When you meet Keisha Turner (43), the first thing you notice is her bright smile. The second is her eagerness to help. Whether she is volunteering at a local food bank or arriving early for a community clean-up, Keisha has become a familiar face in the Market Heights neighborhood.
Her journey to Market Heights Apartments began after a difficult season in her life. Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Keisha grew up in a loving home with her mother and three siblings. When her mother passed away during Keisha’s teenage years, she and her siblings entered foster care. Those experiences were not easy, but they shaped her ability to adapt and lean on her faith.
Later in adulthood, Keisha found stability at Hope House before moving into Market Heights Apartments. It was there, through the Market Heights Neighborhood Program operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas in partnership with the Lawson Family Foundation Fund, that she discovered new opportunities to connect and give back.
“Hope House gave me a place when I needed it, but when I heard about Market Heights, I knew it was where I wanted to be. It felt like my chance to start fresh.” – Kiesha
Through the program, Keisha has taken part in food distributions, neighborhood clean-ups, and outreach events. She recalls with pride helping hand out food and supplies at a community event.
“They even emailed me afterward saying I did a darn good job. That meant a lot. It felt good to be part of something that helped so many people.” – Kiesha
The Market Heights Neighborhood Program has also provided Keisha with vital resources, like visits from the food truck that delivers fresh groceries to residents.
“It’s been really helpful to me. I usually get rice, milk, eggs, and hamburger meat, things that really help me get by.” – Kiesha
Today, Keisha enjoys her work at Goodwill, time with her neighbors, and the peace of having a home of her own. She continues to look for ways to serve others and hopes one day to start a nonprofit to help young people in foster care.
“Having my home now, having my peace, that means everything. I am thankful for Market Heights and for the people who made this possible. It’s a good place to live, and it’s a place where you can grow.” – Kiesha
To learn more about our Market Heights Neighborhood Program, visit: www.voachesapeake.org/market-heights