_{Original Photo Double Reflection by Emma K Alexandra}                  

Dear Neighbor,

This year’s annual performance oversight hearing season is finally winding down. Over the past few weeks, I’ve chaired nine Committee on Health hearings, engaged with over 200 public witnesses, and have questioned dozens of agency heads (health and non-health) about their performance over the past year. Heading into budget season, there’s so much to be done, but with hearings winding down for a bit, I’m looking forward to engaging with some of you in-person at my upcoming community office hours.

Here's where I’ll be:

• March 19, 2025 - 9:30-11:00am
  Bellevue/ William O. Lockridge Library
  115 Atlantic St SW (Ward 8)

• March 20, 2025 - 9:30-11:00am
  Georgetown Café
  3141 N St NW (Ward 2)

• March 27, 2025 - 9:30-11:00am
  Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
  1000 4th St SW (Ward 6)

These gatherings are informal – an opportunity to chat, share ideas, and handle some constituent casework issues in real-time. So mark your calendars, share with others, and make a plan to join us even just for 15 minutes.

In service,

Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com

Last week, Councilmember Henderson introduced one bill and one resolution. The Planning Actively for Recreational upKeep so Neighborhood Resources Elevate Communities (PARKSNREC) Amendment Act of 2025 would provide stability to District neighborhoods by requiring capital investments in the Department of Parks and Recreation to be planned for recreational facilities by condition, need, and expected community growth.

Councilmember Henderson also led her colleagues in introducing the Sense of the Council on Supporting Humane and Trauma Informed Response to Behavioral Health Crises Revolution of 2025. The resolution calls for a more coordinated and effective response to behavioral health—one that prioritizes care over criminalization and ensures that behavioral health emergencies receive the same urgency and quality of response as physical health emergencies. A 2021 pilot program to divert behavioral health calls to 911 to the appropriate team at the Department of Behavioral Health has had limited success, rerouting only 657 calls over two years—a small fraction of the total need. For context, in 2022, MPD was sent to over 36,000 behavioral health crisis calls.

On Tuesday, March 4, the Certificate of Need Improvement Act of 2025 (CON) was unanimously approved by the Council on its first vote. The CON would improve and expand health care services for District residents by removing unnecessary obstacles for health care facilities to operate in the District. The bill also makes some much needed adjustments to the the licensure pathway for social workers.            

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Below are highlights from hearings Councilmember Henderson attended or chaired.

On Monday, February 24, the Committee on Health held a performance oversight hearing on the DC Department of Health. The hearing was for public witnesses only and about 70 people provided testimony. Topics covered included in-home care and direct care worker issues, expanding farmers markets for healthy food access, and providing services for seniors, among many others.  

On Tuesday, February 25, Councilmember Henderson joined the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety performance oversight hearing on the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).  

• To begin her questioning, Councilmember Henderson asked about the Alternatives to Court Experience (ACE) diversion program’s outcomes and learned about changes the OAG has made to the referral process with the Department of Human Services.  

• She then asked about juvenile cases statistics and learned that the OAG is papering and prosecuting more than 84% of violent crimes and prosecuting 76% of all arrests. The OAG has also been working closely with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to make cases stronger when they come in and to have a direct line to OAG attorneys for MPD officers while in the field.  

• In addition, the OAG provided updates on the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility ("STEER") Amendment Act of 2024 implementation and discussed the recent announcement of 3 civil suits filed against Maryland Drivers who collectively owe the District more than $90K in traffic fines and fees for egregious behavior on our streets.  

The same day, Councilmember Henderson joined the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor for their performance oversight hearing on the Department of Employment Services (DOES).  

• Councilmember Henderson questioned DOES on why they did not pay minimum wage to participants in summer youth employment programs. In response, DOES shared that they do pay minimum wage to participants aged 22 to 24, but participants aged 14 to 21 receive lower wages. To follow-up, Councilmember Henderson asked if the agency had explored increasing wages for the 16- to 21-year-old participants. DOES stated that they have considered it but must balance serving as many youth as possible within the agency’s budget constraints, to which Councilmember Henderson added that if she were 17 years old looking for a summer job, she would likely seek employment outside of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) due to the low wages.  

• Then Councilmember Henderson inquired about the Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP), a pilot program introduced by her through the Middle School Career Exploration Pilot Amendment Act of 2023 legislation, and its current efficiency, popularity, challenges, and successes. DOES noted that all slots for the program were filled, serving 358 youth in its inaugural year and thanked Councilmember Henderson for championing the program and shared that the program will expand to serve 545 students in the upcoming cycle, including a spring break program for 80 students. It was also highlighted that the program received 1,500 applications within 48 hours for the 2025 cycle, demonstrating overwhelming interest from youth and families.  

• Conversation moved to conversations Councilmember Henderson has had with local infrastructure unions—such as the Carpenters Union, Steelworkers Union, and Painters Union—about their apprenticeship programs. She noted that the agency does not currently partner with these unions despite having an Infrastructure Academy—that currently has delayed relocation due to risings costs. DOES expressed an openness to partnerships but emphasized that union partners must prioritize DC residents and that DOES funding cannot support the training of non-DC residents.  

• To conclude her questions, Councilmember Henderson asked about the success of the Pharmacy Technician Training Program. She inquired about the number of people who completed the program and whether they all passed the exam; DOES clarified that the exam was a requirement to graduate. She then asked whether exam prep is offered and inquired about the rates of job placements. Additionally, she requested information about the agency’s challenges with the community health worker program and the impact of federal layoffs on the District’s unemployment claims portal and the total number of claims filed.  

Next, Councilmember Henderson joined the Committee on Public Works and Operations for their public oversight hearing on the Department of Public Works (DPW).  

• To begin her questioning, Councilmember Henderson inquired about how illegal dumping investigations are being conducted. DPW explained that Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP) Inspectors conduct daily patrols, residents and staff report recurring locations, and DPW's Environmental Crimes Unit is then looped in to investigate further.  

• She then asked if DPW had the necessary tools to address small condominium buildings that fail to secure proper trash and recycling services. DPW confirmed that they have the appropriate tools and are proactively addressing troublesome properties through coordination with the Department of Buildings.  

• Additionally, Councilmember Henderson inquired about the high-dollar scofflaw pilot, which impounded 424 vehicles and recouped $588,983 from towed vehicles between April and December 2024, and inquired upon the status of the impound lots and the overall success of the high-dollar scofflaw pilot.

On Wednesday, February 26, Councilmember Henderson chaired the Committee on Health’s performance oversight hearing on DC Health. This hearing was wide reaching from discussing school nurses, to vacancies, to improvements with customer service in Vital Records, to the onboarding of a new animal control contractor, to food service inspections, and much more. One huge highlight was Councilmember Henderson celebrating the progress the District has made in its fight against HIV/AIDs. This year, the District hit a milestone of less than 200 new HIV cases in 2024 (192) for the first time since the 1990s. DC Health testified that while they are thrilled about this progress, the federal funding that has enabled them to decrease new cases has declined significantly, and they are being forced to cut some programs and services. Councilmember Henderson also expressed interest in working with the agency to preserve the most effective programs and services, and continue our efforts to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in the District.

On Thursday, February 27, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a performance oversight hearing on the Department of Corrections (DOC).  

• Councilmember Henderson started her questioning by asking about the progress of the capital project for a new annex at the Central Treatment Facility and learned that the Fine Arts Commission approved the initial design which is headed to the community for input.  She also learned that DC Health completed an environmental inspection of DOC facilities at the end of September 2024, however the report has not yet been released.  

• In response to Councilmember Henderson’s questions on recruitment efforts, the Director shared that DOC graduated some of the largest classes of new correctional officers recently and the new hiring incentive programs have had a positive impact on recruiting.  

• DOC also shared that new policies regarding the care of pregnant residents have been circulated among agency staff and that training on these topics is being finalized for inclusion in the training academy curriculum for all new staff.  

On Friday, February 28, the Committee of the Whole held a performance oversight hearing on District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS).  

• Councilmember Henderson’s inquiry started with questions regarding the Safe Passage program and the Chancellor’s impression of programmatic changes in the 2024-2025 school year.

• Councilmember Henderson also reiterated the need for DCPS to pay paraprofessionals a higher wage, since they are an integral part of classrooms but currently make less per hour than substitute teachers, but DCPS did not indicate that any changes were in the future.

• Next, Councilmember Henderson asked about the uptake of the dedicated supply line for self-contained classroom supplies included in the FY25 budget and encouraged DCPS to institute a formal request process for eligible teachers.

• Conversation then moved to the number of kindergarten teachers that have completed the literacy training required by the start of the 2026 school year and plans for the McGogney building in Ward 8. DCPS shared that 50% of teachers have completed the training. Meanwhile, the McGogney building will be used as a swing space for Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School when it is modernized. Discussion continued on the challenges of finding swing spaces for school communities that don’t have an option for on-campus modulars due to limited open space.

• Councilmember Henderson finished her questioning by asking about DCPS’s plans to improve the after-school sign up process this year; the Chancellor responded that the sign-up process this year will operate on a queue system.

Later that day, Councilmember Henderson joined the Committee on Human Services during its performance oversight hearing for the District of Columbia Public Library System (DCPL).

• Councilmember Henderson inquired about barriers to the recruitment and retention of youth-serving librarians. DCPL responded that the pandemic shifted staff work preferences, with youth-serving staff favoring work hours similar to those in schools, despite public demand for extended library hours. Her questioning continued regarding the number of full-time and part-time employees and the potential to reintroduce part-time positions to attract more staff.  

• Next Councilmember Henderson asked about the Teen Council, DCPL's paid leadership opportunity for teens, and was informed on the program’s scope, popularity, achievements, and barriers to expanding the number of available slots in the program.

• Additionally, Councilmember Henderson asked about the Board of Library Trustees, the current status of the walk-in library at the Department of Corrections, and how partnerships between DCPL and the Department of Behavioral Health can support the demand for mental health services through the Crisis Response Team (CRT) around library branches.

To finish her day of questioning, Councilmember Henderson joined the Committee on Facilities performance oversight hearing on the Department of General Services (DGS).  

• She asked about the Work Order Dashboard, inquiring why only the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) currently have access to operate on the platform. DGS reported plans to expand dashboard access by the end of the year. Councilmember Henderson noted that the dashboard frequently crashes, raising concerns about its reliability.

• She also inquired about the current number of work orders related to senior wellness centers. DGS shared that 87% of work orders from FY24 and FY25 to date have been completed: 636 work orders have been completed and 94 remain open.  

• Councilmember Henderson also asked how older facilities in Ward 7 could be prioritized for renovations and included in the agency’s project pipeline. DGS expressed their interest in collaborating with the Council and the Executive on the deployment of small capital projects and evaluating their impact across portfolios.  

• On the topic of the 311 Playground Maintenance Request Module, she asked how many requests the agency received in FY24. DGS reported receiving 1,074 requests, with 300 identified as duplicates. Councilmember Henderson sought clarity on what differentiates a small capital project from routine playground maintenance. DGS shared that full playground replacements are considered small capital projects and expressed their interest in exploring alternative playground surfaces to improve equipment longevity.  

• Finally, Councilmember Henderson raised concerns about the wide variety of playground equipment across the District, particularly different levels of accessibility. DGS acknowledged accessibility concerns with Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) surfaces and expressed an openness to revisiting recreational specifications, noting that the agency has observed shorter lifespans for playground equipment due to heavy usage.

On Monday, March 3, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a performance oversight hearing on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). In good news, WMATA shared that they were on track to have a healthy pipeline of bus drivers.  

• WMATA discussed the bus fare enforcement initiative. Councilmember Henderson flagged that bus fare boxes must be working properly to accurately capture fare payment trends.  

• Conversation also covered the impacts of the Clear Lanes bus camera program, compliance with bus only lanes, and the need to communicate the intent and outcomes of the program on traffic flow and bus passenger safety.  

• Councilmember Henderson also shared concerns raised by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) about the legal insufficiency of notices of violations issued by WMATA for infractions such as fare evasion committed on the system, and she learned that WMATA and OAH have recently been discussing resolution to the concerns.  

• Discussion also included the future of MetroAccess and recent operational shifts WMATA has made to the program to address timely performance.

On Wednesday, March 5, Councilmember Henderson chaired the Committee on Health’s performance oversight hearing on several health boards including the Board of Medicine, the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Psychology, and the Board of Dentistry.  

• Councilmember Henderson asked Michelle Latortue, the Board Chair of the Dentistry Board, whether we should create in-house training programs for hygienists and about common trends in dental complaints. Latortue responded that the complaints are mostly customer-oriented, relating to communication and dental work completed.

• Councilmember Henderson also inquired about why the Dentistry Board has the most fines and whether those fines have been collected, Dr. Hill responded that they had. Councilmember Henderson asked about the 17 fines issued this year, to which Latortue explained that these fines were for unlicensed practice.  

• Councilmember Henderson also discussed the lack of Level III dental assistant applications, the low number of dental teaching license applications, the current status of regulations for tele-health services, and challenges with the recruitment of dental hygienists with the Chair of the Board of Dentistry.

On the same day, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a performance oversight hearing on the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ). Councilmember Henderson asked about the shooting reviews the DMPSJ must hold by law; she learned that the DMPSJ holds both coordination meetings and shooting reviews during which local and federal public safety agencies come together to trace the causes of shootings and work to prevent retaliatory shootings. She also asked about the rationale for moving the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) Leadership Academy program out of ONSE and into the DMPSJ, due to the program being launched by ONSE to encourage student attendance, behavior, class performance, and being rooted in violence prevention principles. Councilmember Henderson also asked about the coordination and meetings DMPSJ has arranged for schools in Safe Passage priority areas and Safe Passage workers, flagging that not all school leaders feel fully informed and aware of Safe Passage’s work on their campuses.  

During the same performance oversight hearing, the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety received testimony from the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS).  

• FEMS shared information regarding a new paramedic training program that has a tentative start of spring 2026. Councilmember Henderson asked about the process of identifying the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) as the host of the paramedic training program and learned that UDC’s budget would include funds for instructors and that FEMS will pay tuition for students it sends to the program.  

• Councilmember Henderson asked about FEMS coordination with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and DC Health on the fire safety impacts of hoarding and collaboration for intervention. She also thanked FEMS for maintaining strong and helpful data regarding opioid deaths and non-fatal overdoses.

Finally, Councilmember Henderson attended the Committee of the Whole’s performance oversight hearing on the Public Charter School Board (PCSB).

• Councilmember Henderson asked about the different types of guidance and targets the PSCB gives to schools who have financial and performance issues, such as Notices of Concern (NOC), Financial Corrective Action Plans (FCAP), and the Financial Monitoring List,. Her questions continued as she inquired on the ways the PCSB issues FCAPs, the reasons why NOCs may be issued, and the ways schools are supported in rectifying concerns.

• She also discussed the birth rate cliff and how it would impact the looming school enrollment cliff, the ways the PSCB is guiding schools and the anticipated changes that will impact enrollment. She then asked about PCSB and charter school leaders’ experiences with the Safe Passage program.

• Councilmember Henderson voiced constituent concerns about academic compliance with District law and regulations, specifically regarding student’s charter schools offering insufficient recess or arts time. PCSB shared they have a robust community complaint system that puts families, schools, and the PCSB in direct contact to resolve concerns collaboratively.

On Tuesday, February 25, the Committee on Health held a roundtable on the appointment of Aisha Nixon to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (IMLCC). The committee then voted to approve her appointment later that day.

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EmpowerEd

On Wednesday, February 26, Councilmember Henderson met with educators convened by EmpowerEd. During the meeting they shared their FY2026 budget priorities and offered insight on the current challenges that teachers are facing in the classroom.

Howard University Charter Day Dinner

On Saturday, March 1, Councilmember Henderson attended Howard University’s Charter Day Dinner. Over the years, Howard University has been a strong partner of DC government especially when it comes to public health – both delivery of services and workforce training.  

On Monday, March 3, Councilmember Henderson attended the March meeting of the Health Alliance Network in Ward 7. Her comments during the meeting touched on her current legislative endeavors and priorities for this council period and proposed cuts to Medicaid and how they may affect District residents.                    

Later in the week on Wednesday, March 5, Councilmember Henderson chaired the Committee on Health’s performance oversight hearing on several DC health boards including: the Board of Medicine, the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Dentistry, and the Board of Psychology. Councilmember Henderson is pictured with board members and DC Health staff after the hearing.                  

In honor of National School Breakfast Week, Councilmember Henderson participated in the #HearTheCrunch awareness campaign. The campaign fights against childhood hunger by raising awareness of the important role school breakfast plays in ensuring DC public school children have access to healthy food. Higher academic achievement, improved attendance, and decreased disciplinary issues are all associated with school breakfast.  

Councilmember Henderson finished the day by participating in RepresentWomen’s Democracy Solutions Summit panel discussion. The panel discussion focused on Ranked Choice Voting, with Councilmember Henderson highlighting her 2021 introduced bill that lay the groundwork for Initiative 83, the Voter Ownership, Integrity, Choice, and Equity (VOICE) Amendment Act of 2021.                    

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On Friday, March 7, the Committee on Health's Health Policy Legislative Advisor, Rebecca Cooper, met members of DC's Coalition for LongTerm Care; organized by 1199SEIU. The meeting included issues the coalition is facing in the workforce such as the Self-Directed Personal Assistant Services 1915 (j) waiver, Services My Way, and a lack of certified job applicants.

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1. The Fair Swipe Act is Introduced in the D.C. Council, James Wright Jr., for the Washington Informer, 02/26/2025
   
   
2. How DC plans to combat high maternal mortality rates among women of color, Phylicia Ashley for ABC 7, 02/27/2025
   
   
3. MFA hires new physicians for Cedar Hill hospital amid staffing, outreach concerns, Jenna Lee for the GW Hatchet, 03/03/2025
   
   
4. The Collins Council Report: A Bereaved Mom Seeks Answers, Sam P.K. Collins for the Washington Informer, 03/05/2025
   
   
5. Education department investigating ongoing special-ed problem in D.C. Public Schools, Sean Salai for the Washington Times, 03/06/2025

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The 19th Annual Blacks in Wax

The Recreation Wish List Committee in partnership with DC’s DPR’s Southeast Tennis and Learning Center presents the 19th Annual Blacks in Wax! Come and witness the Blacks and Wax theme “The 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act…Then and Now!?”

Showtimes:

Friday, March 7, 2025
Venue: THEARC (1901 Mississippi Ave SE)
• 12:00 PM: Schools & Seniors (RSVP Required)
• 6:00 PM: Free Public Performance

Saturday, March 15 (Venue Change)
Venue: Duke Ellington School of the Arts (3500 R St NW)
• 4:30 PM: Museum Performance
• 6:00 PM: Vignette Performance
All performances are free and open to the public.

RSVP by emailing rwlc@recreationwishlist.com.

Herstory 5K

Hosted by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and inspired by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the incredible women who’ve shaped our city and country, the FITDC HerStory 5K, powered by AETNA, is the ultimate free run/walk event. Every year, thousands of DC locals and visitors come together at Freedom Plaza to honor women’s achievements. The cost to participate is FREE with registration. Registration starts at 8:00am; race starts at 10:00am and the Kids Dash starts at 9:15am.

Visit fitdcherstory5k2025.splashthat.com for more information.  

Norooz Market at Brookland Arts Walk

DC’s 8th annual Norooz Market at Brookland Arts Walk is on Saturday, March 15th, 3pm-7pm! Enjoy art made by DC area artisans, dance to music, eat delicious foods, and be in community to celebrate springtime!

DMV Farmers and Flea Market

Join the RFK Farmers and Flea Market on Saturdays (weather permitting) for produce, food, clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, household items, antiques, health and beauty items, CDs , electronics, and more. The event is located on the Festival Grounds (Lot 6) at RFK Campus from 7:00am to 3:00pm. For inquiries please contact Tracy Fleming at 443-670-6225.

Visit the New Go-Go Museum & Cafe

The Go-Go Museum & Café is the official site for the appreciation and study of go-go music, history and culture from its headquarters in the historic Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Go-go music is a brand of funk, R&B, hip-hop, and Afro-Latin rhythms created in the 1970s by "Godfather of Go-Go" Chuck Brown and his Washington D.C. fans. The museum officially launched on February 19. You can visit the museum's official site here for more information to plan your visit.  

Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.                                                                      

Introducing Brandywine Valley SPCA

Starting January 1, 2025, the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) took over all animal care and control services for Washington, DC. In the first month, BVSPCA has also launched adoptions for dogs, cats, and other critters, Express Pet Health Services for family pets, as well as volunteer and foster programs to engage the community in our work. BVSPCA is already celebrating reuniting lost pets with their worried families, adoptions of pets needing a new home, and lifesaving medical care for DC animals in need.

You can learn more about Brandywine Valley SPCA and its services, here.  

To report an animal in distress in the District, please call BVSPCA at (202) 888-PETS.

Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaway

DPR Communal Farms are urban Agriculture sites that are organized as communal production farms, managed by DPR staff and community volunteers, with the purpose of providing various ways for community members to receive free food, volunteer, and participate in hands on educational opportunities. From May to November DPR Communal Farms host three Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaways where community members can pick up free veggies, volunteers on the farm, and/or participant in free programming.

Participants must register to attend any giveaway. Participants can register, here.  

• Tuesdays 11:00am –12:00pm Edgewood Rooftop Farm, 300 Evarts St NE (Ward 5)
• Wednesdays 11:00am –12:00pm Lederer Gardens,4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE (Ward 7)
• Thursdays 11:00am –12:00pm Powell Communal Farm, 3149 16th St NW (Ward 1)
• Monthly Food Bank Giveaways – All Year Second Wednesday of each month 11:00am –12:00pm Lederer Gardens, 4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE (Ward 7)

For questions or to receive updates on what is being harvested, volunteer opportunities, pop up giveaways, weekly programs and weather cancellations please email joshua.singer@dc.gov

Residential Street Sweeping

The District’s street sweeping program is a key part of maintaining a clean, healthy environment in our community. Services have restarted and ticketing will begin on March 17, violations will result in $45 fine and a $100 relocation fee.  

Black Family Wellness Expo

The Black Family Wellness Expo is presented by the Metropolitan (DC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in collaboration with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, along with the Capital City (DC) and Washington (DC) Chapters of the Links, Incorporated. Attend and enjoy free health screenings, interactive activities, and valuable information on infant and maternal health, dental care, nutrition, and more!  

The Black Family Expo will take place on Saturday, March 15, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Kenilworth Recreation Center (4321 Ord St NE, Washington, DC 20019).

Free Professional Headshots at Southwest Neighborhood Library

Need a new professional photo of yourself for job hunting or professional media profiles? Get a free headshot at the library! Grab an appointment with local photographer Krista Boccio, Rebel with a View, to get your professional headshot. Headshots will be taken in the Large Meeting Room of the Southwest Neighborhood Library on Saturday, March 22, at 1:00pm – 3:00pm.  

Please note: Sessions are limited and will last approximately 10 minutes each. Sessions are offered on a first come, first served basis. Participants should arrive photo-ready with any hair, makeup, and clothing you wish to be photographed in. Photography will take place indoors.

Participants must have a valid email address.

The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program

Applications for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) are currently being accepted for participants and host sites! MBSYEP is a locally funded initiative sponsored by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) that provides District youth ages 14 to 24 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences through subsidized placements in the private and government sectors.  

Applications are now open!

New Youth can register, here.  

Returning participants can register, here.  

Hosts wishing to apply can register, here.  

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Utility Discount Programs (UDP) assists low-income District residents with reducing utility costs. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines and utility bills must be in the applicant's name. Eligible residents could receive discounts on electric, gas, and water and sewer bills. Applicants can apply by phone by calling 1-800-234-9473 or by creating an account and applying online, here.  

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