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Dear Community Members,
As the newly appointed Director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), I have had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of our agency's mission and the vital role we play in supporting the youth and families in our community. It is heartening to witness the dedication and tireless efforts of our committed staff members, who work diligently to provide the necessary support and services to the District's youth throughout the year. DYRS is committed to implementing comprehensive and evidence-based programs that promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and foster positive youth development.
We strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where young individuals can thrive and overcome the challenges they may face. In addition to our core programs, DYRS is actively engaged in initiatives that address the specific needs of different populations within our youth community. I look forward to prioritizing the provision of mental health services, educational support, and vocational training, recognizing that these factors play a crucial role in the successful reintegration of youth into society.
Moving forward, I am committed to enhancing the effectiveness and reach of our programs while also focusing on prevention and early intervention strategies. This includes collaborating with community organizations, schools, and families to identify high-risk youth and provide them with the necessary support before they become involved in the juvenile justice system.
Above all, I am dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment within our facilities, where youth can receive the guidance and resources they need to make positive changes in their lives. By focusing on mental health, education, vocational training, prevention, early intervention, and aftercare, we strive to make a lasting impact and empower our youth to lead fulfilling and successful lives. I look forward to serving this community and working with all of you!
Sam Abed,
Over the summer, participants in our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) immersed themselves in various learning experiences. In our robotics program, understanding LCD Screens, Python Coding, Samtex, and Robotic Engineering are just a few activities youth participated in. Over the course of several weeks, students grasped robotic automation while learning various engineering software. Platforms instructor Eugene Butler educated these students using Udemy, Riplet, Flasher, and Putty. As a final project, youth created their own robotic automation and presented it during our SYEP showcase. Learn more about their robotic automation here.
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At our MLK Achievement Center, the Architectural Design students hit the ground running, testing their creativity while exploring the foundations of architecture. Along the way, instructors Sabrina Hayden and Kiera Phillips supported their creative endeavors by teaching them the necessary skills to thrive in the field. Within the first week, students constructed miniature birdhouses from scratch. Throughout the program, they progressed to building tables, treasure boxes, and even a replica of Washington, DC!
“They’re visionaries. They were able to create any style they wanted,” Hayden shared.
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Along with architectural designing, creativity took on many forms over the summer as other participants also chose to delve into the humanities. Youth in our Drama program learned scriptwriting, improv acting, and the foundations of a scene while creating their original stage play entitled "The Awakening,” focusing on what it means to be awake, alive, or buried. Through the process of developing this stage play, multiple students saw growth in their playwriting abilities and developed more confidence in storytelling and acting on stage.
"It was great to see them respond to their work. We have some strong writers," Instructor Lauren Jackson shared.
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While multiple students excelled in acting, others were drawn toward mastering their skill behind the camera. Students in our Videography/Film program learned the art of video editing and interviewing and gained videography skills while producing their own documentaries focusing on gun violence in the District. Throughout this project, Instructor Joseph Kitembo witnessed youth become skilled in their videography and editing while learning to work collaboratively.
“There’s always positivity in the room, so it’s always fun coming into work,” Kitembo shared.
See their original documentary here!
Congratulations to all who completed our SYEP Programs this year!
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This year, our Credible Messengers increased the support services offered to youth and families District-wide. Many of these services have been instrumental in providing communities with healthy food options, safe spaces, and opportunities to connect to extensive resources. This summer, Credible Messengers hosted an educational camp where youth ages 5 -13 were introduced to a variety of subject areas, including African-American history, National Security, and Engineering. Most recently, our Credible Messengers supported Quinn Cook’s Basketball Camp. During the camp, participants enjoyed healthy workout sessions and were encouraged by our Credible Messengers while learning the game of basketball.
Our summer learning and recreational experiences ensured youth had opportunities to expand their horizons educationally while on summer break. Looking ahead, our Credible Messengers plan to increase their presence in District schools during the 2023-2024 school year by providing youth with the necessary emotional and physical support that will have lasting effects for all.
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Our Achievement Centers serve as support for youth by providing them with healthy outlets to learn and grow. Monday -Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. ET, youth in the District can participate in a variety of free programs and receive educational assistance. This summer, our Achievement Center team worked to ensure our youth enjoyed their time off. Over the last few months, staff planned multiple activities for youth to enjoy themselves while soaking up the sun, including swimming, ziplining, bicycling, paintballing, and even rock climbing. Through these recreational experiences, youth and families had an opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves in safe and healthy environments. Moving forward, our Achievement Center team plans to continue supporting youth in the best ways possible by providing them with enriching educational and recreational opportunities. Click here to learn more about our Achievement Center programs and resources.
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We are thrilled to announce that Deputy Director for Health Services, Dr. Kenya Key, was selected by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Board of Representatives to receive the 2023 Edward A. Harrison Award of Excellence in Correctional Health Care Leadership. Throughout her journey with us, Dr. Key has remained committed to leading our agency in providing exceptional healthcare services to the youth we serve. Recently, she presented at the annual American Psychological Association Convention, where she led a workshop focusing on how a Society of Clinical Psychology can contribute to a diverse workforce creating healthy environments for youth of color.
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Recently, Administrative Law Judge Charles L. Thomas Jr. was awarded his second nomination as a Federal Judge in D.C.'s Superior Court. Before assuming his role as Administrative Law Judge, Thomas served as DYRS's Hearing Officer, where he worked to expand the rights of youth whose freedoms faced revocation due to their sentencing. Read more about his second nomination here.
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NBC4 Washington and The Washington Informer visited our Achievement Center for our SYEP Showcase, where youth presented their projects. During their visit, our SYEP participants shared how the program positively impacted their summer and our Achievement Center programs. Check out what they said about our programs here and here.
El Salvador's delegation team visited our New Beginnings Youth Development Center on August 17th. During their visit, our secure program staff discussed our unique approach to servicing the youth in our secure programs. What a terrific day!
Our entire Health and Restoration team provides mental health services and initiatives for youth in the District. This summer, our Health and Restoration team offered open office hours for District youth Monday-Thursday at our 450H St. and MLK Achievement Centers. During these sessions, youth had opportunities to express themselves and develop healthy solutions in a non-judgmental environment. Through these free opportunities, our Health and Restoration team reached multiple young people and plan to continue doing so during the upcoming school year.
Last week, we kicked off the start of the District's 2023-2024 school year by hosting our annual Back 2 School giveaway in which all youth in the District had an opportunity to receive free school supplies, free haircuts, and hygiene items. Thanks to our dedicated team, we were able to donate hundreds of items to youth and families. Check out this awesome experience here.
Mark your calendars and spread the word! We are partnering with our sister agencies and community organizations to provide young District residents with an opportunity to meet quality employers and gain fruitful professional opportunities.
Scan the QR code for more information concerning our upcoming hiring fair.
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