DECEMBER
D.C. to collect trash on federal properties during the government shutdown
December 30, 2018
The Washington Times//Julia Airey
D.C. Department of Employment Services is “working overtime” to meet what two staffers and a mayoral spokeswoman said there has already been an “uptick” in insurance claims.
Federal employees, contractors seek assistance as shutdown enters Day 7
December 28, 2018
WUSA9//John Henry
In the District, the Department of Employment Services has encouraged furloughed government workers and contractors to visit dcnetworks.org to file for unemployment compensation benefits.
D.C. Mayor Bowser urges Trump to end the partial government shutdown
December 27, 2018
The Washington Post//Fenit Nirappil
The District’s Department of Employment Services, which administers unemployment benefits for city residents, expects claims to surge next week after pending paychecks have been received. City officials say they received an extra 5,000 unemployment claims during the last extended government shutdown.
South Fulton administrator named to metro leadership post
December 10, 2018
Atlanta Journals Constitution//Pamela Miller
On Wednesday, Nov. 28 City of South Fulton City Manager Odie Donald II was elected as treasurer of the Young Government Leaders Atlanta Chapter 2019 Executive Leadership Board, according to a press release.
… Prior to his role as City Manager for the City of South Fulton, he was the Director for the Washington, DC Department of Employment Services. He also worked as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Executive Director of the DC Workforce Investment Council.
Trans woman elected Stein Club president
December 4, 2018
The Washington Blade//Lou Chibbaro Jr.
Ward 3 community activist Monika Nemeth, who became the first out transgender person to win election to a seat on the city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission in the city’s Nov. 6 election, won the election on Monday night as president of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club.
… Strang is a former Stein Club board member. She works as a Worker’s Compensation Claims Examiner for D.C. Department of Employment Services.
NOVEMBER
Georgetown Launches Inmate Re-Entry and Education Program
November 30, 2018
The Hoya//Alexandra Bowman
The program is a collaboration between the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown College, the Georgetown Prisons and Justice Initiative, Washington, D.C. Department of Employment Services, the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs, and D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development.
In Washington DC, Employers Face New Training, Notice, And Reporting Obligations
November 30, 2018
JD Supra//Fox Rothschild LLP
Employers in Washington DC now face a comprehensive set of new training, notice, and reporting obligations ranging from wage and hour matters to sexual harassment issues.
…. Additionally, employers of tipped employees are required to offer their employees the opportunity for in-person or online training at least once annually. By Dec. 31 of each year, employers of tipped employees must certify to the District’s Department of Employment Services that the training requirements have been fulfilled.
New Employment Requirements for All D.C. Employers on the Horizon, Including Extensive Obligations for Employers of Tipped Workers
November 16, 2018
JD Supra//Epstein Becker & Green
In addition, employers of tipped workers must use a third-party payroll provider by January 1, 2020. The third-party payroll provider is required to report certain wage data, including an employer’s tip-out policy, on a quarterly basis to the Department of Employment Services (“DOES”); employers are required to do this directly prior to January 1, 2020.
Amazon's HQ2 is officially coming. What's it going to do to your rent? Your home value?
November 13, 2018
WUSA9//Jordan Fischer
Housing prices aren’t likely to double in DC – partly because, again, it’s already so expensive to live in the area. And the original 50,000 jobs HQ2 promised have since been halved to 25,000. That’s still enough for every city in the country to compete for them, but it’s less than the roughly 34,000 jobs the DC Metro added between March 2017 and March 2018, according to stats released by the DC Department of Employment Services.
Calling all DMV veterans: There's a job fair coming just for you
November 9, 2018
Connecting Vets//Kaylah Jackson
The nation’s capital is honoring veterans this year with a job fair designed just for the military community.
On Thursday, November 15, from 10 am to 2 pm, veterans are invited to the second annual D.C. Veterans Appreciation Employment Expo at D.C. National Guard Armory.
Ford to Test Self-Driving Cars In DC
November 2, 2018
The Hoya//Maxwell Sheremeta
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced a partnership with Ford Motor Company to begin testing “driverless” autonomous vehicles in Washington, D.C., early next year.
The testing will begin in D.C.’s Ward 5 and will gradually expand to encompass the entire city, according to an Oct. 22 news release. Ford plans to introduce commercial services in 2021.
OCTOBER
Martha’s Table Celebrates New Location and New D.C. Dedication
October 29, 2018
Afro American//Special to the Afro
Martha’s table will host their October Market from 4-6 p.m. today at the Commons, in honor of the organization's new address and expanding commitment to D.C.
The event will include events for all ages including no-cost pop-up market to shop for fresh fruits, veggies, and shelf-stable pantry items; Workforce on Wheels, where the DC Department of Employment Services will be on-site to assist with job applications; Fruity Tales & Drumming Circle, an interactive experience for kids and caregivers alike; and family resources, provided by Community of Hope and Martha’s Table.
Can “infrastructure academies” solve our most pressing workforce challenges?
October 11, 2018
Brookings Institute// Joseph Kane and Lara Fishbane
For example, last March, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the D.C. Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) as part of a new workforce development effort between the city and several public and private partners, including Pepco, Washington Gas, D.C. Water, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Located in the city’s historically disadvantaged Ward 8, the DCIA fills what was once a vacant elementary school, and provides a space for training and education overseen by the Department of Employment Services.
17 Things Amazing Bosses Do Every Day
October 11, 2018
Reader’s Digest//Joe McKinley
Unique Morris-Hughes, PhD, an employment/labor/leadership/career expert, says the most important part of achieving a goal is knowing what it is. “When working with colleagues on a team or project, define and negotiate success—it’s important to understand what success looks like for each member of the team. Although this may not mean the same for everyone, understanding each person’s approach to success will help you manage vertically and horizontally and, most importantly, will help you understand your own work.” Here are some secrets that your boss won’t tell you.
jonetta rose barras: Politics of tips — kudos to the DC Council
October 5, 2018
The DC Line//Jonetta Rose Barras
It’s not often that I praise the DC Council collectively. However, the decision by the majority of legislators to approve the Tipped Wage Workers Fairness Amendment Act of 2018, essentially beginning the process of repealing Initiative 77, was the right thing to do.
D.C. Council gives preliminary OK for bill to repeal tipped workers raise initiative
October 2, 2018
The Washington Times//Julia Airey
Ms. Nadeau proposed an amendment to Mr. Mendelson’s bill to relocate wage theft enforcement from the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) to the Office of the D.C. Attorney General, which the council has funded two additional positions for wage theft oversight.
D.C. Council Votes To Repeal Initiative 77, The Tipped Wage Increase
October 2, 2018
DCist//Ally Schweitzer
In two sessions at the Wilson Building today, the D.C. Council overturned Initiative 77, the ballot measure that gradually raises the minimum wage employers are required to pay tipped workers.
… Taking language from Silverman’s compromise amendment, Mendelson’s bill:
- Requires employers of tipped workers to undergo training on sexual harassment and wage-theft laws
- Calls on D.C.’s Department of Employment Services to create a website about the city’s wage and hour rules
On eve of vote to repeal Initiative 77, key D.C. lawmaker offers some concessions
October 1, 2018
The Washington Post//Fenit Nirappil
Mendelson added a requirement that the Department of Employment Services set up a tip line for wage theft, to report employers who fail to make up the difference when a tipped worker’s gratuities fall short of the standard minimum wage. Businesses would also be mandated to use a third-party company for payroll, as many already do, in an attempt to prevent falsified records.
As Some Councilmembers Push For Repeal Of Tipped Wage Initiative, Others Look To Compromise Bill
October 1, 2018
DCist//Ally Schweitzer
The compromise makes additional provisions that respond to feedback Silverman has received from restaurant owners and workers. It establishes a website and anonymous tip line for employees to report wage theft to D.C.’s Department of Employment Services; puts in place rules that require employers to inform workers about their right to a minimum wage; requires mandatory sexual harassment training; and creates a fix to the city’s existing tip reporting system, which owners say is inefficient.
SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
Officials ask why First Source is having trouble getting D.C. residents into jobs
August 14, 2018
Street Sense Media//Meredith Roaten
Since being laid-off two years ago, Michael Wilson, Sr., has been looking for a job. He said it has not gotten any easier.
Wilson, a D.C. native, has worked as a porter and has experience in maintenance work. But he doesn’t have any certificates or other special credentials to draw attention to his skills. He uses computers at public libraries to fill out online job applications and recently attended a hiring event at So Others Might Eat. His goal was to attempt to secure a residential manager position so he can move out of his elderly cousin’s house.
JULY
D.C. to determine whether Adams Morgan hotel deserves a $46M tax break
July 30, 2018
Curbed//Andrew Glambrone
Brianne Nadeau, who represents Adams Morgan as the councilmember for D.C.’s Ward 1, says the Line Hotel notified her late last week that it has received its permanent certificate of occupancy. This means the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) and the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) can audit the hotel project’s job numbers and other performance, according to the councilmember.
Investing in D.C.’s Future Workforce
July 12, 2018
The Georgetowner//Selma Khenissi
A look at the various opportunities that the Office of Youth Programs offers indicates that D.C. youth can start working toward solid employment as early as when they reach 14 years of age. Opportunities include the In-School Program, the Out-of-School Program and the Pathways for Young Adults Program. Young District residents can benefit in some way towards reaching the goal of gainful employment through such programs up until the age of 24.
DC's minimum wage increase in place
July 3, 2018
NewsTimes//Fox5DC
Several new laws in D.C. went into effect on Sunday, one of them, a minimum wage increase from $12.50 to $13.25. Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes, Director of the District's Department of Employment Services, joined us with more on the increase. / Fox5DC
JUNE
2018 Workforce Game Changer: Unique Morris-Hughes
June 25, 2018
Workforce.com//Ayesha Ashley Househ
Unique Morris-Hughes was faced with the challenge of turning around two agencies with program-related issues as the chief strategy officer at the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services.
'Cost of doing business': Construction companies dodge D.C. mandate to hire local workers
June 25, 2018
The Washington Times//Julia Airey
The Department of Employment Services fined only one construction company from 2013 to 2016 for failing to follow the District’s First Source requirement that companies hire local workers if a project receives taxpayer dollars, according to a report from the D.C. auditor’s office.
No, Initiative 77 didn’t end tipping in D.C. A guide to newly passed measure
June 20, 2018
The Washington Post//Fenit Nirappil
The best data point comes from D.C. Department of Employment Services: Audits of nearly 600 businesses employing about 7,400 tipped workers discovered 419 wage violations. That means there were violations involving 5 percent of workers.
DC Voters Pass Measure to Raise Tipped Workers' Minimum Wage
June 19, 2018
NBC4 Washington//NBC Washington Staff
A 2017 D.C. Department of Employment Services' Minimum Wage Economic Impact Study found that more than 27,000 employees in D.C. work for tips. More than half of those employees are not waiters or bartenders; they're hostesses, parking lot attendants and salon employees.
What D.C. Voters Need to Know for the Primary
June 18, 2018
NBC4//NBC4 Washington Staff
A 2017 D.C. Department of Employment Services' Minimum Wage Economic Impact Study found more than 27,000 employees in D.C. work for tips. More than half of those employees are not waiters or bartenders; they're hostesses, parking lot attendants and salon employees.
A Fight Over Tipping Is Tearing Progressives Apart
June 15, 2018
Mother Jones//Tonya Riley
Suddenly, the black-and-green signs are everywhere in Washington, DC: “Vote No on Initiative #77.” But while the signage may be one-sided, the upcoming ballot initiative at stake has bitterly divided the city’s overwhelmingly progressive residents and restaurant workers over the fate of tipping and the minimum wage in the nation’s capital.
D.C. to Decide on Giving Its Servers a Raise
June 15, 2018
Prospect//Manuel Madrid
The “2026” pop-up bar occupies the basement of a two-story building in Washington’s trendy Dupont Circle neighborhood, where young professionals observe the tradition of the weekly happy hour with near-religious fervor. Upstairs, the parent bar, Rebellion, brims with the usual sounds of glasses clinking and laughter. Head to the lower level, though, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks painting, reimagined for a new age.
Private-Public Business Partnership Key to Strengthening D.C. Workforce and Economy
June 11, 2018
Los Angeles Sentinel//Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes
Cranes in the air, vital communities and a progressive push toward changing the image of a diverse federal district are signals that the District of Columbia is evolving. As robust construction of affordable housing and development of retail projects continue, DC’s economic boom is a shared benefit for residents and businesses.
Viewpoint: Unions are solution to D.C.'s First Source failure
June 7, 2018
Washington Business Journal//Stephen Courtien
A recent report by the D.C. auditor demonstrates the ongoing struggle of D.C.’s First Source program to live up to its worthy goals. It gives us a chance to reassess how we approach economic development. The failure of First Source cuts to the core of the most contentious political issue in the District: Who benefits from development — and who gets left behind?
MAY
Barry Summer-Job Program Helps D.C. in Top Places Rankings
May 30, 2018The Washington Informer
Summer isn’t just a season of daily walks on the beach or picnics at the park, but for some people, especially young adults, the warmer months are a time to gain extra spending power or work experience.
But whether you need or want a summer job, where you look for one will matter almost as much as what you do, according to the District-based personal finance website, WalletHub which took an in-depth look at 2018’s Best Places for Summer Jobs.
D.C.’s summer jobs program grows up
May 18, 2018
The Washington Post// Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes
Summer employment programs have become critical pipelines to engage the nation’s youths and put them on a path for career longevity or further education. The District long ago recognized the importance of investing in youth employment and preserving education funding
Need a Job in Ward 5? Find the WOW Truck.
May 12, 2018
Afro American//Lauren E. Williams
MidCity Financial Community Affairs Director Dr. Robert Johns says he is committed to bringing services to D.C.’s NE Ward 5 neighborhood. By partnering with the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) Workforce on Wheels (WOW) program, he is getting closer to doing just that.
Battle Escalates Within D.C. Restaurant Industry Over Tipped Minimum Wage Vote
May 9, 2018
Washington City Paper//Laura Hayes
Diners may have noticed servers and bartenders sporting “Save Our Tips” buttons that ask D.C. residents to vote no on 77. The initiative committee by the same name is one of several being bankrolled by industry leaders, operators, employees, and trade associations. National groups like Restaurant Workers of America (RWA) have also joined the local fight against 77.
Tip Reporting Has D.C.-Area Restaurateurs, Worker Groups Puzzled
May 3, 2018
Bloomberg Law//Jon Steingart
The owner of Washington’s oldest saloon wonders why two major jurisdictions in the National Capital Region require employers to report on the wages and gratuities of tipped employees. Worker advocates are asking the same question, but from a much different perspective.
District aims to boost infrastructure jobs with training academy
May 1, 2018
Capital News Services//Juan Herrera
The District of Columbia and local utility companies aim to eliminate a shortage of qualified and trained professionals in the city’s infrastructure industry with a new training academy.
APRIL 2018
How to Compete in the Job Market as an Older Worker
April 30, 2018
US News//Rebecca Koenig
Most modern jobs require at least some use of digital technology, and in many industries the hiring process itself has migrated online. That means it's important for older workers to demonstrate that they're savvy with digital tools and to use best practices with social media.
This D.C. Program Put Me on the Path to the Career of My Dreams
April 25, 2018
Arturo Evans//Education Post
Washington, D.C., is a city booming with opportunity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Potentially, any graduate here could grow up and become whoever they want to be. But if they aren’t exposed to different career paths—like I was—how do they find the right one? How can the city expose students to what’s really possible? Arturo Evans is a former ambassador for the Marion Barry Summer Youth Program.
Audit: D.C. fails to enforce law requiring contractors to hire out-of-work residents
April 19, 2018
The Washington Post// Fenit Nirappil
The District government failed to make sure that companies with city contracts hired unemployed residents as required by law and rarely penalized those who didn’t, according to an audit released Thursday.
Bringing awareness to the services that will reduce unemployment in the District
April 9, 2018
WJLA//Staff
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Recently helping the Department of Employment Services clear its "at-risk" designation, director Unique Morris-Hughes is continuing her efforts to lower the unemployment rate for residents in Washington, DC. and she joined us today to tell us more.
Our Cities Can Help Lift Young People Out of Poverty When They Invest in Their Skills and Education
April 6, 2018
Education Post//The Belief Gap Blog
The Brookings Institute estimates that 8,500 teens and 21,500 young people in the District are both out of school and the workforce, a population researchers refer to as “disconnected youth.” The reasons for the District’s staggering youth unemployment numbers are myriad, but a major part of the underlying problem is incomplete high school education.
Purveyors of Power, Passion and Purpose: Meet 8 Female Leaders Fueling Progress in Our ...
April 5, 2018
Equities.com// Desireé Duffy
Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes is the Interim Director of The Washington D.C. Department of Employment Services(DOES). To most of us, her role is akin to that of a State Labor Commissioner. Through innumerable responsibilities, Dr. Morris-Hughes helps train, assist — and frequently empower — District ...
MARCH 2018
Meet Eight Female Leaders Giving the “Human” in Human Resources A New Meaning
March 28, 2018
Melissa Thompson//HR.com
Our current spotlight: Washington, D.C. In a town where many people focus on the power flowing from the federal government, there is another veritable power current operating: a female-fed force within the D.C. government. In some cases they’re not just the power behind the throne - they represent the throne, itself, enabling thousands of people to be their best. For this group - ranging from a Deputy Mayor to a State Labor Chief to a Chief of Staff and other determined managers - the District of Columbia is far more than a place to work. It is a place to change lives.
Capital Matters: A Washington D.C. Education & Workforce Chief Leads A New Charge on Behalf of Workers – and Has a Message for Canada & the World
March 19, 2018
David Jackson//Money Magazine Canada
Canada, meet the new boss in town. In the U.S. capital of Washington D.C., a new woman now helms one of the most important agencies in the country designed to educate, train and assist workers.
Her name: Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes.
Dr.Unique Morris-Hughes is Changing How We See the District of Columbia One Job – and One Success at a Time
March 2018
Melissa Thompson//allwomenstalk.com
In her role as Interim Director of Washington, D.C. Department of Employment Services Dr. Morris-Hughes shows us how fierce women make a difference. Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes was recently named the Interim Director of the Washington D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES); to the rest of us, she is the State Labor Commissioner.
The District of Columbia Infrastructure Academy Officially Opens
March 16, 2018
Hamzatt Sani// The Afro
A partnership between the District government and private sector, the DC Infrastructure Academy will provide specialized training and workforce development programming for jobs in the growing infrastructure sector here in the nation’s capital.
Infrastructure skills training center opens in Washington, DC
March 15, 2018
Transportation Dive// Kim Slowey
Dive Brief:
Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced the opening of the District of Columbia Infrastructure Academy (DCIA), which will train workers for jobs in the city's infrastructure industry, according to the an Associated Press article in U.S. News & World Report. The academy is a partnership between the city, utility companies, unions, universities and private companies.
Solar Energy Creates (Local) Jobs!
March 14, 2018
East of the River//Catherine Plume
GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic is working to ensure that residents are a part of this growing workforce through the Solar Works DC program, a three-year, low-income solar-installation and job-training initiative spearheaded by the District’s Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES).
Mayor Bowser Opens the DC Infrastructure Academy
March 13, 2018
Us NEWS// Mayor Bowser Opens the DC Infrastructure Academy
The Mayor of Washington, D.C. has opened a partnership that will provide a pipeline to in-demand infrastructure jobs.
Mayor Bowser opens the DC Infrastructure Academy
March 13, 2018
Sun Herald// The Associated Press
The Mayor of Washington, D.C. has opened a partnership that will provide a pipeline to in-demand infrastructure jobs.
New Infrastructure Academy Designed to Help Fill Industry Jobs
March 13, 2018
Construction Equipment Guide// Emily Buenzele
Washington D.C. recently announced a new training program aimed at training workers for a variety of infrastructure-related jobs in fields like transportation, green technology and more. Of the 2,231 infrastructure jobs available in the District in 2017 (which pay an average of $48 per hour), just 1,246 were filled, said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and the gap only keeps getting bigger, WTOP reported.
DC launches effort to train workers for high-paying infrastructure jobs
March 12, 2018
WTOP// Melissa Howell and Jack Moore
D.C. has rolled out a training program aiming to prepare workers for high-paying, fast-growing infrastructure jobs in fields ranging from transportation to green technology.
Viewpoint: D.C. workforce strong, but needs support
March 2, 2018
Washington Business Journal// Odie Donald II
Members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently convened in our nation’s capital to discuss the critical challenges that cities must address, both now and in years to come. As expected, the future of work featured prominently in these conversations.
FEBRUARY 2018
Pilot program houses D.C. residents while they find work
February 21, 2018
Street Sense Media//Colleen Grablic
After its pilot month, a new transitional housing program has provided seven individuals with the support they need to get on their feet, giving them resources to help find permanent housing and secure employment for up to six months. Director of the Department of Employment Services Odie Donald also helped launch the initiative and said the new program is unlike any that have come before. The program partners with Capital Area Asset Builders and participants in the program must save money as a part of the program requirements. Capital Area Asset Builders then match whatever amount of money individuals save while in the program.
Meet Odie Donald, DC’s head of employment services. What would you ask him?
February 7, 2018
Greater Greater Washington// Odie Donald II
As Director of the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES), the District's labor and workforce development agency, Odie Donald II is responsible for employment readiness and job training services for city residents. These programs include the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, LEAP, DC Career Connections, and more. Donald is also the Secretary of the National Association of Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Executive Committee and a member of the US Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Committee Board of Trustees.
Despite lingering questions, DC says paid family leave on track
February 1, 2018
WTOP// Nick Iannelli
Despite lingering questions about how the paid family leave will be funded in D.C., the official in charge of implementing the program is insisting that the process is not lagging behind.
JANUARY 2018
Investing in Workforce Generates Healthy Returns
January 31, 2018
The Charleston Chronicle// Odie Donald II
In the last month, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that the nation’s capital has lifted the label from the U. S. Department of Labor as a “high-risk” partner in job training and employment programs, and “at-risk” in Unemployment Insurance programs. The District had carried these risk designations since 2012, but in the last 18 months, concentrated efforts led by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) earned removal of the designation.
DC's 2018 summer youth employment program now open
January 26, 2018
WUSA9// Staff
Beginning today, D.C. residents ages 14 to 24, and employers may apply for the 2018 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). In a statement today, Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program gives young Washingtonians a unique opportunity to learn from other professionals, connect with mentors, and gain meaningful work experience – all while getting paid.”
District agencies re-examine efforts to employ homeless people
January 26, 2018
Street Sense Media// Reginald Black
The D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness held its last meeting of 2017 on Dec. 12 to discuss employment and homelessness. The Department of Employment Services hosted the meeting and introduced the group to several DOES programs for potential employees. Toward the end of the meeting, the council was joined by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Bowser gave thanks to her team — and expressed optimism about addressing homelessness with them going forward.
A fair wage for bartenders is about more than money
January 26, 2018
The Washington Post//Op-Ed
DC Local Government Remained Open During Shutdown
January 25, 2018
The Hoya/Deepika Jonnalagadda
While the federal government was shut down for about 69 hours between Saturday morning and Monday evening, the Washington, D.C. local government remained open using funds granted by a 2017 provision introduced by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), the District’s nonvoting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
D.C. Leaders Gear Up For Best Summer Jobs Program, Yet
January 18, 2018
AFRO//Christina Sturdivant-Sani
Amid a budget cut and pending legislation, D.C. leaders are gearing up to ensure that this year’s Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the most impactful, yet.
BOWSER: Leaping Toward the Middle Class
January 10, 2018
The Washington Informer// Op-Ed
Two years ago, Betty Henderson, a native of New Orleans but a longtime Washingtonian who moved to the capital in the ’70s, faced a situation thousands of Americans face each year — several months of unemployment had turned into years without work. Even with a college education, the longer she went without a job, the more difficult it was to get back into the workforce. Washington, D.C., has never before experienced better days, but like in many places across our country, our prosperity has not reached all residents equally. Years of systemic inequalities have held many Americans back from reaching the middle class. But our country remains full of men and women who are hopeful — men and women who want to work and are eager for opportunities to improve their communities. Through programs like LEAP, we are creating new pathways to the middle class and keeping the American dream alive.