East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership
Benning Terrace Intervention and Prevention Program
The East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership (ERCPCP), along with local churches, non-profits, criminal justice entities, government agencies, and community residents, is working to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life for youth and families residing in the Benning Terrace (BT) public housing community. There are 273 apartment units and over 1,100 residents in this community, which is located in Southeast Washington, DC, between Alabama Avenue and Benning Road on G Street, SE.
The following lists components of our work at Benning Terrace:
BENNINGTERRACECOMMUNITYRESOURCECENTER
Staff research and provide referral and support services to youth and adults five days per week using the Community Resource Center (CRC), an apartment unit located in the Benning Terrace community. The CRC implements a variety of outreach activities such as: handing out flyers about upcoming events, signing up residents for programs and services, and giving out free resources.These activities foster relationships that lead to staff further assisting residents in reaching their goals and meeting their needs. The CRC has also collaborated with partners to host a variety of community events and programs such as: community service projects, MLK Day activities, basketball tournaments, summer feeding programs, government information fairs, medical assistance programs, and holiday parties.
PARTNERSHIP WITH METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
Since March, 2004, two Metropolitan Police Officers have worked in the Benning Terrace community.They focus on prevention as well as community policing; and they utilize the CommunityResourceCenter as a base for office and case work.Their presence has greatly reduced crime and increased public safety.
AFTER-SCHOOL AND SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS
ERCPCP works with partners to plan and implement recreational, cultural, educational, and service-oriented activities for approximately 100 Benning Terrace youth. Examples of such activities include: local basketball leagues, DC Young Life’s arts program, DC CHILL’s snowboarding program, ice skating, attending professional basketball and soccer games, college tours, visiting museums on the National Mall, participating in the Walk for the Homeless, summer employment, and week-long summer camps. A focus on developing life skills is integrated into all of our youth programming.
From January 2007 – June 2007, ERCPCP is implementing an after school tutoring program for middle and high school aged youth.This program is designed to prevent youth violence using service-learning projects, educate those interested in post-secondary education opportunities, and give youth one-on-one assistance with their educational needs.
For more information about ERCPCP's work at Benning Terrace, please contact
