Local
3 Minute Interview-Grant
By: Bill Myers
Examiner Staff Writer
December 15, 2008
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How important is the grant?
It’s very important because we can extend more of the services to young people who live in the area.
Where do the kids come from?
They come from Wards 6, 7 and 8.
How do you find them?
Sometimes they’re referred to us — schools, other community-based organizations, word of mouth.
Has the work made a difference?
We believe so. We’ve had success with hundreds of corps members, helping them change their lives around, get jobs, get back into school.
How many kids have passed through the program?
About 400.
What’s happened to them?
A number of things. In a nutshell, they’ve been able to contribute to society.
How’s the Anacostia doing?
There is still much more work to be done. But it’s much cleaner than when we started in 1989.
When kids first hear about the program, are they skeptical?
Well, I think they first see an opportunity for the job. If they’re skeptical, they’re wondering how environmental education leads to a paying job. But they are hardworking. They just need some structure. They want to change their lives around. Most of the corps members are voluntary.
Are you glad you signed on?
Oh, absolutely, because the need is here. And if we don’t invest in our youth today — all of them, not just the ones who are doing well — we pay for them one way or another. It’s a no-brainer for me. I wish I didn’t have a job in this area, but the need is there. There are too many children we’re losing to the streets.
