http://www.sashabruce.org/news en jbeck@sashabruce.org Copyright 2012 2012-01-24T15:16:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/sby-awarded-drug-prevention-contract/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/sby-awarded-drug-prevention-contract/#When:19:49:00Z Offering service-enriched permanent housing for families exiting emergency shelters is an organizational priority. So we are happy to report a new contract with the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness to do just that. Starting this month, SBY will grant 13 young families (head of household ages 18-24) exiting city shelters seamless access to 2-bedroom apartments at 1700 V Street, SE. Families will receive a wide range of housing, case management, employment assistance, life skills education and other positive youth development services. Continuously updated, individualized service plans for each resident will be geared towards the overall goal of assisting families in transitioning to independent housing. A ribbon-cutting to include the Mayor and officials from the DC Department of Human Services and the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness is scheduled for Wednesday, 12/21 at 1 pm at 1700 V Street, SE. For more information, contact Jim Beck at 202-675-9340 or jbeck@sashabruce.org. 2008-03-02T19:49:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/mark-your-calendar-black-history-extravaganza-february-28/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/mark-your-calendar-black-history-extravaganza-february-28/#When:19:06:00Z Join us as we celebrate African and African American history at our annual Black History Extravaganza on Thursday, February 28. To be held this year at the King Greenleaf Recreation Center at 201 N Street in Southwest, this year’s theme is “Survivors, Growing and Striving.” Young people and families in SBY programs will joing staff, volunteers and neighbors of King Greenleaf in an number of educational and inspiring activities. The menu will include Southern, Cajun, Creole and Low Country cuisine. Music will be delivered by Sweet Honey and The Rock, and we expect entertainment from a local African dance troupe. We’ve invited representatives of the modern-day Buffalo Soldiers. Other activities include a black history inspired Scavenger Hunt and an Arts Contest awards ceremony. The celebration will begin at 6 pm. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Kim Daniels at 581-3175. Donate now 2008-02-12T19:06:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/youth-tell-their-stories-on-npr-and-xm-radio1/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/youth-tell-their-stories-on-npr-and-xm-radio1/#When:19:44:00Z Bob Edwards’ popular radio show recently featured a series of broadcasts focusing on homelessness in DC and across the country. Several of our clients were interviewed, and they offered insights about how public policy changes might improve local conditions for disconnected youth and families. Segment 4 includes some of their stories of survival on the streets and connection to Sasha Bruce Youthwork. Check out the show here. Donate now 2008-01-21T19:44:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/latest-kids-count-shows-increasing-poverty-rate-in-dc/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/latest-kids-count-shows-increasing-poverty-rate-in-dc/#When:20:13:00Z One in three children in the District continues to live in poverty, and there has been a slight increase in the city’s overall poverty rate, according to the D.C. Kids Count Collaborative. Read more about this in a Washington Post article of January 18. A bleak picture of the state of children and families in the city is given in a Jan. 18 Washington Post story titled “One-Third of Children in Poverty, Report Says” by Yolanda Woodlee: One in three children in the District continues to live in poverty, and there has been a slight increase in the city’s overall poverty rate, according to the D.C. Kids Count Collaborative, whose leaders warned of tragic consequences unless parents get help in coping with stress. The group’s 14th annual fact book, released yesterday, shows a mixed picture — entrenched poverty alongside some positive shifts — as it details the conditions in which many D.C. children live. More than one-third of African American children still live below the federal poverty level, the report says, and more than half of the children live in homes with single mothers. Infant mortality increased in 2005, the highest level since 2000. From 2005 to 2006, child-abuse cases increased 6 percent but neglect complaints decreased. The number of young adults ages 19 to 21 in foster care rose to 12 percent in 2006 from 8 percent in 2003, the report notes. It also indicates that the number of juveniles referred to D.C. Superior Court increased in 2006 after having held steady in 2005. Click here to read more. Donate now 2008-01-18T20:13:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/annual-fundraiser-a-smashing-success/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/annual-fundraiser-a-smashing-success/#When:21:40:00Z SBY’s Board of Directors and staff would like to express our gratitude to Sir Nigel and Lady Sheinwald for hosting a fabulous dinner at the British Embassy last month to raise awareness of the plight of homeless youth and funds for our work in DC’s poorest communities. And many thanks to Jay Russell, Charlie Lyons, Barrie Osborne, Revolution Studios, Walden Media and Beacon Pictures for the exclusive Washington premiere of The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep. These events raised nearly $200,000 for our work, and they afforded several of our youth exciting development opportunities. One opportunity involved meeting the cast, the director and the producer of Waterhorse at the Bruce House the day of the premiere, and the interaction between our young people and those responsible for the film was powerful and often moving. That same day, a group of outstanding youth received hands-on instruction in the use of high-technology movie-making cameras. Through the generous gift of political cause firm Greer, Margolis, Mitchell & Burns, participants will soon be traveling to the firm’s production studios and learning to edit their work. Thanks to all – and there were many – who lent a helping hand towards these events. Please do not hesitate to contact James Beck at 202-675-9340 to be involved in future fundraisers or to support our mission generally. Donate now 2008-01-10T21:40:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/congress-ends-dc-funding-ban-on-needle-exchange/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/congress-ends-dc-funding-ban-on-needle-exchange/#When:23:55:03Z High HIV infection rates in DC have been a public health crisis for years, and it is no secret that youth and families in DC’s poorest communities continue to suffer disproportionately. Until now, our city government had been prohibited from funding a proven intervention – needle exchange. A December 21 Washington Post Editorial titled “Done Deal” announces congressional legislation to allow DC to finally use its own money for syringe exchange programs. FOR NEARLY 10 years, Congress prevented the District of Columbia from using its own money to fund needle-exchange programs, interventions that greatly reduce the risk for intravenous drug users of contracting or spreading HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The obstruction ended with passage this week of the omnibus budget bill. Continue to read the Post’s Editorial here Donate now 2007-12-25T23:55:03+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/building-for-the-future/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/building-for-the-future/#When:15:16:00Z In July 2011, Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s governing Board of Directors accepted the donation of two adjoining lots totaling roughly one-quarter of an acre at 5032 D Street SE in Ward 7. Our vision is to rehabilitate an existing, abandoned structure on one of these lots for use as affordable, service-enriched transitional housing for homeless youth. Our workforce development program, YouthBuild, has extensive experience in training youth and young adults in a variety of construction trades. We are eager to use this donated property as our very own, hands-on training site and community service endeavor for the young people enrolled in our YouthBuild Program. In December 2011, we were selected by Reed Construction Data and AEC Cares for a one-day site renovation project on May 16, 2012. Leveraging its extensive network of construction trade organizations, Reed Construction Data will be soliciting sponsor packages of building materials, furniture and expert labor and anticipates up to 150 building professionals will donate their time and expertise to help move our vision into reality. A Development Committee will lend expertise as we create architectural plans, build community support, navigate the District’s land use regulations, and as we organize and raise funds for the rehabilitation project. Stovall Smith Neyman Architects has agreed to serve as architect and we have completed a preliminary design for the project. The most pressing order of business is for us to secure a general contractor. Please contact James Beck at 202-675-9340 to refer a prospective general contractor or to set up an interview with the project development team. The general contractor’s main duties will be to assist with scheduling, cost estimating, organizing sponsors and donations, pre-delivery of materials for installation on May 16th, and organization of youth training. The facility will provide a safe place for up to 8 at-risk youth in a home-like environment with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining area, powder room, living room, possible community meeting space and offices for staff. We are excited about incorporating green or energy saving measures. We expect excellent local and perhaps national media coverage of this project, and we are working closely with the District of Columbia government to ensure broad-based support from elected officials and other public servants. Donate Now 2012-01-24T15:16:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/local-womens-group-to-hold-event-benefitting-sby/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/local-womens-group-to-hold-event-benefitting-sby/#When:21:31:00Z The Junior Women’s Club of Chevy Chase (JWCCC) will be holding their annual ‘Black and White Ball’ on Saturday February 4th, raising funds and awareness for Sasha Bruce Youthwork and the National Center for Children and Families… Through a very generous ongoing partnership, the ladies of the JWCCC have continuously donated much needed baby items to our programs that work with young mothers. Sasha Bruce Youthwork is pleased to partner with the ladies once more in an effort to raise public awareness of the homeless and at-risk youth in Washington D.C. Come join us for a night full of dancing and giving back. Details are as follows: The Black and White Ball: A Charity Gala Swing Dance Event Presented by: The Junior Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, Gottaswing, Art Deco Society of Washington, Professionals in the City, Ski Club of Washington Benefits the National Center for Children and Families and Sasha Bruce Youthwork Saturday, February 4, 2012 The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase 7931 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 $20 advance tickets (non-refundable); $25 at the door Purchase advance tickets from the JWCCC website Doors open 8pm; Beginner swing lesson with Tom and Debra 8:30-9pm, Dance 9pm-12midnight Music by Blue Sky 5 Suggested Donations for Light Refreshments, Coat Check and Cash Bar Formal or vintage attire suggested in black and white, of course! Reserve a table! Table for two, $80 (Includes two tickets, one bottle of wine and chocolates) Table for four, $130 (Includes four tickets, two bottles of wine and chocolates) RESERVE YOUR TABLE THROUGH www.jwccc.org JWCCC IS A 501©3 ORGANIZATION. DEDUCTIBLE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF A TICKET IS $15 2012-01-23T21:31:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/sby-to-offer-permanent-housing-to-homeless-families/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/sby-to-offer-permanent-housing-to-homeless-families/#When:14:11:00Z Offering service-enriched permanent housing for families exiting emergency shelters is an organizational priority. So we are happy to report a new contract with the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness to do just that. Starting this month, SBY will grant 13 young families (head of household ages 18-24) exiting city shelters seamless access to 2-bedroom apartments at 1700 V Street, SE. Families will receive a wide range of housing, case management, employment assistance, life skills education and other positive youth development services. Continuously updated, individualized service plans for each resident will be geared towards the overall goal of assisting families in transitioning to independent housing. A ribbon-cutting to include the Mayor and officials from the DC Department of Human Services and the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness is scheduled for Wednesday, 12/21 at 1 pm at 1700 V Street, SE. For more information, contact Jim Beck at 202-675-9340 or jbeck@sashabruce.org. 2011-12-21T14:11:00+00:00 http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/sasha-bruce-supporters-rock-halcyon-house/ http://www.sashabruce.org/news/permalink/sasha-bruce-supporters-rock-halcyon-house/#When:17:11:00Z DJ Chest Rockwell…inspirational speeches from Deborah Shore, the Mayor and Jasmine Williams…great suds from DC Brau….a house FULL of people dedicated to our mission….and ELEW attacking the grand piano….the December 13 benefit concert at Halcyon House was a smashing success! Check out ELEW jamming with youth at our shelter And coverage of the event in several local periodicals: The Georgetown Dish Washingtonian Georgetowner Lots of photos in Guest of a Guest 2011-12-16T17:11:00+00:00