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Since its genesis in August 1999, the East of the River Clergy, Police, Community Partnership (ERCPCP) has made dramatic strides in reducing violent crime among youths in the Southeast area of Washington, D.C. The Southeast section has the city’s highest rates of homicide, highest rates of teen pregnancy, and lowest rates of educational achievement. The collaboration among churches, law enforcement, social service agencies and area residents holds considerable promise to begin renewal and rebirth in neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River.
ERCPCP’s mission is to reverse the incidence of violent crimes, reduce the rate of recidivism, and foster educational achievement. It works with youth already in the criminal justice system or at greatest risk of dropping out of school. An intervention based model, ERCPCP seeks to change the direction of youth who perpetrate violent crimes and serve as new recruits for violence and failure because of educational dysfunction and disinterest.
ERCPCP provides some direct services, but moreso works with numerous community partners, coordinating service delivery and providing intake and referrals of at risk youth.
School Based Programs
Value Centered Outreach Activities
ERCPCP sponsors several special events to reach out to at-risk young people in the community. Among them are the 40 Days of Increased Peace, the Girl Talk Conference and the Man 2 Man Conference.
Community Based Programs
Breaking Down Barriers
ERCPCP sponsors activities to increase interaction, understanding and unity between youth and other sectors of the community.
Benning Terrace Youth Intervention Program
In response to the increased incidents of auto theft and vehicular homicide occurring in the Benning Terrace/Benning Heights area in August, 2003, East of the River Clergy, Police, Community Partnership (ERCPCP) assumed a coordinating role for several organizations and groups who sought positive change for those living in Benning Terrace. Over the past 4 years, a myriad of programs, services, and resources have impacted this public housing community, helping it to become a safe, healthy, and self-sustaining neighborhood.
Frederick Douglass Memorial Weed & Seed
ERCPCP coordinates this Weed & Seed community where law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" violent criminals and drug abusers and public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to "seed" much-needed human services. A community-oriented policing component bridges the weeding and seeding elements.
Project NIA: Mentoring With A Purpose
ERCPCP partners with the Peaceoholics to host a mentoring program serving District of Columbia youth, between the ages of 8-18, who have a parent or family member incarcerated. The program is designed to support positive growth and development through mentorship. We strive to protect, nurture and empower healthy and productive youth by strengthening their self-identity and self-worth, and encouraging positive life choices.
Ready2Work Workforce Development Program
ERCPCP hosts a workforce development program that focuses on developing and enhancing life, work and employment skills among residents specifically in Wards 7 and 8 as well as Washington, D.C. at large. This is accomplished through weekly training classes which focus on resume building, job research skills, mock interviews, self-concept/self esteem, money management and personal development and growth. The READY2Work Program also incorporates attitude and customer service components in the program to ensure that no aspect of the fully productive employee is left unaddressed. ERCPCP believes, as well as past participants, that this approach improves the participant’s outlook on the employment process and on becoming a positive contributor to the District community which will improve the communities in which our participants reside.
Washington Highlands Strong Community Project
ERCPCP coordinates efforts to work with male and female young adults living in the Washington Highlands community who are between the ages of 13 and 24. ERCPCP on site staff and outreach workers provide academic, career-oriented trainings, recreational services, mentoring services, a rites of passage program; and a youth leadership council.
The Woodland Terrace Public Housing Safety Initiative works to meet the needs of families in the Woodland Terrace community. This is done by identifying young people 8-27 years of age, , developing assets for positive development via community strengthening activities, and sustaining programming by creating collaborations and partnerships with other service and community organizations.
Re-Entry Programs
Faith-Based Transitional Housing Program
ERCPCP’s housing efforts include the provision of transitional housing to its participants and affordable housing to citizens east of the river. Our housing program consists of a monitored, well-structured and a strictly supervised facility which has 24 hour on-site monitoring, curfews, random room inspections, weekly/daily groups, employment/substance abuse referrals, and drug and alcohol testing. Once individuals have successfully completed the initial phase of the transitional housing program at this facility, ERCPCP assists residents in securing long-term housing.
Other Services
AmeriCorps*VISTA
ERCPCP has teamed up with AmeriCorps*VISTA and acquired several volunteers to assist in our organizational capacity building in several program areas.
Volunteer Opportunities
ERCPCP has many volunteer opportunities for individuals wanting to serve their community. Our volunteer activities range from assisting with planning and organizing an event, to mentoring a young person. Click here for our volunteer application.
Combined Federal Campaign Designation Number
31960
East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership, Inc.
4105 First Street, SE · Washington, DC 20032 · (202) 373-5767 phone · (202) 373-5769 fax
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