UPO Magazine - The Uniter | Vol.01 | December 08, 2023

magazine

VOL. 01  December 08, 2023

THE UNITER

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First UPO’s Professional Development Conference - Page 2

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UPO's Theory of Change - Page 24

to you and yours!

We appreciate you so much!

You are resilient You are powerful You are compassionate You help communities thrive You are UPO!

PRESIDENT AND CEO'S LETTER Team UPO, I am so excited about this first edition of The Uniter, UPO’s internal magazine! I had the opportunity to attend several listening sessions this past year and one of the key recommendations was to improve communications and to do so through various mediums: emails, newsletter, video, and texts/ links sent to cell phones. You have been heard. Throughout this magazine, you’ll see notes about issues that staff brought to our attention and how we responded to address them.

Andrea Thomas President and CEO

FY24 AGENCY THEME

People, Passion, Purpose

Inside you will read about agency activities through March 2024. This includes Holiday Cheer Week; the UPO-VITA tax program (the largest free tax prep program in Ward 8); and the 40th Anniversary of our MLK Memorial Breakfast. There will also be a few agency highlights: the first UPO conference, the Randle Highlands Ribbon-Cutting and the Thanksgiving turkey distribution. And enjoy the spotlight on our very own Robin Myers.

VISION

In 2024, UPO will balance our programmatic work with legislative advocacy. Our efforts to address the causes and concerns of poverty must be approached by a clear look at the policy issues that impact people who lack economic security. Please be sure to read our white paper on affordable housing that caught the attention of DCist and WTOP News because we’re shining a light on one of the District’s most important issues.

UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents

The holiday season engages all of our senses: the twinkling lights, smell of turkey and stuffing, taste of cocoa, and sounds of holiday music — “Hang all the mistletoe, I want to get to know you better…” Most of all, I hope you sense the appreciation that comes from a grateful leadership, board, internal customers, and the DC community for your commitment to making life better for so, so many people. Thank you!

MISSION Uniting People with Opportunities

Enjoy your time with friends and family and may 2024 be your best year until the next year.

Happy, Happy Holidays, Andrea Thomas UPO President and CEO

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UPO’S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE Our first-ever UPO Conference was on Oct. 19-20. At this AllStaff event, we participated in workshops to help us improve in mind, body, and spirit, and we learned more about other divisions’ work. To see the slides/resources from these presentations, Please watch your inbox: Soon we will have an iNet page with slides/resources from these presentations.

We also heard from customers who thanked UPO for changing their lives, shared meals, enjoyed fun group activities, gave shoutouts to teammates, and learned our agency’s FY24 theme: PEOPLE, PASSION, PURPOSE It so succinctly describes who we are: Focused on People Driven by Passion Guided by Purpose Our Keynote speaker, Maryland Delegate Gabriel Acevero, earned praise for being authentic and relatable, including when he had us repeat, “Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s self-preservation” (a riff on Audre Lorde’s famous quote).

The event energized many staffers, who asked when we will hold the next one!

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

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RIBBON-CUTTING OF UPO’S EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER AT RANDLE HIGHLANDS On November 3, UPO unveiled a new center for children, complete with a new education model that’s better for children, parents, and educators.

This new Early Childhood Education Center is for the community around Randle Highlands Elementary School.

Since the center is on Randle’s DCPS campus, children who start at the new center (when they are 6 weeks - 3 years old) can stay in one school for many years to come. Please watch the video of 1-year-old Myles Frizzell discovering the wonders of his new classroom!

Osa Imadojemu, who is part of Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray’s team, helped to envision this glorious center. He is thrilled that the dream has come true!

L. to r.: Dr. Kristie Edwards, Principal, Randle Highlands Elementary School; Ruthven Phillip, Esq., Chair, UPO Board of Directors; Andrea Thomas, President & CEO, UPO; Myles Frizzell, student; Syrita Robinson, VP, UPO Office of Early Learning; and David Daniels, CEO & President, Bainum Family Foundation.

The driving force behind the new center and the new model of education is the Bainum Family Foundation, which is devoted to improving equity in early education. Take a look at the WeVision EarlyEd initiative and you’ll see how Bainum, with input from UPO and many other experts, has developed a way to “make the ideal real” in childcare.

We are honored to partner with Bainum on this center and future ones.

Here’s some background about the connection between UPO and Bainum: • UPO is the District’s largest Early Head Start provider; we operate 17 centers (in addition to the new one at Randle, which is a different model). Since we have a proven method of helping families thrive, the city also asked our Office of Early Learning to become the main hub of DC’s Quality Improvement Network: We train other neighborhood centers to ensure that they reach a high standard.

• In 2016, Bainum reached out to UPO and began a long-term collaboration to enhance and expand early learning in DC. UPO was instrumental in Bainum accomplishing its goal of adding 750 highquality early learning seats in Wards 7 and 8.

• Our fruitful partnership extends to the Eagle Academy Early Learning Center in Ward 8, where UPO provides innovative programming and comprehensive services for children from birth to 8th grade. This was the first program of its kind in the District; with the help of DC Public Schools, this effective approach has expanded into the Malcolm X and Ketcham Elementary Schools.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

EQUITY FORUM ON REDUCING VIOLENCE IN DC: PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO CREATING SAFER COMMUNITIES

L. to r.: Tyrone Parker, David Bowers, Abdur Kelly, Andrea Thomas, Kristy Love, and Delonte Gholston

UPO holds Equity Forums on the most urgent issues facing our beloved District. Previous topics included: • Mental Health/Behavioral Health • Affordable Housing • Education • Bridging the Digital Divide with Transformation, Equity, and Innovation At our latest forum, moderator Delonte Gholston led a discussion on what we can do together, right now, to reduce violence. Our panelists were: • David Bowers – Founder of No Murders DC (in 1997) • Abdur “Roc” Kelly - Youth Leader • Kristy Love - DC Criminal Justice Coordinating Council • Tyrone C. Parker - Alliance for Concerned Men (retired) The audience of 125 community members asked questions in a spirit of collaboration. The conversation included these takeaways: • Government and community leaders ought to use “focused deterrence” that emphasizes outreach and services to the people most at risk of engaging in violence. The intent is to show care and offer help, especially to children who are truant, getting suspended, and in the child welfare system.

• The Mayor needs to create an office with proximity to power that coordinates all agencies and community partners that have a role in reducing violence.

• In the long run, improving economic security is the key to safer communities. As Roc Kelly said, “The solution to violence is empowering the oppressed, ending poverty. Everything else is treating the symptoms and ignoring the disease.”

We held our event at the True Reformer Building, which was the first building in the country to be designed, financed, built, and owned by the African-American community after Reconstruction. It was designed

by John A. Lankford (DC’s first African-American registered architect) for the True Reformers, an African-American organization designed to promote social change.

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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT’S 1ST FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER DC DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, SECURITIES AND BANKING

WELCOMES YOU TO THE

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER • Providing professional, one-on-one, free financial counseling to District residents in all eight wards virtually and in person.

• Exploring topics that include savings, debt reduction, credit improvement and banking access with trained financial coaches.

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is an initiative from the Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and is overseen by the DC Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). UPO was chosen as the catalyst to bring financial health and education to all residents of DC. As the city’s first FEC, we will be the model for future centers across the District.

The FEC gives DC residents free one-on-one counseling with certified financial counselors who provide financial empowerment through education (including financial literacy and how to achieve generational wealth). We are helping people emerge from trouble and change their lives.

• Guiding clients through financial health assessments to determine the best course of action to meet their individual financial goals and achieve tangible milestones.

Our team is in UPO’s Petey Greene Community Service Center, 2907 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20032. If you need help, or know a DC resident who does, it’s time to make an appointment:

For more information and to make an appointment, call 202.682.6572 or email FEC@upo.org.

(202) 682-6572 or FEC@upo.org Please reach out!

BREAKING NEWS: The PBS series Opportunity Knocks came to Petey Greene to videotape a segment about the FEC! We’re waiting to hear when it will air in 2024.

UPO’s FEC team (l. to r.): Rebecca Webb, Myesha Petersen, Alexa Canto-Rojas, Quiana English, Patrice Napper, and Victoria Clayborne.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO 600+ FAMILIES We are so grateful for our holiday tradition of distributing 600+ turkeys and hundreds of bags of produce to our community. We appreciate all of the staff and volunteers who helped us to uplift our neighbors in: • Washington Highlands • Benning Terrace • Brentwood/Brookland • SW Neighborhood • Ward 8 (at our Petey Greene Community Service Center) Turkeys were donated by: • Islamic Relief USA • Pepco • MedStar Family Choice DC (who also donated produce) • Washington National Cathedral • Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (who also donated produce) • Cure the Streets NAARC And our partners included: • Atlantic Gardens • Atlantic Terrace • Benning Terrace Community Center • Benning Terrace Family Success Center • Brentwood/Brookland Partnership Collaboration Team • Brookland Manor Senior and Youth Center staff • DC Housing Authority • DC Office of Neighborhood & Safety Engagement • Greenleaf Senior Building • Hallmark International Youth Club • Marshall Heights community members • Resident Council of Benning Terrace • TB&A Have a glorious holiday season!

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UPDATES ACROSS UPO CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER (CIO)

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Our team will be reaching out to Program Managers and Division Directors shortly as we plan UPO’s FY23 Annual Report. (Here is the FY22 Annual Report.)

Issue: Can we have a Community Calendar to avoid program overlaps?

Response: In fiscal year 2022, we developed a UPO Organizational Calendar to solve this problem. The UPO calendar can be accessed at Events. You can help ensure we avoid overlaps by making sure your events get posted using this link.

Issue: Please streamline the organizational calendar.

Response: The list of categories of Organizational Calendar events is designed to limit which ones each subscriber receives (so that they receive information about events they are most interested in). Further consolidation of the categories will defeat this purpose. We welcome suggestions about how the current categories may be combined without defeating the purpose — preventing subscribers from being inundated with too many events they are not interested in.

Issue: I’m making too many requests to get a response to create a flyer; also, some flyers and announcements are late.

Response: The Communications team values all internal customers and the number of requests have increased. We will send out an acknowledgment of all requests and orders within 3 business days of receipt. Also, as a result of your feedback, Communications has been working with OTIS to improve the online Communications Request form so that you will receive a quicker response.

Issue: Please post QR code for newsletters at our sites.

Response: The Office of Performance Management is leading an initiative to make several of UPO’s critical documents available via a menu of QR codes to be shared across the organization.

A select few of these QR codes will be made available via posters at some of UPO’s Service Centers. To this list, we will add the newsletters referenced in the question. Look for this in 2024.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

We are preparing for UPO’s 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Jan. 12 by working hand-in-hand with Youth Services. Please see p.27 for more details.

CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Issue: Some staff are unable to consistently read all-staff emails throughout the day. Texts and links are more helpful for receiving information.

Response: The Executive VP, Chief Operating Officer, Office of Technology and Information Systems, and Office of Development and Communications are earnestly collaborating to resolve this issue. Among the solutions being evaluated are texts and links to essential allstaff emails. In the meantime, for direct reports who do not have email access during the day, their program managers and center directors have been asked to share the content of “timesensitive” emails.

Issue: Please have a repository of flyers for staff to access to share with partners and customers.

Response: A repository on iNet is currently in development and will be ready by Feb. 1. In the meantime, this Dropbox folder houses all graphics prepared by our Communications team since March 2020.

Issue: The Financial Empowerment Center is not on UPO’s website.

Response: The FEC is on UPO's website: https://www.upo.org/fec

YOUTH SERVICES We are preparing for UPO’s 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Jan. 12. Each year, it is the largest fundraiser for our Joseph A. Beavers Scholarships. Please see p.27 for more details.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO) CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Issue: It would be helpful to have security on the 2nd floor of Petey Greene.

Response: Security officers patrol the 2nd floor a minimum of 4 times daily. We will explore increasing this in 2024.

Issue: Can there be a panic button on the phone system?

Response: There is no panic button, but we have a paging system on phones that can be used to communicate to all staff at a given location.

OTIS will provide a training on this phone feature. Please be sure to sign up when it is scheduled.

Issue: Can there be an All-Staff alert for emergencies? For example, if there is a shutdown at PG due to a shooting in the area, can we let other sites know?

Response: This is also a feature of our phones’ paging system. We will add user licenses and OTIS will provide a training on this phone feature in 2024.

Issue: UPO should provide masks to customers that ask for them.

Response: UPO has provided masks at the front desk reception area at all locations since the initial pandemic period. When this issue was brought to our attention, front desk staff were immediately instructed to make masks available to customers who request them.

Issue: Please add defibrillators at our sites and train us on how to use them.

Response: OFM has worked to secure a vendor. The contract is expected to be completed by the end of the year with trainings in 2024.

Issue: Take advantage of screens at PG and Anacostia to share UPO information.

Response: During the current strategic implementation period, the Offices of the COO, Communications, Performance Management, OTIS and the CIO will collaborate to produce the content that will be shared using screens at UPO’s Service Centers.

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OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING (OEL) CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Issue: Create an FES/QIN Hub connection for information and resource sharing on the iNet. Response: The Office of Early Learning has an iNet page.

Issue: Create protocol for UPO to be notified if there’s a UPO staff emergency at QIN Hub site.

Response: OEL and HR will meet on Dec. 11 to discuss the protocol for emergency contacts/notifications. This a joint meeting with all units of OEL. The meeting will include: • Creating an Emergency Contact Listing • Documentation of Early Childhood Education’s Emergency Protocol • Parent Pledge Issue: A Parent Pledge to respect teachers and the centers is recommended.

Response: Please see the item above.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

Issue: Please integrate EmpowOR and ChildPlus.

Response: OEL and the CIO will explore whether this integration is possible.

Issue: QIN staff do not always get “all-agency” information.

Response: OEL will follow up with the CIO to confirm that the “allagency” communications listserv includes all QIN staff. This followup will take place in December 2023. If members are not on the listserv, they will be immediately added.

Issue: Monthly meeting with FES, Nutrition, Health, and other OEL units would be helpful.

Response: OEL has a Comprehensive Services Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 1-3:30pm at HQ in the conference room. The meeting attendees include FES, ELS, HVs and Comprehensive Services Specialist/Managers.

Issue: Please let everyone in the chain know when a center is closed. For example, an FES won’t need to drive to a center if it is closed.

Response: OEL has established a new closure template for both OEL parents and staff. The template is forwarded to the entire OEL team so everyone is informed of closures.

Issue: Printed brochure needed of UPO services to share with parents, especially for ones who have Home Visitors.

Response: OEL has is working with Communications and Home-Base to create a trifold brochure specifically for the OEL Home-Base Program. The brochures will be available in English and Spanish.

Issue: Some new CDA staff may have childcare issues for Professional Development days.

Response: OEL will inform staff and CDA interns of quarterly Professional Development Trainings at least 2 months in advance. For annual Professional Development Trainings, they will be informed at least 6 months in advance.

All staff are required to plan for their child’s childcare on training days since the trainings are mandatory. OEL will consider childcare stipends for CDA Interns for training days.

OEL will document this policy and distribute it to all staff.

OEL EARLY EDUCATORS’ CREDENTIALING PROGRAM (EECP) UPO’s Office of Early Learning (OEL) has greatly expanded the Early Educators’ Credentialing Program, formerly known as the Child Development Associate (CDA) Program. We developed the program because we saw the great need for dynamic, passionate early childhood professionals — so we took it upon ourselves to help them grow! If you or someone you know wants to join our program, please reach out to Tracey Parham, Senior Program Director of EECP at tparham@upo.org Our program has scholarshipfunded academic opportunities and progressive credentialing programs, starting with the CDA and extending to a full Masters degree.

CDA Credentialing: This program starts with entry-level professionals. OEL collaborates with UPO’s Workforce Institute to provide essential foundational early childhood competencies.

The CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in Early Childhood Education and offers the candidate the foundation for providing intentional learning in an infant/ toddler classroom. The candidate gains knowledge of how to put their competencies into practice to support positive outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families. This training includes:

Master’s Credentialing: OEL collaborates with Walden University for a Masters in Science in Early Childhood Studies. This degree prepares early educators to pursue teaching, advocacy, and leadership roles in early education settings and beyond.

OEL Early Educators’ Credentialing Program Impact

Who are the Early Educators’ Credentialing Program Partners?

11 Educators enrolled in AA, Fall Semester

- Central Texas College - Prince George's Community College - Trinity Washington University – Main Campus - Trinity Washington University – THEARC - University of the District of Columbia - University of the Potomac - Walden University

14 CDA students 10 CDA Interns 19 Certified CDA Intern Graduates 12 Certified CDA Interns became New Hires

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AA Graduates

5

Educators enrolled in BA, Fall Semester

1

BA Graduate

12 Educators enrolled in Masters Program

OEL Early Educators’ Credentialing Program Staff - Tracey Parham, Senior Program Director of EECP - Keena Howse, Paraprofessional Program Assistant - Colbretta Wright, Resource Services Manager - ‘Vacant,’ Success Coach

• 120 Instructional Hours of Student Curriculum • 480 Practicum Hours via OEL’s Internship Program • Observation, Portfolio, and Exam AA and BA Credentialing: OEL collaborates with Higher Educational institutions to provide AA and BA degrees for early educators who wish to thrive in their careers.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCACY DECEMBER 15, 2023

UPO Annual Community Holiday Cheer Join us for our heartwarming annual event as we come together to spread joy and support underserved families on Friday, December 15 at 5pm at the RISE Center, 2730 MLK Jr. Ave. SE. Let's celebrate the spirit of giving with open hearts. Your presence and contributions will make this holiday season truly special.

Contribute by buying items from one of our wish lists: • Amazon • Walmart JANUARY 15, 2024

UPO Annual Community Impact Day We invite you to join us on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 2-4pm for our Annual Community Impact Day at UPO’s Petey Greene Community Service Center, 2907 MLK Jr. Ave. SE. Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word, your support will help us to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through meaningful service. Our community-driven initiative includes clothes, food, and household giveaways, financial empowerment sessions, program enrollment, health screenings, and community resources. To register or get more information, reach out to Ayana Bias at abias@upo.org Ongoing Community Opportunities — We invite you and your customers to get involved, serve, and make a difference.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

UPO Community Leadership Academy Do you know customers and community members who are passionate about making a difference in our community?

We equip residents with the skills to become effective community advocates, teaching the intricacies of testifying, understanding fiscal budgets, building shared visions, and fostering community empowerment and development.

Don’t let them miss this opportunity to shape the future!

opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. Be the change you want to see!

To get involved, reach out to Bernardette Ferrell at bferrell@upo.org UPO Community Legislative Advocacy Committee 2ND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH; NEXT ONE IS FEBRUARY 10

10am-12 noon

Invite customers and community members to embark on a transformative journey in 6-8 week sessions held once a week. Refer them now and let’s build a stronger, more engaged community together. For more information, contact Janiya Proctor at jproctor@upo.org

On this committee, we join voices and efforts to address community concerns and present solutions to eradicate injustice in underserved communities. We invite residents, community members, UPO customers, partners, and supporters to join us at UPO’s Petey Greene Community Service Center, 2907 MLK Jr. Ave. SE.

UPO Volunteer Services

You can get trained in Advocacy, Legislation, Policy, DC’s Budget Process, Effective Community Organizing, Creating Shared Visions, and Creating and Implementing a Community Action Plan. You’ll be nourished with a hot breakfast and a vision of a better future. If you have questions, contact Janiya Proctor at jproctor@upo.org

Calling all staff, community members, interns, and student fellows: Become an integral part of positive change by joining the UPO Volunteer Services Team!

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a community member eager to contribute, our team welcomes your unique skills and passion for service.

As a volunteer, you'll have the

COMMUNITY IMPACT The Community Impact division supports place-based strategies that reduce the causes and conditions of poverty. Our team works hand-in-hand with community members to improve the quality of life in 4 Community Impact Zones: • Brentwood (Ward 5) • SW Neighborhood (ward 6) • Benning Terrace (Ward 7) • Washington Highlands (Ward 8) For example, UPO has a satellite office in the Greenleaf Senior Building in the SW Neighborhood.

Here are activities to be conducted there from Dec. 2023 March 2024.

FRIDAY, DEC. 15, 2023 + EVERY OTHER FRIDAY

11am-12noon Hope 4 Us Behavioral Health sessions led by Dr. Bruce Tisdale, with these discussion topics: • Calming & Relaxation Skills • Managing Stress and Trauma • Emotion Regulation • How to Handle Suicidal Thoughts • Managing Anxiety • Access to other services

MONDAYS, DECEMBER 4, 2023 JANUARY 25, 2024

10am-1pm Byte Back Computer Literacy classes for seniors 65+ (Students will receive a laptop after completing all sessions!)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023 + EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY:

10-11am YMCA workout led by instructor Mr. Yates WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

University of the District of Columbia, College of Agriculture Urban Sustainability & Environmental Sciences: “Quick Tips to Understanding the Nutrition Facts” talk by Dr. Tiffany N. Johnson, Project Specialist Health and Wellness

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

ANC (Advisory Neighborhood Commission) 6D monthly meeting TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023

Greenleaf Senior resident monthly meeting FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

Soap Making class conducted by a Greenleaf resident SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023

Annual SW Neighborhood Christmas Wonderland SW community partners share resources (programs/services) with residents and distribute food, coats, toys, and other needed items

THURSDAYS, DECEMBER 7, 2023 - on

Session A, 10-11:30 am; Session B, 11:30am-1pm Computer Literacy classes led by UPO's Ericka Miner

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OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (OTIS) Here are 3 highlights of our team’s work: SHL Database Application Implementation Project OTIS and Shelter Hotline are wrapping up the initial implementation of a system developed in-house to capture calls and manage drivers’ shifts, trips, and outcomes. The system consists of a web application for managers and dispatchers plus a mobile iPad application for drivers.

Date: Pilot and development in progress. (See Shelter Hotline update on p. 15) EmpowOR Training Sessions OTIS and the Office of Performance Management are working on a series of sessions for both UPO staff and delegates.

The training aims to provide both an overall view of the system and answers to frequently asked questions about programs and their requirements.

Date: In progress; classes will start in January.

Remedy OTIS is conducting a series of meetings with other departments to implement Remedy, a service management solution to track service requests. The same Self-Service portal used to request services to OTIS will be expanded to include facilities, communications, human resources, and finance requests.

Date: In progress; to be completed between Q2 and Q3.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Issue: iNet needs a gatekeeper and regular updating.

Response: OTIS is the gatekeeper of iNet/Sharepoint. OTIS updates the iNet based on the information provided from programs and offices. OTIS and Communications will coordinate to add pertinent “All Staff” information.

Issue: Why are you asking staff to take a picture of an IT issue rather than coming out to see it?

Response: The Helpdesk team wants to solve all staff computer/ IT problems as fast as possible. Since we don’t have enough staff for same-day visits to every location that asks for help, the team sometimes asks for pictures and for remote access to connect to staff computers. These are additional tools for resolving specific problems faster and serving our internal customers quickly.

COMMUNITY HEALTH UPO’s Community Health division has 4 parts: • Shelter Hotline (SHL) protects and transports people who are experiencing homelessness.

• Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) helps people move from homelessness into permanent stable housing through intensive case management.

• Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC) is a medicationassisted treatment program that helps people with opioid addiction to achieve abstinence.

• Electronic Benefit Transfer program (EBT, formerly known as Food Stamps) ensures that families have food on their tables; at the request of the DC Dept. of Human Services, UPO is DC’s exclusive provider of EBT cards.

Shelter Hotline has these upcoming projects: Hypothermia Season Donation Campaign The administrative team will be reaching out to community

agencies, businesses, and faithbased organizations to partner with us to serve DC residents who are experiencing homelessness.

We will generate donations of life-sustaining items, volunteer services, and funding to expand our capacity to meet customer needs.

Activities: • This month: Send out letters to potential partners and raise community awareness of donation needs via a “Show & Tell Presentation.”

• February 2024: Host a FaithBased Partnership Luncheon.

Hotline Hiring Blitz Initiative

(DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024)

This is an effort to fully staff Shelter Hotline. Our goal is to fill at least 15 vacancies for Seasonal and Regular FT Positions by the end of January 2024.

Activities: • Work with HR’s recruiter to bring in qualified applicants.

• Initiate a weekly interviewing and hiring schedule to ensure Request to Hire Docs are routed weekly to HR to hire new qualified applicants.

• Provide supportive engagement throughout the pre-employment process to expedite timely on-boarding.

SHL Database Application Implementation Project The application is an electronic system designed by OTIS (UPO’s Office of Technology and Information Systems) to replace the manual paper forms to capture operational activities, performance data, and reports.

Activities: • Hotline staff is testing the application and giving feedback for further refinement.

• The Launch is expected to occur in December 2023 to commence a transitional process of phasing out the manual paper documentation format and move to total electronic format by March 2024.

• Continued hands-on trainings, real-time coaching and technical support will be offered to staff throughout the process to ensure optimal utilization of the application.

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OFFICE OF FINANCE (FIN) From Petty Cash to P-cards Whenever we buy things from vendors, there are multiple ways to pay. In the past, one of those payment methods was through the use of petty cash.

Andrew Harris

Over time, best practices in business have turned away from the use of cash and have instead moved to digital means of payment. So UPO is moving forward to the use of Purchasing Cards, or P-cards as they are affectionately called.

Vice President of Finance & CFO Procurement-to-Pay UPO’s entire procurement experience is getting a facelift. The process will be end-to-end and we’ll refer to it as Procurementto-Pay. Just as the name implies, our procurement management process will help us think about every aspect of every purchase: • from when the ideas of what should be purchased are conceived and budgeted • through when your goods/ services are actually ordered • then when your goods/ services are delivered • then finally when all associated invoices are received, processed, and paid To help you with this, FIN will host a series of training sessions on Procurement 101: • How the procurement process works • The 4 types of procurement • UPO-preferred payment instruments Stay tuned! An invitation to our training will be sent to you very soon.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

P-cards are like credit cards, with specific spending limits and specific security protocols that govern their use. As before, these new P-cards will be issued by FIN to departmental leaders.

The biggest difference in how P-cards can be used, compared to the former use(s) of petty cash pools is that P-cards may only be used for: • True emergency expenditures or • Travel (and travel-related expenditures) In early December, FIN will offer training to Team UPO staff who are expected to receive and manage our new P-cards. This training will cover: • The “dos and don’ts” for direct P-Card users including guidance on the limits of P-cards • Oversight of P-Card users and Executive Team members, including the monthly reconciliation process • The role of our Office of Finance Team, including how our Procurement Team, Receiving Team, and Accounts Payable Team work together to improve your entire buying experience

2024 is going to be great!

January is a BUSY month For us in FIN, January is the beginning of the annual tax season. By the end of January, we must produce and deliver accurate W-2 forms to every single one of UPO’s nearly 450 active employees, and to the group of folks who no longer work for UPO but who worked with us at any point during the past calendar year.

On top of that, since we make direct payments to over 1,000 vendors a year, we must send 1099s to every vendor that is eligible to receive one.

If that wasn’t enough, we must also reach out to all of our vendors — no matter where they are — because we must get them to send us signed, updated W-9 forms. These forms will be valid for payments we make to them at any time during 2024.

So when we say we’ll be busy, we really mean it!

Thanks for all your support, Team UPO — we really appreciate all of you.

And as we go through the upcoming season, we ask for your patience. Our goal is to serve every one of you — because we are all part of the UPO Family.

OFFICE OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (OFM) CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Issue: Active shooter training would be helpful in light of the increase in violence.

Response: Active Shooter training has been scheduled at the following UPO locations: Anacostia Community Service Center – November 29; Building Careers Academy – December 5; UPO Headquarters – December 7 and Petey Greene – December 12.

Issue: Wanding customers at the entrance to identify metal objects will increase feelings of safety.

Response: Wanding is now facilitated at UPO’s Anacostia and Petey Greene centers by the CSI security personnel.

Issue:Security must be respectful to customers and not escalate issues.

Response: UPO shared this issue with the security vendor. They now provide “sensitivity” and

other “de-escalation” training for security officers annually.

Refresher courses will be provided as needed.

Issue: Mirrors outside of the Anacostia gates to show oncoming cars along the road would be helpful for drivers coming out of the lot. Currently parked cars block the view of oncoming cars.

Response: Mirrors were ordered and have been installed.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY Median Family Income (MFI).

Typically, 20% of the homes are set aside for households who earn below 30% of MFI — families who are emerging from homelessness and need help to achieve stability.

Fortunately, they receive intensive case management from UPO's onsite Permanent Supportive Housing team so they can improve their quality of life.

UPO’s Board of Directors has approved UPO’s first-ever Legislative Advocacy Agenda.

This is a summary of the policy priorities that we will focus on in 2024; it will inspire collaborations with our community to ignite change, including via DC Council legislation. We will share it with all of Team UPO — after all, your input created and shaped this agenda!

Look for the announcement at the MLK Breakfast.

UPO’s Policy Papers are in the News UPO released a report about how DC is losing ground in the fight for affordable housing and how to address this critical problem.

DCist wrote a story and WTOP interviewed our President and CEO, Andrea Thomas about our analysis, which is intended to spur action by the DC Council.

Also, the DC Line news site published Andrea's op-ed about UPO’s report on the value of guaranteed income and how all of DC will benefit when families have enough to meet their needs. Please also read the full report which, like the previous one, is designed to spark changes by the District to help residents thrive. Beyond that, it is a part of UPO’s commitment to unite DC residents with much-needed opportunities through direct services as well as through legislative advocacy.

Affordable housing is a priority for UPO. We are partnering with premier developers to build new affordable housing for people who earn under 50% of the area’s Vol.01  December 08, 2023

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COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT Tax Preparers work one-onone with customers preparing their federal and state income tax returns and ensuring that they receive all the credits and tax benefits for which they are eligible. Please note:

Free Tax Preparation For UPO, February 3 is the start of Tax Season. That’s when our volunteers — who are IRS-certified experts — begin to prepare taxes for free for over 1,000 DC residents (individuals and families) who earn less than $59,000/year. Our UPO-VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is the largest free tax preparation program in Ward 8 and the 2nd largest in the city. This is one way that UPO is woven into the fabric of the District.

To keep helping people, we’re asking for UPO staff to volunteer to help with intake and tax preparation. (More on that in a moment.)

Here’s an example of how we help: A UPO volunteer expert prepared Annie and Antoine Smith’s taxes for free and showed them how to get a $13,000 refund. Then one of our financial counselors showed them how to use that money to get an apartment, buy a truck to start a scrap metal business, and plan for the future. We revealed a new path and showed them how to navigate it.

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

UPO has volunteers who prepare taxes, connect unbanked customers with banking services, and help them apply for financial counseling. All of these fit together because UPO’s Petey Greene Community Service Center is the site for tax prep and for the District’s Financial Empowerment Center.

Please let us know if you want to volunteer to assist with intake and tax preparation. We ask that you: • have strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills • have the patience to understand and answer questions that customers may have • are comfortable working with a diverse population • can commit to one 4-hour session a week, and some Saturdays from the end of January through April 6

• Preparers must have good computer skills and a strong attention to detail.

• Preparers need excellent customer service skills, and the patience to understand and answer questions from clients about the tax preparation process and their tax situation.

• Preparers must be willing to fill in for other roles at the tax sites, such as Client Coordinator.

• Prior tax preparation experience, or having prepared your own returns, is helpful.

All volunteers will be trained

by Community Tax Aid and will complete the IRS Certification process in January.

• All preparers must pass the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct exam, IRS Intake & Interview exam and the IRS Tax Preparation Certification exam.

• First-year Tax Preparers must complete three 4-hour classes in January, and complete additional online prerequisite training.

If you have questions, please contact Tax & Financial Literacy Manager Rebecca Webb at rwebb@upo.org

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) UPO’s Open Enrollment for health insurance ends on December 8; your 2024 Benefits changes are effective January 1, 2024

CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Issue: There should be a standard process for alerting staff when people have left the organization: a standard email message and a standard phone message.

FEBRUARY 2024

Heart Health Month

Response: HR has shared the process with office directors and managers for email and phone message communications upon staff departures. A standard sentence will be adopted in emails and phone messages noting the new point of contact.

Issue: Request for photos of new staff and formal introductions from HR. Response: This feature began in June after a listening session.

The next pictures appear in this magazine and will come out every 3-4 months thereafter.

Issue: De-escalation training for staff and security

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Super Bowl Potluck — watch your inbox for details

Issue: Request for onsite and virtual therapy in addition to what is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Response: EAP and services provided through staff health insurance are no cost and allow for virtual appointments. Also, you can find mental health resources on our iNet and on page 22 of this magazine.

Issue: Please introduce divisions and what they do to the entire UPO team.

Response: This was done at the UPO Professional Development Conference, in response to this question. Ongoing introductions to UPO departments will occur at New Hire Orientations and highlighted at company events, magazines, etc. throughout the year.

Response: After this request, deescalation training occurred in June: at HQ on 6/16, PG on 6/2223, and at OEL Professional Day on 6/28.

WORKFORCE INSTITUTE (WFI) FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024

UPO WFI Graduation Coming to the stage: Dedicated trainees who have earned national certifications in in-demand fields.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024

UPO WFI Job Fair The companies and agencies that are recruiting include longtime UPO partners.

Vol.01  December 08, 2023

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TEAM UPO SPOTLIGHT ROBIN MYERS When did you join UPO? 2001 … and I’m celebrating one year as the UPO Facilities Coordinator in the Office of Facilities Management!

Why did you join us?

As a teen, I became involved in community advocacy with my grandmother Ms. Willie Mae Gantt.

[Editor’s note: East of the River News wrote that Robin is a community activist who enjoys showing people how to reach their full potential and for 42 years has been “feeding the needy, visiting the sick and shut-ins, and simply ‘giving a damn’ about some of the most vulnerable residents in the District.”]

I researched community action agencies in DC and MD and found UPO. I saw what they offered the community and I wanted to work there. I started as a Mentor with the Community Transition Program in 2001. Since then, I have had many roles: as Family Support Worker, HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Program Assistant (Community Engagement division), in Family Strengthening, and during the pandemic as Program Coordinator (CARES Act Stimulus Project).

UPO Magazine  The Uniter

What does your job involve?

My team and I are responsible for maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and repairs of the UPO’s Service Centers, including Headquarters, Anacostia Community Service Center, Petey Greene Community Service Center, and Building Careers Academy. We partner with outside vendors to provide services such as plumbing, roofing, extermination, security, lighting, door and lock repair, etc.

What do you like most about what you do?

It gives me pleasure to make a positive impact that improves the Agency. I am passionate about my current position. Most of all, I have the best team ever. These are my current team members in the Office of Facilities Management: Patrick Agbionu, Director Tyrone Bailey Carlton Chatman William Chatman Maria Cruz Isaiah Ellis

Why do you stay?

Tyrone Monroe

UPO's mission to assist DC residents in becoming selfsufficient is very dear to my heart.

Rosa Romero

[Editor’s note: Ayana Bias, UPO’s Director of Community Advocacy, said that Robin is “a beacon of excellence in both professional prowess and genuine camaraderie. She showed her passion for service through volunteering. Working with her is a pleasure and being around her

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is pure joy. I’m grateful to call on her for support as a colleague and fortunate to have her as a friend.

Cheers to you, sistah girl!”]

Rick Swinson Avis Warley Anthony Wilson-Broome I could not be successful without their support, knowledge, and dedication. Thank you, team!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW HIRES! SEPTEMBER 2023

OCTOBER 2023

Taj Gilmore Dispatcher Shelter Hotline

Shanae Blunt Program Manager, Training Workforce Institute Training

Shatasha Jordan Teacher I OEL

Shelena Hollinger HR Employee Relations Specialist Office of Human Resources

Jamisha Collins Teacher II OEL

Kimberly Ponce Family Engagement Specialist, EHS OEL

Tereece Jackson Family Engagement Specialist, Quality Improvement Network HUB (HUB) | OEL

Amah Diaby Family Engagement Specialist, EHS OEL

Elizabeth Smith Disability Services Assistant OEL

Qiana McDuffie Childhood Development Associate Intern OEL

Antonio Diaz IT Help Desk Instructor Workforce Institute – Training

Vilmarie Taraza Early Learning Specialist, EHS OEL

James Pickett Job Developer Workforce Institute Placement

Quiana English Financial Empowerment Center Program Manager Community Reinvestment

Linda Westpoint Teacher I OEL

Brandy Prailow Teacher I OEL

Juwan Jordan Family Engagement Specialist, EHS OEL

Kenichia White Operations Specialist Foster Grandparents Program

LaDonna Shaw Treatment Specialist Comprehensive Treatment Center Magali Villarroel Fiscal Administrative Assistant, Early Head Start (EHS) OEL

NOVEMBER 2023

Rohullah Wafa Procurement Officer Office of Finance

Krystal Gooby Community Impact Facilitator Community Impact

Meti Oli Teacher I OEL

Shantania Williams Teacher II OEL

Chad Love CDL Driver - Seasonal Shelter Hotline

Jessica Valencia Home Visitor, EHS OEL

Regina Woodson Executive Assistant Executive VP Office

Rewa Powell Mack Family Engagement Specialist, HUB OEL

Vol.01  December 08, 2023

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“WHERE CAN I FIND…?”

We want to connect you to useful information. Please let us know if you want to highlight other links that would be useful in your daily work.

FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES

GRIEF COUNSELING RESOURCES

UPO accepts customers who earn up to 200% of the poverty level for programs funded by the federal Community Services Block Grant. Most of our programs are in this category because UPO is designated as the Community Action Agency that helps Washington DC residents lift themselves out of poverty and reach economic security.

Please reach out and ask for help. Asking for what you need is a sign of strength.

https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/ poverty-economic-mobility/ poverty-guidelines (We will also share this link on our iNet.)

UPO’S IMPACT Curious about UPO’s impact over the past 60 years? Discover the details in the Program Book for our 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration.

Gala Program Book

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UPO Magazine  The Uniter

CEO & PRESIDENT LISTENING SESSION RESPONSE

Issue: Staff asked for more options for their customers who are dealing with grief.

Response: Here are 3 local providers: Wendt Center For Loss and Healing 4201 Connecticut Ave NW #300 Washington, DC 20008 (202) 624-0010

Can I Grieve 10530 Campus Way South #1223 Largo, MD (888) 912-5922

Grounded Grief Therapy 1718 Connecticut Ave NW #201 Washington, DC 20009 (202) 599-1913

These are in addition to the help that’s always available to you through our Employee Assistance Program. You can call (800) 327-2251, see more details on our iNet page, or reach out to our Benefit Specialist Kaisa Juolisa at kjoulisa@upo.org to get the help you need.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE THROUGH 2024 Christmas Day Monday December 25, 2023 Christmas Holiday Tuesday December 26, 2023 New Year’s Day Monday January 1, 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday

January 15, 2024

President’s Day Monday February 19, 2024 DC Emancipation Day Tuesday April 16, 2024 Memorial Day Monday May 27, 2024 Juneteenth Wednesday June 19, 2024 Independence Day Thursday July 4, 2024 Labor Day Monday September 2, 2024 Indigenous People’s Day Monday October 14, 2024 Veterans Day Monday November 11, 2024 Thanksgiving Day Thursday November 28, 2024 Thanksgiving Friday Friday November 29, 2024 Christmas Day Wednesday December 25, 2024 Christmas Holiday Thursday December 26, 2024

UPO’s “Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

Week of Holiday Events TUESDAY, DEC. 12

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

It’s Wintertime

Designs by UPO

Decorate your door. Show off your best creative and festive door decorations.

Get decked out in your ugliest holiday sweater/socks or your own design.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

Winter is Here to Stay

Baby it’s Cold Outside

Wear your favorite winter hat or scarf or holiday outfit.

- Bundle up and stay warm. Wear your comfiest sweat suit or bring a blanket. Join colleagues for a short movie.

- Hot chocolate and hot cider will be served.

Share your winter photos on Yammer.

The Department/Door contest winner will be announced!

Vol.01  December 08, 2023

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We partner with people on their journey to economic security.

They become the change agents of their lives.

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WHY

HOW

WHAT

WHO

Everyone deserves to be economically secure and reach their full potential. UPO strengthens and supports DC residents with low incomes and their communities.

We closely engage with residents to determine what they need and support communities to advocate for themselves. Our collaborative approach combines education, job training, housing, health, advocacy, and other povertyreducing interventions.

UPO is the nonprofit designated as the Community Action Agency for Washington, DC. We embody the spirit of Community Action by promoting and advocating for residents’ economic security and equity.

Customers achieve the economic security they need to thrive; Staff get professional training and development to meet customers’ needs; the Board of Directors ensures good governance; Funders get to invest in effective programs; Partners and Advisory Councils join in solutions to help customers; and Volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill sets collaborate with staff to provide services that strengthen our communities.

UPO Magazine  The Uniter

WHY

HOW

Our Vision: UPO’s Washington, DC is a city of thriving communities where individuals and families are economically secure and have the resources they need for a fulfilling life.

The key to our effectiveness is that we make it personal. ❱ Our staff care deeply about helping District residents. People join UPO — and often stay for a long time — where they learn best practices to help people lift themselves into economic security.

❱ To help residents transform their lives: They acquire knowledge, skills, and other tools to become economically secure. Their success is our legacy.

❱ We tailor our assistance to each person’s strengths and needs. We build trusting and longlasting relationships so we can help people pave and navigate a path to success.

❱ To collaborate with communities to create change: We trust that residents know what their communities need and that their organized voices can lead to policy changes that address the causes of poverty.

❱ We lift up people’s voices: We develop community leaders and help them come together to advocate for what they need.

❱ To work to make DC a better place: The entire District is stronger when everyone is economically secure and empowered.

❱ Our approach is inclusive: We amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and we embrace DC residents of all ages, races and ethnicities, immigrant statuses, gender and sexual identities, and physical and mental abilities and needs. Our comprehensive programs create broad impacts and deepen our community connections.

WHAT UPO promotes economic security and mobility. ❱ To learn about residents’ urgent needs, UPO conducts regular Community Needs Assessments that engage the community via surveys, focus groups, and research.

Residents’ needs drive our plans for programs and community engagement. ❱ We Unite People with Opportunities: We are the eyes and ears of the District, monitoring the social determinants of health and well-being of our neighbors.

We offer effective programs including early childhood education, youth programs, college scholarships, support for seniors, financial education, and job

training. We monitor the health of neighbors who live on our streets, and once they have a home, we offer wraparound services that help them live stable lives. To reach the entire District, we collaborate with hundreds of volunteers and partner organizations including developers who build new affordable housing. ❱ We work with residents for change: We identify the systemic factors that keep people in poverty. We work hand-in-hand with residents to advocate for policy changes to address inequities. This is how we reach Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of “the beloved community.”

Vol.01  December 08, 2023

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FY 2024 – FY 2026 UPO STRATEGIC GOALS

U

nderscore Organizational Sustainability

GOAL 3

P rioritize People-Centered Efficiency and Effectiveness

GOAL 2

GOAL 1

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Optimize Economic-Security Programming

GOAL 1

GOAL 2

GOAL 3

Provide high-quality resultsoriented programs and services to DC residents who aim to achieve economic security.

Optimize Organizational Performance through Staff Capacity Development and Business Process Improvements

Ensure Long-term sustainability through strategic partnerships, diversified funding streams and improved brand awareness.

UPO Magazine  The Uniter

e Still Have a D W rea “

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W

he o re d

we go fro

mh e re ?

“

Annual

MLK JR.

MEMORIAL Breakfast The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20004

You are cordially invited to celebrate UPO’s 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Friday, January 12, 2024. Together, we will mark history and make history.

To arrange for your discounted ticket and pay via payroll deductions, please reach out to :

Regina Woodson rwoodson@upo.org | (202) 238-4693

12

JAN

24

8:30AM

This event is UPO’s largest annual fundraiser for the Joseph A. Beavers Scholarship Fund for outstanding DC students from families with low incomes. Donations also support UPO’s holistic approach to helping people RISE into the middle class. Thanks to generous donations over the decades, UPO has helped over 200 scholars with over $1 million in donations.

Please share information with family and friends about tickets or sponsorship!

WWW.UPO.ORG/MLK40 l TEXT MLK40 TO 76278 Vol.01  December 08, 2023

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United Planning Organization 301 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20001

WWW.UPO.ORG

Earned the National Award for Excellence in Community Action from the Community Action Partnership CFC # 90524 | DC One Fund Campaign #9881 | United Way NCA #9881