Ward 1 town hall with Vince Gray, presumed mayor-elect

As the mayoral candidate promised, he is holding town halls in each ward in the month prior to the general election.   The Ward 1 event is being held Tuesday, October 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Columbia Heights Youth Center (1480 Girard Street, NW).

The events are designed to engage residents about the issues that matter most to them.   People are encouraged to bring ideas, questions and enthusiasm for improving the community and city.   More information is available by calling 682-4729 or by going online.   Those unable to attend the fora may go online to submit questions or concerns.

Salvation Army seeks to hire social service worker

The Salvation Army, National Capital Area Command seeks to hire a Social Service Worker at its Emergency Assistance Programs office in northwest DC.   The Emergency Assistance Program provides emergency financial assistance and crisis intervention to individuals and families residing in the District of Columbia.   More about the position, including how to apply for the job, are in the job posting.

Book sale to support Columbia Heights Educational Campus

Two important things to note about the Second Annual Book Sale

• The book sale is being held Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Bell Multicultural High School cafeteria.
• Donations for the sale are being accepted.   Appropriate donations include books (but no old text books, please), DVDs and CDs.   Drop off your tax-deductible donation at the main offices of Bell and Lincoln during the workday.   The campus is located at 3101 16th St NW (corner of 16th and Irving Streets, NW).   Call 202-939-7703 for delivery procedures.

Funding opportunity for high performing youth organizations

Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) has announced it is now accepting applications for its youthCONNECT initiative which aims to create a network of high-performing nonprofits in the National Capital Region working to improve opportunities for low-income youth, ages 14-24.   This is a terrific opportunity for youth-serving nonprofits in Ward 1.

Up to four nonprofit organizations will be selected through the open competition.   The initiative is funded in part through the federal Social Innovation Fund (SIF).

The RFPP is available for download on VPP's website, along with additional information on youthCONNECT and the guidelines and processes of the open competition.   The deadline for submission to VPP is October 12 at 5:00 pm.

September SWOT meeting -- plan to attend!

From Jose Dorce, Director of Community Capacity Building:

Please join us Friday, September 17th from 9:00-11:00 am as we continue to Strengthen Ward One Together (SWOT) through stronger partnerships, communication and more efficient and effective services.   The meeting will take place at the Columbia Heights Youth Center, 1480 Girard St NW, beginning with networking and breakfast at 9:00 am.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact:   Jose R. Dorce via email or (202) 391-5743.

Workshop on domestic violence and immigrant women

WEAVE is sponsoring a day-long workshop, "Immigrant Women Dealing with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault:   Clinical and Legal Issues", on October 22.   For more information and to register, visit the WEAVE web site.   There is a small fee to attend the event.

Free legal services for seniors, September 14

Legal Counsel for the Elderly is sponsoring two free legal workshops on September 14.   The first event is an estate planning workshop from 10:00 am - Noon and a free legal advice fair from 10:30 am - Noon.

Ward 1 Senior Wellness Center opens September 10

Hat tip to the Park View, D.C. blog for sharing the great news that September 10 marks the official opening of the Ward 1 Senior Wellness Center located at 3531 Georgia Ave NW.   As the flier reports, the opening starts at 9:30 am.

Amateur boxing tournament, September 4

High school student fellowship deadline near

The DC Language Access Coalition's S.M.A.R.T. (Student Multiethnic Action Research Team) fellowship for the 2010-2011 school year is looking for students.   S.M.A.R.T. is a youth-led decision-making body which advocates and organizes for better education for ESL students and their families.   Some of the issues they worked on in the past include demanding bilingual counselors in schools, more after school programs for ESL students, and an accurate needs assessment for every ESL student to avoid an unnecessarily delayed graduation.

Optimally, students will be sophomores or juniors, English Language Learners currently in ESL courses in DC Public Schools or DC public charter schools.   Karina Hurtado-Ocampo, the coalition's educational organizer will be conducting interviews through September 3.

More about what the fellowship entails is in the information packet.   For more information, contact Karina, (718) 679-3299 or via email.

Drug conference re: re-entry population, September 15-16

The National African American Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. and the Ward 1 Drug Free Community Coalition are holding a conference in DC September 15-16.   More information about "Creating Avenues and Pathways to Success:   Identifying Strategic Solutions to Address Disparities and Obstacles Related to Re-Entry, Recovery and Recidivism" is here:   invitation letter and draft program.

This is your DPR… Open house August 24

Attend the Ward 1 rec center open house to learn more about what programs are offered and resources available to residents.   Tuesday, August 24 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard St NW).

Angel Tree registration begins September 1 - get your clients ready!

Martha's Table collects school supplies

Mart Has Table School Supply Drive Flier 0810

Ward 1 back-to-school supply drives

Two Ward 1 organizations submitted information in Susie's effort to collect back-to-school supply drives.   The complete list (8/6/10) is below.
School Supply Drives 2010

Girard Children's Community Garden needs you!

City Blossoms will be holding a workday in this community garden on September 18 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.   For those unfamiliar with this garden, it is located in the playground near 15th and Girard Sts NW.

Come out and help City Blossoms get this garden ready for the school year, for new groups of kid and family gardeners.   The day will include some cleaning, weeding and fall planting.   Bring your gloves and City Blossoms will bring the tools and refreshments!

More information or to RSVP, email Rebecca.

Columbia Heights/Third District, MPD National Night Out Block Party, August 3

2010 National Night Out 3D

Are you collecting school supplies for Ward 1 kids?

Is your organization/business is collecting school supplies for children and youth in your program or community?   Would you like some free publicity to increase supply donations?   Answer a few questions (it will only take a couple of minutes) and then I will compile the results and share them on this blog and other places.   The deadline for providing the information is COB August 4.   If you have a flier promoting the back to school supply drive, please email it to Susie Cambria (in addition to answering the questions!) and I will post on the blog.

ANC 1D meeting -- green streets, affordable housing, pedestrian safety, and more

ANC 1D is holding an informal meeting on August 3 at 7:00 pm at La Casa Community Center (3166 Mount Pleasant St NW).   On the agenda is a discussion of Mount Pleasant Street as a "Green Street" as proposed by the Mt. Pleasant Commercial Revitalization Strategy Draft Plan and any and all other plans—such as those related to affordable housing, energy, the environment, and pedestrians.  Finally, any other subjects of concern to residents of Mount Pleasant are appropriate.

Ayuda assists Salvadoran immigrants seeking/re-registering for Temporary Protected Status

From Monday, July 26 to Friday, August 6 Ayuda will be conducting special walk-in hours for TPS renewals from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm for a fee of $60.   The extended office hours are exclusively open to Salvadorans who are re-registering for benefits under the current TPS extension.

Ayuda is offering the extended hours because Salvadoran immigrants in particular are often unfamiliar with the US immigration system and their rights under it.   Often, these immigrants have limited English language proficiency.   The combination of these factors makes these individuals easy prey for unscrupulous "notarios" (or immigration consultants) and/or attorneys who charge outrageously high fees while delivering no assistance.

Salvadoran nationals who want to re-register for TPS should go to Ayuda (1707 Kalorama Rd NW) with their most current TPS work permit, two money orders or personal checks made out to the "US Department of Homeland Security" (one for $80 and the other for $340), as well as Ayuda's $60 fee in cash.

Ayuda continues to offer free legal consultation regarding TPS eligibility.   The organizations's regular walk-in hours are Thursdays from 9:00 – 11:00 am in DC and Wednesdays from 9:00 – 10:00 am in Virginia.

Mark your calendars for another great training--this time on the DC juvenile justice system

 
On August 5, Martha’s Table will be hosting a SWOT training on the juvenile justice system.   The Council for Court Excellence and a number of DC government agencies will walk us through the system -- what to expect, what to do, and much more.   But be sure to reserve your place early as we only have space for 25 participants.   RSVP online.

Three-minute interview with CHCM's Robert Schubert

If you've not already done so, check out the Washington Examiner's Emily Babay's interview with Columbia Heights Community Marketplace manager Robert Schubert.   It ran in the July 23 edition of the Examiner.   The interview is jam packed full of information—such as why it was founded and when and hopes for the future.   Most interesting, though, is this:

What are the elements of a successful farmers market?
All in all, a good market will set the stage to create connections between and among local farmers, shoppers and the wider community....   However, people with limited incomes often can't participate as much as they might like.   That's why we're thrilled with the recent launch of our new CHFestivus Bucks, Festibucks for short, program.   Thanks to the wonderful and diligent help of Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, we secured $5,000 that will allow people who use [Women, Infants and Children Program] "Fresh Checks," Senior [Farmers Market Nutrition Program] vouchers and food stamps to increase the amount, up to $10, that they can spend on food each Saturday.

More information about CHFestivus Bucks (in English and Spanish) are in this flier previously posted on the blog.

Reminder -- green jobs breakfast series continues July 26

A reminder that Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative and Urban Solar Solutions are sponsoring a free series of breakfast meetings about all things green construction, workforce development, food, and transportation.   The series concludes July 29.   More information is in the flier.

Volunteers needed!

• Two more volunteers are needed for the "Hairspray" Movie Night taking place Thursday, July 29 at 8:00 pm at Tubman Elementary Field
• Ten volunteers are needed for National Night Out (NNO) on August 3 at various times between 4:00 and 10:00 pm.   Target is sponsoring this year's NNO in Columbia Heights and has agreed to help out with our Columbia Heights Day with reciprocal volunteers. NNO will be held at Hyatt Place and the adjoining soccer fields located at Bell Multi-Cultural High School.  This event is also very important for keeping our community safe.   Also it is great way to meet law enforcement officers in the area as well as Washington Redskins cheerleaders!

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Whitney Cooper via email.

Community partners sought for block party

The 12th Annual Capital Manor Coop and W Street Community Block Party is being held August 28 from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.   ANC 1B04 Commissioner Deborah Thomas, on behalf of the ANC and neighborhood, has put out a call for support for the event.   She is interested in funding and organizations to table at the event.   For more information, email her (deborahanc AT juno DOT com).

Mayor Fenty addresses ANC 1B on August 5

Mayor Fenty is the scheduled guest speaker at the regular ANC 1B monthly meeting, August 5, 7:00 pm in the second floor conference room at Reeves Center (2000 14th St NW).   The public is welcome and invited to attend.   More information is available from Jim Irwin, 481-3462.

826DC seeks volunteers

826DC, a Ward 1-based nonprofit helping young people between the ages of 6 and 18 improve their creative and expository writing skills, seeks volunteers to help increase their capacity to serve DC students and teachers.   There are many ways to volunteer for 826DC.   More information about volunteering is on their web site.   The org is holding a volunteer orientation on October 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.   But sign up soon; the September orientation is already filled to capacity!

Have your public benefits been cancelled? Were you denied benefits? Call the warm-line

Warm Line Flyer

Ward 1 CM candidate forum, July 29 (flier in English and Spanish)

Ward1CMForum

Crimes against seniors and other vunerable adults seminar - July 20

Flyer+ July

The Green Jobs Breakfast Series kicks off July 19 right here in Ward 1!

CHSFSCGreenJobsBreakfastAnnouncement2010

From Cradle to Career: Creating High-Performing Partnerships with D.C. Public Schools

From Cradle to Career:   Creating High-Performing Partnerships with D.C. Public Schools, July 19 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm is being sponsored by Building Local Civic & Nonprofit Capacity, a project of the Urban Institute Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy and the National Center for Charitable Statistics.   The forum is being held at The Urban Institute (2100 M St NW, 5th Floor, Katharine Graham Conference Facility).   RSVP with complete contact information here.

Four years ago, educators, nonprofits, elected officials, corporations, and the philanthropic community banded together in Greater Cincinnati for a common purpose:   help each child succeed from birth to meaningful careers.   Today, this public-private partnership, known as Strive, unites a broad swath of committed individuals and organizations around shared issues, goals, measurements and results, and then actively supports and strengthens strategies that eliminate the cracks children might fall through.

Be part of a spirited and informative exchange as Jeff Edmondson, Strive’s executive director, discusses how the coalition is helping students meet five key benchmarks toward success in and out of school; and how working groups address activities ranging from early childhood education to college retention.

Contact Pho Palmer with questions:   (202) 261-5397 or via email.

Great News! Your WIC and Senior Get Fresh Checks worth DOUBLE at CH Community Marketplace

CHFestivusflier

Immigrant health forum, July 28

Immigration Flier July 2010 Rev

Beating the DC heat!

Summer Packet - FINAL

A Better DC. . . . FUNdraising event, July 9

a_better _dc

July 17 small business legal advice clinic

July 17 Clients

July 17 Clients - Spanish

June 25 SWOT meeting

SWOT June 25 Meeting Flyer

May 21, 2010 meeting notes

SWOT Meeting Notes_5!21!10

DHS seeks input from organizations serving TANF recipients

The Department of Human Services has released a survey to gather information from organizations providing services to recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).   The information gathered will be used to assist DHS redesign TANF programs and services to better meet the needs of DC residents.

The deadline for participating in the survey is June 30.   Access the survey online here.   If you want to preview the survey, it is here.   Note that the survey must be completed online; it is adaptive and so you will answer questions that are specific to your previous responses and the scope of services provided by your organization.

Organizations that provide TANF recipients with any of the following services are encouraged to complete the survey:

• Outreach and client engagement
• Life skills and goal setting
• Job search and placement
• Education and training in preparation for employment
• Work experience
• Subsidized employment
• Program and job retention supports

TANF was created in the District in March 1997 following the federal reform of welfare.   Approximately 16,400 District families receive TANF benefits each month; of those, 74% are required to engage in work, training, or education activities.   DHS aims to become a national model for an accountable, compassionate and person-centric approach that helps welfare recipients build capacity, increase earnings, and transition towards self-sufficiency.

Questions should be directed to Inessa Lurye via email.

Campaign for Recovery in DC kickoff, September 10

From the Mount Pleasant Yahoo Group (Digest Number 3006, sent June 8, 2010) is this from Rob Fleming:

Mount Pleasant has long been a leader in enlightened substance abuse policy and programs, but we're slipping.   We pioneered community-oriented Alcoholic Beverage Control Policy, yet more kids buy here alcohol than in any otherstate (proportionately).   We founded Neighbors Consejo to offer treatment rather than jail, but it's fallen on hard times and does not get the support from the city it once did.   We had community policing before it got fashionable, and closed down drug markets on Mount Pleasant Street in the 90's, but our residents still buy and sell drugs, get out of jail and go back to their old habits in the 2-Teens.   It's time we got back to our traditions, not of protest, but proactive action and program building to ensure that Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders (four times more prevalent than HIV/AIDS, by the way) are recognized early, treated promptly and effectively, and that recovery is sustained for life.

AODDs are symptoms of a brain disease, and telling someone to "just say no" and quit drinking and drugging is like telling someone with AIDS to "just say no" to the infections their immune system can no longer fight off.   And even more than AIDS, AODDs have impacts far beyond the people who decide whether to buy, use, or sell drugs.   That makes them a public policy issue no less than air pollution, national defense, or education.   Yet our leaders take little action because they are busy with other problems that get more attention, like jobs, education, crime, traffic, and health care reform - all problems made worse by AODDs.

On Thursday, September 10th, the DC Recovery Community Alliance will hold a workshop to kick off a Campaign for Recovery in DC to describe the problem, offer solutions, and teach skills to advocate for recovery.   The workshop will be held at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2300 Cathedral Ave NW at 7:00 pm.   Our Councilman, Jim Graham, will be the keynote speaker.   There is off-street parking at All Souls and it is a few blocks from the Woodley Park Metro (map available here).

There's more information at www.dcrca.org or you can email Rob with questions.

Great news -- 10% discount extended for Solution-Focused training!

Just out from Columbia Heights/Shaw Support Collaborative:   The 10% discount on the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy training institute has been extended to June 14!   Now you can train with the best for less.   Go online today and reserve your space to train with Peter De Jong, Yvonne Dolan, and others on ways to use Solution-Focused in community-based settings.

Free bilingual education conference June 25

Rising to Academic Excellence for All:   Effective Literacy Practices for Second Language Learners is a free conference hosted by DC Bilingual Public Charter School on June 25.   The free event will take place at CentroNía’s facilities, 3029 14th Street (across the street from the Columbia Heights metro station).   Registration closes June 23 so be sure to register soon! Details below and here.DC Bilingual Conference Schedule FINAL

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Creative Applications in Community-Based Settings is coming to Washington

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Creative Applications in Community-Based Settings is coming to Washington, DC June 29 – July 2, 2010

Leading thinkers and practitioners in the field guide attendees through workshops designed to build skills and knowledge and increase participant confidence in using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), an approach demonstrated to be effective when working with families.

Attendees can choose from a range of workshops on such topics as using SFBT in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, with gangs and crews, and with young people aging out of foster care. Training institute attendees will be actively engaged in the event, asking questions, role playing, and challenging themselves and others.

So go to www.chsfsc.org to review the program and to register for this event featuring world renowned trainers.

MW2 Block Party and Health Fair, July 10

Block Party Health Fair 20101

May SWOT meeting, May 21

SWOT May 21 Meeting Flyer

New court procedure beneficial to tenants

In late April, DC Superior Court announced the Housing Conditions Calendar, a program allowing tenants to sue landlords on an expedited basis.   The program specifically deals with housing code violations.

According to the press release:

The Housing Conditions Calendar will be heard by Judge Melvin Wright, Deputy Presiding Judge of the Court’s Civil Division.   Judge Wright has worked closely with all the various stakeholders to develop an approach that is efficient, fair and easily accessible by all tenants, especially those not represented by counsel.   The forms required for the Housing Conditions calendar were designed to be ‘user friendly’ and the fee is $15.   The forms can be found at www.dccourts.gov/housingconditions.

Thanks to the DC Tenant Coalition electronic discussion list for sharing this useful information.

Free DC Latino Tenant Summit, May 15

Latino tenants, tenant associations, and tenant advocacy groups should plan on attending the free DC Latino Tenant Summit on May 15 from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at Carlos Rosario International Charter School, 1100 Harvard Street, NW.
Latino Summit Flier (English)

Latino Summit Flier (Spanish)

La Ti No Summit Registration Form (Spanish)

Super meaningful Mother's Day cards

Let Children’s Law Center do the hard work this Mother’s Day.   You tell us where to send a card (guaranteed to arrive by Mother’s Day on May 9th) and we’ll take care of the rest.   Your donation will help us to place an abuse child in a mother’s loving embrace.   Send a card to your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or friend!   But hurry – the deadline to purchase to ensure on-time delivery is Monday, May 3rd!   One card for $25; two cards for $35; three cards for $45, and four cards for $60.   Go here to view and purchase cards.

Questions?   Email Jessica Gelin.

CM Jim Graham is a Safety Net Hero!

Ward 1 CM Jim Graham recently reprimanded Mayor Fenty for closing the $500 million FY 2011 gap with regressive fees that impact the poor most of all, and by slashing funding for safety net programs that keep our communities strong.   CM Graham went on to call for a millionaire's tax to help the city generate enough revenue to invest in an economic recovery that includes all DC residents.   Save Our Safety Net has more on the CM's actions here.

Those who are most vulnerable within our society need to have the greatest protection.   Those with the greatest ability to pay, should pay more.

Exactly!

In an election year, calling for higher taxes (even only on the wealthiest) is a courageous move -- so S.O.S. is encouraging us to thank CM Graham for taking a stand!   Send a "Save Our Safety Net" email to Councilmember Graham here and thank him for being a safety net hero!

Extraordinary learning opportunity planned for late June

You are invited to participate in an extraordinary learning opportunity:   Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Creative Applications in Community-Based Settings.

This training features leading thinkers and practitioners in the field who will guide attendees through a number of workshops designed to build skills and confidence in this effective approach to working with families.   Those who should attend this event include:

• Social workers
• School-based counselors, parent coordinators, and teachers
• Social service agency personnel
• Professionals in mediation and restorative justice
• Juvenile justice and criminal justice system professionals
• Outreach and engagement staff
• Therapists and psychologists
• Law enforcement
• Youth/gang violence prevention and intervention staff

This training institute is being held in Washington, DC from June 29 - July 2, 2010.    Professionals from across the globe will convene to improve their skills and learn from their international, national, and local peers.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is inherently strength-based and holistic in the way it engages families.   While developed initially as a therapy model, it has transferred well to many different areas of community work.   Its combination of looking forward while helping people recognize their strengths and learn from their successes is a perfect fit for the development of family plans, street-level outreach, adult reentry counseling, job readiness training, and family group conferences.   The possibilities are endless!

Please consider attending this event – it will be well worth the effort.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities

Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative is hosting two events in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.   The first is being held on April 20 and the target population is parents and other caregivers.   This workshop will address a number of subjects related to children who are older than 5 years old.   The goal is to inform and equip families to address important issues.   This event is co-sponsored by the DC Rape Crisis Center.

Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative is also hosting an open house and panel discussion on parent engagement and empowerment on April 29 from 3:30 - 6:00 pm.   The target population for this event is school personnel and programs that work with schools and families.   More information is in the flier below.

April 2010 Child Abuse Prevention Workshop_English

April 2010 Child Abuse Prevention Workshop_Spanish

CHSFSCApril Open House Flyer

Rite Aid now accepts SNAP (Food Stamps)

Capital Area Food Bank recently shared the news that Rite Aid stores are accepting EBT cards.   As you know, there is a Rite Aid on the corner of 13th and U Streets, NW (1306 U Street NW).

According to a Market Watch press release, Rite Aid made this decision to "help meet the needs of its customers."   EBT cards are used in DC by those who benefit from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known previously as Food Stamps.

More from the press release:

More than 38 million Americans received food assistance through SNAP last year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is administered by the USDA and offers families and individuals at certain income levels financial assistance in purchasing food and beverages.   Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the electronic system that allows a SNAP recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received.

SNAP benefit recipients are issued EBT cards that look like debit cards. Customers swipe their EBT card like a credit card at the time of the purchase and the cash register automatically deducts the eligible purchase (any food, candy or non-alcoholic beverage) from the balance on their card.   For additional details on SNAP, visit www.usda.gov.

"One in eight Americans are receiving food assistance through SNAP according to the USDA," said Brian Fiala, Rite Aid Executive Vice President, Store Operations.   "With nearly 4,800 Rite Aid stores nationwide offering assorted groceries, accepting EBT cards is just another convenience we can offer to our customers and help make their lives a little easier."

There are six Rite Aid stores located in Washington, DC.

Certainly, the more outlets accepting EBT cards, the better for residents using SNAP.   Of course the issue is the nutritional value (or lack thereof) of the food purchased in these retail outlets.

Youth subject of NWCHCA meeting panel

"Youth and Our Community" is the featured panel subject at the April 19 Northwest Columbia Heights Community Association (NWCHCA) Public Forum.   At-large CM Michael Brown is the special guest at the evening meeting.   All are welcome to attend this free meeting.   Additional information is available on the NWCHCA website.

Free HIV prevention training for African-American women

SISTA Adaptation Training is being held on April 23 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.   The training will take place at 64 New York Avenue NE on the 5th Floor; lunch will be provided.

"Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics about AIDS" (SISTA) is a group level HIV prevention intervention for African-American females.   It has been proven effective in communities of color and is recognized on the CDC's list of Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBIs).   The intervention focuses on cultural and gender-relevant ways to increase condom use among African-American women.   This adaptation training will focus on how to use "SISTA" to reach young African-American females ages 13-24.   The free training will be highly interactive and most appropriate for providers who work directly with African-American female populations.   This training is not limited to HIV service providers; all organizations are encouraged to attend.

To RSVP for this training, email iwebster (at) metroteenaids (dot) org.   More information is available by calling Isaiah Webster at 543-0094.

Carlos Rosario training class information

Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School has just announced two training days!

Culinary Arts Day is being held on Wednesday, April 14 from 10:00-11:30 am and 7:00-8:30 pm.   Nurse Aide Training Day on Wednesday, April 21 from 10:00-11:30 am and 7:00-8:30 pm.

Classes are open to Washington, DC residents, but a picture ID is needed to ensure access into the building.   More information is available by calling 797-4700 ext. 125 or emailing workforce (at) carlosrosario (dot) org.

Students with an interest in food service who have successfully completed English as a Second Language (ESL) Level 5 or demonstrate the equivalent English Language proficiency are welcome to attend.   Information session attendance is mandatory for all interested applicants.   This session will provide applicants the opportunity to learn more about the Carlos Rosario culinary arts program and the hospitality industry.   More information is available in the Culinary Arts Day flier.

Students with an interest in health and who have successfully completed English as a Second Language (ESL) Level 7 or demonstrate the equivalent English Language proficiency are welcome to attend.   Information session attendance is mandatory for all interested applicants.   The Nurse Aide Training Day flier is here.

Credit Card Seminars for Seniors

The Department of Insurance, Securities and Bank (DISB) is working with the Community Services for Aging to offer five seminars on the new credit card law and its impact on seniors.   The seminars will be from 11:00 am - Noon from April 12 to April 30.   More information will soon be on the DISB website.   Be sure to check out What's Your Financial Literacy 411? for more info.

3rd Annual CAAB Financial Fair -- April 10

Worried about your money?   CAAB can help you take control of your future now at the 3rd Annual CAAB Financial Fair, Saturday, April 10 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.   The fair is being held at the Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street, NW.   (ID is required to enter the building.)

This annual event features a full FREE "spring cleaning" for your finances, including:

• Credit reports and counseling
• Tax preparation for eligible filers (see the DC EITC Campaign website)
• Giveaways from bank and credit union exhibitors
• A chance to open a safe and convenient bank account through Bank on DC

More information here in Spanish and English.   Or, call 419-1440.

Learn to coordinate Family Group Conferences in April

Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative is offering a three-day Family Group Conferencing coordination training in mid-April.   Participants will:

• Learn the steps in coordinating an FGC
• Understand how to prepare family members and professionals to participate in a meeting
• The importance of planning for safety concerns prior to a meeting
• Practice skills through coached role plays and a mock FGC

Details, including cost and how to register, are in the flier, below.
FGCCoordinationTraining0410

Georgia Avenue Task Force stakeholder survey

If you live, work, socialize or are in any way a stakeholder in Georgia Avenue, please take the Georgia Avenue Community Survey, now online in English and Spanish.

The survey will provide valuable feedback for the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force.   The results will feed into a Neighborhood Development Plan which the Task Force will begin working on in June.

As always, the more perspectives the better.   Residents, civic association, businesses, and others are being asked to share widely to your community groups, neighbors, church groups, and electronic discussion lists.   And Task Force members will be taking the survey door-to-door in a few weeks.

DC Tenant Rights & Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Strengthening Ward One Together presents this April 9 workshop, "DC Tenant Rights & Foreclosure Prevention."   The event features a presentation by Natalie LeBeau, Tenant Anti-Displacement Program Director at Housing Counseling Services who will explain tenant rights in DC and much more.   Details are in the flier, below.
SWOTApril 9th Meeting Flyer -3-25

City Council hearings on workforce, tenant, and rent issues

Some of the public hearings noticed in the March 26 DC Register about which SWOT members may be interested are:

• B18-545, "Keep D.C. Working Act of 2009":   This hearing by the Committee on Housing and Workforce Development (At-large CM Michael Brown, chair) is being held on April 1 at 2:00 pm in the JAWB.   Details are in the notice.   The public is encouraged to testify.
• B18-548, "Rent Increase Amendment Act of 2009", and B18-598, "Tenant Organization Petition Standing Amendment Act of 2009":   This hearing by the Committee on Housing and Workforce Development (At-large CM Michael Brown, chair) is being held on April 1 at 10:00 am in the JAWB.   Details are in the notice.   The public is encouraged to testify.

Parent classes at Shaw/Garnett Patterson starting March 25

School’s not just for kids. . .

Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative's latest parenting class starts March 25 and all DCPS parents are welcome!   Details in the flier below.

Shawgpparent Classes

Volunteers needed for tree planting extravaganza!

Columbia Heights Village Together with Casey Trees Washington, DC is sponsoring a Neighborhood Tree Planting on March 20 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Casey Trees is providing the trees, tools, gloves and technical advisors.   CHVT is recruiting the volunteers (dressed in gardening clothes and ready to get dirty) to plant 30 trees on the grounds of the Columbia Heights Village Apartments.   Adults and kids are welcome -- and about 40 are needed for this ambitious greening project.   Volunteers will be fed and watered just like the trees!   Bagels and coffee at the beginning and pizza at the end.   The check-in/organizational site is the southeast corner of 14th Street and Columbia Road.   Harvard Street may be blocked off due to a marathon that is being run that same morning, so you might want to take the metro (Green or Yellow Line, Columbia Heights stop).   The planting will happen regardless of weather.

For more information, including how to register, click here.

Rent control proection for the elderly and persons with disabilities, April 1

Straight from the DC Tenants Coalition Yahoo Group:

The District of Columbia Office of the Tenant Advocate is co-sponsoring with IONA Senior Services a workshop on "Rent Control Protection for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities" on Thursday, April 1.   The workshop will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at IONA Senior Services, 4125 Albemarle Street, NW.

The Rental Housing Act of 1985 (Act), as amended, includes provisions covering the amounts and frequency of rent increases for units subject to rent control in the District of Columbia.  Rent increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) plus 2%, with maximum amount of the rent increase capped at 10%.   However, rent increases for the elderly (62 years of age or older) and persons with disabilities are equal to the CPI-W or 5%, whichever is lower.

Many eligible renters in the District of Columbia are not aware of this valuable protection.  The Office of the Tenant Advocate is embarking on an educational campaign to educate elderly and disabled renters on how to take advantage of this protection.  During 2010, the Office of the Tenant Advocate will hold workshops in various locations throughout the city.  In addition, the Office of the Tenant Advocate will visit apartment buildings and complexes with substantial numbers of elderly and disabled renters and assist these renters with completing the application on-site.

Participants attending the April 1 workshop can complete the application on-site and the Office of the Tenant Advocate will submit the completed applications to the Department of Housing and Community Development, Housing Regulation Administration.   Participants need to bring appropriate documentation to the workshop.  There is no processing fee and the protection is provided without regard to income.  We are finalizing plans for a workshop to be held in Ward 4.

Seating is limited.  Tenants can reserve space by calling the Office of the Tenant Advocate at 202-719-6560, faxing their request to 202-719-6585 or sending an email to delores (dot) anderson (at) dc (dot) gov.  You are cordially invited to attend if you work with the elderly or persons with disabilities and want to know more about this protection.  If you have any questions prior to the workshop you may contact the Office of the Tenant Advocate.

The nearest Metro station is the Tenleytown Metro Station on the red line.  The number 32 bus services the area.  For additional Metro information call 202-637-7000 or visit http://www.wmata.com/.

Walk-in schedule for Office of Tenant Advocate

Effective March 1, the Office of the Tenant Advocate’s walk-in schedule will be from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday.   OTA is located at 1250 U Street, NW on the 4th floor.   For more information, go to the Office of Tenant Advocate's website.

Blog format improved!

Recent improvements to the blog include adding a Meeting Notes and Notices page and changes to the way we are highlighting meetings, etc.

Mentoring Works2 March calendar now available

Interested in working with Mentoring Works2?   Then check out their March 2010 calendar.

March SWOT meeting, 3/19

Join the more than 50 organizations, associations, businesses, and residents who have come together to address service gaps for our fellow Ward 1 residents.   The next meeting is being held March 19 from 9:00 - 11:30 am.   We will continue the work on housing resources and data and have a added a few short presentations on timely and pressing issues.

Please be sure to RSVP by March 17 to swotdc (at) gmail (dot) com so we are sure to have enough materials and food for attendees.

SWOTMarch19Flier

Support an alternative use for Bruce Monroe

How do you feel about a giant asphalt parking lot bounded by Georgia Avenue, Irving Street and Columbia Road?

If you think that an alternative use of Bruce Monroe is more desirable than the plan to make it into a parking lot, then be sure to check out http://www.stopthelot.com/.   This site includes a petition to "stop the lot", meeting announcements, and other opportunities to weigh in and take action in support a "greener, more community- and youth-oriented use that will serve the neighborhood instead of detracting from it."   (Go here for more on Stop the Lot.)

Georgia Avenue development - two meetings this week

The task force will next meet on February 22 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Emergence Community Arts Collective at 733 Euclid Street NW.   At this meeting, the Research Committee will present summaries of the existing plans for Georgia Avenue; other committees will also report and, of course, new business discussed.   The meeting agenda is online.   Those unable to attend may listen in via conference call at 1-270-400-1500 and using access code 759818.   The handouts are also online here and here (PPT).

And later this week, the community will meet with Ward 1 CM Jim Graham and representatives from the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to discuss the current activities and priorities for Georgia Ave.   The meeting will be held on February 24 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Bruce Monroe School at Parkview Elementary Auditorium, 3560 Warder Street NW.

Programa para padres de familia/Parenting classes in Spanish

Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative and the Tubman Elementary School Parent Resource Center are offering parenting classes in Spanish.   The classes are being held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am beginning on March 6.   They will run through May 1.   Child care and refreshments will be provided.   For more information or to register, call Athena at (202) 319-7599.
Programa Para Padres de Familia