SOME’s eNewsletter April 2008

In this issue:

1. Zagami Playground Build
2. Support Rent Supplement
3. The Georgetown Chorale
4. Graduations at SOME
5. Did You Know?

1. Zagami Playground Build

On Friday, April 11 SOME’s Zagami House, an affordable housing program for 12 formerly homeless families with 19 children, got a fantastic addition; a playground!  In partnership with Giant and KaBOOM!, and with the help of more than 200 hard-working volunteers, SOME built a wonderful playground at Zagami House in just one day.  Based on drawings created by the children at Zagami House, the playground is complemented by an inspirational mural, handmade stepping stones, plants and flowers. 

Stop and Shop & Giant Food President and CEO Jose Alvarez, SOME President John Adams, Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry and Colleen Bonnicklewis, who spoke on behalf of DHCD Director Leila Finucane Edmonds, kicked off the day with remarks about the importance of providing safe places for children and families to live and play in Ward 8. 

Special thanks to the 2008 SOME Junior Gala Board, Junior and Senior Committees, and Jr. Gala attendees for their generous support of this project.  We appreciate the efforts of the Jr. Gala team that helped with the build, as well as the help and contributions of Jay Eichberg of Eichberg Construction, W.M. Schlosser and all of our other wonderful volunteers.  The children of Zagami House thank you!

2. Support Rent Supplement

SOME's initiative to develop 1,000 units of supportive affordable housing for homeless and poor families and single adults, including the elderly, is underway. The District’s Local Rent Supplement Program provides a key source of funding that enables us to develop safe, affordable housing with supportive services to an increasing number of homeless children, women and men. 

Our progress may be stalled, however, because Mayor Fenty's proposed budget includes no new funding for the Local Rent Supplement Program. If you are a District resident, please consider signing up for our Advocacy Network to help us let City Council know how important the Local Rent Supplement Program is to the poor and homeless in our community.Graduations at SOME

3.  The Georgetown Chorale

Join SOME on Saturday, April 26 at the Georgetown Chorale’s debut performance of the “Beatitude Mass for the Homeless.”  Based on conversations with homeless men and women, the piece will be conducted by Dr. Elaine Rendler, professor of music theory at George Mason University, and will take place at 7 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the District.  Noted local soloists Kathryn Hearden, soprano, and Christopher Walker, baritone will be joined by the Georgetown Chorale and full orchestral accompaniment.  Suggested ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for students and children, with all proceeds benefiting SOME.

4.  Graduations at SOME

Forty students from the SOME Center for Employment Training (CET) will don robes and graduate from the program on May 2, 2008 with the job skills needed to find a living wage job with benefits.  The graduation ceremony will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 1:45 pm.  SOME CET empowers people to move out of poverty and into living wage careers through marketable skills training, human development, basic education and job development. 

On April 17, 2008, SOME hosted a graduation to celebrate SOME’s clients who have successfully completed our 90-day addiction treatment program in West Virginia.  Annually, more than 70% of participants complete the intensive, three-month program, and most graduates continue treatment at SOME's transitional housing and job readiness facilities. SOME staff, graduates and their families celebrated this tremendous success at First Baptist Church.  Congratulations Graduates!

5. Did you know… 

that you can make an Honorary Gift to SOME in your parents’ names as a meaningful way to say thanks, and to honor them on Mother’s or Father’s Day?  Learn more about alternative giving opportunities.