Catherine Doleman

Catherine Doleman, a dedicated Board member, has lived at the Metropolitan Apartment for 34 years. She resides with her husband, Foster Doleman, a retired government employee, who’s wisdom and insight is a valued asset to the MTA Board. She was an original board member of a former Metropolitan tenant's association created in the seventies to resolve and address tenant issues. Many of the D.C. tenant laws we now have were implemented through the struggle of Ms. Doleman's tenant association and other tenant associations during that time period. She brings an archive of knowledge and excellent record keeping skills to our board. Mrs. Doleman is a daycare teacher and takes pride in teaching as she feels she is helping her students to "grow up and become productive citizens". She has a great obligation to family values and cherishes her position as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In her spare time, she devotes time to reading, arts, crafts and decorating. Mrs. Doleman joined the board for reasons similar to why she fought for tenant rights in the seventies, "I felt it was very important to stay here and to help the tenants purchase our building."



NANETTE ROBERSON

Nanette Roberson is one of two newly elected board members. She has lived at the Metropolitan along with her husband since February 2005. Mrs. Robinson is a retiree of the D. C. Public Schools where she taught for over 37 years at Giddings, Bryant, and Coolidge Public Schools. Mrs. Robinson found teaching very rewarding as she proclaims that “ helping children to learn to read was her primary focus and teaching foundation. She feels she could bring hands-on experience by helping people help themselves. Mrs. Robinson desires to be instrumental or take the lead in bringing The Share Food Network to Metropolitan tenants. The program provides a nutritious package of meat, poultry, fresh fruit and vegetables for a small fee. Share is open to everyone and there is not any eligibility requirements. “If you eat, you qualify” is their motto. Mrs. Nanette Roberson is very concerned about the plight of the senior population and low income families at the Metropolitan. Her hobbies include reading and cooking.


The SHARE Program
Are you aware that the Metropolitan Tenant Association is attempting to bring the Share program to you and others in the building? Established in 1990, the SHARE Food Network provides approximately 13,500 food packages each month.  By combining buying power and volunteerism, SHARE is able to offer quality foods and substantial savings to it's participants. 

The SHARE Food Network distributes high quality, affordable nutritious food as a way to build community and strengthen families.  Organized through 320 churches and community groups, participants perform two hours of volunteer service and pay $16.00 monthly to purchase groceries worth approximately $35.00 - $40.00. For $16.00 plus 2 hours of volunteer service, anyone may receive a SHARE package full of fresh vegetables, fruits, staple items and frozen meats.  The same amount of food would cost approximately $35.00 - $40.00 at the supermarket.  With SHARE, participants can save 50%-60% on their groceries!

Here is some more information about this program:

1. What is in the SHARE Value Package?
Each package contains 14-15 items consisting of 6-8 lbs. of meat, fresh fruits, vegetables, and staple grocery items (e.g., rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.).  The package is designed to supplement a family's food budget with savings of up to 60% over local grocery store prices.

2. How does SHARE work?
By pooling thousands of dollars across the nation, SHARE purchases food at wholesale prices and passes the savings on to its participants.  Volunteers re-package food purchased in bulk and distribute it throughout a network of SHARE Host Sites (Host Organizations) in the DC Metropolitan area.

3. What is the SHARE Specialty Package?
Occasionally, SHARE will offer a special package geared toward the holidays or season.  For example, Turkey Packages are offered during the Thanksgiving Holiday distribution, a Superbowl Party Package is offered in January, and a Steak Package is offered in the spring and summer.  These special packages still enable participants to receive quality food at a great price!

4. Who participates?
People become involved with SHARE to save money and because they enjoy helping others.  SHARE is open to anyone who wishes to participate by giving two hours of volunteer service and paying $16 (add transportation in some areas) for the monthly food package. There are no income or other eligibility guidelines.

5. What is a SHARE Host Site?
A SHARE Host Site is an organization that is sponsored by a church, school, community or neighborhood group, and in partnership with SHARE, agrees to... Promote the SHARE mission and philosophy in their community and provide caring service motivated by a desire to help others. Register participants and organize community service opportunities. Report monthly food orders and remit payment to SHARE on Order Turn-In Day. Provide adequate transportation and a distribution site for SHARE food packages each month.

6. Is SHARE a charity?
SHARE is a self-help program.  Each person who participates in the network helps themselves obtain affordable and nutritious groceries.

7. Is the food in the SHARE Package donated?
No.  The food is purchased with the money that participants contribute.  Each month, quality food is purchased through smart buying and a network of national vendors.

8. Does SHARE take food away from places that serve the needy?
No.  Food pantries, soup kitchens, and rescue programs rely upon donated and recycled items.  All of SHARE's food is purchased fresh each month.  Actually, programs for the needy can benefit from SHARE in many ways.  We have
forged many community partnerships with these organizations.

9. How can I pay for my SHARE Package?
SHARE accepts cash, money orders, organizational checks, food stamps or EBT cards as a form of payment. Packages cost $16.00.  However, some participants may pay an additional $.50-$1.00 for transportation fees.

10. How can SHARE provide good, supermarket-quality food packages for only $16.00?
There are two primary reasons why SHARE can do this.  First, we purchase food in bulk for our participants and therefore the prices are substantially lower.  Second, the power of volunteerism enables us to distribute tons of food at minimal costs.  Volunteers make SHARE work.

Essentially, we are pooling our resources to achieve common goals and achieve SHARE's mission.

If you are interested in the Share Program you can contact:
Mrs. Nanette Roberson in # 506.