More Than A Home
Pictured: Latasha Ross and Family
Since its opening in 2018, Pendana at West Lakes has not only become a nationally-recognized community, it has also become a place to connect and create meaningful relationships for the residents who call it home. Co-owned by Lift Orlando and Columbia Residential, Pendana at West Lakes is also home to community partner, Apartment Life. Apartment Life's goal is to "provide real value to apartment communities, and to have a transformational impact on residents' lives by connecting them through meaningful relationships." Many of the activities available to residents, such as workshops, socials, classes, and family outings are offered to enhance the community's lifestyle.
Latasha Ross was a part of the inaugural group of families that moved into the complex in 2018. Since then, she has taken advantage of the many opportunities available to residents. She and her two children feel blessed to live in a community that values high-quality facilities as well as resident wellbeing and success. Over the years, Latasha has attended first-time homeowner workshops and other classes offered by the community. Latasha is a two-time cancer survivor who is currently disabled, and against all odds she is on a pursuit to a home in The Communities of West Lakes one day. While Latasha loves Pendana at West Lakes, she sees it as a stepping stone to homeownership for her family.
Growing up in this area, close to where Pendana at West Lakes is now located, Latasha remembers navigating through the neighborhood to get to school with her siblings. However, life has now come full circle. Latasha's children now walk through the community that is now beautifully revitalized to get to their respective schools, Jones High School and Orange Center Elementary School. Living at Pendana at West Lakes, her children have loved going to pool parties and local entertainment facilities, and even trips to the theme parks sponsored by the community.
Pictured: Latasha Ross
Latasha says, "If this area was not coming up, a new area for us to move to, I don't know where we would have been." One of her favorite community events is when the community provides complimentary breakfast, which helps her time and money. For the kids, going to bowl games at Camping World Stadium has been an opportunity that they would not have otherwise gotten if not for Pendana at West Lakes. Latasha says about the community, "We have been having a lot of fun!”
Lift Orlando’s commitment to mixed-income housing goes beyond providing safe and affordable homes for residents. Partners like Apartment Life, the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center and more bring a variety of opportunities and resources directly to residents.
Learn more about Lift Orlando’s work in The Communities of West Lakes and all of the exciting events and milestones happening last year in West Lakes by reading the 2021 Annual Report!