More Than a Building: The Legacy We’re Creating at 703 Lexington
Written by Dawnique Shury, Senior Advisor at Providence House
On June 2nd, I took a short car ride from Applebee’s—a place I hadn’t visited since my college days, when late-night wings and laughter with friends felt like our only responsibilities. But this time was different.
I was with Leah Faria, a longtime partner, ally, and advocate for justice—and for the work Providence House is doing in Brooklyn. We were headed to a Community Board meeting at Interfaith Hospital, where Providence House was seeking approval for our new housing development.
As we pulled away from the restaurant, it struck me how this simple ride felt so familiar—reminiscent of those college days—but layered now with a much deeper purpose. Our conversation on the drive was filled with reflection and anticipation. We talked about what to expect at the meeting and the importance of being embraced by the community. We spoke candidly about how vital it is that Providence House continues to serve women who look like us—women of color, sisters who have been justice-impacted and are fighting for their next chapter.
What began as a drive filled with hope and intention came full circle as we left the meeting, carrying both the weight—and the win—of what had just taken place.
I asked Leah if she needed a ride home, and she said yes. As we settled into the car, I was eager to hear her thoughts.
Leah leaned in and said something I won’t forget:
“If it weren’t for Providence House, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m thankful—not just that you do the work—but that you stay in the community. You build, you lift, you inspire. That’s why, whenever I’m called, I show up.”
As we drove, my internal elevator lifted. I felt a rush of gratitude. Leah continued, sharing how deeply inspired she was by our leadership—by Danielle Minelli Pagnotta’s fierce passion for the women and the neighborhoods we serve.
“Because of Providence House,” she said, clutching a small bag of food, “I’ve sat in rooms I never imagined I’d be part of. I’ve seen doors open. And I can’t wait for more women to be part of this new housing project. They deserve the same chance I got.”
That moment—an impromptu debrief in my car—meant more than any policy or procedure we could write. It reminded me that when we extend the table and offer seats to those who have historically been left out, we’re not just creating space. We’re building a legacy. We’re shaping stories. We’re restoring dignity.
As the elevator of that night came to a stop and I dropped Leah off, I felt more committed than ever to this work—and more inspired than I’ve been in a long time.
Our new housing development at Lexington Avenue is more than just a building—it is a vessel for transformation, hope, and healing. And just like Leah, many more women will step into their next chapter because Providence House dared to say,
“You belong here.”
This is not just a project; it's a promise. I look forward to walking this journey with you as we build not only housing, but a legacy.
