Ms. Faridah Abdul-Latif was one of the first residents to move-in to Loudoun View Senior Residences, an affordable housing community, when it opened in September 2022. Since then, she has volunteered twice monthly at the building’s onsite food distribution in partnership with Loudoun Hunger Relief. Her volunteerism supports community building at the property and she relays messages to staff who ensure a to-go bag of groceries is waiting for residents who aren’t able to attend the regular pick-ups.

Ms. Faridah also serves on True Ground Housing Partners’ Resident Council, where she offers her skills to other properties in Arlington and worked on bringing a Vision Care Fair to eight different properties. She is also an integral part of the party planning committee that assists with decorating for festive events, serving food, and cleaning up. She helped coordinate a Valentine’s Day performance with the Loudoun County Senior Center Flamenco dance group to perform in the building’s community room. She also spear-headed a resident Talent Show where several residents participated with sharing their talents among their neighbors.

Ms. Faridah holds a Masters in Education and taught for many years in the New York City Department Of Education, from Elementary School to Adult GED Programs/High School Equivalency. She recalls, “As a teacher, I coordinated many educational and cultural programs for students, teachers, and parents to participate in and to enjoy. I planned many field trips to museums, science centers, and performing arts centers to further increase their awareness and enhance their education. In addition, I provided professional development workshops for the teaching staff not only to help them enjoy their teaching experience but to help them to present lessons to their students in ways that enhance learning and to instill enjoyment while learning.” She later became an Assistant Principal.

Ms. Faridah reflects, “As a resident of Loudoun View Senior Residences, I feel honored to share my experiences by always trying to bring fun, joy, and education to my fellow residents by sharing my dancing and drumming talent through performances and by volunteering for our many different social events. Moreover, I am so emotionally touched when I see the joy emitted from the residents during these opportunities when they get to actively engage with one another during our social events. I will continue to serve, teach, share knowledge, spread joy, and uplift the spirits of my fellow residents and community through all of my positive endeavors.”

Loudoun View Senior Resident Services Coordinator Kelley Vallecillo says, “Ms. Faridah’s efforts with making sure our residents have opportunities for entertainment and to socialize are guided by her beliefs that a little joy is necessary for a healthy mind and spirit.”