we were used to. We spent our days hiking, building campfires, and trying canoeing. Each activity taught us teamwork and resilience.
One night, we gathered around a campfire and talked about our dreams and fears. It hit me then how much this trip was changing us. The quiet moments at Dayspring gave me a chance to think about my goals and see beyond the city’s limits.
When we returned home, we felt different. We were more confident and had a broader view of the world. The Good Shepherd program and our trip to Dayspring showed us that we could achieve great things.
Tell us about your life after Jubilee – Where did life take you? What do you do now?
After graduating from Villanova University in Pennsylvania, I returned to DC and my community. For two years, I was the Alumni Engagement Coordinator for Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (DBCR), advising and supporting over 400 alumni in their post-graduate pursuits and fostering connection and community. Being the first alumni board member at DBCR means I get to influence the school’s direction and ensure that alumni voices are heard in shaping the future of the institution.
Since August 2018, I have been the Engagement Coordinator for the Office of Government Relations and Community Engagement at Georgetown University. Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in significant initiatives and projects that have positively impacted our community and enhanced the university’s visibility. As I move on from this position, I am excited about new opportunities that will allow me to bring my experience in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and project management to a new role.
I remain a part of the Jubilee Housing community, continuing to live here and now serving as a Jubilee Housing Resident Board Member. Being on the board means actively participating in decision-making processes that affect our community, advocating for residents’ needs, and helping to guide the organization’s mission to provide affordable housing and support services. It’s a role that allows me to give back to the community that shaped me and to help ensure that others have the same opportunities I did.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
On a personal note, I am the oldest of four sisters. Two of my sisters and I went through the Jubilee to College experience and are proud success stories, having graduated from college as first-generation students. Our family’s journey is a testament to the impact of Jubilee Housing’s programs and the support they offer to aspiring students. This background has fueled my passion for community engagement and education, and I am committed to continuing to support and uplift those around me.