The following lists components of our work at Benning Terrace:

BENNING TERRACE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER

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 Community Resource Center 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.