In The News …

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By Marie LeBlanc, Community Partnerships Coordinator

20 DC schools targeted for closure (Washington Post) “One in six traditional DC public schools is targeted for closure under a plan put forth Tuesday by Chancellor Kaya Henderson, the latest sign of a system facing budget pressures and increased competition from fast-growing charter schools. The 20 schools marked for closure are spread across six city wards but are concentrated in Northeast Washington and east of the Anacostia River. The chancellor said her plan would shift resources from maintaining under-enrolled schools to focus on improving academic programs,” Find a list of all proposed public school changes here.

Partnership Leads to New Beginning for Homeless Veterans (Huffington Post: DC Impact) “Across the country, men and women who served in the armed forces are becoming homeless at a rate that is higher than the civilian population. Sadly, this is consistent with a history of overrepresentation of veterans in the homeless population. This year, Veteran’s Day marks a new beginning for many homeless veterans in the District who are benefiting from an innovative housing program and critical community partnerships. Our organizations — Pathways to Housing DC and Miriam’s Kitchen — are working together to identify chronically homeless veterans with mental illness and/or disabling medical conditions in the District who are eligible to move into their own apartments as part of a pilot project sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Housing and Urban Development.”

Region leaders hoping for federal spending cuts compromise (Washington Examiner) “The region’s leaders say they’ve prepped their 2013 budgets for what will be hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue if federal spending cuts start in January. But they are also holding out hope those cuts — and the devastation they say it would bring to the region — never come. ‘It’s like Hurricane Sandy — there’s only so much you can do with powers beyond your control,’ said Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. at a Greater Washington Board of Trade panel discussion Thursday.” How is your organization preparing for possible cuts and sequestration?

Guest Post: Empowered Women International

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Empowered Women International creates entrepreneurs and community leaders through women’s empowerment. Marga C. Fripp, the Founder and President, shares Three Reasons to Mentor a Woman, while EWI’s Media and Outreach Intern Jeremy Brandt-Vorel shares the stories of two women active in EWI’s programs. Both articles were originally published on EWI’s blog.

Why mentor a woman? Well, there are many reasons, but I want to share 3 compelling aspects that move most of our mentors.

Passion is infectious.

I often hear our mentors and even donors finding EWI’s passion for social change real and infectious. It’s true that once you meet our women entrepreneurs and experience the passion behind their work, you too will catch the bug and be transformed. We’re in the business of changing lives, but doing this without passion we wouldn’t be the same organization.

Once empowered, women give back.

It’s truly remarkable to see our immigrant or low-income women students struggling to recover from difficult life circumstances, yet working on business models that aim at social change. Income or profit is important for women. But what is most important is the change these women want to see in their communities. And their business enables them to do just that.

Mentoring is inspiring and rewarding.

We all want to feel good about being of help to someone in need. We love to support and invest in people who passionately believe in what they do. We love champions, and being part of their journeys is as rewarding as seeing them reaching the final destination.

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Catalogue Milestones: 2010

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By Marie LeBlanc, Community Partnerships Coordinator

As we approach our celebration of the 10th Catalogue for Philanthropy, we look back to see how the Catalogue has grown and evolved.

The Catalogue’s review team is a staple of the work we do — providing the knowledge and expertise needed to determine which small charities truly are “one of the best.” From 55 in 2007, the review team grew to 100 in 2010 — and brought together individuals from foundations, corporate giving programs, giving circles, government agencies, and peer nonprofits.

2010 was also a landmark year for the Catalogue in terms of dollars raised. In our eighth year, Catalogue recorded over $2.8 million dollars raised by our nonprofits — a significant number, despite continuing economic challenges across the country.

Veterans Day

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Each year, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we pause — as a nation, and as a people — to pay tribute to you. To thank you. To honor you, the heroes, over the generations, who have served this country of ours with distinction. [...] Today, a proud nation expresses our gratitude. But we do so mindful that no ceremony or parade, no hug or handshake is enough to truly honor that service. For that, we must do more. For that, we must commit — this day and every day — to serving you as well as you’ve served us.

– President Obama, 11/11/12, Arlington National Cemetery

Today, learn about several Catalogue nonprofits dedicated to servicemembers, veterans, and their families:

- Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services (CAUSE): ensures that recuperating service members have opportunities for recreation and social interaction.

- Operation Homefront DC Metro Chapter: acts as a problem-solver and facilitator to provide swift emergency assistance: goods, financial aid, and skilled hands-on support.

- Yellow Ribbon Fund: supplies the personal services that government programs don’t cover with the help of over 1,200 volunteers.

Around Town: November 9-11

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Many great, nonprofit places to go this weekend! Check it out …

FotoDC (Central Hub: 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue NW)

The annual FotoWeek Festival begins this Friday and continues through the 18th; expect to see the very best in art, photography, and photojournalism! You can see the list of locations right here and sign up at the Volunteer Hub this way.

Educational Theatre Company (1030 N. McKinley Road, Arlington, VA)

Parents, students and volunteers come together for Community Build Day on Saturday at 9:30 AM to build sets, costumes and props in preparation for the upcoming production. Learn more here.

Anacostia Watershed Society (Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD)

On Saturday at 10:00 AM, plant trees along the Anacostia River; bring a friend and be prepared to have fun. You can RSVP right here.
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From the Field: Miriam’s Kitchen

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By Marie LeBlanc, Community Partnerships Coordinator

An early Saturday morning, in a church basement in Foggy Bottom, DC parents bring their children to learn about what it means to be homeless in Washington. Last Saturday, Miriam’s Kitchen hosted Coats and Coffee, an education and awareness event that offered kids the chance to do service around the “kitchen” while also learning about the clients that Miriam’s serves — in an age-appropriate way. Sherika Brooks and I stopped by to drop off our donations of coffee (Miriam’s goes through thousands of cups a week) and learn a bit more about the services they offer.

Miriam’s Kitchen is unique among nonprofits offering outreach services for those experiencing homelessness. As one of Miriam’s Kitchen’s case managers explained to us, Miriam’s operates first and foremost under the context of hospitality — welcoming clients with a smile and a nametag (whatever that name might be for the day), offering a cup of hot coffee, a freshly prepared meal, and then the option to learn about and access additional services if desired. Relationships are the focus == and meeting clients where they’re at is the method. Another unique aspect of Miriam’s Kitchen program is Miriam’s Studio, an art therapy program that helps to “build a strong community and relationships with their guests.” The products of this program cover the walls of the dining room at Miriam’s Kitchen — beautiful pieces of art that show the diversity of life experiences that Miriam’s guests bring into the space.

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Catalogue Milestones: 2009

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As we approach our celebration of the 10th Catalogue for Philanthropy, we look back to see how the Catalogue has grown and evolved.

Along with our annual print Catalogue, the Catalogue website is the best way to meet and support our nonprofits — any day, any time. In 2009, Catalogue launched our web 2.0 interactive site with gift cards, gift registry, kids portal, and dynamic pages for all catalogue charities. The new site took donations “in house” to bring the cost down for donors.

Last year, we offered a “Feature of the Month” here on GoodWorks to highlight the site’s unique tools and capacities. You can check those out right here.

Election Day

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From “Editorial: Our Endorsement? Vote!” in The Nonprofit Quarterly:

We at the Nonprofit Quarterly take pride in being both opinionated and, in terms of political elections, nonpartisan. We don’t endorse or call for the rejection of candidates for public office [...] We will, however, tell you to vote, because if you don’t, you’re sacrificing your stake in the American political process. When you do, we hope you use your brains and tap your values as you check the boxes or pull the lever. [...] If you believe in democracy, no matter what ideological wing you represent, you have to do your duty and go to the polls on November 6th.

- Nonprofit VOTE offers an interative map with “up-to-date information from your state’s elections officials” on checking registration, finding your polling place, and more. And you can check out their “Election Day Toolbox” right here.

- Rock the Vote provides an interactive map as well and a guide to what to bring and what’s on each ballot; you also can sign up for text message reminders about elections.

Around Town: November 2-5

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Busy weekend at Catalogue nonprofits! Check out what’s coming up …

Dance Place (3225 8th Street NE)

SpeakeasyDC presents “The Story Showdown: A Storytelling Game Show” this Friday at 8:00 PM and Saturday at 7:00 & 9:00 PM. Audience members have the opportunity to be contestants row and win coveted prizes! Tickets this way.

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts (1632 U Street NW) – postponed

This one-day retreat for caregivers will explore stress management and self-care with yoga, nutrition and creativity, and the sharing of personal experience. Email darien@smithcenter.org for information about future dates.

Anacostia Watershed Society (Bladensburg Waterfront Park) – event full

Plant trees at the confluence of the Northeast and Northwest branches of the Anacostia River this Saturday at 10:00 AM; all tools and supplies needed will be provided, so just bring a friend and be prepared to have fun. Sign up here.

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