By James Wright, Special to the AFRO, jwright@afro.com
One of Ward 8’s most far-reaching private social service agencies recently met to re-invigorate its mission and to prepare for its part in the economic expansion of the ward.
On April 7, the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC) held its 19th Annual Business Meeting and Community Conference at Anacostia High School in the District of Columbia. The FSFSC is a non-profit, community-based organization that focuses on family and child development with an emphasis on decreasing the incidences and impacts of child abuse and neglect.
FSFSC members the Rev. Eugene Kinlow Sr., Kathleen T. Holly and Perry Moon, who serves as the executive director, honor Oramenta Newsome posthumously with Ramon Jacobson, the acting director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation. (Courtesy Photo).
The executive director, Perry Moon, said that the meeting gives the FSFSC a chance to re-connect with the community and devise ways to move forward.
“The annual conference gives us an opportunity to look back on all we have been able to accomplish over the past year while taking a critical look back on all yet to be done,” he said. “It is also a time where we get to publicly acknowledge that all of the important work we do cannot be credited solely to those of the staff. Without our community partners and friends this work would be impossible.”
FSFSC gets its funding from the District government’s Child and Family Services Agency and other public and private organizations, corporations, foundations and individuals.
The FSFSC has operated at 2041 Martin Luther King Jr., Ave., S.E. in Ward 8 and its clients are predominantly from that ward.
During the morning session, FSFSC honored its 2017 Incentive Award recipients. The late Oramenta Newsome, who led the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) in the District, got the President’s Award. Resident of the Year Award winner was Barry Farm resident Wanda Brookins for her steadfast dedication to her public housing project and participation in the organization’s activities. Colette Goldston, a nurse, received the Organizational Partner of the Year award for engagement with the FSFSC’s clients and her cheerful, approachable attitude. The Family Strengthening Award went to the Hicks Family who have remained intact and stable despite challenges such as child abuse and neglect, financial instability and inadequate housing.
Brookins recently moved from Barry Farm to a house that she purchased with counseling from the FSFSC.
“I thank God for Far Southeast,” she said. “I say to the staff at Far Southeast don’t let the umbrella down and keep doing what you are doing.”
Other awards were Outstanding Mini-Grant that went to H.Y.P.E., a mime program that teaches youth dance techniques and guides them in areas such as conflict resolution, staying in school and striving for success. Employee of the Year went to Barbara Shorter, Eric Mullins and Courtney Williams for bettering the lives of Ward 8 residents.
FSFSC is poised to make major changes before the end of the year and across the street from its present location.
“This year’s is also a celebration of an anticipated new home for our organization: a 30,000 square foot, new headquarters in the heart of Anacostia,” Moon said. “This new home, opening later this year, will allow our organization to enhance and expand its mission and will bring, as our tenant, a long, overdue quality, full-service sit-down dining experience to Martin Luther King Avenue.”
Moon was speaking about the first Busboys & Poets that will be located east of the Anacostia River. The FSFSC has been working with Busboys & Poets owner, Andy Shallal, for years to bring the restaurant and bar chain to Ward 8.