We would love for you to meet Rosemary. She first volunteered with Monroe Harding as a weekly math tutor in 2002 and currently is working on our Supportive Housing expansion.

Rosemary shared about her experiences, “I was in business school at Vanderbilt and looking for an outlet where I could connect to the Nashville community outside of campus. My mom was very involved in child welfare, so it seemed natural to reach out to a local organization that served at-risk youth. While some of the youth had little interest in school, others had a real desire to excel and were happy to sit down with me each week over algebra and geometry.

Years later, in 2014, I needed an outlet again, this time for my interest in interior design. My house had no projects left, and I thought Monroe Harding might have a makeover opportunity for me. I connected with Quatrece, Sr. Director of Housing and Young Adult Reengagement, who indicated she could keep me busy for a long time! I started fixing up apartments for youth in Independent Living that Quatrece thought could use a little boost or as a reward for good grades and behavior. I got to know the youth as we talked about their needs and preferences. They liked learning how to make a plan, build furniture and hang pictures. We talked design, but also about life: navigating relationships, resisting peer pressure, buying food before video games, etc. I was inspired by their resilience, and now consider these youth my first ‘clients.’

At the end of 2016, I lost my longtime corporate job and had to find a little resilience myself. I decided to pursue interior design full time. Radnor Residential was born and, with my install team, we’ve completed seven IL rooms to date . . . and counting.

Rosemary is involved with our Supportive Housing Expansion this month, you can join her in helping by purchasing items we need purchased from our wish list, which you can find here.

Follow Rosemary at @radnorresidential to see more of her work and Monroe Harding transformations.