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Toxicity At Home
Written By: Tangia Smikle
West Lakes Board Member & Newsletter Committee Chair
As I listened to the depiction of the West Lakes Pilot Paint Program framed by the information shared to Channel 9 TV station as “free” and created by those in power to help residents in need, I was reminded of a book introduced to me by the Executive Director of Lift Orlando in 2014, Toxic Charity by Robert Lupton. Sadly, legacy residents rarely ever hear references of that book anymore. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “… Doing for rather than doing with those in need is the norm. Add to it the combination of patronizing pity [of resident leadership] and unintended superiority [of providers’ support], … charity becomes toxic.”
For the most part, I have remained relatively silent in the face of several things I believe have gone horribly wrong over the past few years. This is only the second time in approximately six years that I’ve felt compelled to write an article for our newsletter. However, my ancestors are restless and for the sake of their peace and my sanity, I must correct a few misunderstandings about that coverage.
1) While West Lakes has significant pockets of poverty, I have witnessed a rich history of residents who fought and won out against redlining, gentrification, and institutionalized racism;
2) The paint program was initiated by the resident-led Board of West Lakes Partnership. Its purpose is to assist legacy residents of the community who have lived here since 2014. Many of those whose homes have and will be painted were here prior to the current wave of development; and
3) the program is not “free.” Residents in West Lakes are proud people. My family and others have or will pay a fee for our homes to be painted. That fee is determined by the size of the home as determined by our paint vendor and resident partner, PaintSmart.
The West Lakes residents that I come in regular contact with do not think of themselves as “disadvantaged or needy people” as implied in the story. We remain on the frontline fighting the good fight for a better, beautiful, and more prosperous neighborhood. And while we applauded the more recent development and the efforts to help improve the lives of residents, I will call out toxicity where it rears its head.
As I end this editorial, I am reminded of one more excerpt from the book, “Charity that does not enhance trusting relationships may not be charity at all…”
It is imperative to build trust and to keep trust intact especially when you find yourselves on opposite sides of an issue. One way to institute trust is providing platforms that include the voices of residents and our appointed staff. Continuing dialogue is important even when the conversations are difficult. Excluding residents and WLP staff is always counter productive. Genuine partners turn toward those who have been there from the very beginning rather than attempt ostracism or tired workaround gimmicks aimed at WLP as reported to us by our neighbors.
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West Lakes ArtBox Initiative
Indigenous artwork by Joy Hayes, sponsored by Mayor's Matching Grant, Florida Citrus Sports, and West Lakes Partnership, have completed the seventh box of twelve boxes that will be done by the end of the year. West Lakes Partnership continues to turn traffic boxes into beautiful works of art that celebrate the beauty, legacy, and pride that make up the West Lakes community. We are West Lakes PROUD! The first person to guess the two locations of the boxes wins a $10 gift card. Email tayers@westlakespartnersjip.org with your answer.
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This is What Dreams Are Made Of
Look at this former Jones HS alumnus, Lake Sunset resident, and our former West Lakes Partnership intern, Nia Washington. West Lakes Partnership is proud to be at the forefront of hiring Jones high school students. 15 Jones high school students have been hired part-time by our organization. Dreams are made of what WLP is doing to improve our neighborhood. Congrats Nia!
"It’s funny how God will bring you right back where you started. 6 years ago I attended Valencia College West Campus as a student. While pursuing my AA degree, I was highly involved as a student leader on campus … I am proud to announce that today I started in my new role as the Student Development Program Advisor at Valencia College West Campus."
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Now Hiring: Community Health Centers
Community Health Centers, the future healthcare provider of the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center opening next year, is hiring for many of their Central Florida locations! A career at CHC offers a unique opportunity to join a team that makes a real impact in our community every day, by improving individuals’ health while enhancing their quality of life. Team members are offered competitive compensation, advancement opportunities, and benefits, including healthcare coverage, retirement plans, vacation, and sick leave. Click the button below to view the full list of open positions.
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Dreaming of owning your own home? Join the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center for a virtual workshop on homeownership. The seminar will be held via Zoom on October 21 at 6: 30 pm. Click the button below to register today!
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We are a resident-driven community development nonprofit that depends on community giving. You can support our efforts by your purchases through AmazonSmile. Click on the button below. Our goal is to raise $2,500 toward our Housing Program. Can you HELP?
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