COMMUNITY PROFILES

Meet Rogerson Community Members Making a Difference

Residents

Winnie N.

Winnie Nurse, now 92, has called Farnsworth House home for two decades, but her journey through life has spanned many places and roles. She raised her children near Egleston Square, and is a proud mother of four, grandmother to five, and great-grandmother to four more. Her life has been rich with experience, from her first job at Gillette Razor to a decade spent as a secretary at Blue Cross Blue Shield, despite having no secretarial background. “They showed me how to file and use a computer,” she recalls. “I just picked it up as I went.” Retirement didn’t slow her...

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Estelle L.

Estelle Lawson has lived at Rogerson’s Farnsworth House for 13 years. She worked at Tufts Medical Centre for 13 years before retiring. She had many dreams for her retirement and believed she had saved enough to make them com true. But all her dreams were dashed when she discovered she had to have three surgeries on both of her knees. The surgeries wiped out her savings. Estelle did not like to depend on people, and she found herself isolating as she did not want to be a burden to her kids nor her friends. During this period, she lost her...

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Ermatine C.

Ermatine “Tina” Copeland, 93 years old, was born in Columbus, Georgia, but fate brought her to Boston in 1959. Ten years later, Ermatine lost her husband, a devastating blow that left her struggling to support nine children. The weight of this loss was immense. Ermatine found solace and strength in her mother, who moved to Boston to help care for the children while Ermatine worked. For several years, Ermatine worked numerous jobs to support her children. In April 2000, Ermatine’s life took another turn as she found a new home at Rogerson’s Farnsworth House. The transition to Rogerson was a...

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Sonia

Some of Sonia’s most cherished memories were in the vibrant neighborhoods of South Boston where she spent most of her formative years from 1957 when she first arrived in Boston. Coming from poverty and having to live with various relatives because she never really knew her mother, her life really began at sixteen when she got married and became a mother herself. Sonia moved to Jamaica Plain after having her three kids. She did a lot to support herself and her family. Through the highs and lows of raising three children as a single mother, Sonia’s dedication never wavered. Sonia...

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Benilda

The Story of Benilda is one very touching story. Originally from Puerto Rico, Benilda, she did not come from much and she felt she had to do more for herself. She embarked on a new chapter in Boston in 1978. Her journey is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the profound impact of a supportive home. Benilda’s early life was marked by both joy and hardship. Born on October 15, 1956, she faced a profound loss just days after her birth when her mother passed away. Raised by her loving grandparents, Benilda learned the value of kindness and generosity...

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Pearlie G.

Pearlie Guyton has lived at Farnsworth House for the past six years, but her roots in the neighborhood run deep. For half a century, she resided across the street in affordable housing, where she raised her children and built a life full of memories. Her journey through the ups and downs of life is a testament to her resilience, strength, and sense of humor. In 2005, Pearlie faced a daunting health scare when doctors discovered a non-cancerous growth on her brain. The surgery left her with 52 stitches and, mercifully, an end to the headaches that had plagued her. Despite...

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Henry J.

Henry, originally from Louisiana, has lived in Boston since 1958 where he worked for nearly three decades as a union laborer. Four years ago Henry suffered a debilitating stroke which left his entire right side paralyzed.

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Adlina S.

Adlina is a 78 year old resident at Rogerson Communities. She is originally from the south and has lived in the Boston area for over 25 years. Adlina came to Rogerson Communities in 2010 after feeling isolated, unsafe and unhappy in her previous housing.

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Shirley

Shirley is a 79 year old participant in the Rogerson Dementia Day Program. She came to the program at the recommendation of her doctor to better support her health, medication compliance, and to alleviate anxiety and agitation caused by her memory loss. Shirley takes daily medication for her blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety.

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Beatrice B.

Beatrice is a healthy, vibrant 106 year old resident of Rogerson’s moderate income cooperative housing. She came to Rogerson 7 years ago at the recommendation of her grandson and a friend who lived in the building she would soon move into.

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Delphia & Terry

Delphia and Terry are residents at Hong Lok House in Chinatown which is managed by Rogerson Communities. They are originally from Kentucky where they married and cared for Delphia’s mom through a long-term illness.

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