Pope Francis Visits the
Nation’s Capital
In
just one week, Pope Francis will visit our city. We are so pleased to have the Pope in our
nation’s capital, and we welcome with open arms the thousands of people who will
come to DC during the Papal Visit. We
have launched pope.dc.gov to serve as
your one-stop shop for information. This
site includes the Pope’s
schedule,
road
closures,
school information, public
transportation information and much more. I encourage all District residents and those who
work in the District to review pope.dc.gov to plan your
commute from September 22-24. Our city
is ready, and we look forward to hosting a successful Papal Visit.
Affordable Housing in Ivy City
Last Saturday, I
participated in the dedication of 11 new affordable homes in Ivy City, built by
DC Habitat. DC Habitat is one of three non-profit developers awarded a
land grant and funds from HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program to produce
mixed-income housing. My Administration continues to focus on expanding
affordable housing options right here in the District. Visit DC Habitat for Humanity’s website for
information on how to volunteer and support their efforts.
2015 United States Conference on AIDS Welcome Reception
The United States Conference on
AIDS hosted its annual conference in the District for the first time in nearly
20 years. This conference brings together attendees from across the world to
increase the strength and diversity of the community-based response to the
HIV/AIDS epidemic through education, training, partnerships, collaboration and
networking. I shared with attendees the progress we have made in the District
in our fight against HIV, including a 59% decrease in new HIV cases - and no
babies born with HIV in our city since 2013. My Administration will continue to explore new
programs to end this epidemic once and for all. Together, we will create an HIV-free generation in DC and around the world. Visit DC Department of Health’s website here for more information on
HIV/AIDS in the District.
Conversations
with Women Who Lead
This week, the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Policy and Initiatives held their first
“Conversations with Women who Lead” series
with technology leaders. The goal of the series is to introduce young women to
industry leaders in their chosen field, expose them to important lessons, and provide
valuable connections that can be used throughout their careers.
#IAmMBSEYP Job Spotlight: Nikko
Favors, Apprentice, Allstate Floors
This week’s #IAmMBSYEP Job Spotlight is Nikko Favors, a
20-year-old from Ward 5. His 2015 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth
Program (MBSYEP) placement was Allstate Floors, where he was a Flooring Installation
Assistant. This past summer, Favors had
the opportunity to work on construction projects at the new KIPP High School
and the Washington Convention Center, as well as other projects across the
District. On August 10, 2015, Favors began full-time employment with
Allstate Floors as an apprentice.
When Favors was asked what he learned during his MBSYEP
summer, he said,
“SYEP was a tremendous learning experience. I appreciate
that Allstate Floors recognized my desire to work hard and advance.”
The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) has done a
great job preparing MBSYEP participants with the skills and resources needed to
find jobs, so they can create their own pathways to the middle class. I look
forward to seeing what Nikko accomplishes after he completes his
apprenticeship.
Congratulations and good luck, Nikko.
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