THE UNITER
PRESIDENT AND CEO'S LETTER
Andrea Thomas President and CEO
UPO’S 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.
CHERISHING FY 2024 AND LOOKING FORWARD TO FY 2025
Hi Team UPO,
As we close out another fruitful fiscal year, I am so thankful for all of you and the opportunity to do meaningful work helping others.
Our hearts can fill with gratitude and pride for the remarkable strides we’ve made in supporting our community. This year, our commitment to championing over 50,000 neighbors in their quest for education, economic security, and civic engagement has been consequential and powerful.
Highlights of Our Year
• Education Initiative: We successfully continued the Construction Trades Exploration workshops that open students’ eyes to career possibilities. (See p.12)
• Financial Support: UPO’s Office of Early Learning (OEL) was re-awarded the competitive Quality Improvement Network (QIN) Hub grant: $2.5 million in local and federal funding each year for the next 5 years. OEL will continue to give training and technical assistance to 13 early education centers across DC, as we have done since 2015. Note: OEL also operates 17 centers of its own and is DC’s largest Early Head Start provider.
Comcast, a longtime partner, gave UPO a $25,000 donation. And through social media campaigns, we raised funds to support our Foster Grandparents and Shelter Hotline programs.
To assist families still suffering the financial impact of the pandemic, UPO distributed nearly $5 million in financial assistance via pre-loaded cards in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation and other non-profits.
• Community Engagement: Our continued focus on advocacy included a UPO forum on practical solutions for creating safer communities. (See p. 4) Adding our voice to the call for more effective DC anti-poverty programming, UPO released a white paper on affordable housing, produced 3 economic security fact sheets, and delivered testimony 15 times before the DC Council and other bodies on matters of significance to economic security, including support for child tax credits and the Childcare Pay Equity Fund for educators.
• Volunteer Contributions: We are deeply thankful for our dedicated volunteers, who collectively contributed over 2,200 hours this year. Their passion and commitment are the backbone of our programs.
Organizational Advancements
Each year brings new advancements and fiscal year 2025 will be no different:
• Our new financial management and information system promises enhanced fiscal operational efficiency and accountability.
• Third-party reviews by subject matter experts will continue to validate our work and to help us identify areas for improvement as we continue to pursue organizational excellence.
• A new 401K benefits process will help staff save for our retirement years.
• UPO’s redesigned website has just launched.
• Our 2nd Staff Professional Development Conference will be the follow up to our first wildly successful conference
• And stay tuned for UPO’s 2025 Legislative Priorities. (Take a look at our 2024 priorities.)
Looking Ahead: People, Passion, Purpose
As we embark on the new fiscal year — the second year of our 3-year strategic plan — we are reminded of the theme that guides our work: People, Passion, Purpose.
People: Every person we serve is at the heart of our mission. We will continue to listen to their needs, adapt our programs, and ensure that every voice is heard and valued. Together we foster a community where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Passion: Our team’s unwavering passion for social equity drives us to innovate and enhance our offerings. We are excited to introduce new initiatives that will further empower our
clients, including advanced skill training and mentorship programs. With passion, we can inspire change.
Purpose: Our purpose is clear: to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change in our community. Each program we provide is a step toward that goal. Let’s carry this sense of purpose into the new year, rallying together to make an even greater impact.
I salute you and all of Team UPO for your dedication to aiding DC residents with education, health, economic stability, and community advocacy. Together, let’s embrace the new fiscal year with renewed energy, commitment, and a shared vision for a brighter future. Let’s move forward with People, Passion, and Purpose guiding our journey.
Here’s to a successful year ahead. Forward!
Warm regards,
Andrea Thomas UPO President and CEO
We appreciate you so much!
You are resilient
You are powerful
You are compassionate
You help communities thrive
You are UPO!
LUNCH TIME CHRONICLES:
JOLLOF RICE COOKOFF!
The UPO Fun Team wanted to cook up a deliciously entertaining event to kick off the Lunch Time Chronicles series. They came up with the Battle of the Jollof Rice!
This was a fun competition between Nigeria and Ghana: Dr. Charity Ezenwa-Onuaku representing Nigeria and Kevin Bryant’s wife, masterful chef Zainab Abbas, representing Ghana. Hungry UPO staff savored samples of their amazing Jollof Rice, then voted on their favorite.
As part of building the anticipation, Master of Ceremonies Dr. Keenan Woods asked the audience about their Jollof experiences and preferences, which drew laughs. Then the ballots were totaled and the winner was crowned: Dr. Charity EzenwaOnuaku’s Nigerian Jollof! The crowd went wild!
Please see the set of pictures that capture some of the event’s flavor. As Kevin said, this was a wonderful time of fellowship around food. We look forward to more friendly competitions that fill the room with laughter as we fill our bellies.
Many thanks to The UPO Fun Team who put the event together, including fearless leader Laurette “Elle” Hilliard, Regina Woodson, Alice Jordan, and MC Dr. Keenan Woods.
ADVOCACY
SPARKING A MOVEMENT TO ADDRESS YOUTH VIOLENCE
On September 25, we hosted Uniting for Safe Futures: A Community Forum on Youth Violence, where youth, parents, and community members shared their experiences and challenges. We asked people to bring their ideas to advance this movement.
Then on October 5, we held focused workshops to dive deeper into solutions, discussing safe spaces, the impact of music on behavior, and personal stories of loss and resilience. Together, we laughed, cried, and closed with a balloon release to honor youth lost too soon.
Then we went further to bridge divides and give youth a chance to thrive and grow. We brought a group of inner-city youth to Sandy Spring Adventure Park for a day of ziplining, outdoor activities, and connecting with police officers in a unique and positive way. This shared experience built trust and mutual understanding, and we’re grateful to The Iron Star Foundation for sponsoring our event.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to building a robust safety network, focusing on programming, resources, wellness, and policy changes to support our youth.
The forum’s speakers included (l. to r.): Ayana Howard-Bias, Director of UPO’s Community Advocacy & Volunteer Services; Britney Smith, Youth Advocate; Ray Nelson, Youth Influencer (and the panel moderator); Joey Elliot, Youth Representative; Joseph Jackson, Parent; Dequwan Smith, Behavioral Dean; Erica Brown, UPO Community Advocacy intern; Ebbon A. Allen, Educator; Rodriguez “Rodney” Norman, Violence Interrupter; Levon “Big Skye” Williams, Community Advocate; and Dr. Daniel Ofori-Addo, UPO EVP and Chief Impact Officer.
HELPING PEOPLE THRIVE
COMMUNITY IMPACT
UPO’s Community Impact division works with residents in Community Impact Zones and community partners in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8 to address the underlying causes and conditions of poverty.
The SW community impact zone has partnered with C3Cares, Georgetown University, George Washington University, and the Rodman Institute to provide ongoing health sessions with the residents.
The George Washington University nursing interns conducted hypertension/diabetes sessions every Friday during September. Residents learned how to read their pressures properly (as well as warning signs they need to know), and prevention resources were shared.
Every Friday during October, Georgetown University nursing interns conducted one-on-one and group sessions to make the residents feel comfortable and legitimize their feelings about their health concerns.
The Rodman Institute and George Washington University nursing interns will conduct focus groups in the Buzzard Point, Washington Highlands, and Marshall Heights community impact zones during November for residents diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The SW neighborhood financial literacy sessions were a huge success (and will soon resume). Many participants shared that they learned to create a budget and solve discrepancies on their credit reports, and that their credit scores increased while they were enrolled in the class.
In addition, we are holding these continuous empowerment sessions:
Computer literacy - Every Thursday: 10-11:45 am
Behavioral Health - Every other Friday: 11am-12 pm
YMCA exercise sessions - Every other Wednesday: 10-11 am
At press time, the SW neighborhood's annual "Meet & Greet" event was scheduled for November 13. The event is designed so that residents and community partners come together to share recommendations for implementing a healthier, sustainable community and receive information about local programs.
A PAIR OF GRANTS
• The Community Impact division received the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) grant for June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2027 from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This grant empowers public housing residents by removing education, health, and professional development barriers. Through this grant, UPO will help SW residents in the Greenleaf, James Creek, and Syphax Gardens housing developments with computer literacy, financial literacy, employment, and referrals for GED/high school enrollment.
• The division was awarded a diaper grant from the Maryland Community Action Partnership through April 30, 2025. We reached its maximum quota by serving 35 families that receive 200 pampers/pullups, wipes, and diaper ointments every other month. We also provide other UPO programs, services, and referrals.
SW Neighborhood residents learned from Georgetown University nursing interns during health sessions. Many thanks to Georgetown University’s Rebecca Shasanmi Ellis, PhD, MPH, RN, who arranged for the students to make this connection to our community. Dr. Ellis is an Assistant Professor in Georgetown’s School of Nursing.
UPO WORKFORCE INSTITUTE (WFI)
On September 9, the Training Division of the UPO Workforce Institute had a graduation ceremony to celebrate our vocational trade students. We had 60 graduates who earned national certifications for:
• IT Help Desk and Application Support Specialist (which is an international certification)
• Broadband Telecommunications Network Technician
• Culinary Arts
• Professional Building Maintenance
• Commercial Driver (CDL)
• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Plumbing Technician
• Electrical Technician
They completed their training programs and will now work with our Placement Unit to continue their job search. We are so proud of our graduates for all of their hard work and dedication to their education, and we are happy to continue working with them to achieve their goals.
Please note:
For DC residents who are eligible, our main requirement is a positive mindset. All trainings are provided at no cost to income-eligible DC residents.
If you know someone who would see our training as a gamechanger, have them contact Darlene Booker (202) 231-7981
Text ICAN to 41444 or call (202) 231-7933 or email wfitraining@upo.org
GLORIOUS GRADUATION
On October 25, the UPO Workforce Institute conducted our autumn “OctoberFest” Hiring Fair at the UPO Petey Greene Community Service Center, led by Job Developer Ms. Toi Proctor.
We had a record turnout of over 150 residents and customers who received employment opportunities and communitybased resources to assist them in their quest for economic security. 25 employers had tables at the event, such as ADC Management Solutions, Aramark, Compass Group, and The National Caucus & Center on Black Aging.. They gave attendees invaluable information and employment opportunities.
We had an amazing time and we are looking forward to our next event!
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN OSHA SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS
UPO’s Construction Trades Exploration Academy for high school students is valuable: The workshops open students’ eyes to career possibilities and are held at our Building Careers Academy — the city’s largest construction training facility.
The Academy began 4 years ago with CARES Act funding and has continued in partnership with the DC Dept. of Employment Services’ High School Internship Program, Summer Youth Employment Program, and DC Student Construction Trades Foundation.
Our summer session focused on OSHA 10 certifications, which 87% of the students received. (OSHA 10 is a safety training course authorized by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.) This marks the first time that DC high school youth not connected with a CTE (Career & Technical Education) program have earned this certification!
Two members of the Saturday Academy have now enrolled in UPO Workforce Training courses including Davani Porter, who will be the third member of his family to complete such training and earn a national certification. And participant Sydney Mack takes her OSHA 10 card to Prairie View A&M where she begins her studies in Architecture. Bravo!
On another note, UPO Workforce Institute trainers have been busy: They hosted tours for over 100 students from DC high schools and conducted workshops and participated in career fairs for over 500 students throughout the District.
“ALL ABOARD THE HEALTH EDUCATION TRAIN!”
UPO’s Advancing Health Literacy program collaborated with DC’s Quality Improvement Network (QIN) of Early Childhood Learning Centers to improve awareness of health education. (UPO’s Office of Early Learning oversees 13 QIN centers throughout the District.)
The first stop of the Health Education Train was Big Mama’s Children Center. The Advancing Health Literacy program’s official panda mascots, Milo & Marleen, assisted Brenton (Health Preparedness Coordinator) and Jenna (Family Engagement Specialist) in sharing the importance of doctor visits, family medical history, healthy exercising, and healthy eating.
October was Health Literacy Month, so be on the lookout for the Health Literacy Train and see where it travels next: “Choo Choo!” In the meantime, check out UPO's Health Literacy coloring book "A Healthy Me" seen in these photos. You can download the book with this QR code.
AHL’S OFFICIAL MASCOTS
Please give a warm welcome to Milo!
Milo is a unique panda who, along with his fellow panda Marleen, serves as an official mascot to not only teach, but to advocate and engage children about AHL. These two mascots have already entered a few child centers and are rapidly increasing their reach each week.
To learn more about Milo, or to inquire about Milo & Marleen visiting a childcare center near you, please contact Health Preparedness Coordinator Brenton Sanford at bsanford@upo.org
UPO’S 41ST ANNUAL MLK JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST
MAKES COLLEGE DREAMS COME TRUE
You’re invited to join us at UPO’s 41st Annual MLK Jr. Memorial Breakfast!
Each year at this breakfast, UPO presents Joseph A. Beavers Scholarships to 5 outstanding DC students to help ease the cost of college. There is power in showing how much we believe in these students, who have become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders.
Most of the scholars are the first in their families to attend college. Kieri Sánchez, a 2019 Beavers Scholar, said that the scholarship transformed her life and that
“everything is possible if you put your heart and passion into it.”
UPO saw a need to help emerging leaders who couldn’t afford college. That’s why we created this event, which is our largest annual fundraiser — it is the source of funds for the Beavers Scholarships and also supports our holistic approach to helping people reach economic security. Our generous donors have invested over $1 million to support over 200 scholars and guide them through college.
As a member of Team UPO, you get a 50% discount on tickets and we would love for you to attend and financially support the MLK Breakfast.
The Payroll Deduction Schedule and Employee Pledge form are here for you to download (and you’ve been receiving them in your email box). For example, if you want to buy 1 ticket at $75, you can pay $7.50 each pay day for the next 10 pay days.
If you elect any other options on the Employee Pledge form (such as buying additional tickets), please refer to your bi-weekly Payroll Deduction Schedule.
Please get your Employee Pledge form to Regina Woodson by emailing rwoodson@upo.org to start your 10 bi-weekly payroll deductions of $7.50 per ticket.
And if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Regina at 202-238-4698 or rwoodson@upo.org
Visit www.upo.org/MLK41 to see more details about the event or to share the news with your friends.
YOUTH SERVICES
EMPOWERING DC TEENS: POWER TEAM’S UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE YOUTH TO YOUTH CONFERENCE
Over the summer, the Youth Services division’s POWER team gave our Digital Pioneer Academy high school students an unforgettable opportunity to attend the Youth to Youth Conference at Ohio Wesleyan University. This event offered students a taste of authentic college life. They stayed on campus and participated in a range of workshops, closely resembling the schedule of a college student.
During the conference, the teens had the privilege of listening to inspirational keynote speakers who shared stories of resilience and success, motivating them to reach their full potential. The students also engaged in "family groups" alongside teens from across the United States, fostering a sense of community and understanding. These family groups created a safe space for open dialogue, allowing participants to share their experiences and perspectives.
The conference focused on critical issues affecting today’s youth, including the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, the impact of youth violence within their communities, and the importance of pursuing higher education after high school. Through dynamic workshops and interactive discussions, the teens gained valuable knowledge and tools to make positive choices and become leaders in their communities.
The experience not only broadened their understanding of these pressing issues but also encouraged them to envision their future beyond high school. The POWER team is proud to have been part of this transformative journey, empowering DC youth to take charge of their lives and work towards a brighter future.
OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING (OEL)
AUSTIN LEE IS COACHING OUR FUTURE EDUCATORS
OEL is constantly seeking dynamic, passionate educators for our 17 Early Childhood Education Centers. To help people develop their teaching skills, OEL created an Early Educator Credentialing Program (EECP). Some trainees start by becoming certified as a Child Development Associate (CDA), then we help them grow further in their careers: We collaborate with higher education institutions so these educators can earn AA, BA, and Master’s degrees.
Coaches are vital at every stage. For example, the CDA interns (who intend to become Child Development Associates) rely on coaches such as Austin Lee, who recently joined UPO and is quickly making his mark.
The picture shows Austin’s first day working with a CDA intern. When he entered the room, a little boy stopped playing and ran over to hug Austin. What a great way to start!
Austin stands out because he has easily built professional relationships with the CDA interns, the EECP team, center directors, and teachers. Austin is also a member of the DC Men in Early Childhood Education collaborative; he has the opportunity to network with other men in the field and participate in trainings, community events, and conferences that are geared towards early childhood development.
Austin is also a longtime volunteer at Children’s National hospital who was recently highlighted in their newsletter. He has volunteered hundreds of hours, visiting patients, sharing resources, setting up holiday decorations, and raising funds. This is how Austin gives back to others after receiving so much: He was born with kidney disease and went through many surgeries, including two kidney transplants, at Children’s National. Now, he embraces and is embraced by the hospital “family” and finds joy in serving the community.
Bravo to Austin! We are thrilled to have such a wonderful soul in our own UPO Family.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR YOUR BENEFITS
The dates for open enrollment of UPO benefits are December 2-13, 2024. Our benefit carriers will remain the same and premium rates are being finalized. Please look out for further enrollment education opportunities regarding the 2025 benefits. (Don’t forget to check your email.) Please feel free to reach out to Chelsey Cobb (ccobb@upo.org) if you have any questions.
TEAM UPO SPOTLIGHT
Ms. SHIRLEY PRICE
Senior Community Liaison | Community Advocacy & Volunteer Services division
When did you join UPO?
I was hired on October 7, 1991 – 33 years ago.
Why did you join us?
I was working at a UPO-funded Delegate Agency as Director of Community Services to provide Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) services and activities to an assigned service area in Southeast DC. Then the partnership ended and that agency closed its doors. This created a need to set up a new UPO Neighborhood Development Center in that area of the Anacostia community — serving residents in the census tracts that had DC’s highest level of poverty.
UPO asked me to come on board to help the staff create the new center in that community to continue providing CSBG services. We identified office space at 1200 U Street, SE (at the intersection with MLK Jr. Ave., on the top floor over Ayers Pharmacy) and chose the name: UPO Anacostia Community Services Center. Within its first 4 months, the center surpassed its service goals [and kept doing more and more. In 2004, UPO opened a new building for the center at 1649 Marion Barry Ave., SE.]
What does your job involve?
Serving as the eyes and ears of UPO out in the community
Connecting UPO and the community, including routing community requests
Developing resources (financial, material, etc.) and partnerships to expand UPO’s reach
Making sure DC residents are aware of UPO and our programs
Along the way, I have worn many hats as Director of Community Services, Branch Chief, and Center Director. Now I’m the Senior Community Liaison.
What do you like most about what you do?
Most of all, I love UPO and what it stands for. To thousands of underserved residents in DC, UPO stands for help, hope, and another chance. I love meeting people and the challenge of solving problems. UPO allows me the opportunity to identify a problem and to do what I think is necessary to solve it. For example, I was a member of the first St. Elizabeth’s DevelopmentCommunity Benefits Agreement [and fought to create a grant] which provides funds for UPO’s Joseph A. Beavers Scholarships. I assisted in developing UPO’s first non-clinical Women, Infants and Children’s program, and I started:
UPO’s first Community Computer Lab
The Barry Farm – UPO Employment and Resource Center
UPO Food Handlers Training program
UPO’s first Tax Preparation program
Every day, I rely on my teammates in Community Advocacy & Volunteer Services as we work together to meet UPO’s goals and mission:
Ayana Howard-Bias (Director)
Bernardette Ferrell (Volunteer Coordinator)
Janiya Proctor (Community Coordinator)
Over the years, many people have helped me (including some who are no longer with us). I don’t know if I would have made it without their help, leadership, and shoulders to stand on.
These teammates include:
Edna Baker
Cheryl Christmas
Carolyn Francisco
Carolyn Gray
James Hamilton
Ramona Jackson
Theresa Jones
George Martin
Willie Martin
Mary McNeil
Yvonne Moore
Phil Pannel
Betty Sledge
Eva Toney
I love helping people. I grew up in a large family and we were taught to be kind to others and help where you can. With such a great need in the world today, it is my belief that UPO is a very useful and necessary organization for the good of the underserved residents of DC.
It is my pleasure to share my knowledge of successes and solutions achieved through the committed efforts of UPO and its customers. I am proud to be a part of it.
God bless America, DC, and UPO!
Ms. Price (center) with two of her teammates, Ayana HowardBias (left) and Bernardette Ferrell (right).
WELCOME TO OUR NEW HIRES!
JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2024
Brenda Balcazar Family Engagement Specialist OEL
Chanel Brandon CDA Intern OEL
Olivia Calloway Early Learning Specialist EHS OEL
Meaza Homma Teacher 1 OEL
Tanisha Jacob Program Assistant Community Impact
Evelyne Kingori Supervisor Comprehensive Treatment Ctr.
Chequelle Cooper Family Engagement Specialist OEL
Tatyana Dozier CDA Intern OEL
Esmeralda Garcia CDA Intern OEL
Austin Lee CDA Success Coach OEL
Tatiyona Lee CDA Intern OEL
Scott Lindsey Electrical Instructor UPO Workforce Institute
Tura Gebeyehu Senior Financial Accountant Office of Finance
Jarniece Holbrook CDA Intern OEL
Nasir Holloway Case Manager Permanent Supportive Housing
Jamia Lowe Job Readiness Coach UPO Workforce Institute
Lenny MacKlin Case Manager Permanent Supportive Housing
Ruth Mejia Card Production Specialist EBT - Community Reinvestment
Melissa Parker Custodian Office of Facilities Mgmt.
Dayonna Peterson CDA Intern OEL
Brianna Robinson CDA Intern OEL
Cherrell Tucker Teacher 1 OEL
Jecica Villalta Teacher 1 OEL
Mikaila Wallace Card Production Specialist EBT - Community Reinvestment
Taylor Walton Health Services Specialist OEL
Cynthia Young-Anderson Card Production Specialist EBT - Community Reinvestment
