Mission First Housing Group is privileged to have the support of the True U Crew in our efforts to make a difference in our community at The Whitehall Apartments.

The True U Crew, established in 2016, has a strong belief in stepping in and helping where they feel called to. Jody Bauer who, along with her youngest daughter co-founded the True U Crew, stated, “Need sort-of shows up at our door.”

Family, faith and hearts positioned for helping others are the foundation of True U Crew’s work, "We include Jesus in everything we do. I believe it is important for everyone to see God's hand in our work." Jody and her daughter are also supported by 12 of their family and friends.

They have worked with and provided services for several organizations such as Glory House and Bethany Children’s Home. They provide clothing, toys, personal items, clothes and more to those in need, including the veterans and their families at The Whitehall Apartments. 

Our wonderful partnership with True U Crew began at a Pete Mashintonio Memorial Veteran's Fishing Rodeo (photos from this year below). The True U Crew was at the event volunteering, and Jody remembers meeting our residents and staff when they got on the bus. Our staff invited them to attend a Bingo event at The Whitehall Apartments to get to know our residents better. 

This invitation led to an even greater connection. “In this past year. we have gotten so much closer to The Whitehall Apartments residents; they are amazing,” said Jody. True U Crew got even more involved with The Whitehall Apartments during a Holiday Event where the group provided backpacks full of personal items to all residents. For Valentine’s Day, Jody recruited her oldest daughter and the students in the special education class she teaches to craft beautiful, personalized cards for each veteran.

It's all about connection when volunteering, whether it is working with other organizations or directly impacting the lives of residents. Jody captured this perfectly when she said, “They loved the backpacks, but what they loved the most was that people were showing up.” There is a whole lot more to volunteering than just dropping something off.

“People just want to know that someone cares about them. Just seeing the joy in their faces, I mean people literally tear up when we’re there and all the hugs and love are genuine,” said Jody. “Isolation is a big deal with veterans.” 

She has also built a bond with Antoinette Martin, Senior Resident Services Coordinator at The Whitehall Apartments. Jody mentioned that Antoinette is doing a great job getting more of the residents to show up to social events. “Antoinette is a rockstar. She has been so great to work with…she’s really great.” 

Jody and the True U Crew’s time working with The Whitehall Apartments has been nothing but wonderful for both them and the residents. Jody said the residents “just welcomed us with open arms. They could not do enough to make us feel at home. In all my years, the easiest people I’ve worked with [have been] Antoinette and the staff, as well as the veterans.”

The feeling is mutual. “They have been wonderful at organizing and obtaining donations for our residents,” said Antoinette. “Not only do they care about our residents, but they have also been courteous to me and my schedule and want to ensure that they are doing what they can to assist me. I have truly enjoyed partnering with them and know that in the future, they are an organization I can count on.” 

Mission First Housing Group appreciates the generosity that the True U Crew shows our veteran community at The Whitehall Apartments, as well as the impact. We are grateful to be involved in this amazing partnership with them. This kind of respect enhances the bigger picture of providing a space that veterans can call home.

The staff at The Whitehall Apartments created the Memorial Garden to provide a space for its residents to go and reflect on those they have lost both in their military careers and their personal life. Year after year it has received an update, and this year, the garden just needs a facelift.

Senior Resident Services Coordinator Antoinette Martin is looking for the garden to be more of a community effort. “It’s a nice little area. A spot that the residents can take pride in while they’re here,” said Antoinette.

The Memorial Garden needs:

• New mulch to make the garden look presentable.
• Plants and flowers to enhance the beauty.
• Volunteers for general maintenance and upkeep.

Please email Antoinette at amartin@columbuspm.org if you are interested in volunteering or donating. In your message, please specify what you would be willing to do to support the garden. These updates would be help boost resident moral.

On behalf of The Whitehall Apartments, thank you for your interest and time!

On Saturday May 10th, our residents attended the Pete Mashintonio Memorial Veteran's Fishing Rodeo hosted by Tony Mashintonio in honor of his brother Pete, a Vietnam Veteran who passed away. Event volunteers helped residents bait their lines, cast and took care of the fish once they were caught – which they were able to take home to prepare for a meal! The True U Crew (referenced above) was also there.

The Valley Forge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (VF-DAR) celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps with our residents on Wednesday, May 14th. The VF-DAR provided food, desserts and decorations for the celebration, and played a game called “How Revolutionary Are You” with the residents. Everyone had a great time! 

For Memorial Day, we held an event to honor and memorialize our fallen heroes. Mission BBQ of King of Prussia graciously donated food for our event. Mission BBQ is always thinking about how they can support our events and our residents. We are so thankful to have them as a partner! 

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It's not too late honor a loved one for Memorial Day by donating to The Whitehall Apartments.

Donations from community members and partners like you help us provide essential services so that veterans and their family members living at The Whitehall Apartments have the resources they need to live full, healthy and independent lives. You can help provide essential services, like health education and screening programs, an onsite food pantry, therapeutic supports, recreational programs and community events. Your support means so much!

If you would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact Antoinette Martin at amartin@columbuspm.org.