Earlier this year, the Pennrose Foundation appointed Shannon Mowery as executive director. Shannon has long been closely involved in the Foundation’s operations and has a deep understanding of how affordable housing opens doors to better health, education, and opportunity. 

We recently sat down with Shannon to learn more about her vision for the Pennrose Foundation, upcoming initiatives, and the positive impact the Foundation is having on the communities Pennrose serves.

First, for those who aren’t familiar, can you tell us more about your role at Pennrose?

SM: In addition to serving as executive director of the Pennrose Foundation, I’m also Pennrose’s vice president of community impact. I’ve been with Pennrose for nearly 25 years (I think I’m one of the longest-tenured employees!) and am responsible for overseeing all aspects of Pennrose’s on-site supportive services and community partnerships.

This can look different at every property, but essentially, I work closely with Pennrose’s incredible team of property managers and on-site community impact coordinators to provide tailored resources, such as educational programming, financial literacy workshops, or vaccination clinics, to help improve resident outcomes and quality of life.

Our goal is simple: empower residents to live fulfilling, successful lives.

You were instrumental in the launch of the Pennrose Foundation in 2018 and have been intimately involved ever since. How would you describe the Foundation? What makes it unique or special?

SM: The Foundation is designed to be an extension of the impactful work Pennrose does in the communities where we operate by allowing us to go above and beyond what we can achieve in a normal workday. We want to ensure our residents are fully supported, and that everyone has the same access to opportunities regardless of ZIP code.

Simply put, our job is to say: “We hear that there is a need, and we are going to try to address that need so you do not have to go without.”

The Foundation is set up to help people in any way we can. This model is unique because we can easily pivot to respond to current needs, such as helping residents navigate changes to SNAP benefits by creating on-site food pantries or launching the COVID-19 Resident Relief Fund to support tenants facing economic challenges due to job loss or illness.

The work of Pennrose and the Foundation goes hand in hand. Can you describe our commitment to building housing AND building opportunity?

SM: Building housing is what our development team does exceptionally well. They build beautiful buildings and thoughtfully designed apartments. It does not matter your income level; we create apartments that anyone would be proud to call home.

Quality, safe, and stable housing is the starting point. But building opportunity is how Pennrose goes one step further. We don’t just collect rent – we strive to break down barriers and help residents achieve their goals. If a resident says, “I want to be a homeowner someday,” we connect them with local resources, provide financial literacy tools, and offer tailored support to help make their dream a reality.

Building opportunity is saying, “What are your goals and how can I help you get there?” This is where the Foundation is instrumental.

You’ve witnessed the impact of the Foundation firsthand. Are there any moments that have stayed with you over the years?

SM: Two moments have really stuck with me and remind me why I come to work every day.

One occurred in the early years of the Foundation – we provided vulnerable parents with presents and essential items to give their children on Christmas morning. Seeing a mother brought to tears because she was able to provide her family with a normal holiday tradition and happy memory was truly moving. This is something every family should have.

Another moment occurred more recently when we did our hats, gloves, and coats drive and went door-to-door to ensure residents had these items for the upcoming winter. I spoke with a mother and will never forget how relieved and overwhelmed with gratitude she was because she didn’t know how else she would provide these basic necessities for her family.

Can you tell us about some of the Foundation’s signature initiatives?

SM: Every year, we set out to ease the back-to-school burden for families across our affordable housing portfolio. Research consistently shows that children without the supplies they need start off behind other children academically, emotionally, and socially. Students who are prepared are more excited about learning, which positively impacts grades, self-esteem, and classroom behavior.

We’ve made a commitment to ensure that every child receives a backpack with school supplies at the start of every year. In 2025, the Pennrose Foundation donated more than $40,000 worth of backpacks and school supplies to support more than 4,500 students.

Another program I’m particularly proud of is our higher education scholarships. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Pennrose Foundation awarded 20 scholarships to help residents pursue college, trade school, and vocational institutes that will set them up for a successful and self-sufficient future. 

Are there any upcoming initiatives you are particularly excited about?

SM: One initiative I'm especially excited about is expanding the Pennrose Foundation's community grant program. In the coming year, we'll continue investing in nonprofits and community organizations that create opportunities beyond housing. By supporting education, youth development, health and wellness, food security, and community-building efforts, these grants help strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents and their surrounding communities.

To learn more about the Pennrose Foundation or to support its work, please visit www.pennrose.com/about/pennrose-foundation. 

###