When you sit with Maureen Chappell (61), you quickly understand that she measures life by community. Showing up for others is not new for her. It is how she was raised.
“I’ve always believed we’ve got to get involved,” she says. “We got to be the bridge.” – Maureen
A Norfolk native and the youngest of nine children, Maureen learned early to take pride in her neighborhood. As an adult, she built a career as an administrative specialist and later worked in children, youth and family services in Jacksonville while raising two children.
Over time, life shifted. Her marriage ended in divorce, bringing emotional strain and financial pressure. As a single woman navigating rising rents, Maureen moved from one apartment to another, often dealing with unpredictable neighbors and living conditions that made it difficult to feel settled. The stability she once worked so hard to build began to feel out of reach.
In August 2024, Maureen suffered a stroke while at work. Doctors warned she might not walk again. She committed herself to therapy and focused on recovery, even as she faced fear about what life would look like next. At the same time, climbing housing costs and stairs in her apartment made daily life harder. She needed stability that supported both her health and her budget.
In May 2025, Maureen moved into Market Heights Apartments in Norfolk, which offers affordable housing to low-income individuals and families. There, she connected with the Market Heights Neighborhood Program, an initiative made possible through a partnership between Volunteers of America and the Lawson Family Foundation Fund. Using a community-driven approach, the program leverages service provider partnerships to deliver onsite and community-based support that helps improve the overall health and wellbeing of residents in need.
For Maureen, that support is tangible. Through the twice-monthly food distributions, she receives fresh groceries that help her manage dietary needs related to her recovery while easing financial pressure. By stretching her food budget, she can prioritize medical care, transportation, and other essentials.
She also stays engaged. Maureen encourages neighbors to attend distributions, joins community cleanups, and speaks up when concerns arise.
“I’m here, I’m alive, and I’m still working on my health. So, I just smile and keep it moving.” – Maureen
Through the Market Heights Neighborhood Program, Maureen has strengthened her health, reduced living costs, and remained an active presence in the community she has called home her entire life.
To learn more about the Market Heights Neighborhood Program, visit www.voachesapeake.org/market-heights.