We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lianna McNeil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lianna below.
Hi Lianna, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
National Church Residences serves more than 60,000 older adults through our array of housing and health care services. Our organization is driven by a vision to advance better living for 100,000 older adults by 2030, wherever they call home. With more than 350 communities across the U.S., we are the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. We also offer residential communities for older and disabled adults, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled.
Our commitment to serving underserved communities is exemplified by our work in San Antonio. This city faces a significant housing crisis, with over 100,000 people on the waiting list for affordable housing. Among this population are older and disabled adults who are particularly vulnerable and often overlooked. National Church Residences steps in to fill this critical gap, providing safe, affordable housing for these individuals.
One poignant example is the story of Maria, a 68-year-old resident of one of our San Antonio communities. Maria spent years in unstable housing situations, frequently moving and affecting her mental and physical health. Her situation is not unique; many older and disabled adults in San Antonio live at or below 150% of the poverty level, making it nearly impossible for them to find stable, affordable housing.
Through programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and our dedicated fundraising efforts, we are able to provide residents like Maria with a modern, safe apartment equipped with the amenities she needs to age in place. This includes access to healthcare services through various providers she has access to, community activities, a chaplaincy program, transportation, and support from our on-site service coordinators. These amenities are not just about comfort; they are crucial for maintaining health, independence, and quality of life as residents age.
Aging in place is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe that every older and disabled adult should have the opportunity to live out their years with dignity and security, in a community that cares for their physical, emotional, and social needs. By providing affordable housing and comprehensive support services, we help our residents avoid the trauma and instability of homelessness and live fuller, healthier lives.
Our work in San Antonio is just one example of how National Church Residences addresses the needs of underserved communities across the country. By continuing to expand our reach and enhance our services, we strive to ensure that all older and disabled adults, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the safe, supportive housing they deserve.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Lianna Flores McNeil. I am the Regional Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations for National Church Residences in Texas. I’ve always admired older adults because of their wisdom, their genuine sense of self and their incredible sense of humor. As a child, I had very strong and wise older adults around me in my grandparents and extended family. My maternal grandmother is one of 16, which only scratches the surface of how big and important my family is to me. I come from the deep roots of the mesquite trees in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and I was very connected to my family and culture (a nice blend of Mexican and American) through food, music and storytelling. Grandpa Clemente always knew how to fix whatever was broken, and Grandma Alma always had the best food to share with her family.
Before I had my own children, I wanted to connect with my adopted community of San Antonio in a meaningful way. I chose to give my time as a storyteller at a nonprofit assisted living community. This kept me thinking about the older adult population and how much I appreciated serving them and connecting with them when possible.
I was a storyteller for about 5 years until I moved away from San Antonio. I now have three beautiful young children, dogs, chickens and a garden that keep my work-life balance in check!
After working in sales and development for a non-profit based in central Texas, I had the opportunity to use my skills and experience to move on in my career and select a new path. I chose to pursue an opportunity with National Church Residences as it offered a chance to understand the older and disabled adult population and affordable housing in ways I had not previously known or even thought about.
In Texas, N^^ serves over 3,000 disabled and older adults promoting aging in place, digital equity and maintaining mental and physical health throughout their 40 owned or managed communities. I am an advocate for older and disabled adults and promote our missional awareness through community engagement. I am a connector and I am passionate about developing meaningful relationships towards positive outcomes for my organization and the many lives we serve.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building my reputation within the market has been a multifaceted journey, centered around being a people connector and establishing steadfast credibility. By actively fostering relationships and creating networks, I have positioned myself as a trusted intermediary who brings the right people together. My commitment to following through on my promises has been instrumental in establishing my reliability and earning the trust of those I work with and for. Additionally, I make it a priority to listen attentively to the needs and concerns of those I serve, understanding that their well-being and stability are paramount. This empathetic approach has enabled me to tailor my services effectively, ensuring that I contribute meaningfully to a healthier and more stable community. Through these efforts, I have not only built a strong reputation but also made a positive impact on the lives of many.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“The Leadership Challenge” by James Kouzes and Barry Posner is a seminal work on leadership that outlines five key practices for effective leadership: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart.
Model the Way: Leaders must lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and values they expect from others.
Inspire a Shared Vision: Effective leaders envision the future and enlist others in that vision, creating a common goal.
Challenge the Process: Leaders seek innovative ways to improve, taking risks and learning from mistakes.
Enable Others to Act: Empowering others, fostering collaboration, and building trust are essential for a leader.
Encourage the Heart: Recognizing contributions and celebrating accomplishments that motivate and uplift the team.
Applying these principles to an entrepreneurial philosophy means that entrepreneurs should embody the values they advocate, articulate a clear and compelling vision for their work, be willing to experiment and take calculated risks, empower team members by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, and celebrate successes to maintain high morale. These practices can help any leader build resilient, innovative, and motivated teams that drive their mission forward.
Image Credits
Marisol Macedo Sarah Nicole Perez