Constance Covington grew up in Danville and has been part of the community all her life. She has worked with one area of the community, Cardinal Village, for the past fourteen years plus. Covington says, “God has blessed me with this opportunity to have housing here. Based on what I saw within my community, I decided I wanted implement things I had been taught by my parents.”
Covington got residents, especially her children, involved by having tea parties. “Tea parties is what pull them in. If you can imagine this lady walking around in her best gown and jewelry going door-to-door to collect kids so that we could all go and sit down and learn about manners and etiquette,” she added.
To date, Covington has been a part of about 140 programs a year. “We really didn’t have a budget, but God always found a way for us to get things done. I thank God for this journey.”
Covington took a moment to talk to Showcase about why being a key figure in her community is important.
Showcase Magazine: How do you define community involvement?
Constance Covington: It starts with communication. You cannot be afraid to talk about the things you believe in. I have some wonderful community partners who take care of me. They call me up just to ask how they can help. Community involvement is very important if you want to get what you’re going after. There are people within our city who are being such a blessing to those around them.
SM: How do you balance work, life, and community?
CC: It’s a lot of different things going on all at once. How can you balance that? I’ve had a problem with that because I always put myself last. But I’ve learned to have people around me who keep me in check. They make sure I’m taking care of myself so I can continue to take care of them.
SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given to you?
CC: To do whatever it is I have to do within me but do it with all my heart. Don’t half-step. Be genuine. Be a person who can be trusted and to do what God would want me to do in that situation.
SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?
CC: I love my city. This is my home, and I will probably never leave. It’s a great place to raise a family. It’s also a great place to be when you get into your senior years.
SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?
CC: I have some very important people in my life who have encouraged me and guide my footsteps. My pastor Doyle Thomas, my last pastor, Emmett Young, and Ruby Archie. These individuals inspired me to travel the path I’m on.
SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?
CC: I don’t have a lot of free time, but I love to paint. I paint umbrellas. That’s my therapy and wind-down time.
SM: What are you most looking forward to into 2022?
CC: Bigger and better programs. Getting more kids to take part in the programs. Continuing to embrace the diversity of our community. Getting everybody involved.