Maurice Kie Uplifts 26 Years of Tradition at Life Pieces to Masterpieces

As we conclude our celebration of Black History Month–but continue to honor Black history in all of our work–DC Action is highlighting native Washingtonians who came up through local out-of-school-time programs. Those experiences made such a difference in their lives that they are now working for the same OST programs and serving as role models to a new generation of young people.

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Words Beats & Life Provides Young People with Creative Opportunities for Expression and Growth

 

We are excited to resume our series of blog posts by members of the DC Out-of-School-Time Coalition. Leaders talk about why their programs matter to young people, their organizations’ place in the OST landscape, and how–with additional funding–they could make a difference to many more youth in our community.

Our first installment of the year is by Words Beats & Life Academy Director Serena Lewis.

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DC Action Staff Testify on Critical Issues in Performance Oversight Hearings

Last week several members of our staff testified before the DC Council Committee on Health and the Committee on Human services on a variety of issues directly affecting District children and families.

Read their testimonies here:

Policy Analyst Jarred Bowman on increasing access to child development specialists in pediatric primary care settings through the HealthySteps program

Data and Research Manager Rachel Metz on how to increase access of District residents to the WIC nutrition program and the importance of expanded language access and other improvements to the DC Healthcare Alliance

Program Coordinator Hannah Francis on increasing access to the SNAP nutrition program for families and grandparent caregivers.

Senior Youth Policy Analyst Rachel White on the need for specialized workforce development programs for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness

Executive Director Kimberly Perry on the problem of insufficient funding for the city’s youth shelters.

Bilingual Community Organizer Natasha Riddle Romero on the need for improvements in the Office of Human Rights’ Language Access Program.

DC Action’s final testimonies during performance oversight hearings will be before the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, March 2. This hearing will include testimony related to all education programs in the District.

To learn more or testify about early learning and language access in early learning, contact Hannah Francis.

To learn more or testify about the importance of out-of-school-time programs, contact Ryllie Danylko.