Dinner Program for Homeless Women

What’s Cooking
Spring 2008
Reflections
DPHW Board of Directors Celebrating the Past and Future
Diana Bruce, MPA
On Thursday, January 31, the Dinner Program for Homeless Women held its first annual
President
Rev. David Bowers volunteer and donor appreciation gala, entitled Reflections: Celebrating the Past and Future.
Vice President The event was held at the Goethe Institut, the District’s German cultural institution located at 812
David Bowman, PhD Seventh Street, NW, and was attended by over 100 honorees, volunteers and donors alike.
Secretary
R. Matthew Kelley, Esq. The evening began with an appetizer and cocktail
Treasurer
reception, with food and drinks donated by local vendors
Erika Barry, MPA
Ex Officio
and restaurants. Reverend David Bowers, Vice President
George Madill of DPHW’s Board of Directors, served as the Master of
Lariena D. Matthews Ceremonies for the evening. To kick-off the ceremony,
Anne K. Nelsen, PhD he was joined at the podium by both Erika Barry,
Tiffany Parker, MPA DPHW’s Executive Director, and Diana Bruce, President
Ann Shafran of DPHW’s Board of Directors.
Yvonne Rice
Virginia Weschler
The keynote address was delivered by special guest
Tommy Wells, DC Councilmember from Ward 6. Coun-
In this issue: cilman Wells was presented with DPHW’s first annual
“Leadership in Community Change” award in honor of
Reflections Recap 1
his commitment to making DC and Ward 6 a safe and open community for all its residents,
Letter from the 2 including the vulnerable and disenfranchised citizens that DPHW serves every day.
Executive Director
John Mack 2 The last portion of the evening was the recognition of the 2007 Reflections
Memoriam honorees, which included 22 individual volunteers, volunteer groups,
New Website Info 2 in-kind donors, major fundraising partners, and partner service providers.
These awards were presented by six of DPHW’s current clients, who
Annual Report 3
Highlights shared their stories and the services DPHW provides that have helped
them make moves towards ending their homelessness. DPHW has
Client Spotlight 4 undergone so much change over the past year, including moving to a new
Staff Departure 4 building, adding a social services team, and meeting the new demand for
emergency services that came with the dissolution of the Downtown
New Faces 5
Services Center and Zacchaeus Kitchen. Reflections let us honor those
Walkathon Recap 5 who have supported us through this transition.
Volunteer Corner 6
Without the support of the
Tax Rebate 7
hundreds of donors, volunteers, and other
Donations
partners that join forces with us in the fight to end
Recent Donors 7 homelessness, we could not reach so many
people as effectively as we do.
Wish List 8

United Way #8280 DPHW supporters and friends—we thank you

CFC #56398 from the bottom of our hearts for all you do for
CVC #8275 DPHW and the homeless community of Washington, DC!
 Letter from the Executive Director 
Dear Friends, 
With all of its changes and surprises, 2007 was a year to remember for DPHW. Our move from First Congregational 
Church  to  First  Trinity  Lutheran  Church,  our  doubling  of  staff  and  budget  due  to  the  development  of  our  social    
services  programming,  and  our  tripling  of  clients  served  as  a  result  of  our  new  position  as  the  only  homeless       
services center in downtown DC all presented new challenges and new opportunities to move forward.  Despite 
the many challenges, DPHW is stronger than it has ever been, both programmatically and financially.  We know 
that we could not have achieved such success without the unfailing support of our donors, volunteers, and partner   
providers. Let me also take this moment to acknowledge the hard work of DPHW’s staff and Board of Directors, 
who continually rise to the occasion to take on each new adventure with unmatched passion and commitment.   
I invite you to take a look inside this issue of What’s Cooking to see what 2007 had in store for the Dinner Program and to see how 
we are growing and moving forward in 2008.  One look at the organizational successes highlighted here, whether it be program 
outcomes from the 2007 Annual Report or the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon fundraiser, attests to what we at DPHW 
already know: in the fight to end homelessness, we are all in this together.  Thank you for joining us!  
With gratitude, 
 

Erika Barry, Executive Director 

In Memoriam: Rev. John Mack, 1942‐2008 
Reverend John Mack, who served as pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ for 23 
years, made his church a leader in providing opportunities for DC’s poor and excluded.  John also 
served  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Dinner  Program  for  20  years.    His             
commitment to providing our clients with compassionate and meaningful services helped shape 
DPHW’s organizational vision and development.  John dedicated his life to serving those in need, 
and his love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. 

New DPHW Website! 
The Dinner Program for Homeless Women recently launched a new website  that 
more effectively highlights who we are, what we do, what we have accomplished, 
and how you can contribute!  Just go to www.dphw.org to find out about: 

Our expanded mission    Our clients        Past news 

Our history        How you can volunteer    Recent pictures 
Our supporters      How you can donate    Calendar of events,  
Our staff        Directions to our location  trainings, and activities 
Our programs      Upcoming events      AND so much more!!

Page 2 What’s Cooking

2007 Annual Report: Looking Back on a Great Year 
DPHW  recently  published  its  2007  Annual  Report,  and  we  have  a  lot  to  be  proud  of.  In  the 
midst  of  many  changes  and  expansions,  DPHW  has  continued  to  fulfill  its  mission  to  the 
homeless population of the metro D.C. area.  Below is a sneak peak of some of the highlights 
of the 2007 Annual Report.  

Age Breakdown Length of Homelessness Gender Breakdown

Program Impact: Emergency Services, Volunteers, and Trainees—Oh My! 
Daily Bread/Daily Needs Many Hands Real Opportunity
In 2007, the Daily Bread/Daily Needs   Volunteers  provide  an  invaluable       Through  our  Real  Opportunity                
program provided:  resource  without  which  DPHW  could  Employment  Training  Program,  clients 
  not  fulfill  its  mission—their  time.  In  work  with  DPHW  staff  to  gain  job‐  and 
• 63,400 meals to men, women and       2007,  through  the  Many  Hands           life‐skills  that  will  enhance  their  future       
children  program, volunteers literally gave thou‐ employment  opportunities  in  the  future. 
• 3,090 free showers   sands of hours of service in all    aspects  Clients  currently  work  in  our                  
• 931 free loads of laundry  of the organization, including:  administrative  offices,  in  our  kitchen  as 
• Use of our telephone system and  culinary  trainees,  and  with  our  program 
mail services 9,225 times  • 10,000 hours in our kitchen— staff  interacting  directly  with  fellow      
• Distribution of emergency health  preparing, serving, and cleaning  clients.  Not  only  do  trainees  get  real     
and personal safety supplies 6,770  • 420 hours staffing the computer lab  working  experience  in  a  supportive  and 
times  for over 700 clients  understanding  environment,  but  they 
• 520 hours in program support 
• Transportation assistance to medical                  also gain “soft skills” such as team build‐
appointments and job interviews to  • 280 hours in our administrative  ing, punctuality, and budgeting that they 
over 700 clients   offices  can  carry  into  their  future  endeavors.  A    
• Computer access and training to 678   Volunteer service allowed DPHW to  snapshot of the successes of 2007’s Real 
clients  save over $130,000 in personnel related  Opportunity trainees: 
 
expenses in 2007 alone.  • Three secured reliable housing 
• Two successfully found full‐time jobs            
Links service  providers  in  the  metro  DC  area  to  • One was accepted into a full‐time         
give  our  clients  an  opportunity  to  access  apprenticeship program 
DPHW  strives  to  provide  as  many  social  specialized  social, health,  employment, 
services as possible to our clients on‐site,  and  legal  services  on‐site  during  our  • Two opened their first bank accounts 
in  DPHW’s  familiar  and  comforting        breakfast and dinner programs. Finally, for 
setting. DPHW offers clients ongoing case  clients  who  need  services  not  offered  by  • 2121 clients with social services 
management  and  weekly  therapeutic  DPHW,  we  ensure  that  clients  can  access  given by partner providers 
groups designed to help empower clients  those services by providing personal refer‐ • 2559 referrals to clients in need of  
to  stabilize  their  lives  and  become  more  rals and transportation assistance.   services not provided at DPHW 
independent.  Through our Links program,    • 281 hours of case management and 
DPHW also collaborates with other   In 2007, the Links program provided:  psychosocial assessments 
Spring 2008 Page 3
 Client Spotlight People 
All people are a different kind 
One of the many new client programs developed  That do not have the same mind. 
Some people are introverted 
by  our  social  services  staff  is  the  Artistic             
And some people are extroverted. 
Expressions  workshop  that  takes  place  every  Some people are open and some are closed. 
Tuesday.  This  venue  gives  clients  the  ability  to   Wild or conservative, scary or bright— 
These are who people are. 
express  their  feelings  in  a  welcoming  and  safe   What is it in life they are searching for 
environment  through  music,  poetry,  spoken  And in their travels what will they find? 
word, and arts and crafts. It also gives those who  One of a kind, the same people, the same mind. 
often go unheard in the world a chance to make  Peace of mind, good spirit. 
All different people, but of the same race...human. 
their  voices  heard  in  a  powerful  and  emotional  People every day. Everyday people.  
way.  “People”  was  created  during  this  workshop 
through  a  collaborative  effort  of  clients  and  Lovingly compiled by clients Angela, Shakita, Bill, 
Kelly, and Claudine, and by group facilitators  
group facilitators.    Krystal and Bryan. 

Fenty Announces A Fond Farewell

“Homeless No More” Plan
On April 10th, DPHW said a 
In  April  of  this  year,  DC  Mayor  Adrian  Fenty           bittersweet  goodbye  to   
announced that $19.2 million will be used over the  Krystal Nesbitt, DPHW’s PM 
next  6  years  to  provide  2500  units  of  permanent 
Program  Coordinator  and 
supportive  housing  for  chronically  homeless         
individuals.  The plan is based on the idea that the  Case Manager.  
lack of a permanent residence is the largest barrier   
for  those  who  are  vulnerable,  disabled,  and         Krystal  brought  thoughtful  leadership  to 
homeless.  This is a great step forward for all of us 
our  evening  program,  coordinated   
in the fight to end homelessness, but the fight is far 
from over.   meaningful  educational  activities,  and 
  was  a  compassionate  and  committed 
We  at  DPHW  invite  your  support  of  the  Homeless  case  manager.  She  leaves  the  Dinner   
No  More  Plan,  while  asking  you  to  remember  that 
Program  to  join  the  Peace  Corps,  where 
the  plan  will  house  less  than  one‐sixth  of  the   
homeless population in DC, and only those who are  her energy and passion will surely impact 
most vulnerable.  We at DPHW still need your help  many people in other parts of the world. 
and support to  ensure that all people in DC have a  Good luck, Krystal!  
place to receive the meals and emergency services 
they need every day! 
Page 4 What’s Cooking
 New Faces at the Dinner Program
Elizabeth Evancho, Development Coordinator
Liz joined the Dinner Program in November 2007. Although originally from Buffalo, New York, Liz has considered
herself a Washingtonian since 2003. Liz received her BA in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and
Government (CLEG), as well as certification in Advanced Leadership Studies from American University. Liz has
experience working both within the federal government and also with grassroots non-profit organizations. As the
Development Coordinator, Liz does whatever is necessary to keep the office running smoothly and works closely
with the Executive Director to ensure future funding for the Dinner Program. To relieve stress, Liz loves to tap
dance, an activity she has enjoyed for the last 18 years.

Kimberley Welborn, Case Management Intern

Kimberley is DPHW’s newest program assistant and case manager. She is currently serving her second year as
an AmeriCorps volunteer as a case management intern with the Dinner Program. Working with underprivileged
and underserved communities in the DC area has allowed her to go the extra mile to achieve the goals of the
organizations with which she has worked. Her passion is Women’s Health, and she has taken numerous courses
in the field, having recently been certified as an HIV tester. After her intended plan of attending Howard
University’s school of social work, she plans to one day operate a program that helps HIV+ women and children
live successfully and healthy lives in the midst of their illness.

2007 Fannie Mae Help The Homeless Walkathon 
Our Most Successful Fundraiser To Date! 
On  November  17,  friends  of  DPHW  gathered  for  
breakfast  together  before  heading  to  the  National 
Mall  to  join  hundreds  of  other 
walkers  at  the  Fannie  Mae   
Walkathon  in  the  fight  to  end     
homelessness. DPHW raised over 
$53,000  ‐  nearly  double  the  amount  raised  in  2006!    Over 
1,100  individuals  registered  and  walked  on  our  behalf,          
including 750 youth from Janney Elementary School, Charles 
E.  Smith  Jewish  Day  School,  and  Time‐Dollar  Youth  Court.  
Sponsors  included  Little  River  United  Church  of  Christ,         
Celerity, and DPHW's own Board of Directors.  
Spring 2008 Page 5
 Volunteer Positions Galore!
When you think of volunteering at DPHW, chances are you imagine yourself in the kitchen chopping
vegetables, serving dinner, or scrubbing away at pots and pans.

Did you know there are many other ways to volunteer with DPHW? Many of these roles are slightly
specialized and great for individuals. The level of commitment varies, and many are perfect for students,
retired adults, or families. Take a look at the list below and see how you might share your talents with DPHW in new and important ways!

Handy-persons: DPHW needs volunteers on an on-call basis to come in to make minor repairs and care for our facility.

Mid-day Computer Lab Attendants: Many of DPHW's clients desire access to our computer lab during the middle of the day. We are looking for
volunteers who can commit just 1 hour each week between 11am - 1pm to supervise the computer lab. No specialized skills are necessary -- just
a basic understanding of the PC, Windows, the internet, and Microsoft Office applications. By giving just one hour per week, you enable over
1,000 people to access computers each year, connecting them to family, housing, and employment resources.

Barbers: Many men who come to DPHW in the morning request the services of a barber. Consider talking to the person who cuts your hair —
ask if he/she might be willing to come to DPHW just once/month to offer men's haircuts.

Donation Pick-up: DPHW receives many calls from caterers, businesses, and other groups with food or supplies to give to DPHW. Unfortunately,
our staff is unable to pick-up much of what is offered. We're looking for volunteers on an on-call basis who are willing to use their own vehicle to
make pick-ups and deliver the goods to DPHW. There are also opportunities for a weekly food pick-up commitment, either from Howard University
or the FreshFarm Farmers' Market in Penn Quarter.

Contribute Supplies: Please see the back page for a wish list of "most wanted" items -- supplies that we urgently need. Consider organizing a
drive in your school, office, place of worship, or neighborhood. If you need some tips for getting started, contact Heather and she can help you out!

Hopefully something here catches your eye or makes you think of someone you know -- spread the word! DPHW needs your help to fill these roles
so that we can continue to provide excellent services to DPHW's homeless residents. If you see a position that suits you, email Heather Prince
Doss at volunteer@dphw.org for more information.

Volunteer Training Now Available! DPHW  could  not  provide  all  its  services  without 
the  unwavering  support  of  ALL  our  volunteers, 
but  some  of  our  volunteers  really  go  above  and 
DPHW has launched a Volunteer Training designed to give
beyond  the  call  of  duty,  spending  hours  of  their 
all of our volunteers (new and current) a thorough
understanding of the important contribution they make to weeks  serving  in  a  variety  of  capacities  here  at 
DPHW. The orientation will offer background on the Dinner Program. Our “Clean Plate Volunteers” 
homelessness in general, an overview of DPHW's mission
from January through April are: 
and services, a look at the experiences of the men and
women who eat at DPHW, and targeted information for
volunteers about procedures and expectations. Upcoming
trainings are on the following dates: Clean Plate Volunteers
Tuesday, June 24, 6:00 - 7:00pm John Darnell Sarah Horn
Tuesday, July 22, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Denise Liggins Amy Weaver
This is a great opportunity for volunteers both new and Callie Markey Miranda Martinez
old, especially given all the changes and growth we've Xi Yang
experienced over the past year.

To RSVP, email Heather at volunteer@dphw.org or call Thank you

202.737.9311 x504 for all you
do!
Page 6 What’s Cooking
 Get Your Rebate. Give It Back! 
Congressional leaders and the White House administration have agreed on an economic stimulus package that 
will soon give most Americans a federal tax rebate between $600 and $1,200. The Catalogue for Philanthropy: 
Greater  Washington encourages metropolitan D.C. residents to give a portion of their tax rebates to small   
local charities that don't have large fundraising staffs but do provide critical services to those in need. 
 
"Small charities are well‐positioned to respond to specific needs in the community but they can be particularly 
vulnerable when the economy falters," says Barbara Harman, President of the Catalogue. "During this time of 
economic stress, it's important not to forget those who are most in need. Donating a portion of your tax rebate 
is a good way to begin making a difference."  DPHW was chosen as an honored charity for the 2008 Catalogue 
for Philanthropy!  

If you would like to donate a portion or all of your tax rebate to the Dinner   
Program and help us provide much‐needed food and  emergency services 
for downtown DC’s homeless population, please go to our website, 
www.dphw.org, and click on the “Get Involved” link. We thank you for 
your support! 

Recent Donors — Gifts That Keep On Giving

Individual Donors  Foundations and Organizations  
   
Ms. Lucy G. Barber  Mr. John Panker  Buchly Charity Fund of Federal Lodge #1 FAAM 
Mr. Edward and Mrs. Kathleen Beal  Mr. Murray and Mrs. Pamela Penner  The Charles Delmar Foundation 
Ms. Rebecca Blank and Mr. Hanns Kuttner  First Congregational Church 
Mr. Jack and Mrs. Toska Prather 
Mr. John Buckley  Gives, Inc. 
Mr. Arunkumar Reddy 
Mr. Stephen and Mrs. Faith Czecha  Kane Charitable Fund 
Mrs. Judith and Mr. Malcolm Davis  Ms. Yvonne Rice  Metropolitan Community Church of Christ 
Mr. Philip Esocoff and Ms. Amy Weinstein  Mr. Stephen Robertson and Ms. Susan 
National Association of Women MBA's, GWU Chapter 
Mr. Maurice Flagg  the Peacock 
Prince Charitable Trusts 
Ms. Lorraine Schulte Barry  Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ 
Mr. James and Mrs. Arlene Green 
Mrs. Jean Schiro‐Zavela and Mr. Vance  Rock Spring Women's Fellowship 
Ms. Edith Holleman 
the Zavela 
Ms. Jennie Hunt  Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament 
Miss Jennifer Kemp  Mrs. Sally Smith  St. Raphael's Church 
Ms. Janice Linehan  Dr. Jack and Mrs. Laura Summer  The Frances and Benjamin Beneson Foundation, Inc. 
Ms. Margaret Lorenz  Mr. Shiro and Mrs. Fumiko Tanaka 
Mr. George and Mrs. Frances Madill  Ms. Julia Uota 
Ms. Carolyn Marsh  Ms. Mary Virginia Weschler 
Mrs. Anne and Mr. Hart Nelsen  Mrs. Lois and Mr. Jeffrey Wyatt 
Mrs. Catherine  and Mr. Barry Nestor  Mr. Joseph Zikmund II and Mrs. Barbara 
Ms. Joyce J. Noel  the Brown Zikmund 
Mr. Christopher O'Brien 
Mr. Henry Ozga 

Spring 2008 Page 7

 Wish List
Unfortunately, our budget does not always allow for us to purchase all the needed daily items of our clients.
The Dinner Program relies heavily on donations of items for distribution to the men, women, and children
we serve. All donations are tax deductible. Below is a list of our most desperately needed items this season:

◊ Men and women's underwear ◊ Rain ponchos and umbrellas

(new) and bras (gently used) – ◊ Towels and washcloths
especially in large sizes ◊ Backpacks, duffel bags, hand
◊ New socks carts
◊ Flip-flops and shower shoes ◊ Art supplies
◊ Feminine hygiene products ◊ Greeting cards and postage
◊ Sunscreen stamps
◊ Toiletries (especially hotel- ◊ Bus tokens and Metro passes
sized): Soap; Shampoo; De ◊ Baseball caps, hats, and visors
odorant; Toothbrushes and ◊ DVDs and videos for movie
Toothpaste; Razors; Lotion night

Dinner Program for Homeless Women (DPHW)

309 E Street, NW NONPROFIT
Washington, DC 20001 ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
www.dphw.org PERMIT NO. 00002

Building Community One Meal at a Time...