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The Family Support Publication of the Healthy Families/Thriving Communities Collaborative Council
Summer 2010
Collaborative Council Holds Annual Meeting
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oard members and staff of the six Healthy Families/Thriving Communities Collaboratives, the Collaborative Council, and partner organizations gathered on June 16, 2010, at the Sumner School for the Annual Meeting of the HFTC Collaborative Council. During this year’s meeting, Ronald P. Bland, a Georgia Avenue/Rock Creek East Collaborative board member, took the helm as chairman of the Collaborative Council, succeeding Eugene Kinlow, who served for three years. Priscilla Francis of the Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative is the new secretary, and Morris Redd of the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative is the new treasurer. New board members are: Everett Hamilton, Edgewood/Brookland Collaborative; Rosemary Akinmboni, Columbia Heights/Shaw Collaborative; Patricia Malloy, East River Collaborative; Gwendolyn Bellfield-Hailes, East River Collaborative; Saadia Athias, South Washington/West of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative. Tribute to Eugene Kinlow In a tribute to Kinlow, Dr. Jacquelyn Henry, Collaborative Council executive director, called him “an exemplary leader” who has led from what he believes, challenged the process, and enabled others to act for the benefit of the Collaborative Movement. “Eugene believes in the Collaborative Movement. He has shared his values of how to work collaboratively in respecting the individuality of each Collaborative; however, always showing us how the whole is greater than its parts. He has
been present for meetings, Council hearings, and citywide activities, and he continues to charge us with keeping the values of families being healthy and whole,” she said. Henry noted that under Kinlow’s leadership, the Collaborative Council’s achievements included the following: • Developed first strategic planning effort, with direct input from the Collaboratives; • Established policy of parity among the Collaboratives, allowing funding to follow need; • Implemented the Partnership for Community-Based Services with CFSA; • Initiated the System of Care program with the Georgia Avenue/Rock Creek East Collaborative; • Transitioned the North Capitol Collaborative to a support center under the Edgewood/Brookland Collaborative, allowing the Collaboratives to be Ward based; • Implemented the Fathering Court program with the Georgia Avenue Collaborative; • Commissioned a study for economies of scale that has already saved the Georgia Avenue Collaborative about $60,000; and • Initiated Project 100 to renew the community in standing up for the safety net. “Eugene Kinlow has always had a vision that our most vulnerable children and families would be strengthened, whole, and healthy in their own communities. Throughout his years as a visionary for the District of Columbia, he has always managed to use his position to passionately work for the best inter-
Ed Lazere, with Eugene Kinlow and Beatriz Otero, receives Collaborative Council’s Chairman’s Award.
Eugene Kinlow with Beatriz Otero, Dr. Jacquelyn Henry, and Thomas Gore
DC Councilmember Michael Brown swears in Collaborative Council board members.
est of all citizens,” said Henry. Collaborative Council Awards Ed Lazere, founder and director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI), received the Collaborative Council’s Chairman’s Award. DCFPI is the leading source of independent information on tax and budget issues in the District of Columbia. It is the only independent organization that offers comprehensive
analysis of the DC budget, and the leading group to promote a fair DC tax system. In presenting the award to Lazere, B.B. Otero said that Lazere “has become the go-to person for information relating to District finances and the DC budget,” and “he is an amazing champion for our most vulnerable residents. Continued on page 2
Cecelia Jones accepts the Columbia Heights/Shaw Collaborative’s Outstanding Resident Award, with Eugene Kinlow, Beatriz Otero and Del McFadden.
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COLLABORATIVE COUNCIL Ronald Bland is New Collaborative Council Chair Ronald P. Bland of the Georgia Avenue/Rock Creek East Collaborative (GARCEC) , is the new chairman of the HFTC Collaborative Council Board of Directors. Bland, a District resident for 40 years, is a retired postal executive, and a former advisory neighborhood commissioner. He was approached by GARCEC in early 2009 to serve on its board and Ronald P. Bland, chair, HFTC Collaborative was named vice chair of the Council Collaborative Council’s board in rative executive directors, and “got a June 2009. Bland admits to knowing lit- feel for what we really need to do to entle about the Collaboratives when he sure that the movement stays alive.” He first became involved, but says, “I had said that of particular importance is the opportunity to get my sea legs under Collaborative operating resources. “I’d Gene Kinlow. I received mentoring like to see us get to a point where we from him and learned a great deal. The don’t have to go through [a funding more I got involved and saw the mag- struggle] every year. We need to have a nitude of the assistance that the Collab- more secure funding stream because as oratives provide to people in the the economy declines, the need for Colcommunity who don’t have what they laborative services increases. . . In the need, I have found this work rather re- coming year, we will begin to work on warding.” a series of strategies to better demonstrate the value of our services, which Bland said that during the past year, have kept children in homes and famihe has had the opportunity to fill in for lies intact,” Bland said. Kinlow, to meet and listen to Collabo-
Collaborative Council Annual Meeting (from page 1) Whether it’s his work relating to unemployment, poverty, tax policy or housing, Ed understands the impact that public policy has on our community. . . . Ed is a valuable resource to the advocacy community and plays a key role in many organizations, including the Fair Budget Coalition and the Save Our Safety Net Campaign.” Outstanding Resident Awards were presented by representatives of each Collaborative to the following: • Cecilia Jones, founder and president, Northwest Columbia Heights Community Association – volunteered countless hours to improve safety and quality of life for her community. (Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative) • Lawrence Montgomery, chairman of the Members Assembly of the Washington Seniors Well-
ness Center – advocates for the center and the senior community at large. (East River Family Strengthening Collaborative) • 859 – founded by Sabrina and Cliff Givens, 859 (named for its location at 859 19th Street, NE) helps community youth overcome obstacles by providing mentoring, internships, after-school programs and a summer camp. (Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative)
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Healthy Families/Thriving Communities Collaborative Council 1112 11th Street, NW, Suite B, Washington, DC 20001 Voice 202-299-0900 Fax 202-299-0901 www.dccollaboratives.org The Collaborative Council provides technical assistance, training and advocacy, and data collection and analysis for a network of six neighborhood-based Collaboratives in Washington, DC. These Collaboratives, each with its own governance board, offer a range of services directed toward strengthening at-risk families and building supportive communities so that all residents can reach their full potential. Collaborative Council Staff Jacquelyn Henry, Ed.D. Executive Director Erica Henry, HR Generalist Nicole Gilbert, LICSW, Deputy Director Sharafdeen Ibraheem, Program Associate Sajid Anani, Data Analyst Runa Peoples, Executive Assistant Ramsey Daminabo, CPA, Chief Financial Officer Phillip Terrell, Program Coordinator Richard Flintrop, Director of Policy and Planning Spencer Wilder, III, Data Administrator
Collaborative Council Board Ronald P. Bland, Chair Priscilla Francis, Secretary Morris Redd, Treasurer Eugene Kinlow, Immediate Past Chair Beatriz Otero Everett Hamilton Thomas Gore Gwendolyn Bellfield-Hailes Joan Hurley Sandy Allen
Bernadette White Saadia Athias Joseph Franklin Rosemary Akinmboni Patricia Malloy Angel Reynolds Jacquelyn Henry, Ex Officio Mae Best, Executive Director’s Liaison
Associate Members HyeSook Chung, Executive Director, DC Action for Children Kinaya Sokoya, Executive Director, DC Children’s Trust Fund Clare Anderson, Associate, Center for the Study of Social Policy Anniglo Boone, Ph.D., LICSW, Executive Director, Consortium for Child Welfare Agencies
Collaboratives Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative (Wards 1 & 2) 1816 12th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 202-518-6737 www.chsfsc.org Penelope Griffith, Executive Director East River Family Strengthening Collaborative (Ward 7) John Wilson Resource Center 3732 Minnesota Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-397-7300 www.erfsc.org Mae Best, Executive Director Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative (Ward 5) 1345 Saratoga Avenue, NE, Suite 2 Washington, DC 20090 202-832-9400 www.ebfsc.org Louvenia Williams, Executive Director
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (Ward 8) 2041 Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue, SE Suite 304 Washington, DC 20020 202-889-1425 www.fsfsc.org Perry J. Moon, Executive Director Georgia Avenue/Rock Creek East Family Support Collaborative (Ward 4) 1104 Allison Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 202-722-1815 www.garcec.org Karen Feinstein, Executive Director South Washington/West of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative (Ward 6) 1501 Half Street, SW, Apt. 31 Washington, DC 20023-3424 202-488-7997 www.swwr.org Brent Terry, Interim Executive Director
Left:Raimon Nelson Sr. receives the Georgia Avenue Collaborative’s Outstanding Resident Award; pictured with Eugene Kinlow, Karen Feinstein, and Bernadette White. Right: Lawrence Montgomery, receives the East River Collaborative’s Outstanding Resident Awards; pictured with Eugene Kinlow, Mae Best and Morris Redd.
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COLLABORATIVE COUNCIL Eleven DC Students Win Father of the Year Essay Contest Eleven Washington, DC, school children were honored as winners of the fifth annual “What My Father Means to Me” Essay Contest, and Alfred Walker Jr. was named Father of the Year during the “A Celebration of Fatherhood” ceremony at the John Wilson Building on May 27. The Essay Contest was created in 1992 by the National Center for Fathering and is conducted in several U.S. cities to raise awareness about the importance of fathering. The Washington, DC contest, co-sponsored by the Washington Nationals and managed by the DC Superior Court, yielded 1500 entries from students in grades 1 through 11 enrolled in District schools. The winners of the contest each received a $250 savings bond, and tickets to a Washington Nationals game, and were honored by the Washington Nationals at a home game on June 19. The Collaborative Council was among several District organizations that supported this year’s contest. “Today we celebrate the many faces of fatherhood. I’m hopeful that we will create a memory that will last a lifetime for all of you – a memory that forever locks in your mind the special relationship between a father and a
child,” said Carey Casey, CEO, National Center for Fathering. Student essays, which were read during the ceremony, conveyed children’s heartfelt opinions about their fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers or father figures. Syisha Walker, an 8th grader at Cesar Chavez Public Charter school and the daughter of the Father of the Year, wrote: I can admit that I am a daddy’s little girl. I’m always hanging out with him. We go bike riding, to sports-related events, out to eat, shopping, or just hang out watching movies. My father is very supportive, too . . . because he’s always helping out at my school or supporting sport events at my school or the Boys & Girls Club. Not only does he help out, but he works very hard to support our family financially. I will admit that I’m spoiled by my father, but he will not accept disrespect and will discipline me. My grades are good and I’m always on the honor roll. I owe this to my father. Winners of this year’s contest are
Alfred Walker Jr. (center) with family and sponsors of the DC Essay Contest
as follows: • Skyler Blue, First Grade Phoebe Hearst Elementary • Nikera Young, Second Grade Martin Luther King Elementary • Darrow Sherman, Third Grade Phoebe Hearst Elementary • Imari Galloway, Fourth Grade William Doer Public Charter School • Brandon Odems, Fifth Grade River Terrace Elementary • Tatyana Shelton, Sixth Grade, Friendship Public Charter School; Blow Pierce Jr. Academy
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Deng Phua, Seventh Grade Alice Deal Middle School Suzanna Carnevali-Doan, Seventh Grade, Alice Deal Middle School Syisha Walker, Eighth Grade, Cesar Chavez Public Charter School Julisa Larious, Eighth Grade John Phillip Sousa Middle School
Student essays can be read at www.fathers.com
NEWS AND NOTES Funding Restored for Collaboratives, Other Programs The mayor’s proposed FY2011 budget submitted on April 1 recommended broad cuts in human services programs, including a 10 percent or $892,000 reduction to the Collaboratives. In response to a well-organized effort coordinated by the Collaborative Council, including testimony before City Council committees and numerous meetings with Council members and their staff, the City Council restored 8 percent of the cut. In partnership with the Fair Budget Coalition and Save Our Safety Net, the Collaborative Council also successfully fought for more than $28 million in funding for additional programs including: • Continued funding for the Rapid Housing program: This initiative supports the housing needs of both youth aging out of the foster care system and CFSA-involved families who have children in out-of-home placement who are ready for reunification. Accessed by many clients of the Collaboratives, these funds provide transitional support for older youth and reduce the length of
time children are in foster care. The $1.1 million restoration will provide housing supports to over 220 youth and families. • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The City Council reversed the mayor’s proposal to cut $1 million from the EITC, a program that provides financial assistance to the working poor. • Grandparent Caregiver Program: The City Council’s restoration of $2 million in funding for this initiative will allow for valuable supports to continue for grandparents who have legal responsibility for their grandchildren who otherwise might be in foster care. DC Launches First Child Abuse Prevention Plan During a public policy forum in April, CFSA Director Roque Gerald, Psy.D., unveiled the city’s first-ever child abuse prevention plan – a threeyear initiative to coordinate public, private, and community efforts to strengthen families as a means of preventing child abuse and neglect
Richard Flintrop, director of policy and planning, Collaborative Council, with Columbia Heights/Shaw representatives at the “Save Our Safety Net” rally.
throughout the city. The plan describes the District’s strategy for raising awareness about child abuse and neglect, investing in approaches that support healthier children and stronger families, and measuring outcomes of investments. According to Gerald, the initial implementation phase of the plan will involve: • Building capacity in proven, targeted prevention strategies. The plan
identifies approaches that independent research and evaluation have shown to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect and improve protective factors, including: home visitation, parent education and support, and teen pregnancy prevention. • Aligning District and community services. The District will create an inventory of existing child abuse/neglect Continued on page 5
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DC CHILDREN’S TRUST FUND DCCTF Thriving in New Location The D.C. Children’s Trust Fund (DCCTF), a nonprofit organization created seven years ago as a public/private partnership pursuant to legislation passed by the City Council, is dedicated to “fostering the well-being of the District’s children and their families by leading the way toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect.” It serves as a catalyst for prevention efforts by leveraging private and governmental resources to provide support and technical assistance to community-based organizations, schools, and churches to strengthen families and thereby reduce the risk of child abuse. In 2009, Mayor Fenty decided to move the $200,000 in federal funding, which had been used to support DCCTF’s operations, to CFSA, forcing the organization to downsize significantly. Under the leadership of Kinaya Sokoya, DCCTF continues to thrive. In February 2010, the Sokoya entered into an agreement with the Healthy Families/Thriving Communities Collaborative Council to move into the Collaborative Council’s suite of offices, located at 1112 11th Street, NW, Suite B. DCCTF sustains operations with two Americorps workers, students from George Washington University and volunteers. DCCTF continues to receive funding from the Annie E. Casey Founda-
tion to manage the data collection, analysis and evaluation for the annual Every Kid Counts in the District of Columbia reports. It is also the local acagency for Parents crediting Anonymous, an evidence-based parent empowerment model, with 12 parent groups and children’s programs currently operating in the District. Other training offered by DCCTF for parents and/or service providers include the following: • Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention • Stress Management • Healthy Relationships/Unhealthy Relationships • Nonviolent Conflict Resolution • Infant Massage • Respite Care • Life Skills • Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention • Cultural Competence • Shared Leadership/Parent Empowerment • Stronger Together (engagement training for early learning center personnel) • Darkness to Light (training for prevention of child sexual abuse) For more information, contact DCCTF at 202-299-0900, ext. 26; or visit www.dckidscount.org.
Above: Kinaya Sokoya conducts training on child abuse and neglect laws in the District of Columbia for the East River Collaborative. Below: DCCTF held combined its annual “Luv Affair” for parents with the Parent Leader Awards Luncheon honoring parents from the six Collaboratives. Left: Participant tries ear candling Right: Parent leader receives award.
Blended Funding for PreK: A Quiet Revolution for DCPS By HyeSook Chung Fifty-six years after the District of Columbia moved to desegregate its schools, a new wave of integration will quietly sweep the public schools this fall. This time it's not about race, but income. For the first time, in the District's Title I schools, three- and four-year-olds will be assigned to blended classrooms that include both low-income students enrolled in Head Start and non-Head Start students. All of the preschoolers in these blended classrooms, regardless of income, will benefit from the comprehensive early education model that was pioneered and developed by Head Start. They will have access to nutritious meals in the classroom, health screenings and parent education programs that research has shown have given Head Start students an important boost as they make the transition to school. This new integration is made possible by blending federal Head Start funds with local and state funds to expand the Head Start model to reach
virtually all of the District's preschoolers. It's a quiet revolution that so far has gone virtually unnoticed. Why blend funding? The federal government provides Head Start funding to the District for 1,782 children, but more than 3,300 children in DC Public Schools qualify. Schools that offer Head Start cannot serve all the eligible children. By blending local and federal funds for PreK, the District can reach more children who are eligible for Head Start across the system. Starting August 23 (with the new academic school year), the District will reach more than 4,600 students in combined Head Start and PreK classrooms across the city. I recently visited one such program at a community-based center in Ward 5. There, the director told me that when given a choice between a Head Start or PreK (non-Head Start) slot in the blended program, many low-income parents will choose a PreK slot. When I probed a little, the director said the families presumed PreK would benefit their child's success academically— a misguided as
sumption because research has shown that low-income children benefit most from a comprehensive approach to early learning that addresses their health, developmental, and family support needs. Unfortunately, even in these blended programs where all children receive the same education and services, it is clear that the Head Start label still bears a certain stigma among parents as being un-academic and inferior to standard PreK. Hopefully with all students, regardless of income, benefiting from Head Start services, that stigma will soon wear away. I have great hope that parents from all backgrounds will soon realize the benefits of a Head Start-style program for their children. In fact, measurable parental involvement is a key part of the Head Start model and will be critical to the success of blended PreK in the District. DCPS is exploring various ways to engage parents of preschool children, including innovative incentives, to help support their development and learning beyond the classroom.
Nationally and loc a l l y , advocates and policymakers are pushing for a more integrated, seamless delivery of early care and edu- HyeSook Chung is cation. For the executive director of DC Action for District, inte- Children grating Head Start and PreK in DCPS schools is a giant step in the right direction. Head Start and PreK programs outside of DCPS can hopefully glean lessons about successfully blending funding from DCPS’s integration experience. In fact, D.C.’s experience with PreK integration may well serve as a model for the nation. Currently, only three states have integrated PreK and Head Start programs: Kansas, Wisconsin and South Dakota. The District should celebrate this important milestone and ensure that we work together to make it a success for all students.
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EAST RIVER D2D Community Day Attracts More Than 300 More than 300 Ward 7 residents participated in ERFSC’s 6th Annual Dare to Make a Difference (D2D) Community Day, which provided information, resources, and entertainment. The event’s co-sponsors included: • CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield • City Interests, LLC • Councilmember Yvette Alexander's Office • National Center for Children & Families • New Communities • New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church • Ophelia Egypt Program Center • Universal Legal Services Gospel, R&B, and hip hop performances by local artists highlighted the day’s event.
ERFSC Hosts Summer Day Camp Youth ages 5 to 13 in the Kenilworth community are participating in an ERFSC-sponsored Mind, Body and Spirit Intergenerational Day Camp, which focuses on academics, health, and fitness. The camp also encourages participants to be positive citizens, builds self-esteem, and incorporates the sharing of intergenerational experiences. In addition to swimming, participating in sports tournaments, recreational activities, games, arts and crafts, and library excursions, the children are given daily lessons to increase and continue their academic skills, using a variety of reading material and math enhancement tools. They are also learning how to express themselves through poetry and participation in discussions on the abuse of drugs and alcohol. These conversations help the children confirm their futures when it comes to these substances while learning what to do and say when they are confronted. A grant to ERFSC from the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (CYITC) funds this program. Space for the program is being provided by the DC Housing Authority Resident Council at 4500 Quarles Street NE.
Above: (clockwise): Participants register for Community Day; Staff of DC Water and Sewer Authority distribute information; Children enjoy moon bounce; Namastie and Nicole Ready were among the local artists who entertained participants. Below: Children enjoy activities at ERFSC’s day camp.
News and Notes (from page 3) prevention programs as a baseline for citywide capacity. The inventory will identify service gaps and allow future initiatives to avoid duplication of efforts. • Measuring outcomes to ensure resources are used effectively. The District will establish an evaluation process for government and community programs, both to assess achievement of desired outcomes and to determine the efficacy of the District’s financial investment. • Raising community awareness and seeking input. Through a variety of outreach efforts, the District will introduce and discuss the plan, raise public awareness, and engage the community in helping to prevent child abuse and
An expert panel addressed child abuse prevention policy in April at the National Press Club. From left: James Hmurovich, Prevent Child Abuse America; Jennifer Ehrle Macomber, The Urban Institute; Catherine Nolan, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Roque Gerald, CFSA; and Michele Booth Cole, Safe Shores/The DC Children’s Advocacy Center
neglect. The plan was developed by the Statewide Commission on Children, Youth and Families (formerly the Inter-
agency Collaboration and Services Integration Commission) in collaboration with Prevent Child Abuse America, a national advocacy organization.
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EDGEWOOD/BROOKLAND EBFSC Holds Partner Reception in New Edgewood Terrace Offices “Diversifying our Investments to Build Vibrant Communities,” was the theme of the 2010 Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative (EBFSC) partner reception, which was held in the organization’s new offices at Edgewood Terrace in June. The event’s theme underscored EBFSC’s continued mission to diversify programs in the community to strengthen families. During the past year, EBFSC continued to provide family preservation and support services and also diversified its programs by investing in the creation of an employment program and providing individualized support to families with youth committed to the juvenile justice system. “These programs will ensure that needed resources are available to vulnerable youth, families and individuals that we serve,” said Louvenia Williams, EBFSC executive director. Awards honoring the memory of EBFSC’s resident founders were presented as follows: • Roque Gerald, Psy.D., director, Child and Family Services Agency: The Richard Green “Caring for Children” Award • Thomas Gore, director, Associates for Renewal in Education: The Violet Collins “Strengthening Families” Award
From top (clockwise): Roque Gerald with EBFSC Board members; Thomas Gore with EBFSC Board members; Dana Jones, with EBFSC Board members; Greta Elliott receives appreciation for serving as chair of EBFSC Board.
• Dana Jones, CEO, United Planning Organization: The Rogerline Nicholson “Building Stronger Communities” Award In accepting his award, Gerald said that the Collaboratives “have been
mentors for me and have helped me do the work that I do. They are our frontline of prevention . . . and have played a critical role in where [the agency] is now. Gerald reported that CFSA is ranked in the top 20 out of 42 jurisdic-
tions and is ranked second in the country in “keeping families safe at home.” Gerald said, “We could not have done it without the Collaboratives.”
event and provided families with resources and linkages. TWC youth conducted outreach, engaging residents on the importance of HIV education and testing. TWC, located in the Brookland Manor community, is dedicated to meeting the needs of women with
HIV/AIDS. It was founded in 1993, with the premise that women with HIV/AIDS must be involved in every aspect of health care service delivery and their empowerment through peer support must be encouraged.
Brookland Manor Family Day Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative provided a jump start to the summer for the residents of Brookland Manor by hosting a Family Fun Day event, in cooperation with The Women’s Collective (TWC). The purpose of family fun day is to bring together community residents, children,
and youth — offering them a safe place where they can interact, have fun, and enjoy the beginning of summer. Families enjoyed a day filled with activities for their children, such as the moonbounce, arts and crafts, basketball tournaments, and other entertainment. Various service providers attended this
SOUTH WASHINGTON/WEST OF THE RIVER SWWR Fathers Attend Philadelphia Conference Mixing business with pleasure, a group of dads from the South Washington West of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative’s Fatherhood Program traveled to the Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival on June 12. The daylong festival seeks to remind fathers that positive involvement increases the strength of the children, the family, the community, and the world. Workshops topics included: “Making the Blended
Family Work,” “Staying Calm under Pressure,” “Real Estate & Credit,” and “What to Do and What Not to Do in Court.” Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams was the keynote speaker. SWWR’s Fatherhood Program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at St. Augustine Church. Call Alphonso Coles at 202-870-1885 for more information. SWWR dads chat over cheesesteaks at Geno’s. From left: Larry Parker, Coley Coles, William Curtis Lindsay, and Ray Crutchfield
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FAR SOUTHEAST FSFSC Holds Annual Meeting and Conference and Barry Farm Resource Fair FSFSC’s 11th Annual Business Meeting and Family Community Conference — “Strengthening Communities: Moving Families Forward” — focused on the role of the entire community in developing youth and building a strong community. The event, which was held this year at the Thurgood Marshall High School with 600 people attending, featured concurrent workshops, scores of exhibitors, the annual awards program, and election of board members. The conference workshops focused on topics for both adults and youth, as follows: • Teen Times: Honoring Youth Culture While Promoting Healthy Behaviors – Margaux Delotte-Bennett, LGSW, of the Sasha Bruce Youthwork P.O.W.E.R. Program explained current research on the health and well-being of teens, how their needs are being understood and met, what societal forces impact youth, and how young people are perceived by and in the community. • Health at Your Fingertips – Jeanne Lauber, of Health Information Partners, provided basic computer literacy skills, such as turning on the computer, using the mouse, and instruction on how to access health and wellness programs and information via the Internet. • Health and Wellness Workshop – This open-house workshop, featuring experts from the Anacostia Health and Wellness Center, Caressence Therapeutic Massage, and Washington Senior Wellness Center, provided instruction, consultation, testing, awareness, and information on health-care topics for all ages, conditions, concerns, and care. • When Home is Not an Option – Regina Lawson, of the Child and Family Services Agency, provided information on options for children who aren’t able to return to their biological parents, including adoption, kinship, and independent living. • Making Your Systems Work for You – Reginald Grant of Fair Chance shared information and resources for providers and residents on the importance of supporting the development and capacity of programs, services, and organizations for a positive impact on the care of children and families. • Think Twice Before You Slice – Glen O’Gilvie, Center for Nonprofit Advancement, discussed planning, implementing, and financing community
programs, particularly those for children and families, and the importance of advocating for their funding. • The Work Behind the Music – George Adusei of Diverse Entertainment, LLC, provided youth participants with a basic understanding of the development, concepts, and processes that collectively impact the creation of music. This session also explored publishing, marketing, and other business aspects of the music industry. Barry Farm Resource Fair Since the grand opening of FSFSC’s Barry Farm office in October 2008, the site has been the center of the community for resources and empowering tools to move families towards self-sufficiency. On June 3, 2010, FSFSC staff conducted a Community Resource Fair, which offered more than 30 programs, live music, moon bouncers, and cook-out style food, attracting more than 200 participants, with 150 youth signing up for summer programs. The event was held in front of the FSFSC Barry Farm office which is located at 1140 Eaton Road, SE.
Above: Barry Farm resident enjoys the hoola-hoop during resource fair. Below: FSFSC staff. Right: The rain didn’t stop residents from seeking information and resources during the Barry Farm Community Resource Fair.
From top: Conference participant gets blood pressure checked by DC EMS; Conference participant swabs cheek for bone marrow matching. Residents participate in conference workshops.
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TRANSITIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS East River Family Strengthening Collaborative Rosie Parke, ERFSC’s director of communications, is among the latest graduates from a DCTV (Downtown Community Television Center) 8week course designed to teach participants to produce a broadcastquality show. At the completion of the course, Rosie became a “certified DCTV producer,” which enables her to submit programming to the station for airing. DCTV is a media arts center that provides training, state-of-the-industry resources, and documentary productions. Letesha ParkerWilliams is the new family support worker for ERFSC under the New Communities Initiative. Prior to joining ERFSC, Letesha worked in a special needs program at High Road Primary School/Academy as a behavioral specialist and lead teaching assistant. She volunteers as a mentor to returning citizens, under CSOSA’s (Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency) Faith-Based Initiative Mentoring Program. A native Washingtonian, she is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson Senior High School.
to joining ERFSC, Tavoris worked as a case manager with Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services and as an event planner with Creative Catering, both located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Vaughn holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Artherelle West, ERFSC’s director of resource development and special initiatives, is among 25 Washington-area emerging nonprofit leaders selected to participate in the Nonprofit Roundtable’s 2010 Future Executive Directors Fellowship. Now in its second year, this year-long intensive leadership development program provides an opportunity for its participants to enhance their potential to meet their goals of becoming an executive director. Patricia Whalen recently joined ERFSC as the quality assurance specialist. She previously worked as an authorization specialist for Family Preservation Services. She attended Strayer College and the University of the District of Columbia.
Tavoris Vaughn is a family support worker with ERFSC, where he provides case management and community support on issues such as parenting, housing, employment and education. Prior
Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative Rodney Brooks, an EBFSC employment coach, imparts to individuals the encouragement needed to “put their life to work” and to use their own individual talents. He is a deeply compassionate person who is sensitive to the needs of those he serves as he has experienced many, if not all, of the things that have hindered the growth and development of people of color. Rodney believes that the greatest success in life is in helping others achieve success. Valeria Carter, LICSW, recently joined EBFSC as clinical director. She previously served as clinical director at North Capitol Collaborative, Inc. She has also worked for Catholic Charities as a family preservation supervisory social worker; was the FDC coordinator at the Healthy/Families Thriving Communities Collaborative Council; provided supervision to MSW students at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington; and was a program administrator for the Family Resource Center in St. Louis. Shanton Tyson, transitioned from corporate America to the nonprofit sector this year with aspira-
tions of serviing the community and uplifting disadvantaged youths and adults. As an EBFSC employment coach, she has been able to use resources and networks to maximize her efforts with clients. Shanton is eager to continue supporting the community in hopes that everyone embrace the “Yes You Can” attitude. A native of Harlem, New York, Shanton graduated from Boston College in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing management in leadership.
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative Brian Howard, a native of Riverdale, Georgia, has joined FSFSC as a family support worker. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Carolina A&T University and a master of counseling psychology from Howard University. Roderic A. Irby Jr. has joined FSFSC as a family support worker in the FEED program. A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Roderic received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from North Carolina A&T University and is pursuing a master of science in management from the University of Maryland.
Collaborative Council Annual Meeting (from page 2) Continued on page 8 • Dorothea Ferrell – among her many accomplishments, she founded the Barry Farm Community Center and led the organization for more than 15 years; the center has provided programming for children, youth, and adults, including a computer technology center, GED training, tutoring, and summer programming. (Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative) • Raimon Nelson Sr., youth development associate with World Vision of the National Capital Area – specializes in mentoring urban teens to develop their resiliency and success. (Georgia Avenue/ Rock Creek East Family Support Collaborative) • Nadine Harris, career service man-
Left: Nadine Harris with Brent Terry (right) Eugene Kinlow and Joseph Franklin accepts the South Washington Collaborative’s Outstanding Resident Award. Right: Sabrina and Cliff Givens of 859 received the Edgewood/Brookland Collaborative’s Outstanding Resident Award, with Ange Anglade and Louvenia Williams.
ager/trainer, Career TEAM – has worked tirelessly to provide welfare-towork programs in the District and is the
city’s leading trainer in this field. (South Washington/West of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative)
Each of these awardees will be profiled in future issues of The Collaborative Connection.