Grantee Stories
Joe's Movement Emporium: Revitalization Through Community Arts
The new facility of the nonprofit World Arts Focus is painted in vibrant hues that reflect the energy bubbling inside. The sign cheers "Joe's Movement Emporium!" in a tone that entices passers-by to come in—for a leap of joy or two...
Community Bridges: Inspiring Girl Power
Girl Power was a strong movement in late 1999, when Medjinne Dubuche, now 22, joined a fledgling after-school program to help middle school girls understand who they were and who they could become...
Alexandria Seaport Foundation: Growth Through Apprenticeship
It's early on a cold April morning, only 7:30 a.m. That's what time the day starts for apprentices—or they face a reduction in their hourly wage. But, Andrew is wide awake and ready to go...
Dance Place: Living in Motion
Dance teacher and choreographer Sylvia Soumah first met Carla Perlo, founding director of D.C.'s Dance Place, in the 1970s when she was ten years old and living in the projects of Cincinnati, Ohio...
CASA of Maryland: Giving Voice to the Community
For Gustavo Torres, the anti-immigrant fervor that's taken hold in the United States cuts him like a knife. In Maryland, where he serves as executive director of CASA de Maryland, one of CASA's day worker centers was recently doused with gasoline during its opening week...
Bright Beginnings: A Place of Hope
There is a smiling child in the picture taped to the computer beloging to Bright Beginnings, Inc. Executive Director Betty Jo Gaines. It's not her grandchild, but she is a family member of sorts. Her name is Diamond...
Computer CORE: Building Confidence through Computer Competence
Seven years ago, Abderrahim Agermoune dreamt of turning his economics degree into a successful career in banking. The job market was tight in Morocco where Abderrahim, who goes by Abdul, lived with his parents and seven siblings...
Jubilee Housing: More Than a Home
Charletta and her young son J were living at a shelter with little support when Jubilee Housing gave her a fresh start. When an apartment became available for the two of them, Jubilee's staff mobilized like family, helping her with everything from retrieving her belongings from storage to introducing her to her neighbors...
Brainfood: Nourishing Young Minds
Each day at breakfast and lunch, as many as 800 employees come to the dining room of the federal government's New Executive Office Building. It's up to general manager Kevin Guzman to help make sure they go to work well-fed and happy...
