Charles E. Smith discounted an apartment by more than 70 percent for use in a community/ school program in Lincolnia, VA.

When immigrants come to the U.S. they often struggle to learn the language and customs of their new country. Parents are oftentimes forced to work long hours while their children struggle in school. This disconnect between parents, children and schools can lead to failure for the family, the school and the community.

But, at Parklawn Elementary School in Fairfax, VA, where 75 percent of the students speak English as a second language, help came from a determined principal, a federal grant, and the Charles E. Smith Residential Realty Inc., Arlington, VA.

Having resolved to improve her student’s academic performance, Susan Akroyd and her staff rented a two-bedroom apartment in the Charles E. Smith owned Orleans Village housing complex in Lincolnia, VA, and turned it into a family center for her students and their parents. To help the center’s staff, Charles E. Smith discounted the apartment that typically rented for $900 a month to $260 a month, making it possible to bring educational and other services to the mostly immigrant community.

"If Charles E. Smith did not give us a discounted rent, it would be very difficult for us to run our program," said coordinator Harriet Sava. "That would be very unfortunate for the families we serve. We’re the bridge between school and home."

As the link between school and home, the center is the site where parents can meet with their children’s guidance counselors and principal. They can even communicate with teachers via the Internet on computers that are made available at the center. Parents who visit the center also attend workshops on childcare, nutrition, citizenship, and more. Those who are interested can learn English and study for their GED. Parents can also register their children for Head Start programs at the center.

"We’ve also done kindergarten and school registration. We try to direct the families to these resources and support them to follow-through on it," explained Sava. "We even clarify the expectations of Charles E. Smith if [tenants] are confused about rent increases and parking stickers. I’m not sure Charles E. Smith is aware of the impact we’ve had." There are 851 units at Orleans Village and half of Parklawn Elementary students live in many of those apartments. "A program like this creates a sense of community where neighbors really do get to know their neighbors," said Marilyn Jackson, community services director, Charles E. Smith. "What we’re trying to do is enhance [our tenants] living experience within our communities and give them a sense of community. It’s really neat because not only does it help children get ready for school, it also helps the parents become more familiar with resources in the community."