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October 2015 | Department of Human Services
 Playtime Project Executive Director Jamila Larson, Playtime participant Marcellis Bland, DHS Director Laura Zeilinger, former Playtime participant Christopher Feaster and Ward 8 Councilmember LaRuby May after cutting the ribbon on the new teen space at DC General.
The Playtime Project Celebrates Newly Renovated Teen Space at DC General
The Homeless Children's Playtime Project (HCPP) celebrated the transformation of its new preteen and teen space with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 21st at the DC General Family Shelter. The new teen space, until recently a sectioned off portion of the shelter lobby, was completely renovated by volunteers and donations from private corporations and friends of the HCPP.
While addressing attendees of the celebration, former HCPP participant Christopher Feaster praised the organization for its impact on his life during the time he and his family were in shelter. "At first I really didn't want to participate, but my mom made me go and try it out. It was there that I met my mentor who encouraged me, tutored me, visited me even during the time when she didn't have to be there and supported me every step of the way. I don't know what I would have done without her or the Playtime project," said Feaster.
"Thanks to generous gifts from Lowe’s Home Improvement,
JBG, DCByGabe, IllustrateMyDesign, and our community partners, youth living in
DC’s largest family shelter will have a beautiful, safe place to call their own," said Playtime Executive Director Jamila Larson. The HCPP has been providing age-appropriate programming for children in shelter since 2003. To learn more or to donate, click here.
 Above, employers from across the Washington Metropolitan area hold on-site interviews with attendees during the #FSET Works Job and Resource Fair in early October. Below, attendees who preregistered await their job interview appointments with prospective employers.
#FSETWorks Job and Resource Fair Draws Crowds
On Wednesday, October 7, 2015, approximately 50 potential employers and community-based organizations were assembled at THEARC in S.E., DC for the Department of Human Services' (DHS) Food Stamp Employment and Training Program (FSET) #FSET Works Job and Resource Fair. Almost 150 people attended the fair and a preparation session in advance to access the on-site interviews with potential employers such as the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department.
 The event opened with encouraging remarks from Eric Ratchford, Regional Director of the SNAP program, Anthea Seymour, Administrator, DHS Economic Security Administration, and a participant in the FSET program.
The FSET program assists customers who receive food stamps with obtaining or increasing employment or employability skills. Participants are assessed for work readiness and explore employment options with a Vocational Development Specialist (VDS). The VDS provides on-going assistance with employment and training needs. To see more pictures from the Fair, click here. To learn more about FSET, click here.
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 DHS Hosts Annual One Fund Kick-Off
The annual DHS One-Fund Kick-off was held in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) recently to officially launch the beginning of giving season among employers of the District of Columbia government.
The DC One Fund originated in 2011 to afford DC government employees a full opportunity to participate in charitable giving in their community. The One Fund is the only on-the-job charitable solicitation authorized among DC government employees. The 2014 Campaign received over $1,051,000 in pledges from over 3,300 DC Government employees. To learn more about the DC One Fund Campaign or to make a pledge, click here.
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 To sign up,
click the link below. Select team entry. Select "Join" and team name
Department of Human Services. Use the team password: endhomelessness2015. https://www.raceentry.com/races/vida-thrive-5k/2015/register
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