Sometimes the challenges that are created by unemployment and poverty in Ward 8 can seem daunting or insurmountable. However, even when facing these challenges these same Ward 8 residents are taking on the heavy burden of lifting up their community.
On Saturday, August 11, 2012, churches and community organizations such as Allen Chapel AME, Assumption Catholic Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Church of the First Born, Jehovah Jireh Community Development, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Paramount Baptist Church and the Capital Area Food Bank came together to host the 2nd annual Ward 8 Community Day.
Providing critical services at the event were organizations such the DC Fire Department, Catholic Charities, DC Hunger Solutions, Children’s Hospital, SHARE, C-SOSA and Carefirst Blue Cross/ Blue Shield. These organizations provided blood pressure screenings, HIV Testing, general check-ups and information to the community. The food bank’s Healthy Eating team was on hand with samples of tasty recipes like Sweet Potato, Apple, and Onion Hash; Spicy Black Bean Dip; and Zesty White Bean Dip. On that day the food bank delivered over 11,000 pounds of product including watermelon, cucumbers, kale, cabbage, potatoes, corn and bread.
Aside from all the food and services received by the clients, the most important thing received by everyone was hope. Hope that even though Ward 8 is at the top or near the top of the list of many challenging statistics, the community and its partners can come together to support each other. On behalf of the Ward 8 Collaborative we would like to thank everyone who helped us make the Ward 8 Community Day a success!