Housing, Help and Hope for Older Adults | | |
Celebrate Cultures
Christy's Corner
Profile: Sheila Talbert
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Community Partner Profile
Support for Dogwood
| | Cultural Celebrations at Fellowship Square! | | |
Celebrating Lunar New Year!
The residents at our Fellowship Houses are incredibly diverse. They were born in different states and even different countries. They speak a variety of languages and worship in many different ways. In fact, at Hunters Woods Fellowship House, 11 languages are spoken by residents, including Korean, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish—just to name a few. The diversity of our residents, and the unique history each person brings to Fellowship Square, makes every Fellowship House distinct and special.
In late February, residents celebrated Lunar New Year to highlight and honor the heritage of some of our community members. The celebration helped educate and inform those who are less familiar with this holiday about the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse.
The Year of the Horse signifies a fast-paced, dynamic period focused on independence, adventure, and major transformation. At Fellowship Square, we are ready for the Year of the Horse! Our team of professionals works each day to help residents remain independent, experience new opportunities, and navigate life’s transitions with confidence and support.
But we cannot do this alone. We need your support as a volunteer, donor, or community partner.
Join us today to touch the life of one of our seniors!
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Fellowship Square works to improve the lives of our residents and ensure our organization remains focused on our mission. For more than 65 years, we have championed affordable housing and supportive services for low-income older adults in the D.C. metro area, ensuring that rent never exceeds 30% of income and that our residents live with dignity and independence.
Our welcoming communities at Hunters Woods Fellowship House, Lake Ridge Fellowship House, Lake Anne House, and Largo Landing Fellowship House continue to foster vibrant, engaged senior living through wellness programs, social events, and opportunities for connection and purpose. There’s no better way to witness the joy and community across Fellowship Square than by touring one of our properties or volunteering to help further our mission.
If you’d like to volunteer, sign up today.
Our Board of Directors and staff remain committed to expanding services, enriching residents’ lives, and strengthening partnerships that benefit our residents. Your contributions – whether that means time, expertise, or financial support – directly enhance programs, deepen community, and open doors for more older adults to thrive.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the seniors who call Fellowship House home! Thank you!
In gratitude,
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A Source of Strength through Prayer
Sheila Talbert, a resident at Largo Landing Fellowship House since July of 2025, formerly lived in a rental home in Upper Marlboro that, while spacious and comfortable, was expensive and unsustainable. Ms. Talbert decided to put in an application for an apartment at Largo Landing, prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and first-floor living. It was a big change for her, but she’s learned to embrace and find joy in her new home, accepting it as God's plan for her. She’s enjoyed connections with residents, embracing in particular when other residents have approached her for help.
“My grandmother always told me the importance of kindness, and she taught me to give to those in need,” she said. “My grandmother’s lessons instilled the value of love and compassion, reminding me that as long as we live for God, our actions matter.”
Ms. Talbert’s interest in continuing her grandmother’s legacy of love and generosity was sealed when, as a child, she experienced a profound moment in the bathtub while at home, when the Holy Spirit communicated with her and revealed the gifts that she possessed. This experience inspired Ms. Talbert to share her blessings with others. Her early dreams involved reaching out to others, sharing messages of hope, and being a source of strength through prayer.
For seven years, Ms. Talbert also worked at KinderCare, dedicated herself to supporting children and their families. Buying lunches and lending a helping hand taught her about resilience and compassion, and she enjoyed serving families through her work. Additionally, she pursued her studies under Apostle Dr. Anthony Mays, Ph.D., which enriched her spiritual journey and allowed her to further reflect on her commitment to her dreams and live by God.
“Looking back on my life, I realize how much my past has shaped me,” she said. “Having a baby at 19 and marrying young came with challenges, but those experiences made me stronger. If I could change anything, it would be to focus on living a life that aligns more with God’s will and avoiding any actions that could be seen as sinful. I believe it is essential to learn from our past and strive for a future that honors our values and beliefs.
“Today, I’m so appreciative of the staff at Largo Landing. Their warm welcome and kindness are appreciated, and I’m so grateful for the connections I feel with other residents here. I am blessed.”
| | Ms. Talbert’s “New Year’s Deliverance & Healing Worship Service” at Largo Landing Fellowship House on Saturday, January 3, deeply touched the hearts of many. The service was filled with encouragement, reflection, and spiritual renewal as residents welcomed the new year together. | | Community Partner Profile | | |
Take Control of Your Heart Health with the National Vascular Association
February is American Heart Month, an annual educational and awareness campaign that seeks to help people of all ages take charge of their cardiovascular health. In response, Fellowship Square hosted Kelly Sloma, physician liaison at the National Vascular Association, at our Lake Ridge community on February 24. She talked with residents about heart disease and factors that can affect heart health – such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and diet – and she shared information about what signs and symptoms to watch for that may indicate heart health challenges. We sat down with Kelly to find out a bit more about her organization’s work and what people can do to protect their heart health.
Q: Why is heart health so important?
A: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups; 1 in every 4 deaths in the U.S. related to cardiovascular disease; nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease and stroke; and the cost of health care services and medications from heart disease amounted to more than $168 billion between 2021 and 2022.
Q: What is the National Vascular Association?
A: We specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vascular conditions, and our services include vascular screenings, peripheral artery disease (PAD) treatment, venous and arterial treatments, and vascular ultrasound, as well as community outreach for education on PAD. At Lake Ridge, I encouraged residents to take an active role in their heart health and to talk with the primary care doctors about the many factors affecting heart health. I encouraged them to share information about any symptoms they might be having, and to keep the conversation going. I also conducted screenings for PAD with interested residents.
Q: What does screening for PAD involve?
A: It’s easy and noninvasive! We use QuantaFlo, which tests for blood circulation and involves placing sensors on a person’s index finger and big toe, and it senses blood flow to these extremities. It takes about 10 minutes.
Q: What do you wish everyone knew about heart health?
A: We all have a direct impact on our hearth health. Our nutrition and activity levels play a big role, and I encourage everyone to be proactive with their health, know the signs and symptoms of heart issues, and address any concerns with their primary care providers in order to get the best healthcare.
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Kelly Sloma with the National Vascular Association performs an exam on resident Ms. Ernestine T. at during a Peripheral Artery Disease Lunch & Learn at Lake Ridge Fellowship House.
| | Support for Dogwood Farm Station | | Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Supports Fellowship Square! | | |
On February 18, 2026, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to provide an additional $2 million loan to Fellowship Square and Wellington Development Partners' Dogwood Farm Station Apartments for a total investment of $7 million. The project includes 72 affordable senior apartments and will be located in Ashburn, Virginia. We appreciate the support of Chair Phyllis Randall and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.
Stay tuned for more details on this exciting new project!
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Artist renderings of Fellowship Square and Wellington Development Partners' Dogwood Farm Station Apartments.
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