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UPO REPORTER
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MAY 2001
VOLUME 14, NUMBER 1

DC Office on Aging and UPO Partnership Equals Wealth of Resources for DC Seniors

From the very beginning, UPO’s commitment to Washington, DC senior citizens has remained “topic a” of discussions centering on local human services. Programs for the elderly were always foremost in the mind of UPO officials.

Today, the United Planning Organization continues its long-standing relationship with this most important segment of the DC populous by providing a multitude of programs and services, some dating back to the very founding of the agency, and all geared to making life better for those residents who have reached their senior years.

Success is seldom achieved in total isolation. UPO has many partners in this endeavor including the District of Columbia Office on Aging, the District of Columbia state agency on aging whose mission is to provide supportive programs and services for Washingtonians 60-years of age and older. With funding from the Office on Aging, as well as UPO’s own federal share, seniors enjoy activities that span the gamut ranging from elderly transportation to senior nutrition to exercise and fitness.

The Programs
The legendary Weekend Nutrition Program for Senior Citizens is one particular activity that for nearly 30-years has provided nutritious meals to and socialization opportunities for DC residents 62-years of age and older. The meals, usually served at UPO headquarters on Saturdays and Sundays, allow seniors to “get together” with friends and neighbors while enjoying an appetizing meal. More than 700 seniors participated in the program during year 2000 receiving an estimated 12,500 hot nutritious midday weekend meals. To some of the elderly, this nourishment represents their best full-course meal of the entire week.


It’s not all about the consumption of food, however. Drop by one weekend and you’re likely to pop into the middle of the seniors’ fashion show, or the seniors’ talent show, or some other festive celebration that features seniors at their very best, and all put together by UPO’s Olivia Powell, the program’s coordinator. Seniors know how to have fun and participate in practically every program available. However, some seniors must be coaxed into participating (if they wish). “Many seniors attest to their shyness or lack of confidence in their ability to carry out certain activities in an event,” observed Ms. Powell, upon reflection of various seniors’ personalities. She added “seniors are encouraged to play active roles in all facets of the program by their peers as well as by staff,” adding that such practice helps alleviate isolation and withdrawal.

Project KEEN (Keeping Elderly Eating Nutritiously), a recent UPO acquisition, has provided a multitude of services for DC senior citizens during 27-years as a senior services agency. Mainly serving DC’s Wards 6c and 7, Project KEEN was formally a part of the now defunct Greater Southeast Community Center for the Aging. To continue providing specialized services to seniors, UPO bid to sponsor Project KEEN with the approval of the DC Office on Aging. Established in 1974 as an agency designed to assure seniors in its target area eat proper and well balanced meals, Project KEEN provides services to numerous seniors on a daily basis. Headed by a respected veteran of DC human services Elise T. Nicholls, the program serves some 500 homebound seniors, 300 seniors in congregate nutrition sites, and provides transportation to another 200.

Yet another UPO senior initiative is the Senior Citizens Home Repair program, an activity that has helped many DC elderly citizens live in comfort and safety in their own homes. Some homes need minor patch-up work and other energy conserving measures in order to assure the residents live in a harmonious fashion. More than 41 homes received services during Fiscal Year 2000 from the program headed by longtime UPO employee Elizabeth Bacot. Services included the installation of security and safety devices, some plumbing replacements, patch plastering, and drywall repairs. Other repairs included walk way repair, gutter replacements, electrical repairs, and handrail installation.The program also provides information and referral services.

The Washington Elderly Handicapped Transportation Service (WEHTS) is a major citywide transportation operation that daily crisscrosses Washington, DC taking seniors to appointments and other venues. The smart looking blue and white WEHTS buses are now part of the DC scene, even appearing in the local press. Established in 1982, WEHTS transports more than 150 customers daily, delivering them to doctor’s offices, dialysis centers, and other important scheduled destinations. Operating under the auspices of the agency’s Office of Special Operations headed by UPO veteran Ms. Lester Monica Wynn, WEHTS continues to surprise even the most ardent critics of community action.

Special Operations has charge of other programs including the Homebound Delivered Meals activity that daily bring tasty nutritious meals to homebound seniors. A cadre of caring dedicated drivers and runners (person who actually takes meals to the homebound elderly-especially helpful in heavy traffic areas), work tirelessly to make certain seniors citizens get the meals they deserve.

Likewise, the immensely popular Call -N- Ride program also falls under Special Operations. Headed by Sidney Lewis, Call -N- Ride uses the fleet of existing city taxicabs to transport more than 450 seniors to trips of various types. Seniors pay a reduced amount per trip and may purchase up to $40 worth of coupons per month.

Not only did the month of May 2000 usher in warm weather, it also brought to UPO a major new senior activity, and along with it, 15 new dedicated employees. Directed by Brenda Gordon-Reynolds, the UPO Senior Services Program, serves Wards 2 and 6, both sections of the District of Columbia that have large senior citizen populations. Under its auspices are six senior citizens’ centers that provide an assortment of specialized services ranging from nutrition, counseling, socialization, and recreation to computer training, health training, and transportation among others.

The Washington Wellness Center is an organization founded in 1985 as a means to teach and train older DC residents to take charge of their lives and ultimately live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Headed by Dianna Guinyard, the Center operates out of its own spacious facility in southeast Washington, DC. Its four basic components are food/nutrition; physical fitness; life-style adjustment; and health education. Seniors decide which track they wish to follow and become part of classes that range in sizes of 15 to 30 individuals.

Because of the addition of new senior services, UPO management established a new structual component within the agency. The UPO Aging Services Department, headed by Dianna Guinyard, is charged with coordination of the Wellness Center, Senior Services, and Project KEEN.

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Dr. King's Legacy Remembered During UPO Celebration

Who would have dreamed 17-years ago that one day more than 1,250 people would attend the then fledgling Washington, DC celebration of life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

After years hovering around the 1000 mark, UPO this year greeted the record assemblage that gathered at the spacious Marriott Wardman Park Hotel for the annual ceremony. The event’s site was earlier changed to accommodate what agency officials thought would be ever increasing audiences. “We can no longer fit into the [old] hotel,” observed a UPO employee, citing the need to move the Breakfast the new facility.

But record attendance tells only part of the story.

It’s sometimes forgotten that UPO was one of Washington’s first organized celebrations of Dr. King’s life, several years before the date was officially designated a national holiday by the U.S. Congress. There’s much more to the overall UPO story. At its inception, the agency pioneered many activities that have since become part of the nation’s lexicon. Head Start is one such activity that started in UPO during a 1964 test phase prior to the actual roll-out of that highly praised national childhood educational program one year later. Legal Aid and Community Credit Unions are other pioneering concepts.

UPO Board of Trustees President Russell D. Simmons formally welcomed attendees noting that all gathered “honor the ideals of a man who was the preeminent leader of a civil rights movement that continues to transform America and the world.” Mr. Simmons outlined many UPO accomplishments noting that the agency had reached the $30 million annual budget mark. “We’ve come along way to strengthen the organization so that we can provide services to residents of the District of Columbia” he added.

DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton, D-DC, let it be known that the agency was truly foremost on her mind discussing just how much all citizens appreciate UPO’s 17 year tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and using funds raised to endow scholarships. She then outlined her ongoing goals to attain full voter representation on Capitol Hill for DC residents, something that is available for all citizens in the Nation.

DC Mayor Anthony Williams told the gathering “Dr. King achieved so much in so little time.” He then challenged the group to use the time we have to do good things for our community, urging the group to “think about Dr. King’s words and dedicate ourselves to work together for the youth of our city.” The Mayor then urged audience members to make certain those who have always lived in the city “participate in the good times to come,” reflected on the “leave no one behind” scenario.

The first of several awards were presented to outstanding citizens and corporations. First, DC City Councilmember Sandra “Sandy” Allen, D-Ward 8, who heads the Council’s Committee on Human Services, presented the UPO/Mildred Claypoole Community Service Award to Ms. Mildred Brooks for the advocation of high nutrition standards to the community and for her role in the WIC (Women Infants and Children) program. UPO Board of Trustees member Dorothy Brown presented the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award to the Healthy Babies Project.

UPO Board of Trustees Vice President the Honorable Annice M. Wagner, introduced the keynote speaker by presenting a synopsis of his life and work. Noting that Dr. Alvin O. Jackson had not been in the District of Columbia for many years, he nonetheless has made quite an impact upon the lives of citizens during his tenure.

Dr. Alvin O. Jackson, Senior Pastor of the National City Christian Church provided attendees with a sample of his superb oratory and sincere words. Opening his speech, Dr. Jackson remembered his specific location the day Dr. King was assassinated remembering how a car filled with white youths sped around a Mississippi town gleefully shouting “We got Martin Luther ‘Coon!’” “I felt rage, I felt frustration, I felt anxiety, but more than that, I felt alone,” Dr. Jackson said of that dreadful day adding “I felt lonely because my advocate had been taken away.” “The Dream yet lives. Martin Luther King, Jr. was simply the steward of the Dream,” noting “Had the Dream belonged to Dr. King, Bull Conners’ dogs would have eaten it up - Lestor Mattox’s waterhoses would have drowned it! The Dream belongs to God.” In closing his address, Dr. Jackson noted the District of Columbia has much to do in the years ahead. “We’ve got much cleaning-up to do in this nation,” adding, “We are fighting for the right to vote in Congress (District of Columbia residents) and we must continue our fight!” UPO Board of Trustees member Erias Hyman, esq, presented a Special Award to Mr. Tim Kaufman of Riggs Bank for its “Tools for Schools” program. Mr. Hyman also presented a special award to Kaiser Permanente (see “Kaiser Permanente” article this page). Receiving the Corporate Community Services Award was Bruce Klores of Bruce Klores and Associates.

UPO Executive Director Benjamin Jennings presented a Special Recognition Award to METRO’s Finest, a group of METRO (transit agency) employees who have assisted youth in the city. Mr. Jennings went on to thank the attendees for their long standing participation in UPO events. He went on to recognize agency staff, Board members, and UPO/Joseph A. Beavers Scholarship recipients (proceeds from the Breakfast endow the scholarship fund). Mr. Jennings also thanked the DC Department of Human Services, Department of Employment Services, Department of Housing and Community Development, DC Office on Aging, and the Mayor’s Office on Early Childhood Development.

Meanwhile, the unequivocal support shown by the DC community toward UPO, a major District of Columbia institution for nearly 39 years, was a clear indication that the agency is needed to continue and even enhance its unique service delivery for years to come. Plans are already underway for the 18th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast January 21, 2002.

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Kaiser Permanente Grant Targets Special Health Needs

A U.S. Surgeon General’s Report indicates that of the various health problems plaguing many individuals in the African American community, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity top the list.

To help alleviate the problem in the District of Columbia, Kaiser Permanente awarded UPO a $25,000 grant to help create a “Fit For Life” program geared mainly toward low-income individuals and families. UPO will provide matching funds.

“Fit For Life” will introduce participants to proper nutrition through the development of diet and exercise regimens that specifically target life-style, income, and culinary preferences of low-income individuals. An important component is the design of menus that are acceptable to the target population.

A team of graduate students from area universities will develop exercise programs and nutritional schedules for each group. Plans are for the programs to be culturally sensitive to the needs of participants.

Plans call for 50 participants, recruited from UPO neighborhood centers and agency funded organizations throughout the city, to take part in the program which will ultimately develop a booklet of successful menus and diet selections for distribution to the community at-large.

According to Vanessa Rawls, director of UPO’s Office of Community Programs, the activity’s staff will include a researcher experienced in either biology, chemistry, or psychology; a medical resident; a nutritionist; a gourmet chef; and a physical education professional.

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UPO Neighborhood Development Center #1

It stands tall as UPO’s eyes and ears in that historic Washington, DC neighborhood called Shaw, and without a doubt, Neighborhood Development Center #1 has lived up to its billing by providing a multiplicity of quality services to neighborhood residents, a task that can be very demanding and at times somewhat undaunting.

Yet its staff, headed by Branch Chief Priscilla G. Francis (see side bar, page 7) works on, toiling in the ongoing battle to help foster better lives for the neighborhood, its residents, and the community at-large.

Just who are these privates in that still undeclared “War On Poverty-DC style?”
NDC #1, comprised of 11 staff members along with a host of volunteers, is a neighborhood development center, one of three directly operated by the United Planning Organization, which itself is the designated community action agency for the entire District of Columbia. UPO also funds seven autonomous delegate agencies, community-based groups that provide Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) services to other specific neighborhoods. Eighteen other UPO neighborhood grantees are program and/or community specific. Additionally, UPO directly operates seven early childhood development centers and provides funding to six Head Start/early childhood delegate agencies.

Located in the heart of a sprawling DC community once plagued by devastating riots following the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., NDC #1 has a rich and distinguished history as a servant to the community. It was established in 1964 becoming one of the first neighborhood efforts advanced during the formative days of the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). Shaw was one of only a few communities throughout the Washington, DC region designated to benefit from Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson Administrations’ plan to fight poverty at the neighborhood level. The District of Columbia, being the Nation’s Capital, was often thought to be a “showcase city,” often called upon to display to the world just what could be done to alleviate conditions that cause poverty.

NDC #1’s services are far reaching. The center helps prepare many neighborhood residents for the world of work via job readiness sessions. These sessions include professional and personal skills development and computer proficiency classes. In fact, the Center’s main reception area was converted into a comprehensive computer center. NDC #1 also provides job development and referrals, vocational counseling, G.E.D. classes and Pre G.E.D. assessment, placement, and referrals. Comprehensive counseling is a major part of NDC #1’s services to the community with the group providing customer case management for up to one year.

NDC #1 is a leader in the much praised gleaning effort and, with UPO, is part of the Washington Gleaning Network. The center participates in the gleaning endeavor every June through December making certain that those less fortunate will have enough to eat. NDC #1 also assists customers with health needs and refers them to the proper agencies. Ms. Janie Boyd sees to it that gleaning takes center stage.

As with all UPO neighborhood development centers, NDC #1 has an intensive emergency service unit that provides rental, utilities, and clothing referrals. Statistics show there is substantial need for emergency services in urban communities such as Shaw. The center also provides the neediest of community residents with holiday baskets as supplies last.

NDC #1 runs the UPO/DCPS Student Internship Program, headed by Cheryl West that provides job readiness and building trades exposure to approximately 50 neighborhood students. The center offers placement of high school juniors and seniors in certain pre-apprenticeships with contractors performing capital improvement work on various DC Public School buildings.

Employment opportunities are important and NDC #1 measures-up by linking with other community groups.Thanks to the efforts of organizations such as the NOAH Group, headed by Charlie Baumgardner, U.S. Department of Labor, DC Department of Employment Services, Organization for Training Others in Need (OFT/ON) headed by Carol A. Mumin, and the Washington Convention Center Authority, the Shaw Comprehensive Job Training Academy was formed as an entity designed to provide comprehensive computer skills and job readiness training to neighborhood residents. Ms. Murmin is project director of the evening program that enrolls roughly 32-students in 12-week sessions normally held Monday through Thursday evenings with Fridays reserved for math enrichment and G.E.D. tutoring if needed.

Mr. James I. Quarrelles chairs the NDC #1 Neighborhood Advisory Council which meets monthly. Meanwhile, UPO-NDC #1 is aggressively partnering with other neighborhood organizations in order to provide the highest quality services to area residents.

Priscilla G. Francis: NDC #1 Branch Chief
She’s been employed by UPO for virtually her entire adult life and has had the good fortune to have had both parents work for the agency in various capacities.

Still, Priscilla G. Francis, branch chief of UPO’s NDC #1, tackles challenges as if it’s “day one” of her agency employment. “She’s just totally committed,” observed a UPO employee who has known Ms. Francis for many years. It’s her tireless push for perfection that allows NDC#1 to standout among similar groups in the Shaw community.

There have been some “trying times” along the way. In May 1996, she suffered the tragic loss of her son. But somewhere in her mind was the need to serve her community. Thus, following a bereavement period, she was back at the helm hosting her center’s Neighborhood Advisory Council community hearing, finding ways to “help with other people’s problems.”

That’s her style.

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the only time the strong Priscilla G. Francis “will” would be due for a test. Just three years later, tragedy struck once again when her husband of nearly 30-years died following an illness.

She was soon back on-the-job, fighting for her beloved Shaw area residents. That’s what the community has come to expect from UPO’s NDC #1 Branch Chief Priscilla G. Francis.

It’s her style.

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UPO REPORTER

Published by the Public Information Office
United Planning Organization
401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20024

President: Russell D. Simmons
Executive Director: Benjamin Jennings
Writer/Editor: Harvey N. Johnson III

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