Darcy has lived in Atlanta for more than 70 years. Born in Henry County and now 74 years young, she has watched the city grow and change, but one thing has always mattered most to her: people.

At Mercy Housing Southeast’s (MHSE) Reynoldstown Senior Apartments, Darcy is known as the “boss lady” of the food pantry. Alongside her friend Rose, she helps organize fresh vegetables and groceries so her neighbors can take home food that supports their health and independence.

Food pantry fosters connection 

After 35 years in customer service management, Darcy brought her leadership skills into retirement. “I saw that the resident manager always needed help,” she explains. “So, we started putting the pantry together and letting residents come down and choose what they need.

For Darcy, the pantry is about more than food, it’s about connection. “It keeps me busy,” she says. “And I volunteer because I like doing it.” But what she’s really creating is community.

That community doesn’t stop at the front door. Several times a week, Darcy and other residents walk together through their neighborhood and, when the weather is right, all the way to Piedmont Park, six miles roundtrip. For Darcy, the park represents more than greenery. It’s a reminder that staying active and getting outside is part of aging well.

“I like the greenery,” Darcy says. “And seeing people and animals. It makes you want to keep moving.”

Healthy food is just as important to her. “We are seniors,” Darcy explains, “and fresh fruits and vegetables are good for good health. Everybody needs something green, collards, fruit, something healthy.” She knows that not every resident can afford fresh food regularly, and she sees the pantry as a way to make sure no one has to choose between rent and nutrition.

Seniors need to get out more 

Darcy also helps organize bingo nights and game nights, often cooking and encouraging neighbors to come out of their apartments and join in. “Some people get lonely,” she says. “Seniors need to get out more.”

Her motivation comes from family, three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who all live nearby, and from her belief in staying active in body and spirit.

Darcy’s leadership shows what healthy aging really looks like:
Nutritious food
Physical movement
Outdoor connection
Belonging

And every month, through pantry days, park walks, and bingo nights, Darcy proves that community is built with care and sometimes with collard greens and walking shoes.