Buddy inspires health, wellness program at Chambersburg apartment complex

inte8821 • March 7, 2012

Buddy inspires health, wellness program at Chambersburg apartment complex
By IRIS HERSH Staff writer Public Opinion

Wellness program mascot: A yellow lab named Buddy

Jason Huhn, Chambersburg, was born blind.

At 27 years old, in 2004, Jason spent a month in Michigan and came home with an 18-month-old yellow lab named Buddy, his new seeing eye dog. For more than five years Buddy and Jason were nearly inseparable. Wherever Jason went, Buddy was by his side.

In January 2010, Buddy suffered a seizure and could no longer work, but he continued to be a member of Jason’s family. So when Jason and his mother, Julia Huhn, moved to Washington Square Apartments, Chambersburg, in September, Buddy came along.

“Buddy loves people and people love Buddy, so he quickly became the building mascot,” said Anne Copenhaver, Supportive Services Coordinator, Washington Square Apartments. “Everyone who came into the building was greeted by his wagging tail and friendly ‘sniff.’”
Buddy spent a lot of time in the building’s community room, and he also loved to eat and everyone loved to feed him. Buddy became overweight.

By mid-January, Buddy became lethargic and was drinking water constantly.

After an examination and blood tests it was determined that Buddy was diabetic. That meant some significant lifestyle changes for Buddy. No more snacks, and Buddy was placed on a strict diet of two cups of a special dry food a day, he was tested daily, was given insulin injections and exercised more.
Buddy is getting better. He is getting more exercise, lost about 25 pounds, is more active and his blood sugar is back to normal.

Now he is doing even more.

Buddy became the mascot and inspiration for a year-long, building-wide program to help his human friends become healthier, Copenhaver said.

On July 1, Summit Endowment began providing funding through a grant for Buddy’s Buddies, also known as Growing Stronger, for a health and wellness on-site program at Washington Square Apartments. Lutheran HomeCare and Hospice, Chambersburg, is the program’s medical partner.

Lutheran Home Care provides monthly education and support group meetings an hour each month, said Joyce Kwamena-Poh, executive administrator of Interfaith Housing Alliance Inc. A nurse comes to check diabetic residents’ blood glucose readings and teaches them how to do this by themselves daily and track their readings. Certified diabetic educator, Mona Lemanski, Carlisle, provides presentations every other month. Sessions will be presented using hands on materials, PowerPoint presentations and product use. Residents will learn about the importance of diet and exercise. Participants keep logs to track their glucose readings, exercise activities and food choices. As part of the program, residents also participate in exercise classes twice a week and take part in a healthy meal session monthly.

“It (the program) focuses on the management and prevention of diabetes and other chronic diseases for the senior residents and is a component of IHA’s comprehensive support services plan,” said Kwamena-Poh. “The Growing Stronger program is a pilot program and IHA sees this as a benefit for many other low income seniors to help them live strong, independent and vibrant lives.

Washington Square Apartments is for low income seniors and disabled people. Please contact Becky Broussard for more information at rbroussard@interfaithhousing.org or 717-414-5030.

Weinberg House Renovation Brings New Life to Senior Living

By Vickie Mills • June 2, 2026
Exciting, the final renovations of the last two units are underway at Weinberg House, a long-standing affordable senior living community in Fredrick, Maryland. Originally built in 1994, the property provided safe, stable housing for older adults for decades. Renovations began on May 1, 2023. At that time, they had a total of 23 units to renovate. The renovations included freshly painted walls, new carpet in the bedrooms, new flooring in the other rooms, new cabinets in the bathroom, as well as new kitchen cupboards, fixtures and new appliances. The final two units will be ready for lease up June 15, 2026. The renovation of Weinberg House represents a meaningful investment in both people and place. By modernizing the property while protecting its mission, this project will help ensure that affordable, welcoming housing remains available for seniors for years to come. It is an encouraging example of how thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen communities and honor the residents who call them home.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce three funding awards during the last quarter from our community partners.

By Rachel Gardner • June 2, 2026
In March 2026, IHA was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Frederick County Government’s Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART). These one-time operational funds were awarded to mitigate the effects of the longest federal government shutdown in history. This grant has allowed IHA to continue providing essential programs and services to Frederick County residents despite challenges at the federal level. IHA was also awarded a $5,000 grant from the City of Frederick through the Community Promotion Grant program. This grant supports aging in place and youth development needs among City residents through IHA’s Supportive Services. The program serves residents of IHA’s senior and multi-family affordable rental communities at 222 Broadway Street (Weinberg House) and 520 N. Market Street, respectively. In April 2026, IHA was also awarded a $25,000 Community Partnership Grant from Frederick County Government. This grant supports IHA’s full range of Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services, including our homeownership and financial education programming. IHA’s Purchase-Repair Program provides an avenue to homeownership for those who otherwise would not qualify for a traditional home loan. In Credit Café, participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp helps participants improve their skills in budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and financial goal setting. The Frederick Affordable Housing Incubator (FAHI) brings multiple sectors together to increase the affordable housing inventory in Frederick County.

36 Years of Building Stability, Opportunity, and Hope

By Lacy Ames • June 2, 2026
For 36 years, the Interfaith Housing Alliance has stood beside individuals and families as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. What began as a mission rooted in compassion and community partnership has grown into an organization that continues to make a lasting impact across our region, helping families find stability, build financial confidence, and create brighter futures. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are not only reflecting on where we have been, but also recognizing the incredible growth, resilience, and innovation that continue to shape IHA today. Over the past 36 years, IHA has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while remaining committed to the same core belief: everyone deserves access to safe housing, financial education, and the opportunity to thrive. Through housing counseling, financial education workshops, community partnerships, and affordable housing initiatives, IHA has empowered thousands of individuals and families with the tools, support, and stability needed to move forward with confidence. Beyond education and counseling services, IHA’s long-standing commitment to affordable housing development has helped create lasting impact throughout the community. Over the years, IHA has developed, built, and managed affordable housing units that have provided safe, stable homes for countless individuals and families. These housing initiatives represent more than buildings, they represent opportunity, dignity, and the foundation for stronger futures. The growth and preservation of affordable housing remains a vital part of IHA’s legacy and ongoing mission. Behind every program, every workshop, and every success story is a community of people who believe in the work we do. Our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters have played an essential role in helping IHA grow over the last three and a half decades. Their dedication and belief in our mission continue to fuel the impact we are able to make every day. Most importantly, we celebrate the individuals and families who have trusted IHA to be part of their journey. Every financial goal reached, every housing challenge overcome, and every moment of renewed confidence is a reminder of why this work matters. As we look ahead, we remain focused on continuing to innovate, educate, and advocate for stronger communities. The need for affordable housing resources and financial empowerment remains as important as ever, and IHA is committed to meeting that need with the same compassion and determination that has defined the organization for the past 36 years.  Thank you for being part of the Interfaith Housing Alliance story. Together, we celebrate 36 years of impact and look forward to the many more lives we will continue to support in the years ahead.
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