Dphw Spring 2008 Newsletter

Dinner Program for Homeless Women

What’s Cooking Reflections

Spring 2008 DPHW Board of Directors Diana Bruce, MPA

Celebrating the Past and Future On Thursday, January 31, the Dinner Program for Homeless Women held its first annual volunteer and donor appreciation gala, entitled Reflections: Celebrating the Past and Future. The event was held at the Goethe Institut, the District’s German cultural institution located at 812 Seventh Street, NW, and was attended by over 100 honorees, volunteers and donors alike.

President

Rev. David Bowers Vice President

David Bowman, PhD Secretary

R. Matthew Kelley, Esq. Treasurer

Erika Barry, MPA Ex Officio

George Madill Lariena D. Matthews Anne K. Nelsen, PhD Tiffany Parker, MPA Ann Shafran Yvonne Rice Virginia Weschler

In this issue: Reflections Recap

1

Letter from the Executive Director

2

John Mack Memoriam

2

New Website Info

2

Annual Report Highlights

3

Client Spotlight

4

Staff Departure

4

New Faces

5

Walkathon Recap

5

Volunteer Corner

6

Tax Rebate Donations

7

Recent Donors

7

Wish List

8

The evening began with an appetizer and cocktail reception, with food and drinks donated by local vendors and restaurants. Reverend David Bowers, Vice President of DPHW’s Board of Directors, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. To kick-off the ceremony, he was joined at the podium by both Erika Barry, DPHW’s Executive Director, and Diana Bruce, President of DPHW’s Board of Directors. The keynote address was delivered by special guest Tommy Wells, DC Councilmember from Ward 6. Councilman Wells was presented with DPHW’s first annual “Leadership in Community Change” award in honor of his commitment to making DC and Ward 6 a safe and open community for all its residents, including the vulnerable and disenfranchised citizens that DPHW serves every day. The last portion of the evening was the recognition of the 2007 Reflections honorees, which included 22 individual volunteers, volunteer groups, in-kind donors, major fundraising partners, and partner service providers. These awards were presented by six of DPHW’s current clients, who shared their stories and the services DPHW provides that have helped them make moves towards ending their homelessness. DPHW has undergone so much change over the past year, including moving to a new building, adding a social services team, and meeting the new demand for emergency services that came with the dissolution of the Downtown Services Center and Zacchaeus Kitchen. Reflections let us honor those who have supported us through this transition. Without the support of the hundreds of donors, volunteers, and other partners that join forces with us in the fight to end homelessness, we could not reach so many people as effectively as we do.

United Way #8280 DPHW supporters and friends—we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do for CFC #56398 DPHW and the homeless community of Washington, DC! CVC #8275

Letter from the Executive Director  Dear Friends,  With all of its changes and surprises, 2007 was a year to remember for DPHW. Our move from First Congregational  Church  to  First  Trinity  Lutheran  Church,  our  doubling  of  staff  and  budget  due  to  the  development  of  our  social     services  programming,  and  our  tripling  of  clients  served  as  a  result  of  our  new  position  as  the  only  homeless        services center in downtown DC all presented new challenges and new opportunities to move forward.  Despite  the many challenges, DPHW is stronger than it has ever been, both programmatically and financially.  We know  that we could not have achieved such success without the unfailing support of our donors, volunteers, and partner    providers. Let me also take this moment to acknowledge the hard work of DPHW’s staff and Board of Directors,  who continually rise to the occasion to take on each new adventure with unmatched passion and commitment.    I invite you to take a look inside this issue of What’s Cooking to see what 2007 had in store for the Dinner Program and to see how  we are growing and moving forward in 2008.  One look at the organizational successes highlighted here, whether it be program  outcomes from the 2007 Annual Report or the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon fundraiser, attests to what we at DPHW  already know: in the fight to end homelessness, we are all in this together.  Thank you for joining us!   With gratitude,   

Erika Barry, Executive Director 

In Memoriam: Rev. John Mack, 1942‐2008  Reverend John Mack, who served as pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ for 23  years, made his church a leader in providing opportunities for DC’s poor and excluded.  John also  served  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Dinner  Program  for  20  years.    His              commitment to providing our clients with compassionate and meaningful services helped shape  DPHW’s organizational vision and development.  John dedicated his life to serving those in need,  and his love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. 

New DPHW Website!  The Dinner Program for Homeless Women recently launched a new website  that  more effectively highlights who we are, what we do, what we have accomplished,  and how you can contribute!  Just go to www.dphw.org to find out about: 

Our expanded mission  Our history      Our supporters    Our staff      Our programs    Page 2

         

Our clients        How you can volunteer    How you can donate    Directions to our location  Upcoming events     

Past news  Recent pictures  Calendar of events,   trainings, and activities  AND so much more!! What’s Cooking

2007 Annual Report: Looking Back on a Great Year  DPHW  recently  published  its  2007  Annual  Report,  and  we  have  a  lot  to  be  proud  of.  In  the  midst  of  many  changes  and  expansions,  DPHW  has  continued  to  fulfill  its  mission  to  the  homeless population of the metro D.C. area.  Below is a sneak peak of some of the highlights  of the 2007 Annual Report.   Age Breakdown

Length of Homelessness

Gender Breakdown

Program Impact: Emergency Services, Volunteers, and Trainees—Oh My!  Daily Bread/Daily Needs

Many Hands

Real Opportunity

In 2007, the Daily Bread/Daily Needs   Volunteers  provide  an  invaluable       Through  our  Real  Opportunity                 program provided:  resource  without  which  DPHW  could  Employment  Training  Program,  clients    not  fulfill  its  mission—their  time.  In  work  with  DPHW  staff  to  gain  job‐  and  life‐skills  that  will  enhance  their  future        • 63,400 meals to men, women and       2007,  through  the  Many  Hands           children  program, volunteers literally gave thou‐ employment  opportunities  in  the  future.  sands of hours of service in all    aspects  Clients  currently  work  in  our                   • 3,090 free showers   administrative  offices,  in  our  kitchen  as  of the organization, including:  • 931 free loads of laundry  culinary  trainees,  and  with  our  program  • Use of our telephone system and  • 10,000 hours in our kitchen— staff  interacting  directly  with  fellow       mail services 9,225 times  preparing, serving, and cleaning  clients.  Not  only  do  trainees  get  real      • Distribution of emergency health  • 420 hours staffing the computer lab  working  experience  in  a  supportive  and  and personal safety supplies 6,770  for over 700 clients  understanding  environment,  but  they  times  also gain “soft skills” such as team build‐ • 520 hours in program support  • Transportation assistance to medical                  ing, punctuality, and budgeting that they  • 280 hours in our administrative  appointments and job interviews to  can  carry  into  their  future  endeavors.  A     offices  over 700 clients   snapshot of the successes of 2007’s Real  • Computer access and training to 678   Volunteer service allowed DPHW to  save over $130,000 in personnel related  Opportunity trainees:  clients    expenses in 2007 alone.  • Three secured reliable housing  • Two successfully found full‐time jobs             service  providers  in  the  metro  DC  area  to  • One was accepted into a full‐time          Links give  our  clients  an  opportunity  to  access  apprenticeship program  DPHW  strives  to  provide  as  many  social  specialized  social, health,  employment,  services as possible to our clients on‐site,  and  legal  services  on‐site  during  our  • Two opened their first bank accounts  in  DPHW’s  familiar  and  comforting        breakfast and dinner programs. Finally, for  setting. DPHW offers clients ongoing case  clients  who  need  services  not  offered  by  • 2121 clients with social services  given by partner providers  management  and  weekly  therapeutic  DPHW,  we  ensure  that  clients  can  access  groups designed to help empower clients  those services by providing personal refer‐ • 2559 referrals to clients in need of   services not provided at DPHW  to  stabilize  their  lives  and  become  more  rals and transportation assistance.   • 281 hours of case management and  independent.  Through our Links program,    In 2007, the Links program provided:  psychosocial assessments  DPHW also collaborates with other   Spring 2008

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Client Spotlight

People 

All people are a different kind  One of the many new client programs developed  That do not have the same mind.  Some people are introverted  by  our  social  services  staff  is  the  Artistic              And some people are extroverted.  Expressions  workshop  that  takes  place  every  Some people are open and some are closed.  Tuesday.  This  venue  gives  clients  the  ability  to   Wild or conservative, scary or bright—  These are who people are.  express  their  feelings  in  a  welcoming  and  safe   What is it in life they are searching for  environment  through  music,  poetry,  spoken  And in their travels what will they find?  word, and arts and crafts. It also gives those who  One of a kind, the same people, the same mind.  often go unheard in the world a chance to make  Peace of mind, good spirit.  All different people, but of the same race...human.  their  voices  heard  in  a  powerful  and  emotional  People every day. Everyday people.  

way.  “People”  was  created  during  this  workshop  through  a  collaborative  effort  of  clients  and  group facilitators.   

Fenty Announces “Homeless No More” Plan

Lovingly compiled by clients Angela, Shakita, Bill,  Kelly, and Claudine, and by group facilitators   Krystal and Bryan. 

A Fond Farewell

On April 10th, DPHW said a  bittersweet  goodbye  to    In  April  of  this  year,  DC  Mayor  Adrian  Fenty           announced that $19.2 million will be used over the  Krystal Nesbitt, DPHW’s PM  next  6  years  to  provide  2500  units  of  permanent  Program  Coordinator  and  supportive  housing  for  chronically  homeless          Case Manager.   individuals.  The plan is based on the idea that the    lack of a permanent residence is the largest barrier  for  those  who  are  vulnerable,  disabled,  and         Krystal  brought  thoughtful  leadership  to  homeless.  This is a great step forward for all of us  our  evening  program,  coordinated    in the fight to end homelessness, but the fight is far  meaningful  educational  activities,  and  from over.   was  a  compassionate  and  committed    We  at  DPHW  invite  your  support  of  the  Homeless  case  manager.  She  leaves  the  Dinner    No  More  Plan,  while  asking  you  to  remember  that  Program  to  join  the  Peace  Corps,  where  the  plan  will  house  less  than  one‐sixth  of  the    her energy and passion will surely impact  homeless population in DC, and only those who are  many people in other parts of the world.  most vulnerable.  We at DPHW still need your help  and support to  ensure that all people in DC have a  Good luck, Krystal!   place to receive the meals and emergency services  they need every day!  Page 4

What’s Cooking

New Faces at the Dinner Program Elizabeth Evancho, Development Coordinator Liz joined the Dinner Program in November 2007. Although originally from Buffalo, New York, Liz has considered herself a Washingtonian since 2003. Liz received her BA in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG), as well as certification in Advanced Leadership Studies from American University. Liz has experience working both within the federal government and also with grassroots non-profit organizations. As the Development Coordinator, Liz does whatever is necessary to keep the office running smoothly and works closely with the Executive Director to ensure future funding for the Dinner Program. To relieve stress, Liz loves to tap dance, an activity she has enjoyed for the last 18 years.

Kimberley Welborn, Case Management Intern Kimberley is DPHW’s newest program assistant and case manager. She is currently serving her second year as an AmeriCorps volunteer as a case management intern with the Dinner Program. Working with underprivileged and underserved communities in the DC area has allowed her to go the extra mile to achieve the goals of the organizations with which she has worked. Her passion is Women’s Health, and she has taken numerous courses in the field, having recently been certified as an HIV tester. After her intended plan of attending Howard University’s school of social work, she plans to one day operate a program that helps HIV+ women and children live successfully and healthy lives in the midst of their illness.

2007 Fannie Mae Help The Homeless Walkathon  Our Most Successful Fundraiser To Date!  On  November  17,  friends  of  DPHW  gathered  for   breakfast  together  before  heading  to  the  National  Mall  to  join  hundreds  of  other  walkers  at  the  Fannie  Mae    Walkathon  in  the  fight  to  end      homelessness. DPHW raised over  $53,000  ‐  nearly  double  the  amount  raised  in  2006!    Over  1,100  individuals  registered  and  walked  on  our  behalf,           including 750 youth from Janney Elementary School, Charles  E.  Smith  Jewish  Day  School,  and  Time‐Dollar  Youth  Court.   Sponsors  included  Little  River  United  Church  of  Christ,          Celerity, and DPHW's own Board of Directors.   Spring 2008

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Volunteer Positions Galore! When you think of volunteering at DPHW, chances are you imagine yourself in the kitchen chopping vegetables, serving dinner, or scrubbing away at pots and pans. Did you know there are many other ways to volunteer with DPHW? Many of these roles are slightly specialized and great for individuals. The level of commitment varies, and many are perfect for students, retired adults, or families. Take a look at the list below and see how you might share your talents with DPHW in new and important ways! Handy-persons: DPHW needs volunteers on an on-call basis to come in to make minor repairs and care for our facility. Mid-day Computer Lab Attendants: Many of DPHW's clients desire access to our computer lab during the middle of the day. We are looking for volunteers who can commit just 1 hour each week between 11am - 1pm to supervise the computer lab. No specialized skills are necessary -- just a basic understanding of the PC, Windows, the internet, and Microsoft Office applications. By giving just one hour per week, you enable over 1,000 people to access computers each year, connecting them to family, housing, and employment resources. Barbers: Many men who come to DPHW in the morning request the services of a barber. Consider talking to the person who cuts your hair — ask if he/she might be willing to come to DPHW just once/month to offer men's haircuts. Donation Pick-up: DPHW receives many calls from caterers, businesses, and other groups with food or supplies to give to DPHW. Unfortunately, our staff is unable to pick-up much of what is offered. We're looking for volunteers on an on-call basis who are willing to use their own vehicle to make pick-ups and deliver the goods to DPHW. There are also opportunities for a weekly food pick-up commitment, either from Howard University or the FreshFarm Farmers' Market in Penn Quarter. Contribute Supplies: Please see the back page for a wish list of "most wanted" items -- supplies that we urgently need. Consider organizing a drive in your school, office, place of worship, or neighborhood. If you need some tips for getting started, contact Heather and she can help you out! Hopefully something here catches your eye or makes you think of someone you know -- spread the word! DPHW needs your help to fill these roles so that we can continue to provide excellent services to DPHW's homeless residents. If you see a position that suits you, email Heather Prince Doss at [email protected] for more information.

Volunteer Training Now Available! DPHW has launched a Volunteer Training designed to give all of our volunteers (new and current) a thorough understanding of the important contribution they make to DPHW. The orientation will offer background on homelessness in general, an overview of DPHW's mission and services, a look at the experiences of the men and women who eat at DPHW, and targeted information for volunteers about procedures and expectations. Upcoming trainings are on the following dates: Tuesday, June 24, 6:00 - 7:00pm Tuesday, July 22, 6:00 - 7:00pm This is a great opportunity for volunteers both new and old, especially given all the changes and growth we've experienced over the past year. To RSVP, email Heather at [email protected] or call 202.737.9311 x504

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DPHW  could  not  provide  all  its  services  without  the  unwavering  support  of  ALL  our  volunteers,  but  some  of  our  volunteers  really  go  above  and  beyond  the  call  of  duty,  spending  hours  of  their  weeks  serving  in  a  variety  of  capacities  here  at  the Dinner Program. Our “Clean Plate Volunteers”  from January through April are: 

Clean Plate Volunteers John Darnell Denise Liggins Callie Markey

Sarah Horn Amy Weaver Miranda Martinez Xi Yang

Thank you for all you do! What’s Cooking

Get Your Rebate. Give It Back!  Congressional leaders and the White House administration have agreed on an economic stimulus package that  will soon give most Americans a federal tax rebate between $600 and $1,200. The Catalogue for Philanthropy:  Greater  Washington encourages metropolitan D.C. residents to give a portion of their tax rebates to small    local charities that don't have large fundraising staffs but do provide critical services to those in need.    "Small charities are well‐positioned to respond to specific needs in the community but they can be particularly  vulnerable when the economy falters," says Barbara Harman, President of the Catalogue. "During this time of  economic stress, it's important not to forget those who are most in need. Donating a portion of your tax rebate  is a good way to begin making a difference."  DPHW was chosen as an honored charity for the 2008 Catalogue  for Philanthropy!   If you would like to donate a portion or all of your tax rebate to the Dinner    Program and help us provide much‐needed food and  emergency services  for downtown DC’s homeless population, please go to our website,  www.dphw.org, and click on the “Get Involved” link. We thank you for  your support! 

Recent Donors — Gifts That Keep On Giving Individual Donors    Ms. Lucy G. Barber  Mr. Edward and Mrs. Kathleen Beal  Ms. Rebecca Blank and Mr. Hanns Kuttner  Mr. John Buckley  Mr. Stephen and Mrs. Faith Czecha  Mrs. Judith and Mr. Malcolm Davis  Mr. Philip Esocoff and Ms. Amy Weinstein  Mr. Maurice Flagg  Mr. James and Mrs. Arlene Green  Ms. Edith Holleman  Ms. Jennie Hunt  Miss Jennifer Kemp  Ms. Janice Linehan  Ms. Margaret Lorenz  Mr. George and Mrs. Frances Madill  Ms. Carolyn Marsh  Mrs. Anne and Mr. Hart Nelsen  Mrs. Catherine  and Mr. Barry Nestor  Ms. Joyce J. Noel  Mr. Christopher O'Brien  Mr. Henry Ozga  Spring 2008

Foundations and Organizations     Buchly Charity Fund of Federal Lodge #1 FAAM  Mr. John Panker  The Charles Delmar Foundation  Mr. Murray and Mrs. Pamela Penner  First Congregational Church  Mr. Jack and Mrs. Toska Prather  Gives, Inc.  Mr. Arunkumar Reddy  Kane Charitable Fund  Ms. Yvonne Rice  Metropolitan Community Church of Christ  Mr. Stephen Robertson and Ms. Susan  National Association of Women MBA's, GWU Chapter  the Peacock  Prince Charitable Trusts  Ms. Lorraine Schulte Barry  Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ  Mrs. Jean Schiro‐Zavela and Mr. Vance  Rock Spring Women's Fellowship  the Zavela  Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament  Mrs. Sally Smith  St. Raphael's Church  Dr. Jack and Mrs. Laura Summer  The Frances and Benjamin Beneson Foundation, Inc.  Mr. Shiro and Mrs. Fumiko Tanaka  Ms. Julia Uota  Ms. Mary Virginia Weschler  Mrs. Lois and Mr. Jeffrey Wyatt  Mr. Joseph Zikmund II and Mrs. Barbara  the Brown Zikmund 

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Wish List Unfortunately, our budget does not always allow for us to purchase all the needed daily items of our clients. The Dinner Program relies heavily on donations of items for distribution to the men, women, and children we serve. All donations are tax deductible. Below is a list of our most desperately needed items this season:

◊

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Men and women's underwear (new) and bras (gently used) – especially in large sizes New socks Flip-flops and shower shoes Feminine hygiene products Sunscreen Toiletries (especially hotelsized): Soap; Shampoo; De odorant; Toothbrushes and Toothpaste; Razors; Lotion

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Rain ponchos and umbrellas Towels and washcloths Backpacks, duffel bags, hand carts Art supplies Greeting cards and postage stamps Bus tokens and Metro passes Baseball caps, hats, and visors DVDs and videos for movie night

Dinner Program for Homeless Women (DPHW) 309 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 www.dphw.org Building Community One Meal at a Time...

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