Powerful effects on people who have a Passion and Purpose
2 0 2 4 ANNUAL REPORT
UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and economically secure residents.
COMMUNITY ACTION
The United Planning Organization (UPO) is one of our nation’s 1,000+ Community Action Agencies (CAAs) dedicated to helping people become economically secure. CAAs serve 99% of the counties in the nation. UPO serves as the only CAA for Washington, DC’s residents with low incomes, and is one of only 12 agencies to ever win the Agency of Excellence award.
ON THE COVER
THE COMMUNITY ACTION PROMISE
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Mysoun Patrick, an award-winning high school student in UPO’s Construction Trades workshop who was chosen to help build a school in Jamaica. See his story on p. 22.
236,330
FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO AND BOARD CHAIR:
HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES
Every day, we see UPO’s powerful impact on our DC neighbors who have low incomes. Team UPO makes such a difference for People who ask us for help to reach their Passion and Purpose.
We become their champions: We Unite People with Opportunities by opening their eyes to new possibilities and opening doors to economic security. Our customers become the change agents of their lives, reach their full potential, and help their communities to thrive
Because of UPO:
� A returning citizen gets the job training he wants and the confidence he needs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Lafayette Barnes Chair
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Jennifer Park, Ph.D. Vice Chair Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Michael Austin, Esq. Secretary
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Barbara Bovbjerg Treasurer
� A high school student seizes his chance for a meaningful career path
� A couple gains a quality education for their child so they can work
� New affordable homes are built for aspiring families
� A man reaches financial stability for the first time
� A woman learns how to achieve her vision for her community
Our programs are successful, accountable, and cost-effective. Please read the stories in this report to see how UPO helps people to break out of cycles of dependence and transform their lives.
Designated by Congresswoman Norton
MEMBERS
Salim K. Adofo Representative of Low-Income Residents Elected by Ward 8B
Reginald Black Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Nkosi C. Bradley, Esq. Representative of Low-Income Residents Elected by Ward 7
Christian Clansky Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Loren Cox, Ph.D. Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Tonya Crawford Representative of Low-Income Residents Elected by Ward Ward 8A
Rhonda N. Hamilton Representative of Low-Income Residents Elected by Wards 2 & 6
Shakira Hemphill Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Laura Manville Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Hadiyah M. Muhammad Representative of Low-Income Residents Elected by Wards 4 & 5
Christopher Sennett, Esq. Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Dorjan Short Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Aron Szapiro Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Robert Thorne Representative of Major Groups & Interests
Christine M. Warnke, Ph.D. Representative of Low-Income Residents
Elected by Wards 1 & 3
Josiane Yepmo
Parent Policy Council
Representative
Andrea Thomas President and CEO
Lafayette Barnes Chair, Board of Directors
OUR PROGRAMS
How DC Residents Become the Change Agents of Their Lives
Everyone deserves to be economically secure and reach their full potential. We partner with people on their journey to economic security, tailoring our approach to help them build on their strengths and add knowledge and skills.
Office of Early Learning
educates, empowers, and supports children and their families.
Youth Services
sparks academic success and personal development for grades 1-12 through tailored programs designed to close the opportunity gap; our Beavers Scholarships make college dreams come true; and our “Foster Grandparents” are senior volunteers who become children’s mentors.
UPO Workforce Institute
develops customers’ skill sets and powers their careers via national certifications. We also place customers in jobs, accelerating the upward trajectory of their careers and increasing their earning power.
Community Reinvestment
helps customers build on and leverage their assets to generate wealth.
Affordable Housing
delivers affordable homes that offer dignity and stability.
Community Health
Shelter Hotline protects people who are living on the streets; Comprehensive Treatment Center supports health and well-being through education, treatment, and outreach; Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program ensures that customers can keep food on their tables; and Permanent Supportive Housing helps people move from homelessness to housing stability and selfsufficiency.
Community Impact
reduces the causes and conditions of economic instability through place-based strategies that are launched and driven by community residents
Advocacy Initiatives
change lives and strengthen communities through direct service and by amplifying the voices of DC residents who lead the transformation of their neighborhoods. Our Community Advocacy, Volunteering, and Legislative Advocacy teams collaborate with residents to fight for changes by showing how policy affects opportunity.
PRO-EDUCATION
Programs Spark Learning
Education is the key to achieving economic security. We invite pregnant mothers to learn about pre-natal care, then we help to nurture their children in Early Head Start. As students grow, our programs follow them with afterschool and summer programs that prepare them for college and careers. We also train senior volunteers to mentor children — which benefits all of them!
UPO is DC’s LARGEST EARLY HEAD START PROVIDER
OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING
UPO nurtures 710 children in 14 Early Childhood Education Centers throughout the city (see p. 28), including 7 inside high schools. For the past decade, UPO has also overseen 13 other centers in the Quality Improvement Network, which is a citywide effort to improve educational outcomes. Our expert training and technical assistance (with systems and coaching, for example) raises every center to a level that meets federal standards.
HOW WE ENGAGED PARENTS
We involve parents through in-person and virtual events including Baby Showers, Preventive Healthcare, Financial & Credit Literacy, Mental Health Services, and weeklong parenting skills courses (ACT Raising Safe Kids) in English and Spanish. These activities are roadmaps to success:
96 families improved their parenting practices
86 parents either obtained a job or started school
113 families built their peer networks
92 families improved their understanding of child development and then changed their behavior
Cut in Half
in Literacy, Math, Cognitive, and Social-Emotional skills
The percent of children who scored below expectations was 85% of children are meeting or exceeding expectations in Literacy, Cognitive, Physical, and SocialEmotional skills
We are devoted to continuous improvement: All teachers received coaching and feedback from our Early Learning Specialists, which led to more intentional teaching. Education Managers met with Center Directors regularly to share results and create action plans for how to improve.
L. to r.: Dr. Kristie Edwards, Principal, Randle Highlands Elementary School; Ruthven Phillip, Esq., then-Chair, UPO Board of Directors; Andrea Thomas, President & CEO, UPO; Myles Frizzell, student; Syrita Robinson, VP, UPO Office of Early Learning; and David Daniels, CEO & President, Bainum Family Foundation.
A NEW MODEL FOR EARLY EDUCATION
When we unveiled our new Early Childhood Education Center at Randle Highlands Elementary, it was a milestone. The center is a pilot for a new education model that’s better for children, parents, and educators. It is an all-year program that emphasizes teachers’ wellness, including holistic stress management, a compressed work schedule, and improved self-care (via a collaboration with the DC Dept. of Behavioral Health).
The driving force behind this project is the the Bainum Family Foundation’s WeVision EarlyEd initiative. Bainum and UPO have partnered since 2016 and we are honored to collaborate on this center and future ones.
HOW WE HELPED HER GROW
"UPO has played a vital role in transforming my family’s life,” said Jessica Harden. In 2018, while her first child attended a UPO Early Childhood Education Center, Jessica became the first graduate of our Early Educator Credentialing Program. After she earned a Child Development Associate certificate, UPO hired her as a teacher. Then, after a tragedy destroyed her home, UPO helped her family get through the trauma and supported Jessica so she could secure new housing and attend college.
PRO-EDUCATION Programs Spark Learning
YOUTH SERVICES DIVISION
gives essential support through tailored programs that lead to academic success and personal development. Our team addresses short- and long-term needs of youth, fosters community, and unites them with opportunities that powerfully affect their decisionmaking.
E P I C BOOK CLUB LITERACY PROGRAM
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MATH
UPO’s C.R.E.A.T.E. elementary program provides a safe and enriching afterschool experience. We focus on homework support, socialemotional learning, nutrition, physical fitness, and literacy workshops. C.R.E.A.T.E. is supported by a 21st Century out-of-school-time grant.
51%
of C.R.E.A.T.E. students began the year with basic math skills or below
80%
of C.R.E.A.T.E. students improved or became proficient by the end of the year (33 students)
In the afterschool EPIC program, students build confidence, expand knowledge, learn critical thinking, and develop a lifelong passion for reading. EPIC is funded by the Learn 24 grant.
“Witnessing the level of commitment and dedication from the teachers … was pure joy. I saw improvements in vocabulary and reading comprehension, and [they increased how many words they read per minute]. The enthusiasm, and the support that the students had for each other, was impressive [as was their] curiosity, engagement, and wonder.” - Nichelle G. Perrineau, C.R.E.A.T.E. Program Coordinator
The POWER program provides safe and engaging afterschool, in-school, and summer enrichment (on and off campus), including leadership development. The middle school program fosters Social-Emotional Learning, explores STEM careers and STEM in Sports, and develops critical thinking through debate. For high schoolers, we focus on college and career readiness, financial literacy, and debate. POWER is funded with 21st Century OST and CSBG grants.
EMPOWERING DC TEENS WITH A TASTE OF COLLEGE
Our partnership with TD Bank and TD Charitable Foundation enabled an unforgettable experience: POWER students from Digital Pioneer Academy attended the Youth to Youth Conference at Ohio Wesleyan University. They had a taste of authentic college life by staying on campus and participating in a range of workshops (similar to a college student’s schedule).
In a thank-you letter, high schooler Au’Rea Jones wrote, “The trip was an eye-opening experience that I will cherish forever. I learned how to speak up for myself. Your investment in my future has made a significant impact and I am grateful. [Now I want] to pursue my dreams of becoming a bioengineer.”
PRO-EDUCATION Programs Spark Learning
SENIORS & CHILDREN HELP EACH OTHER TO THRIVE
UPO “Foster Grandparents” are senior volunteers (ages 55+) who mentor children. The seniors feel fulfilled and improve their health by reducing isolation, learning new skills, and staying active.
Foster Grandma Muriel Langford is a cornerstone of Excel Academy, an all-girls school. “The key to this work is having a big heart,” she says. “You have to respect kids, help them, and treat them as your own.” As an active volunteer with UPO, a breast cancer survivor, and a leader in her church, Grandma Langford doesn’t just support students — she’s a pillar for their families and her community. Many thanks to you, Grandma, and all of UPO’s Foster Grandparents, who form the DC Chapter of AmeriCorps Seniors.
FOSTER GRANDPARENTS
seniors Our
111
1,091 children to mentor served at 34 sites including classrooms + Howard University Hospital
77,930 hours volunteered
UPO awarded Beavers Scholarships to emerging leaders
HONORING SCHOLARS AT THE MLK BREAKFAST
“We Still Have a Dream…Where Do We Go from Here?” was the theme of UPO’s 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast. Every year at this event, we give Joseph A. Beavers Scholarships to 5 outstanding DC students to ease the costs of college. Our generous donors have invested over $1 million to support 200+ scholars through college. Highlights of the breakfast included:
• Keynote speech by Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum
• Special remarks by Eric Holder, former Attorney General of the U.S.
• UPO, returning to its roots as a catalyst for change, unveiled our Legislative Advocacy & Budget Priorities (see p. 12)
• Presentation of our MLK Jr. Oratorical Contest winners
• MC Jade Polly, a proud graduate of UPO’s POWER program who then earned a Beavers Scholarship, shared her story: “UPO gave me access and resources. The Beavers Scholarship funded my Study Abroad experiences in Ghana and Senegal for academic research.” Jade also used her scholarship for tuition; she graduated from Davidson College with a Bachelor’s in Africana Studies and became a teacher in DC.
PRO-COMMUNITY Programs Transform Lives
UPO helps District residents build stronger neighborhoods and live healthy, productive lives. We address the causes and conditions of economic insecurity and show people how to amplify their voices to improve their communities.
Our staff helps people gain the tools they need to succeed, from affordable housing to education, from food to free tax prep, from healthcare to financial counseling (because UPO operates DC’s Financial Empowerment Center).
The panel was moderated by UPO Legislative Advocacy Director Ed Lazere. The panelists were (l. to r.) Daniel del Pielago, Housing Director, Empower DC; Rachel Rintelmann, Legal Director of Systemic Advocacy and Law Reform, Legal Aid DC; Awad Bilal, Tenant Organizer, Latino Economic Development Center; Brittany (Brit) Ruffin, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless; and Ramon Jacobson, Executive Director, LISC DC.
ADDRESSING THE DISTRICT’S MOST CRITICAL ISSUES
Input from our customers and staff drives our annual Legislative Advocacy & Budget Priorities. These are 5 areas where UPO is engaging the community to improve residents’ quality of life:
• Expand Affordable Housing
• Increase Food Security
• Improve Income Support for Families
• Strengthen Child Care
• Reduce Violence
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FORUM: BOLD ACTIONS TO SUPPORT HOUSING STABILITY AND STOP DISPLACEMENT
Decent affordable housing is the foundation of stable families and communities, and there’s a gap between what exists in DC and what is needed. To address this complex issue, UPO convened a panel of local experts and listened to our neighbors’ questions.
Together, we generated ideas that DC leaders can act on now. The wide-ranging discussion included how much affordable housing to build, who can actually afford the homes, and the rights of tenants and people experiencing homelessness.
PARTNERING TO CREATE NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING
UPO President and CEO Andrea Thomas helped to cut the ribbon for the MDXL Flats apartment building at 1530 First St. SW. UPO partnered with premier developer TM Associates to deliver these 101 units and the sister community next door, the 76-unit MDL Flats. All of these homes are affordable for households who earn up to 50% of the area’s median income.
DC’s Dept. of Housing and Community Development said the project’s combination of high quality and affordability is “unprecedented” and “we look to this as a model” for the District.
For tenants who are emerging from homelessness, UPO’s Permanent Supportive Housing team offers onsite wraparound services to help them succeed in their new homes and achieve the highest possible selfsufficiency and quality of life.
CEO Andrea Thomas said, “Housing is a persistent concern for DC residents, so UPO is proud to be a partner in providing housing stability to people with low incomes and supportive services to those who were unhoused. Most importantly, we are excited to hear the new residents declare, ‘I’m home.’”
PRO-COMMUNITY Programs
Transform Lives
A POWERFUL VOICE FOR HER COMMUNITY
Charlottie Simpson is UPO’s passionate volunteer on the Fair Budget Coalition’s Housing Security Committee. She has testified before the DC Council several times to “express my feelings, beliefs, and sincere thoughts about issues that we as a civilized society must fight for … UPO's commitment to
amplifying resident voices makes me feel that my opinions, and those of my fellow residents, truly matter.” Then she earned an award from the Fair Budget Coalition for her efforts to address homelessness. Congratulations!
She knew about UPO long before becoming a volunteer: “UPO is my go-to agency when I am seeking help. It provides so many services that really make a difference in a person’s life.”
SPARKING A MOVEMENT TO ADDRESS YOUTH VIOLENCE
UPO ignited a movement by convening Uniting for Safe Futures: A Community Forum on Youth Violence. Youth, parents, and community members shared their experiences and challenges and brought fresh ideas.
Ten days later, we held focused, immersive workshops to dive deeper
into solutions, and discussed safe spaces, the impact of music on behavior, and personal stories of loss and resilience. Then we went further to bridge divides and give youth a chance to thrive and grow: We brought inner-city youth to Sandy Spring Adventure Park for a day of ziplining, outdoor activities, and connecting with police officers in a
The forum’s speakers included (l. to r.): Ayana Howard-Bias, Director of UPO’s Community Advocacy & Volunteer Services; Britney Smith, Youth Advocate; Ray Nelson, Youth Influencer (who moderated the panel); Joey Elliot, Youth Representative; Joseph Jackson, Parent; Dequwan Smith, Behavioral Dean; Erica Brown, UPO Community Advocacy intern; Ebbon A. Allen, Educator; Rodriguez “Rodney” Norman, Violence Interrupter; Levon “Big Skye” Williams, Community Advocate; and Dr. Daniel Ofori-Addo, UPO Executive Vice-President and Chief Impact Officer.
unique and positive way. This shared experience (sponsored by The Iron Star Foundation) built trust and mutual understanding.
Looking ahead, we are dedicated to building a robust safety network that supports our youth with programs, resources, wellness, and policy changes that reduce violence.
FORUM ON REDUCING VIOLENCE: PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO CREATING SAFER COMMUNITIES
UPO holds Public Forums on DC’s most urgent issues including public safety. To elevate conversations around solutions, Rev. Delonte Gholston moderated a discussion with panelists (pictured, l. to r.): Tyrone C. Parker of the Alliance for Concerned Men (retired); youth leader Abdur “Roc” Kelly; Kristy Love of the DC Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; and David Bowers, founder of No Murders DC.
The audience of 125 community members asked questions and the conversation led to these takeaways:
• Use “focused deterrence” to reach the people most at risk of engaging in violence. Show care and offer help, especially to children who are truant, getting suspended, and in the child welfare system.
• Mayor Bowser ought to create a “coordinating” office for all agencies and community partners that have a role in reducing violence.
• The key to safer communities is improving economic security. As Roc Kelly said, “The solution to violence is empowering the oppressed. Everything else is treating the symptoms and ignoring the disease.”
PRO-COMMUNITY Programs Transform Lives
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
IMPROVING LIVES, STARTING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
The Community Impact division supports place-based, communitydriven strategies to improve the quality of life in 4 Community Impact Zones:
• Brentwood (Ward 5)
• SW Neighborhood (ward 6)
• Benning Terrace (Ward 7)
• Washington Highlands (Ward 8)
UPO stabilizes and empowers residents with holistic, wraparound support including Community
Health initiatives, Permanent Supportive Housing, Job Training and Placement, Early Leaming, and Leadership Training.
For example, many Ward 6 seniors were navigating major mental health challenges with little or no consistent support. They faced barriers in connecting to care and struggled in isolation without access to education, counseling, or community-based emotional support.
FINANCIAL COUNSELING THAT CHANGES LIVES
UPO operates the District’s Financial Empowerment Center, where all DC residents can receive professional, one-on-one, free financial counseling virtually and in person.
In FEC’s 2nd year, our 5 Certified Financial Counselors held 700 financial counseling sessions with 160 customers who achieved 328 milestones as they saved, budgeted, built credit, and reduced their debt. Our counselors also participated in 65 financial workshops and events in all 8 wards.
The FEC, located in our Petey Greene Community Service Center, is a publicprivate partnership between UPO, the DC Dept. of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB), and the Mayor’s Office.
My FEC financial counselor [Ms. Victoria Clayborne] and I set clear goals. I established credit for the first time, I transformed my habits (a game-changer), and I am confident in my ability to continue building a stable, prosperous future.” – Kimothy James
UPO responded by collaborating with Dr. Bruce Tisdale of Hope 4 You. Since March 2023, he has held mental health group sessions tailored to seniors and referred people for 1-on-1 counseling. “These interventions have reduced emotional distress, increased their engagement, and promoted mental health awareness,” he said. Since this integrated and compassionate care is so effective, UPO is looking to expand it into other wards.
HOW TO TREAT OPIOID ABUSE
Our Comprehensive Treatment Center addresses the opioid crisis by helping people recover from substance abuse and become productive members of society. CTC is an effective outpatient methadone maintenance treatment program that includes coordinating medical and counseling services.
James, age 43, entered treatment for a dependence on opioid pain medicine. He benefited from 1-on1 and group counseling while he started a business and his wife gave birth to 2 children. He ended his dependence and is completely sober — his family is so proud!
HEALTH & WELLNESS & FUN
DC residents worked out, learned, and celebrated their well-being at the 2nd Annual Health & Wellness Expo proudly presented by UPO, Martha’s Table, the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, and DC Health. Brenton Sanford and his Advancing Health Literacy (AHL) team at the UPO Workforce Institute created a wonderful, music-filled, joyous event at Sycamore & Oak. AHL’s mission is to have all DC residents become literate about health concerns and equipped to make informed health decisions.
PRO-COMMUNITY Programs Transform Lives
PROFOUND IMPACT
“UPO’s Community Leadership Academy had a profound impact on my life and my community,” said Cassandra Matthews, who graduated from the Academy and then became an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for ANC 8D03. “The training reignited our passion to take initiative and responsibility within our communities. It empowered us to identify issues in our neighborhoods and work collectively towards solutions. The bonds we formed have had lasting effects.
"A particularly heartwarming aspect was witnessing my neighbor’s transformation. Prior to joining the Academy, she’d been isolating herself. However, by the end, she was actively participating and had regained her outgoing nature.”
SHELTER HOTLINE
SAVING LIVES EVERY DAY
69,361 emergency calls responded to
187,787 life-sustaining items distributed
42,309 rides to shelter, healthcare, social services, and case management gave
The outreach workers of UPO’s Shelter Hotline are the eyes and ears of the District, protecting the health of people who are living on the streets. ABC7 interviewed UPO outreach worker Chris Watson (pictured) and Fox 5 interviewed Arthur Bell as they brought people from the freezing streets into shelters.
EMPOWERING DC’S FUTURE
Youth experiencing homelessness face unique challenges that require innovative solutions. So UPO and the DC Dept. of Human Services launched the Youth Initiative to connect youth (ages 18–24) to drop-in centers where they can receive counseling, education, and healthcare. They’re finding pathways to stability, independence, and hope.
188 volunteers donated
2,214 hours— that’s a value of $50,323
WE CELEBRATE OUR VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS, AND DONORS
To make an impact, a community must come together. Our beloved District did exactly that at UPO’s annual Appreciation Celebration. We honored some of the hundreds of people and companies who give time, talent, and treasure to lift our community.
Among the award winners was our youngest donor, 5-year-old Royce Benjamin Reid (aka Royce da Voyce, Dr. Dinosaur, and Dr. Socks), who accepted his award from Ruthven R. Phillip Esq., then-Chair of UPO’s Board of Directors.
Royce, already a veteran of sock and water drives for our Shelter Hotline, has plans to distribute books and toys to his peers. Royce is an emerging star!
41
DC residents graduated from our Community Leadership Academy
PRO-WORK
Programs Open Doors
UPO is devoted to helping people reach their full career potential.
The UPO Workforce Institute is a licensed institute of higher education with nationally recognized vocational training programs in high-demand fields. Our wraparound approach to Career Development helps people overcome employment barriers with a practical action plan for how to achieve economic security. Our team gives District residents the skill set, resources, and opportunity to get and keep jobs that launch careers.
All of our programs open doors for customers. And we’re never “done” with them. They become part of the UPO Family for life.
TRAINING COURSES FOR NATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Construction Trade
Professional Building Maintenance (PBM)
Electrical Technician Plumbing
Telecommunications/Broadband
Introduction to Telecommunications (+ additional certifications)
Information Technology
IT Helpdesk and Application Support Specialist (CompTIA A+)
Culinary Arts
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
Education
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Commercial Driving
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A and B
543
customers obtained jobs through UPO and our partners
266
national certifications earned
65
high school students attended Construction Trade Workshops and discovered new career possibilities
1,464
customers received employment services
339
customers received job readiness training
HOW LAWRENCE TURNED HIS LIFE AROUND
Lawrence came to UPO’s Building Careers Academy as a condition of his parole. At age 28, he’d never had a job and was motivated to change. He wanted a Plumbing certification and graduated at the top of his class — his 98.7% is the highest we’ve ever recorded. When a small business hired him, Lawrence’s work ethic, punctuality, and consistency set him apart. In one year, he received 2 promotions and 2 pay raises, to $28/hr. His instructor, Michael W. Alexander Jr., said, “Lawrence was focused from Day 1. His initiative and tenacity are priceless and he remembers everything. By applying that effectively — doing things right the first time — he has skyrocketed. He will make a great foreman someday, or an owner.”
For a fuller story, visit www.upo.org/category/story
HOW MYSOUN IS BUILDING A SOLID CAREER
Mysoun Patrick is a senior at Friendship Collegiate High School. Since 2023, he has built his skills in UPO’s Construction Trades Exploration program through the DC Dept. of Employment Services’ Office of Youth Programs (OYP), in both the High School Internship Program and the Summer Youth Program. OYP gave Mysoun the Outstanding Youth Participant Award for his engagement in our workshops.
Then UPO and the DC Student Construction Trades Foundation chose him to represent DC on a school construction project in Kingston, Jamaica where he worked with his UPO instructor Marcus Bruce and other trades specialists from Jamaica and the US (via a partnership between Ruppert Landscape and Food for the Poor). Mysoun said, “Thank you for not only helping me build my career skills but also showing me how to give back to the community.”
After HS graduation, he will register for UPO’s Professional Building Maintenance course and enroll in college with a major in construction management. Mysoun’s future is bright!
FY 2024 – FY 2026
STRATEGIC GOALS
As we look toward the future, we are aiming for these targets.
GOAL #1
Optimize Economic-Security Programming
Provide high-quality resultsoriented programs and services to DC residents who aim to achieve economic security.
GOAL #2
Prioritize People-Centered Efficiency and Effectiveness
Optimize organizational performance through staff capacity development and business process improvements.
GOAL #3
Underscore Organizational Sustainability
Ensure long-term sustainability through strategic partnerships, diversified funding streams, and improved brand awareness.
EMPLOYMENT
LINKAGES
EMERGENCY
69,361 phone calls received and processed by Shelter Hotline 187,787 life-sustaining items distributed
rides provided to customers experiencing homelessness
EDUCATION
youth mentored by Foster Grandparents
youth engaged through
INCOME MANAGEMENT
HEALTH
HOUSING
NUTRITION
236,330 meals distributed
250 seniors chose meals at Silver Market grocery pop-ups each month
750 customers benefited from Mobile Grocery Distribution
SELF-SUFFICIENCY/CASE MANAGEMENT
Head Start families made gains on their needs assessment score 1,540 customers received Case Management services
MEASURING AGENCY RESULTS
INVESTORS IN OUR MISSION
We are pleased to acknowledge and thank our most generous benefactors who made gifts during FY 2024 between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
DC Cares/Greater Washington Community Foundation
Bainum Family Foundation
INVESTMENTS OF $10,000–$20,000
Anonymous Events DC - Washington Convention and Sports Authority TM Associates, Inc.
INVESTMENT OF $5,000,000+ INVESTMENTS
INVESTMENTS OF $50,000 – $200,000
INVESTMENT OF $1,000,000+
INVESTMENTS OF $20,000 – $30,000 TD Bank The Wollenberg Foundation
INVESTMENTS OF $5,000–$9,999
DC Housing Authority Franklin Advisors MedStar Family Choice - District of Columbia RCM&D United Bank Global Giving Jennifer Park
INVESTMENTS OF $2,500–$4,999
Al's Twin Air, LLC
American Psychological Association
Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
Beacon Hill Staffing Group
Erik Boas and Susanne Morris
Jo Raffa Boukhira
Barbara and Randall Bovbjerg
L. Terry Carnes, President of CECA
CDW
DC Health Link
DC Office of the People's Counsel
Friends of Kennedy Playground Inc.
Global Giving
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Dianna Guinyard
Michele Hagans
Dana M. Jones
Kaiser Permanente
Gayle Maslow
Elizabeth McMeekin
Gladys Mills
John and Leslie Oberdorfer
Kevin Oberdorfer
Office Catering
Dr. Daniel Ofori-Addo
Robert Half
Angel V. Robinson
Safeway Foundation
School Health Corporation
Stein Mitchell Beato & Missner LLP
T. H. Easter Consulting
Andrea Thomas
United Business Technologies
United Way of the National
Capital Area
William B. & Sallie B. Wallace
WinnCompanies
Lisa Arcari
Clifford Barnes
Derek Davis
Eagle Academy Public
Charter School
Edgewood Brookland
Family Support
Collaborative
Foundation Panama Inc.
Laurette Hilliard
Huchinson Design Group
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Scott Kratz
Kutak Rock LLP
Ned Laskowski
Ruthven Phillip
Tara Plochocki
Zach Ratzman
Ingrid Reyes
Paul Teicher
The Urban Institute
Franklin and Vivian Wilds
Vivian Wilkins
Xi Omega and Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation
We also thank our many other donors who made gifts during FY 2024. We are deeply grateful for all our donations no matter the size. Your generosity makes our lifesaving work possible as we guide our neighbors on a path toward financial stability and wellness.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
THE WOLLENBERG FOUNDATION
UPO’s 25-year Partner for Early Head Start families
We deeply appreciate The Wollenberg Foundation’s partnership with UPO to help families thrive. Thanks to their generous annual donations, our Office of Early Learning (DC’s largest Early Head Start provider) has the flexibility to respond in the most effective ways to the comprehensive needs of parents, children, and staff. When we saw them experiencing stressful and traumatic situations, Foundation funds enabled us to start our Mental Wellness Initiative and Trainings; and we continue to expand our home visitor program to reach more families and expectant mothers.
“The Foundation has always championed Head Start as it reflects our commitment to support education, particularly for at-risk preschoolers. It was natural for us to connect with UPO, which ran a Head Start pilot [in 1965] and has nurtured children ever since.
We’re proud that the Foundation can help to enhance the depth and quality of programs for the families who need the most help throughout the District. UPO shares our values and knows that children’s growth up to age 3 is essential for their lifelong success.”
- Chris Wollenberg Co-Trustee, The Wollenberg Foundation
Note: The Wollenberg Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests.
PROVIDERS & PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Each year, we partner with organizations throughout the Washington, DC area to provide the highest-quality programs, all designed to help our customers attain economic security. Thank you for your continued support.
Accenture
AimHire
Ajilon
Allied Universal
America Works of Washington, DC
American University
Amidon-Bowen Elementary School
Anacostia Coordinating Council
Anacostia Economic Development Corporation
ANC 6D
Andrews Federal Credit Union
Anne Beers Elementary School
APB Associates
Audi Field
Ballou Senior High School
Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy
Bank of America
Bethesda Baptist Church DC
Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School
Black Coalition Against COVID
Bombas
Bowie State University
Bravo Zulu Chess Academy
Bread for the City
Brentwood Recreation Center
Bright Beginnings Early Childcare
The Brooks Group, LLC
Browne Education Campus
Building Bridges, LLC
Burroughs Education Campus
Burville Elementary School
C3 Cares
Calvary Health Care
Capital Area Food Bank
Capitol Skyline Hotel
Career Gear
Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Washington
Central Union Mission
CentroSync
Cesar Chavez Public Charter School
Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP)
Children & Charity
Children’s Health Project
Children’s Hospital
Children's Legacy Theater
Chimes DC
Christ Church
CityWorks DC
Coalition for Non-Profit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED)
Coalition for Smarter Growth
Collaborative Solutions for Communities
Community Bridges, LLC
Community Connections
Community of Hope
Community Service Agency, Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO
Community Tax Aid
Community Wellness Venture
Compass DC
Competitive by Nature
Competitive Innovations
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
Covenant House
C-Tech
CURE the Streets
DASH - District Alliance for Safe Housing
David Lynch Foundation
DC127
DC Board of Elections
DC Central Kitchen
DC Child and Family Services Agency
DC Community Courts
DC Dept. of Behavioral Health
DC Dept. of Disability Services - Rehabilitation Services Administration
DC Dept. of Employment Services
DC Dept. of Health
DC Dept. of Housing and Community Development
DC Dept. of Human Services
DC Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking
DC Dept. of Parks and Recreation
DC Healthy Families
DC Housing Authority
DC Hunger Solutions
DC Public Library
DC Mayor’s Office
DCPS Office of Early Childhood Education
DC Office of the Attorney General
DC Office of the People’s Counsel
DC Office of the Tenant Advocate
DC Safe
DC Strong Start
DC Students Construction Trades Foundation
DC Superior Court
DCTV
District Health Care Services
DOES Project Empowerment
Dress for Success
Drew Elementary School
A Drug-Free World
Eagle Academy PCS
East River Family Strengthening Collaborative
Educare of Washington, DC
Edward C Mazique PCC - Infant
Edward C Mazique PCC - Reeves
Edward C Mazique PCC - Tyler House
Edward C. Mazique PCCDeveloping Families
El Bethel Baptist Church
Empowerment Center
E.R. Bacon Development, LLC
Ethiopian Community Center
Events DC
Excel Academy
EYL 365 Projects, LLC
Famalay Staffing, LLC
Family First
Family Medical Counseling Service
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative
Fedcap, Inc.
1st CDL Training Center of NOVA
First Rock Baptist Church - Child Development Center
Fishscale
Fort Lincoln New Town
Foster & Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center
Foulger-Pratt
Friendship Public Charter School - Blow
Friendship Public Charter School - Cham
Friendship Southeast Elementary School
Friendship Technology Preparatory School
Friendship Woodridge Elementary School
Future Resources Learning
Genesis Healthcare, Bradford Oaks Center
George Washington University
- Milken Institute School of Public Health
Giant Food
Giant Pharmacy
Gonzaga - Omega Men for the Homeless
GOODProjects
Greater DC Diaper Bank
Greater Help Ministries
Greater Washington Urban League
Natalie Greenbaum
Greenleaf Recreation Center
Greenleaf Resident Council
H Street Community Development
Health Management Associates
Healthy Babies
Health Services for Children with Special Needs
Healthy Families/ Thriving Communities Collaborative Council
Higher Development Academy
Home Depot
Hope 4 You
House of Ruth - Kidspace
Howard University
Howard University Hospital
The HSC Pediatric Center
Hubbard Place
Hutchins 360 STEM
illuminatED
Imagine Public Charter School
Industrial Bank
InnerCity Collaborative CDC
Israel Baptist Church
James Creek Resident Council
J.C. Nalle Elementary School
Jefferson Middle School
Jobs Have Priority
Jones Memorial United Methodist Church
JPMorgan Chase
Jubilee Housing
K&L Gates
Kavi Wellness
Ketcham Elementary School
King Elementary School
Labcorp
Langdon Elementary School
Langley Elementary School Language Solutions
Latin American Youth Center
Learn24
LightHouse DC
Little Lights Urban Ministries
Living Classrooms FoundationNational Capital Region
Logan Elementary School
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
Malcolm X Elementary School
Martha’s Table
The Mary Elizabeth House
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
Maryland Community Action Partnership
The Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs
Medstar Family Choice DC
Melwood
Meiger Health
Metropolitan Police Department
MPD – 1st District Police Station
MPD – Victim Services Branch
Michael’s Creative Minds
Mid City Management (Brookland Manor)
National Family Engagement Alliance
The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens
National Restaurant Association
Neighborhood Legal Services
Northeastern Presbyterian Church
NRI-Staffing
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Office of Latino Affairs
Office of Neighborhood & Safety Engagement
Om Shanti
OSSE: 21st Century
Parents with Partners
Payne Elementary School
Pepco/ Exelon
PNC Bank
Pragmatics
Prestige Healthcare Resource
Prive’ Demeure, Inc.
Providence Hospital
PSI Service III, Inc.
R. Emmanuel Bell Consulting
Randle Highlands Elementary School
Reading Partners - J.C. Nalle
Richard Wright Public Charter School
R.I.S.E. Center
Rockstar Cutz
Rodman Institute
Roots Public Charter School
S.A.F.E. DC
Safeway, Inc.
Salvation Army
Seabury
CHILD DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
UPO is an education hub for DC’s Quality Improvement Network We’re partnering for excellence with these child development organizations across the city.
Bell Teen Parent
Big Mama’s Board of Child Care
Community Education Research Group
Early Education Research Group House of Ruth
NETWORK OF SERVICE PROVIDERS
Jubilee JumpStart
Kennedy Institute
Kids Are People Too Kids Are Us Learning Center
Loving Care
Love First
Sunshine Early Learning
We provide grants to effective organizations such as these to help fulfill our mission.
Catholic Charities - Spanish Center Collaborative Solutions for Communities
Community Services Agency, Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO
DC Central Kitchen
Shelters to Shutters
SkyPoint FCU
SNAP/Hunger Solutions
Spanish Education Development Center
Southwest Neighborhood Library
St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church
Stanton Elementary School
Storyline Strategies
Street Sense Media
Suited for Change
Sunshine Early Learning Center
SW BID
Syphax Gardens Resident Council
T Mobile
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority Inc., Xi Chapter
Tel Cort Cooperative
Temple University, Harrisburg
TD Bank
Tele Court Coop
Thrive, DC
TM Associates
Toki Underground
Tony Thomas Associates
The Training Center
Transitional Care Center
Trinity University
Turner Elementary School
Tzedek DC
Umbrella Therapeutic Services
United Bank
United Way of the National Capital Area
University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
Edgewood/Brookland Family
Support Collaborative
Thrive DC
US Vets
Vida Senior Centers
UDC College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
US Census Bureau
US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development
US Vets
Van Ness Elementary School
VIDA Senior Centers
Wards 7 & 8 DC Prevention Center
Ward 8 Community Economic Development Plan
Washington National Cathedral
Washington Nationals
The Washington Center
The Way to Happiness
Washington Leadership Academy
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
Westlink Career Institute
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Wheatley Education Campus
A Wider Circle
Kirsten Williams, ANC 5C06 Commissioner
WinnCompanies
WMATA
The Wollenberg Foundation
World Central Kitchen
WPFW 89.3 FM
Zane Networks
YMCA
WHERE WE SERVE
EARLY LEARNING NETWORK
SERVICE CENTERS
A UNITED PLANNING ORGANIZATION (Headquarters)
301 Rhode Island Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001
202-238-4600
Early Learning | Shelter Hotline for people experiencing homelessness B ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
1649 Marion Barry Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020
202-610-5900
202-610-2796 (Youth Services Office)
Youth Services | Foster Grandparents Program Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Processing
C RALPH WALDO “PETEY” GREENE COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
2907 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave SE Washington, DC 20032
