KINDLING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
through Education, Careers & Community
UNITED PLANNING ORGANIZATION
UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and economically secure residents.
COMMUNITY ACTION
The United Planning Organization (UPO) is one of our nation’s 1,000+ Community Action Agencies (CAAs) dedicated to helping people become economically secure. CAAs serve 99% of the counties in the nation. UPO serves as the only CAA for Washington, DC’s residents with low incomes, and is one of only 12 agencies to ever win the Agency of Excellence award.
THE COMMUNITY ACTION PROMISE
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
photo:
Charnal Chaney is a dedicated Ward 8 resident, community advocate, and proud DCPS parent whose children have enjoyed UPO’s summer camp. A graduate of UPO’s Community Leadership Academy and an active UPO volunteer, she is deeply committed to uplifting our community. Charnal has also collaborated with UPO staff to help DC residents develop trauma-informed coping skills that support healing, resilience, and overall well-being.
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53,321 people served across all generations
UPO connects with many DC residents by giving immediate help. This year, 5,825 customers asked for more comprehensive help over time to achieve economic mobility and security and reach their full potential. UPO responded by opening doors that invite these DC residents to reach their goals in these areas:
PRO-WORK
Job Security 615 jobs obtained by customers
244 national vocational certifications earned 50 high school students attended Construction Trade Workshops and discovered viable, prosperous career paths
1,415 1,818 135 398 1,703 356
Early Head Start provider in DC $1.5 million in scholarships awarded since 1990
87% of EPIC Book Club students improved their reading comprehension
147,360 meals distributed
Security
$1.3 million in customer tax refunds secured with UPO's free tax preparation
Housing Security
231 customers received housing counseling that helped them stay in their homes or buy their first home
Andrea Thomas President and CEO
Lafayette Barnes Chair, Board of Directors
Lafayette Barnes Chair
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Jennifer Park, Ph.D. Vice Chair Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Michael Austin, Esq. Secretary
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Barbara Bovbjerg Treasurer
Designated by Congresswoman Norton
FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO AND BOARD CHAIR:
KINDLING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
DC residents come to UPO fired up and ready to change. UPO staff become their champions, giving them the tools to rise into the middle class.
And when they need to rekindle a second chance, our team is there to help:
� After 6 years in prison, Douglas was committed to turning his life around with a new career. After earning a trio of national certifications at UPO’s Workforce Institute, he achieved his goal. (See p. 21)
� As Mary recovered from bankruptcy, she still had a lot to learn about paving a new path. With help from a UPO Certified Financial Counselor, she’s on her way to success. (See p. 14)
� Two high school girls’ misbehavior got them kicked out of all afterschool activities. The following September, a set of “Girls Talk” sessions organized by UPO ignited sparks inside them and the girls changed their attitudes. Soon they were welcomed back to our POWER program, whose structure and support enabled them to blossom … and become award winners! (See p. 9)
We see UPO’s impact on our neighbors every day. We are continually striving for excellence and adopting best practices to make our programs more effective, more responsive, and more powerful
Please read the stories in this report to learn how UPO helps people to kindle economic mobility, break out of cycles of dependence, and transform their families for generations.
MEMBERS
Salim K. Adofo
Representative of Low-Income Residents
Elected by Ward 8B
Reginald Black
Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Nkosi C. Bradley, Esq. Representative of Low-Income Residents
Elected by Ward 7
Christian Clansky Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Loren Cox, Ph.D.
Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Tonya Crawford Representative of Low-Income Residents
Elected by Ward Ward 8A
Shakira Hemphill Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Laura Manville Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Hadiyah M. Muhammad Representative of Low-Income Residents
Elected by Wards 4 & 5
Christopher Sennett, Esq. Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Dorjan Short Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Aron Szapiro Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Robert Thorne Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Christine M. Warnke, Ph.D.
Representative of Low-Income Residents
Elected by Wards 1 & 3
Charell Williams Parent Policy Council Representative (LowIncome)
Joan Williams
Representative of Low-Income Residents
Elected by Wards 2 & 6 (Ward 6)
OUR PROGRAMS
How DC Residents Become the Change Agents of Their Lives
Everyone deserves to be economically secure and reach their full potential. We partner with people on their journey to economic security, tailoring our approach to help them build on their strengths and add knowledge and skills.
Office of Early Learning
educates, empowers, and supports children and their families.
Youth Services
sparks academic success and personal development for grades 1-12 through tailored programs designed to close the opportunity gap; our Beavers Scholarships make college dreams come true; and our “Foster Grandparents” are senior volunteers who become children’s mentors.
UPO Workforce Institute
develops customers’ skill sets and powers their careers via national certifications. We also place customers in jobs, accelerating the upward trajectory of their careers and increasing their earning power.
Community Reinvestment
helps customers build on and leverage their assets to generate wealth.
Affordable Housing
delivers affordable homes that offer dignity and stability.
Community Health
Shelter Hotline protects people who are living on the streets; Comprehensive Treatment Center supports health and well-being through education, treatment, and outreach; Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program ensures that customers can keep food on their tables; and Permanent Supportive Housing helps people move from homelessness to housing stability and selfsufficiency.
Community Impact
reduces the causes and conditions of economic instability through place-based strategies that are launched and driven by community residents.
Advocacy Initiatives
change lives and strengthen communities through direct service and by amplifying the voices of DC residents who lead the transformation of their neighborhoods. Our Community Advocacy, Volunteering, and Legislative Advocacy teams collaborate with residents to fight for change by showing how policy affects opportunity.
PROEDUCATION
Programs Spark Learning
Education is the key to achieving economic security and we prepare children and their parents for success. We invite pregnant mothers to learn about pre-natal care, then we nurture their children in Early Head Start. By removing the high cost of childcare, we enable parents to work and stimulate economic development.
As students grow, our programs follow them with afterschool and summer programs that prepare them for college and careers. We also train senior volunteers to mentor children — which benefits all of them!
UPO is DC’s LARGEST EARLY HEAD START PROVIDER
OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING
nurtured 558 children in 15 Early Childhood Education Centers throughout the city (see p. 28), including 7 inside high schools. Since 2015, at the city’s request, UPO has also served as a hub in the Quality Improvement Network — a citywide effort to improve educational outcomes. Our expert training and technical assistance (such as effective coaching) has helped 13 other centers (and 14 homes) rise to a level that meets federal standards.
HOW WE ENGAGED PARENTS
Our holistic, two-generation approach includes workshops in Mental Health, Parental Self-Care, and Early Intervention. One mother said, “They didn’t just give me resources, they helped me believe I could reach my goals.” A father said, "This program helped us when we had nowhere else to turn. Because of their support, we now have stable housing and hope for the future.”
101 adults enrolled in education or job training programs
377 families received emergency or crisis intervention services (food, clothing, shelter)
94%
of children met or exceeded expectations in Cognitive Development, a 13% gain. They also had 13-14% gains in Math and Language Development.
We are devoted to continuous improvement: All teachers received coaching and feedback from our Early Learning Specialists, which led to more intentional teaching. Education Managers met with Center Directors regularly to share results and create action plans for how to strengthen each teacher's approach.
47 families experiencing homelessness achieved stability by securing safe housing and/or assistance (subsidies, utilities, repairs)
HELPING HER FAMILY THRIVE
Veronica Diaz-Perez is an Early Head Start parent. Her child with special needs gets customized services at a UPO-supervised center. UPO also helped Veronica finish high school, gain a home, dress for success, and feed her family. She graduated with a Childhood Development Associate credential and aspires to become a teacher.
To give back, she is honored to become the Parent Policy Council representative on UPO’s Board of Directors — she’s the voice for hundreds of parents.
“A LIFELINE” THAT LED TO GROWTH AND RESILIENCE
“In 2012, my young son faced significant health impairments and severe food allergies. Navigating these challenges as a first-time parent was overwhelming but UPO’s Early Head Start program became a lifeline. With compassionate support from the specialists, I found not only resources but a community that truly cared
Grateful and inspired, I began volunteering [as a parent/ advocate]. I ultimately served as Chair of the Parent Policy Council, advocating for families and shaping policies that uplifted [all of us].
With UPO’s support, I enrolled in [college for] a master’s in public health, driven by a passion for wellness and inspired by the nutritionist who had guided my family. UPO provided mentorship and a platform to apply my learning.
In 2019, I proudly graduated, carrying not just a degree, but a mission. Now I serve as UPO's Nutrition Services Specialist with unwavering commitment to support current families with the same care, dignity, and hope I received.”
- Roukiatou Kirakoya, MPH, CCNP, CMP
PROEDUCATION
Programs Spark Learning
YOUTH SERVICES DIVISION
has 3 flagship afterschool programs — EPIC Book Club, POWER Middle/High School, and C.R.E.A.T.E. Elementary School— alongside the Joseph A. Beavers Scholarships. They foster academic success and personal growth. Students develop critical life skills via consistent enrichment and tutoring that reinforces classroom learning. Steadily increasing attendance rates and broad participation reflect strong engagement and trust.
Impact from the beginning to the end of the school year:
90%
improvement in C.R.E.A.T.E. students’ behavior due to a holistic approach, incl. SocialEmotional Learning (SEL) workshops coupled with STEM enrichment
87%
of EPIC students improved their reading comprehension (iReady data comparisons)
E P I C
Elevated learning experiences close the opportunity gap for underresourced students. Our vision: Fill the gap with activities that shape societal leaders and change agents who make a positive social impact through their character, firm identity, emotional intelligence, academic excellence, and mental and physical wellbeing. C.R.E.A.T.E. is supported by grants from CSBG and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
BOOK CLUB LITERACY PROGRAM
EPIC promotes literacy through engaging activities: Students explore wide-ranging stories, build vocabulary, and develop critical thinking skills in a warm, supportive environment that fosters confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading. EPIC is funded by a Learn 24 grant.
“Providing Opportunities With Educational Readiness”
Our after-school and summer program propels youth to postsecondary success through Social-Emotional Learning and college and career readiness. Activities include Debate Club, financial literacy, SAT prep, mentorship, civic engagement, Life Smarts, and hands-on experiences with social exposure such as conferences, travel, and field trips that build competence, emotional intelligence, and teamwork. POWER is funded with 21st Century and CSBG grants.
1ST PLACE AWARDS FOR THE DESTINATION IMAGINATION TEAM
Last year, two POWER students’ misbehavior got them kicked out of all afterschool activities. This year, they showed remarkable growth (through a “Girls Talk” club that UPO organized). Both students not only actively re-engaged but went on to win 1st Place awards as part of our team in the Destination Imagination (DI) competition. DI finds future engineers, inventors, and creative thinkers by evaluating their innovation and problem-solving in STEM and Social-Emotional Learning. The students’ progress proves the transformative impact of structured, supportive, and skill-integrated programming.
PROEDUCATION Programs Spark Learning
THE BOND BETWEEN SENIORS & CHILDREN
For 7 years, UPO Foster Grandma Sandra L. Morgan has used “patience and heart” to help children thrive. She’s the “right hand” of teachers at Miner Elementary School, where she mentors 3 children diagnosed with autism in reading, math, art, exercise, play, and dancing. “Mama Sandy” knows they will act out their emotions physically, and she’s ready!
She recently spoke on a Miner panel about “herstory” where she shared her impact and what she has learned in our program. (UPO’s “Foster Grandparents” are senior volunteers who mentor children; they form the DC Chapter of AmeriCorps Seniors.) Then she testified in front of the DC Council in favor of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding, which UPO receives to help DC residents thrive.
seniors Our
85
945 children to mentor served at 31 sites including classrooms + Howard University Hospital FOSTER GRANDPARENTS
63,494 hours volunteered
UPO awarded Beavers Scholarships to emerging leaders
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS AT THE MLK BREAKFAST
“Chaos or Community?” was the theme of UPO’s 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast. Every year at this event, we give Joseph A. Beavers Scholarships to 5 outstanding DC students to ease the costs of college. Our generous donors have invested over $1 million to support 200+ scholars through college. Highlights included:
• A rousing Keynote speech by Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, a champion for STEM education who was President of Alabama State University and National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
• UPO unveiled our Legislative Advocacy Agenda:
- Safe and Affordable Housing for All
- Supporting Economic Mobility
- Adequate and Healthy Food for All
- Affordable and Quality Child Care
• MC Mhlengi Famakinwa, a 2019 Beavers Scholarship recipient spoke about UPO’s important role on his journey: He was about to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Howard University with a B.S. in Biology (Chemistry minor). Now he’s in Howard’s College of Dentistry, class of 2029.
PROCOMMUNITY Programs Transform Lives
UPO helps District residents build stronger neighborhoods and live healthy, productive lives. We address the causes and conditions of economic insecurity and through our Community Leadership Academy, we show people how to amplify their voices and change their communities.
Our staff helps people to develop the tools they need to succeed, from education to affordable housing, from food to free tax preparation, from healthcare to financial and housing counseling. (UPO is a HUD-approved Housing Counselor.)
MLK DAY OF SERVICE
We began the MLK Holiday weekend with UPO’s MLK Breakfast. The next day we held our annual MLK Day of Service at our Petey Greene Community Service Center. Members of the Divine 9 — comprised of traditionally African-American fraternities and sororities — were delighted to assemble hundreds of bags of food, clothing, and treats to distribute to our neighbors. Many thanks to ANC Commissioner and UPO Board member Salim Adofo and our Community Advocacy team for making this such a meaningful day, honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
SPOTLIGHT ON EVICTIONS IN DC
Evictions in 2025 reached the highest level in at least a decade, 64% higher than DC's average number during the 5 years before the pandemic. Dive into our white paper to discover more.
UPO White Paper:
https://www.upo. org/wp-content/ uploads/2026/03/UPOEvictions-white-paperMarch-2026.pdf
UPO Benefits Cliff White Paper:
https://www.upo. org/wp-content/ uploads/2024/10/ Benefits-cliff-paperOctober-2024-resize.pdf
FORUM ON: HOW WE ADDRESS THE BENEFITS CLIFF
UPO’s Legislative Advocacy division partners with UPO staff and customers to identify systemic barriers to economic security and recommends solutions.
• UPO is a leader in highlighting the “benefits cliff,” the way that families are held back when they get a job or pay raise because their food, cash and housing benefits drop sharply.
• UPO wrote a white paper, held a public forum, and started working with the DC Council members on specific solutions.
• UPO organized advocates to highlight the collective cuts to DC’s safety net affecting 60,000+ residents — the largest cuts in a generation. Our effort built a new narrative about the safety net and a stronger collective effort, which led The Washington Post to write about it.
• UPO supported a group of Ward 8 leaders to develop the first-ever Ward 8 Budget Priorities report. “UPO was the glue that allowed us to come together and the brains to make our request compelling.” - Salim Adofo, ANC Commissioner, 8C07 and UPO Board member
(l. to r.) Amy Nelson (Whitman Walker Health), Tazra Mitchell (DC Fiscal Policy Institute) and Laura Zeilinger (DC Dept. of Human Services) share insights on addressing the Benefits Cliff.
PROCOMMUNITY Programs Transform Lives
SHE TOOK CHARGE OF HER LIFE
The Permanent Supportive Housing program is an essential solution to chronic homelessness. UPO case managers help people rebuild their lives through stability, wraparound services, and a path to selfsufficiency.
Precious Rosser is a resilient and determined mother and grandmother. After facing homelessness and trauma, she made a powerful decision to reclaim control of her life. Ms. Rosser secured new housing and her dream job in security. She steadily improved her mental health, anger management, parenting skills, and relationships, and now she feels transformed.
MARY’S FINANCIAL FOUNDATION
For Mary, financial freedom once felt out of reach. After filing for bankruptcy in 2005, she’s been rebuilding her financial life from the ground up. And just one month after her first session with a UPO Certified Financial Counselor, she’s showing inspiring progress.
“Bankruptcy was one of the hardest moments of my life,” Mary says. “But I promised myself I would never go back to that place again. UPO’s program is helping me stay focused and disciplined.”
Mary maintains a prime credit score and manages her debt with care. She just made a $250 payment toward her credit card balance, a small but powerful step. “It felt good to see that balance go down,” she says. “It reminded me that I am in control. I used to avoid looking at where my money was going. Now I see saving and tracking my spending as tools to make smarter choices.”
With a renewed sense of hope, Mary is laying the foundation for long-term financial stability. Her progress shows how UPO programs empower DC residents to take charge of their economic security — one goal at a time.
INVESTING IN THEIR FUTURE
UPO’s free, expert Tax Preparation helps DC residents keep more of their hard-earned income and invest in their future. This year, trained VITA tax professionals worked with community members to file returns for 837 customers who received $1.34 million in refunds — which went right back into their neighborhoods. Some customers then turned to UPO for financial and housing counseling to make wise use of their money.
KEEPING FOOD ON THE TABLE
This year UPO distributed 147,360 meals. Most of them were for DC seniors, who have the nation’s highest rate of food insecurity. UPO also issued 60,847 EBT cards to customers who needed an effective, efficient way to access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Then we invited them to see how UPO can address their other needs.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS ESSENTIAL
There is a clear need for communitywide efforts to fill DC’s affordable housing gap. Despite DC’s substantial housing investments, the challenge is growing: 38,000 renter households pay over half of their income on rent. That is a “severe housing cost burden” which increases their risk of eviction. Eviction is highly traumatic, pushing families deeper into poverty and causing long-term harm to children’s development. Addressing this issue is one of UPO’s highest priorities.
DIGNIFIED AFFORDABLE HOMES (WITH SUPPORT)
Using funds awarded by Truist Foundation, UPO made extensive renovations to 4 of our affordable units. The apartments are several decades old, and the work included the complete remodeling of two kitchens and bathrooms.
These renovations ensure that future renters live with dignity in a highquality home while pursuing their goal of economic security. Tenants in our units receive support from various UPO programs including career training, financial counseling, and referrals as needed.
BUILDING NEW HOMES
UPO is collaborating with premier firms to add affordable homes across the District:
• We have increased DC’s affordable housing stock by 177 units through our partnership with TM Associates, with more on the way via partnerships with Mutreja Development and PGN Architects.
• We are committed to developing additional effective, long-lasting partnerships.
UPO will continue to leverage every resource to improve our neighbors’ lives and help our communities thrive.
PROCOMMUNITY Programs Transform Lives
DELIVERING TURKEYS FOR THANKSGIVING
Our tradition is to help families across the District to have a Happy Thanksgiving, regardless of their finances. UPO’s Community Advocacy and Community Impact teams distributed 540 turkeys + 50 bags of groceries thanks to our devoted partners:
• Islamic Relief USA
• Safeway
• Masjid Muhammad
• Washington National Cathedral
This is how we build community!
The Community Impact division anchors communities and helps to maintain family and household stability by giving people the tools to succeed in three neighborhoods: Brentwood in Ward 5, Buzzard Point in Ward 6, and Benning Terrace in Ward 7.
These areas have some of the city’s largest public and subsidized housing and have some of the highest rates of poverty, crime, and health disparities. Through organized and dedicated efforts, in partnership with other community-based organizations, we have conducted over 350 empowerment sessions, reaching 150+ residents and engaging with 500+ households. Our team connects residents with UPO programs and provides ongoing workshops on mental and emotional wellness, financial literacy, computer skills, health, and nutrition.
Margo has served at UPO for 49 years — a remarkable legacy of dedication. As Procurement Assistant, she is behind the scenes, making sure our programs get what they need to run smoothly.
UPO STAFF ARE HONORED AT MCAP CONFERENCE
Over a dozen UPO teammates gained knowledge and learned best practices in human services at the Annual Conference of the Maryland Community Action Partnership (MCAP, a regional association that includes UPO, the Community Action Agency serving Washington, DC).
MCAP honored three members of Team UPO. They gave awards to Margo Reed and Shanae Blunt for their Outstanding Service and Commitment and a certificate to Gerika Brownlee for completing her coursework at MCAP’s Leadership Development Institute.
Shanae elevated the UPO Workforce Institute as Program Manager for the training program. One result: Our students are graduating at a 3x higher rate. Her huge impact also led to her being promoted to Director of our Community Reinvestment division.
Gerika is devoted to being an effective leader. She is Senior Program Director for In-School Sites in our Office of Early Learning (which is DC’s largest Early Head Start provider). Previously, she was Center Director at our Early Childhood Education Center at Atlantic Gardens.
(L. to r.) Honorees Gerika Brownlee, Margo Reed, and Shanae Blunt.
PROCOMMUNITY Programs Transform Lives
SHELTER HOTLINE
41,576 emergency calls responded to
105,882 life-sustaining items distributed
83,429 rides to shelter, healthcare, social services, and case management gave
102 referrals to emergency housing (for people who’d just lost their homes)
UPO’s Shelter Hotline staff are the eyes and ears of the city. We patrol the streets every day to check on our neighbors’ health to give rapid, compassionate care … and our critical role during emergencies requires flexibility and responsiveness. For many people, the Hotline is their first — or only — point of connection to DC’s homelessness response system, which links people to safety, resources, and pathways to stability
• Courtney, a customer, wrote: “Your driver Chris Watson went above and beyond today. He was exceptional at his driving skills and all-around spirit and attitude. I have a disability and he treated me like a human being. He took me to a safe place to take care of my situation.”
• To fight hunger, we created 8 new community partnerships for food donations and strengthened existing relationships.
• Our Youth Transportation Initiative gives young adults (ages 18–24) free, daily round trip transportation between shelters and youth-specific enrichment programs. This program is crucial to the city’s continuum of care for preventing youth violence and supporting healthy outcomes.
Outreach worker and driver Anthony Murphy with a Shelter Hotline van.
225 volunteers donated 5,700 hours— that’s a value of $205,200
APPRECIATION CELEBRATION FOR VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS & DONORS
To make an impact, a community must come together. DC residents do this every day, and we were delighted to shine a light on them at UPO’s annual Appreciation Celebration. We honored some of the hundreds of people and companies who give time, talent, and treasure to uplift our community.
PROWORK
Programs Open Doors
UPO is devoted to helping DC residents reach their full career potential.
The UPO Workforce Institute is a licensed institute of higher education with nationally recognized vocational training programs in high-demand fields that are AI-proof. By closing gaps in education and employment, we meet employer demand for skilled, work-ready talent.
Our wraparound approach to Career Development helps people overcome employment barriers with a practical action plan for how to achieve economic security.
TRAINING COURSES FOR NATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Construction Trade
Professional Building Maintenance (PBM)
Electrical Technician Plumbing
Telecommunications/Broadband
Introduction to Telecommunications (+ additional certifications)
Information Technology
IT Helpdesk and Application Support Specialist (CompTIA A+)
Culinary Arts
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
Education
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Commercial Driving
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A and B
615
jobs obtained by customers through UPO and our service provider network
244
national vocational certifications earned
50
high school students attended Construction Trade Workshops and discovered new career possibilities
1,415
customers received employment services such as job placement and resume preparation
471
customers received job readiness training such as soft skills workshops and interviewing practice
PREPARING HER TO SUCCEED
Tori Tracey loves learning new skills. In 2021, she was studying at Thurgood Marshall HS when she heard about a “great, fun, paid opportunity” — the Construction Trades Workshop at UPO’s Building Careers Academy (DC’s largest construction training facility). She leaped into Mr. G's Telecommunications class where she made a TV remote and “realized how many things I could do myself.” Then she proudly earned a national certification in Plumbing, which required her to snake drains, replace toilets, and use a blowtorch.
Fully confident in herself, she entered North Carolina A&T as an IT major and will graduate in December 2026. She’s a Help Desk technician at the university (after earning CompTIA Security+ and IBM certifications) and has mentored 40 of her peers. She will continue to lead and grow.
DOUGLAS GAINED
A SECOND CHANCE
“The certifications that I acquired through UPO have been a game changer. After being incarcerated for 6 years, I was determined to rebuild my future. Although I had [previous] experience in the field, it was the training and support I received at UPO that helped me truly restart my career.
In just 12 weeks in Mr. G's class, I earned 3 industry-recognized certifications in Telecommunications that opened doors I never thought possible. I now earn $29 an hour and most importantly I bring home a steady paycheck and take care of myself and my family.
This program gave me a second chance. I recently secured a position [and I’m] awaiting placement as an Elevator/Escalator Technician. That opportunity alone could push my earning potential to $40 an hour, and it’s all because UPO believed in me when I was ready to believe in myself.
Today, I’m not only working—I’m contributing. I’m a part of society in a meaningful way and I’m proud of the man I’ve become.”
Douglas Quander, UPO graduate
“TASTE
OF UPO” FOOD TRUCK OPENS FOR BUSINESS
Returning to UPO’s history of effective social enterprises, we launched Taste of UPO, DC’s only nonprofit-owned food truck and catering service. Here you can nourish your body and soul with delicious, fresh, and healthy meals — that’s “Eating Well, Doing Good.”
Taste of UPO delivers more than flavor explosions. Through our Culinary Arts Entrepreneurship program, we provide handson, real-world training, helping DC residents overcome employment barriers and launch careers in the food industry.
The first catering event for our “Taste of UPO” Food Truck was ideal: Chef Jerald Thomas and Interim Food Manager Kelvin Edgar, Jr. prepared hundreds of hot meals for the launch of the CareFirst Arena. This is a new name and a new community partnership for the former Entertainment & Sports Arena (the home of the Washington Mystics and Capital City GoGo). Our Community Advocacy team shared information about UPO programs at our table, which was part of the Community Health & Wellness Market. (Note: Our beloved Jerald Thomas has since passed away.)
FY 2024 – FY 2027
STRATEGIC GOALS
As we look toward the future, we are aiming for these targets.
GOAL #1
Optimize Economic-Security Programming
Provide high-quality resultsoriented programs and services to DC residents who aim to achieve economic security.
GOAL #2
Prioritize People-Centered Efficiency and Effectiveness
Optimize organizational performance through staff capacity development and business process improvements.
GOAL #3
Underscore Organizational Sustainability
Ensure long-term sustainability through strategic partnerships, diversified funding streams, and improved brand awareness.
HOUSING
HEALTH/SOCIAL
MEASURABLE OUTCOMES
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
113 seniors participated in recreation and socialization activities
46 residents graduated from the Community Leadership Academy
225 volunteers engaged (other than Foster Grandparents)
85 volunteer Foster Grandparents
41,576 phone calls answered by Shelter Hotline
83,429 rides provided to Shelter, Day Programs, Social Services, and Housing Opportunity appointments
INCOME,
INVESTORS IN OUR MISSION
We are pleased to acknowledge and thank our most generous benefactors who made gifts during FY 2025 between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025.
INVESTMENTS OF $100,000+
Bainum Family Foundation
INVESTMENTS OF $10,000 - $99,999
Anonymous
Comcast NBCUniversal Events DC
Pepco, an Exelon Company
Safeway Foundation
TD Charitable Fund
Winn Managed Properties
The Wollenberg Foundation
DC Cares/Greater Washington
Community Foundation
INVESTMENTS OF $1,000 - $4,999
Alpha Security, Inc.
Al's Twin Air, LLC
American Psychological Association
AmeriHealth Caritas DC
The Lisa and Attilio Arcari
Charitable Fund
Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
Jo Raffa Boukhira
CDW
Christian Clansky
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Delta Housing Corporation of DC
DC Health Link
DC Housing Authority
DC Office of the People's Counsel
Maya Dickens
Education Resource Group
Gallagher Benefit Services
Giant Food
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Dianna Guinyard
Michele V. Hagans
Laurette Hilliard
Scott Kratz
Lakeshore Learning Materials
The Roland and Linda Lindsay Charitable Fund
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission
MedStar Family Choice - District of Columbia Momentus Capital
John and Leslie Oberdorfer
Daniel Ofori-Addo, Ph.D.
PNC Bank
RCM&D
The RCM&D Foundation
Robert Half
School Health Corporation
Aron Szapiro
TD Bank
T.H. Easter Consulting
Andrea Thomas
TM Associates
United Bank
United Business Technologies (UBT)
UPO Inspire
William B. & Sallie B. Wallace
Wipfli
INVESTMENTS OF $5,000 - $9,999
Andrews Federal Credit Union
Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness
Vera Phillip and Akayleb Evans
Global Giving
The Headfirst Companies
Office Catering LLC
Jennifer Park
Total Family Care Coalition
INVESTMENTS OF $500 - $999
Deanna Austin
Lafayette Barnes
Beacon Hill Staffing
Eric Boas and Susanne Morris
Barbara and Randall Bovbjerg
Edgewood/Brookland
Family Support
Collaborative
Fundraising Guru Consulting
Vikkie Garay
Jay Heavner
Hyvron Jean
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Kutak Rock
Emery Lambert
Ned Laskowski
Ed Lazere
Steven Leitner/Cap Solar
Jonathan Mack
Magnolia Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc.
Kevin Oberdorfer
Zach Ratzman
Kaye Savage
StaffVengers
Paul Teicher
Robert Thorne
WinnCompanies
We also thank our many other donors who made gifts during FY 2025. We are deeply grateful for all our donations no matter the size. Your generosity makes our lifesaving work possible as we guide our neighbors on a path toward financial stability and wellness.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
BOMBAS helps
us to deepen our impact and expand our reach
Since 2022, the Bombas Giving Team has been a valued partner to UPO’s Shelter Hotline Program (SHP) by empowering us to meet critical needs of people experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC.
Their unwavering support and remarkable generosity, especially through the donation of socks (150,000 pairs and counting) helps us to deepen our impact and expand our reach
The high-quality socks are warm, comfortable, and become life-saving resources
during harsh weather. Bombas understands how important it is for SHP to protect our neighbors by checking on their health 365 days a year: In Bombas’s latest package, they wrote how much they appreciate “the incredible work UPO does for your community!”
Bombas's consistent and abundant donations enable us to reallocate budgeted funds to other critical items and programs. This shift greatly strengthens our capacity and ability to respond to people’s urgent needs with compassion and care.
Bombas, an American apparel brand, launched in 2013 after founders Randy Goldberg and David Heath learned that socks are the most requested clothing item in shelters. They established the brand's mission to donate one pair of socks for every pair purchased to organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness.
Every year, UPO distributes over 100,000 lifesustaining items including blankets, socks, scarves, gloves, and hats. White socks are especially valuable. Why? Because when our outreach workers see that someone has bled through a white sock, they can help to mitigate infections or connect them to emergency services if needed.
We are immensely grateful to Bombas’s ongoing commitment to our mission. Together, we are making a tremendous difference throughout our beloved city.
PROVIDERS & PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Each year, we partner with organizations throughout the Washington, DC area to provide the highest-quality programs, all designed to help our customers attain economic security. Thank you for your continued support.
Accenture
AimHire
Ajilon
Allied Universal
America Works of Washington, DC
American University
Amidon-Bowen Elementary School
Anacostia Coordinating Council
Anacostia Economic Development Corporation ANC 6D
Andrews Federal Credit Union
Anne Beers Elementary School
APB Associates
Audi Field
Ballou Senior High School
Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy
Bank of America
Bethesda Baptist Church DC
Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School
Black Coalition Against COVID Bombas
Bowie State University
Bravo Zulu Chess Academy
Bread for the City
Brentwood Recreation Center
Bright Beginnings Early Childcare
The Brooks Group, LLC
Browne Education Campus
Building Bridges, LLC
Burroughs Education Campus
Burville Elementary School
C3 Cares
Calvary Health Care
Capital Area Food Bank
Capitol Skyline Hotel
Career Gear
Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Washington
Central Union Mission
CentroSync
Cesar Chavez Public Charter School
Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP)
Children & Charity
Children’s Health Project
Children’s Hospital
Children's Legacy Theater
Chimes DC
Christ Church
CityWorks DC
The Coalition
Coalition for Smarter Growth
Comcast NBCUniversal
Community Bridges, LLC
Community Connections
Community of Hope
Community Tax Aid
Community Wellness Venture
Compass DC
Competitive by Nature
Competitive Innovations
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
Covenant House
Criminon New Life DC
C-Tech
CURE the Streets
DASH - District Alliance for Safe Housing
David Lynch Foundation
DC127
DC Board of Elections
DC Central Kitchen
DC Child and Family Services Agency
DC Community Courts
DC Dept. of Behavioral Health
DC Dept. of Disability Services - Rehabilitation Services Administration
DC Dept. of Employment Services
DC Dept. of Health
DC Dept. of Housing and Community Development
DC Dept. of Human Services
DC Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking
DC Dept. of Parks and Recreation
DC Healthy Families
DC Housing Authority
DC Hunger Solutions
DC Public Library
DC Mayor’s Office
DCPS Office of Early Childhood Education
DC Office of the Attorney General
DC Office of the People’s Counsel
DC Office of the Tenant Advocate
DC Safe
DC Strong Start
DC Students Construction
Trades Foundation
DC Superior Court
DCTV
District Health Care Services
Dix Street LLC
DOES Project Empowerment
Dress for Success
Drew Elementary School
A Drug-Free World
Eagle Academy PCS
East River Family Strengthening Collaborative
Educare of Washington, DC
Edward C Mazique PCC - Infant
Edward C Mazique PCC - Reeves
Edward C Mazique PCC
- Tyler House
Edward C. Mazique PCCDeveloping Families
El Bethel Baptist Church Empowerment Center
E.R. Bacon Development, LLC
Ethiopian Community Center Events DC
Excel Academy
EYL 365 Projects, LLC
Famalay Staffing, LLC
Family First
Family Medical Counseling Service
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative
Fedcap, Inc.
1st CDL Training Center of NOVA
First Rock Baptist Church - Child Development Center
Fishscale
Food Allergy Research & Education
Food Research & Action Center
Fort Lincoln New Town
Foster & Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center
Foulger-Pratt
Friendship Public Charter School - Blow
Friendship Public Charter School – Cham
Friendship Southeast Elementary School
Friendship Technology Preparatory School
Friendship Woodridge Elementary School
Future Resources Learning
Genesis Healthcare, Bradford Oaks Center
George Washington University
- Milken Institute School of Public Health
Georgetown University
Nursing Students
Giant Food
Giant Pharmacy
Gonzaga - Omega Men for the Homeless GOODProjects
Greater DC Diaper Bank
Greater Help Ministries
Greater Washington Urban League
Natalie Greenbaum
Greenleaf Recreation Center
Greenleaf Resident Council
H Street Community Development
Health Management Associates
Healthy Babies
Health Services for Children with Special Needs
Healthy Families/ Thriving Communities Collaborative Council
Higher Development Academy
Home Depot
Hope 4 You
Howard University
Howard University Hospital
HR Crawford
The HSC Pediatric Center
Hubbard Place
Hutchins 360 STEM
illuminatED
Imagine Public Charter School
Industrial Bank
InnerCity Collaborative CDC
Israel Baptist Church
James Creek Resident Council
J.C. Nalle Elementary School
Jefferson Middle School
Jobs Have Priority
Jones Memorial United Methodist Church
JPMorgan Chase
Jubilee Housing
K&L Gates
Kavi Wellness
Ketcham Elementary School
King Elementary School
Labcorp
Langdon Elementary School
Langley Elementary School
Language Solutions
Latin American Youth Center
Learn24
LightHouse DC
Little Lights Urban Ministries
Living Classrooms FoundationNational Capital Region
Logan Elementary School
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
Malcolm X Elementary School
Martha’s Table
The Mary Elizabeth House
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
Maryland Community Action Partnership
Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments
Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs
Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs
Medstar Family Choice DC
Melwood
Meiger Health
Metropolitan Police Department
MPD – 1st District Police HQ
MPD Investigations Service Bureau
MPD – Victim Services Branch
Michael’s Creative Minds
Mid City Management (Brookland Manor)
National Community Action Partnership
National Family Engagement Alliance
The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens
National Restaurant Association
Neighborhood Legal Services Program
Northeastern Presbyterian Church
NRI-Staffing
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
Om Shanti
OSSE: 21st Century
Parents with Partners
Payne Elementary School
Pepco/ Exelon
PNC Bank
Pragmatics
Prestige Healthcare Resource
Prive’ Demeure, Inc.
Providence Hospital
PSI Service III, Inc.
R. Emmanuel Bell Consulting
Randle Highlands Elementary School
Reading Partners - J.C. Nalle
Richard Wright Public Charter School
R.I.S.E. Center
Rockstar Cutz
Rodman Institute
Roots Public Charter School
CHILD DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
UPO is an education hub for DC’s Quality Improvement Network We’re partnering for excellence with these child development organizations across the city.
Bell Teen Parent
Big Mama’s Board of Child Care
Community Education Research Group
Early Education Research Group House of Ruth
NETWORK OF SERVICE PROVIDERS
Jubilee JumpStart
Kennedy Institute
Kids Are People Too
Kids Are Us Learning Center
Loving Care
Love First
Sunshine Early Learning
We provide grants to effective organizations such as these to help fulfill our mission.
Catholic Charities - Spanish Center Collaborative Solutions for Communities
DC Central Kitchen
S.A.F.E. DC
Safeway, Inc.
Salvation Army
Seabury
Shelters to Shutters
SkyPoint FCU
SNAP/Hunger Solutions
Spanish Education Development Center
St. Elizabeth's Hospital
St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church
Stanton Elementary School
Storyline Strategies
Street Sense Media
Suited for Change
Sunshine Early Learning Center
SW BID
SW Neighborhood Public Library
Syphax Gardens Resident Council
T Mobile
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority Inc., Xi Chapter
Tel Cort Cooperative
Temple University, Harrisburg
TD Bank
TD Charitable Foundation
Tele Court Coop
TM Associates
Toki Underground
Tony Thomas Associates
Total Family Care Coalition
The Training Center
Transitional Care Center
Trinity University
Turner Elementary School
Tzedek DC
Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative
Jubilee Jobs
Vida Senior Centers
Umbrella Therapeutic Services
United Bank
United Way of the National Capital Area
University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
UDC College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences
US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
US Census Bureau
US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development
Van Ness Elementary School
VIDA Senior Centers
Wards 7 & 8 DC Prevention Center
Ward 8 Community Economic Development Plan
The Washington Center
Washington Leadership Academy
The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
Washington National Cathedral
Washington Nationals
The Way to Happiness
WellCentric DC
Westlink Career Institute
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Wheatley Education Campus
A Wider Circle
Kirsten Williams, ANC 5C06 Commissioner
WinnCompanies
WMATA
The Wollenberg Foundation
World Central Kitchen
WPFW 89.3 FM
Zane Networks
YMCA
WHERE WE SERVE
EARLY LEARNING NETWORK
SERVICE CENTERS
301 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20001
202-238-4600
Early Learning | Shelter Hotline for people experiencing homelessness
Luke C. Moore High School 1001 Monroe Street, NE (WARD 5) | 202-671-6313
ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
1649 Marion Barry Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020
202-610-5900
202-610-2796 (Youth Services Office)
Youth Services | Foster Grandparents Program Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Processing C RALPH WALDO “PETEY” GREENE COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
2907 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20032
202-562-3800
Housing Counseling | Job Placement | Volunteer Opportunities | Advocacy & Community Engagement | Mayor's Financial Empowerment Center
— A member of UPO’s Network of Service Providers
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
for fiscal years ending September 30, 2025 and 2024
REVENUE AND SUPPORT
When you volunteer your Time, you give it a purpose. And it can be fun! Serving others with your unique Talent helps you feel fulfilled. Your generosity by donating Treasure shows what you value.
When you connect people using your Ties, giving them inspiration and strategic input from peers, you’re expanding your tribe.
Even your smallest deeds have a big effect: They combine with other deeds to improve the lives of our neighbors — and they make you feel good.
To learn about volunteering, visit upo.org/volunteer
To make a donation, visit upo.org/donate
