Content categorized as Youth

Greater DC Diaper Bank launches ‘Wipeout Summer’ donation campaign

The Greater DC Diaper Bank was able to distribute 8,124 pounds worth of wipes during the 2021 donation campaign.

Pride celebrations are over, but queer youth still need help

As Pride month ends, service providers for unhoused queer youth remind us of the work left to be done.

Budget mark-ups feature small wins for housing advocates

D.C. Council committees proposed small increases to housing programs and social services during the markup process, but did not meet housing advocates’ demands.

What kind of support do youth experiencing homelessness need to find stable employment?

Workforce development programs in D.C. aren’t helping youth experiencing homelessness, causing many youth to turn away from the programs.

Serve Your City is fundraising to send Ward 6 kids to summer camp

Serve Your City-Ward 6 Mutual Aid, a D.C.-based nonprofit, is raising money to send children in Ward 6 to summer camp. The group plans to… Read more »

Howard University #BlackburnTakeover occupation is about more than just housing

Students, alumni and faculty are calling for the university to cancel its housing contract with Corvias, but the student occupation of Blackburn University Center is about more than housing conditions.

As classes start, air conditioning and filters fail in DC public schools

Schools in all wards were without proper ventilation systems. Parents took matters into their own hands, providing different services to alleviate worries about spreading COVID-19.

Local teen’s message on poverty: Believe in yourself but don’t leave others behind

Local Templeton Academy sophomore Miguel Coppedge started a fundraiser last year to benefit children in foster care and families experiencing homelessness. His charity donations are destined for St. Ann’s Center for Youth, Children and Families, the place where he was adopted at age 2.

Millions in funding set to flood digital inclusion projects, but advocates say the specific spending is not data-driven

The mayor’s budget includes a major influx in digital inclusion funds after the pandemic worsened digital inequity. 

Playtime Project expands to bring fun and support to homeless families in Prince George’s County

The Playtime Program, a D.C.-based nonprofit, is expanding its partnership with shelters to bring programming for children experiencing homelessness to families in Maryland.

Local nonprofit opens transitional housing to meet growing demand among LGBTQ youth

SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) recently opened its third facility to help meet the transitional housing needs of local LGTBQ youth.

Changing people’s lives one bird at a time: Rodney Stotts uses falconry to reach youth

Rodney Stotts, a falconer in the DMV, uses his birds to educate young people beyond the classroom – which the education system desperately needs during the COVID-19 pandemic as children struggle with mental health.

Community organizations face difficulties providing vulnerable children with wellness support

Community organizations are trying to help children and families in need but have limited resources

Career counseling and after school programs: What’s the connection?

Fletcher opines a piece on the effects COVID-19 has on at-risk students entering the job force, and the importance of career counselors in their trajectory.

The coming storm

L. Morrow on the promise of young activists in politics.

Expanding child care can help Black women overcome disparities in domestic violence

Sandra Jackson from the House of Ruth on the importance of childcare for Black women.

At SMYAL’s Youth House, LGBTQ+ youth are provided with housing and affirmation

SMYAL provides economic and housing support during the pandemic through a housing program for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.

This is how I became me, Peaches

In this heartwrenching personal essay, a native Washingtonian recounts the many struggles she overcame when young to finally want to be alive.

Child Support

Dudley shares his frustrations with the “system” through poetry.

COVID-19 and crowded spaces: the not-so-easy start of virtual learning for homeless students

Teachers and local organizations are pushing for more support for homeless students so that they can successfully stay on track while taking classes.