WILLONDA MCCLOUD
WHY I SERVE F
orty-three individuals volunteer their time and talents as members of one of the five boards of directors overseeing Landis Communities and its affiliates. Tis column features a member of one of the boards and lists those who serve with the highlighted individual.
Tell me a little about yourself… I grew up in Philadelphia and attended Cheyney University, the oldest historically black college in the country. It offered me a good perspective and foundation. My husband and I moved to Lancaster after college. We raised two children here. I have served as the President/CEO of Bright Side Opportunities Center for just over six years.
When did you first hear of Landis Communities? I was talking with Kevin Ressler (President/CEO of the United Way of Lancaster County) about aging parents and services available to them. Kevin is a board member of Landis Quality Living and mentioned the Landis Place on King project. I was very interested in the idea of bringing services to older adults in their homes. I said something to him like, “I would love to be involved in that kind of an organization!”
What was going on in your life at the time?
Tere were a couple things in my life driving my interest. First, my mom was getting older and I was looking at housing options for her. I needed to learn how to navigate the system and realized the African American community has more limited resources for our aging population. On my professional side, I saw the potential synergy that could exist between Landis HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) and the way Bright Side Opportunities Center connects with the aging population. I truly enjoy serving and this seemed like a good fit.
Cultivating Life, Together
Willonda McCloud serves on the Landis HCBS Board of Directors and as a member of the Landis Communities DEI Task Force
What was the first thing you noticed?
My first challenge was that I joined the (Landis HCBS) board during a pandemic! I have yet to attend an in-person board meeting so building relationships has been slower. But the information provided to the board regarding COVID-19 and how the broader organization has worked to keep residents, clients, and team members safe, healthy and educated made an impression on me.
What happened next? I was asked to join the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) task force for all of Landis Communities. I really like that the task force has representation from all the affiliate boards, along with staff and residents from Landis Homes. Working together through DEI education and evaluation has been a learning experience for all of us. I love the process we are undergoing.
What dreams do you have for the organization? I am excited to see the implementation and outcomes that result from our DEI work. Landis Communities has a commitment to diversity and change, where needed. I can see that from everyone involved. I’m glad I can bring another perspective and help bridge the gap.
LANDIS HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES BOARD MEMBERS
• Jackie Burch, Chair • Sandy Harnish, Vice-Chair • Bill Hartman, Secretary
• Rod Lefever, Treasurer • Kate Good • Lois Good
• Brent Keener • Allon Lefever • Willonda McCloud
Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2022 • 23
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