Community
I send this communication with hopes that your summer has been restful and enjoyable to this point. This installment contains some great resources for our youthful ones. There is also info about resources that women may find particularly interesting and useful.
With school now out for the summer, many parents, grandparents and caregivers for our younger residents are left wondering how to feed those children when school is out of session. This is where is the DC Free Summer Meals Program comes into play. This is a federal nutrition program designed to feed children free, nutritious meals and snacks during the months of June, July, and August when school is out.
There is no application necessary to receive a meal. Children ages 18 and younger can just show up at a D.C. Free Summer Meal site during meal time. Each site serves nutritionally balanced meals that meet USDA guidelines, such as a turkey sandwich on wheat bread, milk, an apple, and a salad for lunch.
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*******************MORE SPECIAL NEWS******************
Mayor Vincent C. Gray's 2012 One City Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a locally-funded program administered by the DOES Office of Youth Programs that provides summer jobs and work readiness training to District youth ages 14-21. Many of you work hard each year to contribute to SYEP in some way--- either by participating as a Host Employer; assisting youth with their applications; or referring youth to our office. We thank you for your on-going support and hope that you will work with us again this year to ensure a successful, safe, and productive summer for District youth.
On Friday, January 27, 2012 at 3:15 pm, the application for the 2012 SYEP goes live for District residents between the ages of 14 and 21. Applications can be accessed from any computer with a working Internet connection by visiting www.summerjobs.dc.gov.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and all applications must be received by Friday, February 17, 2012 in order to be considered. Space is limited, so please encourage youth to apply early and comply with all posted deadlines.
Anyone needing assistance with his or her application or a place to access the Internet is encouraged to attend Midnight Madness -- the official SYEP application kick-off event. Midnight Madness will take place on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 3:15 pm until 12:00 midnight at the DOES Headquarters located at 4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE, adjacent to the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station. DOES staff will be on hand all night to assist youth and their families, and to answer any questions.
I have attached a flyer and an information packet to this message. These documents along with additional information about the program can be found at our website www.summerjobs.dc.gov.
Finally, if your office is interested in providing youth with work experiences or programming this summer or if you know someone who may be interested, please complete or direct interested employers to the SYEP 2012 Host Employer Application which is also available at www.summerjobs.dc.gov. Applications for employers are due Friday, March 23, 2012.
For more information, please visit our website www.summerjobs.dc.gov. Please help us share this information by forwarding to your constituents!
All the best,
Gerren Price
Associate Director, Office of Youth Programs
DC Department of Employment Services
Follow us on Twitter – @OneCitySYEP (https://twitter.com/#!/OneCitySYEP)
Comcast Announces Internet Essentials Program
All,
Comcast has started a program designed to bring high speed broadband access to the home of families with limited income. These services will be available to families that are FARM eligible.
As you can well imagine this will be helpful in supporting off campus access to the Internet for children where there is currently no access in the home. Discounted computers are also available through the program. Below is the link to a recent article on the initiative from Ed Week.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2011/09/comcast_announces_internet_ess.html
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Free Cell Phone:
Those receiving special financial assistance may qualify for free cell phones through SafeLink @ 1-800-977-3768. www.safelinkwireless.com. Eligible recipients must be able to provide a residential address.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
This is a list of free food locations in Prince George's County for those you know who may need extra help.
1. October 17th - Temple Hills - Iverson Mall ( In front of Burlington Coat Factory)
3737 Branch Avenue, Hillcrest Heights Md.20748
2. October 18th - Brandywine- Gwynn Park High School (Dyson Road Parking Lot)
13800 Brandywine Road Brandywine, Md 20613
3. November 21st - Temple Hills - Iverson Mall ( In Front Of Burlington Coat Factory)
3737 Branch Avenue, Hillcrest Heights Md. 20613
4. November 22nd - Brandywine- Gwynn Park High School ( Dyson Road Parking Lot)
13800 Brandywine Road Brandywine Md. 20613
5. December 19th - Largo - The Blvd ! at the Capital Centre ( Rear Parking Lot )
861 Capital Centre Blvd. Largo Md. 20774
6. December 20th - Brandywine- Gwynn Park High School ( Dyson Road Parking Lot )
13800 Brandywine Road Brandywine
There will be Only ONE distribution per Household, You must bring Your Own Bags. The Hours are 4-6 PM Except for the Brandywine Locations which are from 4-7pm, so if you have any Seniors or know of anyone who will need extra help please help to transport them to these Locations. Thanks
For more information, please contact:
Brother Moe Gregory
Worshipful Grand Assistant Director
Committee of Community Affairs
Moedogg5@gmail.com
301-336-3808-H
240-468-2249- C
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Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) announced it has added an emergency contact option to Maryland driver's licenses. Maryland drivers can now add three emergency contacts to their driver's license so police will know who to call if an accident occurs. The emergency contact information is stored electronically on an individual's driver's license and will be available only to authorized law enforcement personnel. You can go to MVA's website at www.mva.maryland.gov and add your three emergency contacts in just a few minutes. Go to the website, click "On-line Transactions, then click "More" and then click "Emergency Contacts" to add your emergency contacts. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes. Or follow this direct link: https://securetransactions.mva.maryland.gov/emvastore/MustHave2.aspx?SingleUseWindowGuid=d8fd6243-c76b-44e5-88af-fc1a141283e2
Another note: The MVA will no longer be sending out regular reminders that your driver’s license will need to be renewed. It’s your responsibility to keep track of when it’s due for renewal. And be careful, if you miss your renewal date for over a year, you will have to take a driver’s test again.
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Wells Fargo will be having its second Home Preservation Workshop in the State of Maryland on October 20th and 21st at the Gaylord Hotel on the National Harbor. This is a great opportunity for Wells Fargo Mortgage customers to meet one on one with a Wells Fargo representative to discuss their financial situation and determine whether the customer qualifies for a loan modification. Some of you may remember our first Home Preservation Workshop was held at the Baltimore Convention Center back in January 2010.
Please spread the word about this event and encourage the Wells Fargo customers for which you are currently working with to attend. Attached are flyers with additional information about the event. The flyers are in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean. Feel free to circulate the flyer to your network of contacts.
Should you have any questions regarding this event, feel free to give me a call at 703-549-1542.
Best Regards,
Stephen D. Briggs
VP, Community Development Officer
Wells Fargo Social Responsibility Group
330 N. Washington Street - Suite 206
Alexandria, VA 22314
(P) 703.549.1542 (F) 703.519.4727
stephen.briggs1@wellsfargo.com
MAC R3004-010
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WHAT: AFRICA ACCESS is hosting the African Studies 2011 Annual Meeting, Teaching & Learning About Africa,
WHEN: November 18-19
WHERE: here in Washington, DC at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
REGISTRATION: Register today online at http://teachingforchange.org/store/registration_individual or email Jonathan Tucker at jtucker@teachingforchange.org. The first ten people to register will receive a free gift book!
DETAILS: The Children’s Africana Book Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 18 at 6:30pm and Teacher’s Workshops will take place on Saturday, November 19 from 8am to 3:30pm. There will be book sales, author signings, and workshops and panels on K-12 teaching about Africa. Questions about the K-12 Teachers' Workshop content and schedule?
CONTACT: Brenda Randolph at AfricaAccess@aol.com.
INFORMATION: Scheduled workshops include:
Mistaking Africa: Curiosities and Inventions of the American Mind
Mighty Maps: Hands-on Project for Studying Africa in Contemporary Ways
Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement - Human Rights and the Environment
Teaching about Africa in a Global Perspective
Discovering Africa in America: Recent Research and Resources
Understanding Recent Developments in North Africa
African Novels in the Classroom
Interpreting Crises, Celebrating Success: Helping Students Understand Post-colonial Africa
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LOCAL
GLBT Open House, 9/28
The Office of GLBT Affairs will host on Wednesday, September 28 a Public Safety Open House in the Edna Frazier Cromwell Community Room inside the Reeves Building, 2000 14th Street NW at 6:30 pm.
The Public Safety Open House will provide an opportunity for members of the community to learn more about the structure of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit of the MPD, along with representatives from DC Fire & EMS. If you have questions you may contact: Clarence J. Fluker at 202-727-9493 or clarence.fluker@dc.gov
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Friends of Parks host Annual event, 10/1
Friends of 16th Street Heights host their annual fundraiser and party in 16th Street Heights! Help support parks and have fun. For additional information you may visit: http://friendsof16thstreetparks.org or contact Maria Barry at 202-258-5031 or by email mariabarry@gmail.com . The event will be held this Saturday, October 1st from 5:30-9:00 pm at the Intown Uptown Inn located at 4907 14th Street, NW.
WHAT: CentroNia’s Family Literacy Festival
WHEN: Saturday October 1st, 2011 from Noon to 4 PM
WHERE: Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20019
DETAILS: CentroNia is hosting a Family Book Club Festival to culminate the Family Book Clubs for the summer. We will have artists, story tellers, children’s authors, and musicians there to celebrate the end of the summer Book Clubs. Featuring, Dr. Courtney Davis, Baba Evans-Moore, Jorge Argueta, Diane Gardner, Thom Workman, Lien Ly, Salwa Osei, Matt Miller, Keinyo White, and Los Charlays!
CONTACT: Shahidah H. Abdul-Lateef Family Literacy Program Director
202.332.4200 x1075 │ slateef@centronia.org │ www.centronia.org
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WHAT: Improving DC Students’ Knowledge: The 2011 DC College Fair
WHERE: Washington Convention Center
WHEN: October 18, 2011
9am-10am (middle school)
11am-1pm (high school)
6pm-8pm (high school and parents)
CONTACT: Countdown to College and Careers www.countdown2college.org
Cianna Ramble, Executive Director, cramble@countdown2college.org, (202) 499-9634
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YOUTH ORIENTED
DPR Opens Second Round of Cooperative Play Registration
The District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that the Cooperative Play program will hold a second registration period for children between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years. This is an exciting opportunity for young children to be introduced to a structured play setting with activities that engage them mentally, socially, physically, and emotionally. The program prepares children to enter the formal education system and gives them a head start in understanding how to learn and behave in a group environment.
Cooperative Play partners with parents to assist the site facilitator with the organizing, implementing, and planning activities. All parents and guardians serve duty days, usually one day per week, as they take part in the program. For additional information or to register for the Cooperative Play Program contact the Coop Coordinator at cooperative.play@dc.gov . Information on DPR's programs and services is always available on their website, at: DPR.DC.GOV or via their customer service hotline at 202- 673-7647.
WHAT: College Bound - Academic Mentoring Program
WHEN: September 2011 – May 2011
WHERE: Gonzaga College High School, Chavez Public Charter School on Capitol Hill, Sherwood Recreation Center, Beacon House Recreation Center or Black Entertainment Television
DETAILS: At site students are matched in a one-to-one relationship with a college educated mentor who implements our college prep curriculum focused on vocabulary, writing, reading and math skills. The program commitment is one night a week for two hours. Students also participate in mentoring activities monthly and enrichment activities throughout the year.
COST: FREE
CONTACT: Toronto Alsbrooks at (202)8420858 or toronto@collegebound.org
Application available at www.collegebound.org
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WHAT: Prata Creative “Spanish Playshops” Fall 2011 Session – Registration OPEN
WHEN: Every Saturday, Sept 10 - Nov 5 in Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill.
WHERE: Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St. NW, WDC 20009 OR 1325 Maryland Ave. NE, WDC 20002 (Free parking behind both locations)
DETAILS: A “Fun+Learn” immersion experience for young children to learn Spanish naturally through conversation and play! Parents and Tots 1 & 2 yrs, 9:30 – 10:20am; Just Kids 3 – 4 yrs. 10:30-11:20am; Cost $190+tax/child
CONTACT: Register online, www.pratacreative.com or call, 202.656.0044
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WHAT: The Young Masters, Inc. invites you to Diana's Dreams & the National Junior Tennis (NJTL) and Learning/(Community Tennis)
WHEN: Saturdays from 2 PM to 4 PM now thru November 2011
WHERE: Mosley (Taft) Athletic Complex at South Dakota & 20th & Otis Streets, NE, WDC
DETAILS: The Young Masters, INC. is looking for talented young athletes. Whether you're new to tennis (no racket needed), you play a little or a lot...all ages are welcome to come and have fun. "Children learn life skills through tennis" (Coach Thompson). See you this Saturday!
COST: Diana's Dreams is free, there is a nominal fee to participate on the NJTL membership team.
CONTACT: Coach Thompson at 202-269-3067. You may also email the Young Masters at Youngmastersinc@aol.com.
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WHAT: DC Youth Orchestra Program Classes and Rehearsals
WHEN: September 2011- January 2012
WHERE: Eastern HS, 1700 East Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20003
DETAILS: The DCYOP offers a comprehensive music education program that serves young people in the greater DC metropolitan area. Instruction is available for all orchestra and wind ensemble (band) instruments; beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, ranging in age from 4 1/2 to 19. Students participate in classes for their individual instrument or section, and participate in one of 9 major ensembles (orchestra or band). There are 12 ensembles in the program: 2 full orchestras, 4 string orchestras, 3 wind ensembles, 2 string orchestras, and multiple class ensembles. Some students in upper levels also participate in smaller chamber ensemble opportunities as they arise. Beginners must be in classes by Tuesday, September 27 or October 1 depending on class day and those with experience on their respective instrument can join the program at any time.
CONTACT: For more information, contact the DC Youth Orchestra Program at either info@dcyop.org or 202.698.0123 and please visit our website www.dcyop.org.
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WHAT: Free After-School Classes
DETAILS: Art and Media Classes at the Latin American Youth Center's Art + Media House
WHO: Open to all students ages 11-18.
WHEN: Generation Creation: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Workshops: Mondays and Wednesdays
Open Studio: Fridays
SIGN UP: Please enroll at www.artmediahouse.org or visit us at 3035 15th St. NW
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SEMINARS/OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT: 8th Biennial US-Africa Business Summit
WHEN: October 5, 2011 – October 7, 2011
WHERE: The Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Park Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
DETAILS: The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), whose members represent 85 percent of total American private sector investment in Africa, will convene the 8th Biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit on October 5-7, 2011 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is regarded as essential for anyone looking to do business in Africa. It provides a unique opportunity for companies seeking to develop and strengthen relationships with senior government and corporate leaders charged with enhancing and increasing business operations on the continent. The Summit will address the latest trade and investment opportunities in Africa’s most promising sectors including agribusiness, power and energy, financing, health, infrastructure, and goods and services, with as many as 2,000 key African and U.S. private sector and government representatives in attendance. For more information please visit www.africacncl.org.
CONTACT: Please e-mail resume and shift availability to summit@africacncl.org with the subject line: Volunteer Recruitment.
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