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