Dear Ward 8 Residents,

Today, the Resources to Empower and Develop You Center (The READY Center) held a soft opening, launching its new location in Ward 8.

The READY Center is a one-stop shop where formerly incarcerated residents can access vital services to help them get back on their feet. District residents released from the DC Department of Correction and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are eligible for services at the center.

Services offered to at the center come through a host of community-based and government agencies, including:
* Department of Corrections
* Department of Motor Vehicles
* Department of Employee Services
* Department of Human Services
* Department of Behavioral Health
* The Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs
* The Mayor's Office on Returning Citizens Affairs
* The Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs
* The Mayor's Office of Veteran Affairs
* DC Public Library

The READY center is located at 3640 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, Washington, DC 20032 and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For more information about connecting with the center, residents can call 202-790-6790 or email [email protected].

Respectfully,
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that all DPR facilities will be closed on Friday, September 29, 2023, for DPR's annual All-Staff Professional Development Conference.

All recreation and community centers, all aquatics facilities, and all DPR administrative offices will be closed. All parks, playgrounds, athletic courts, and fields will be open. Previously permitted events on outdoor spaces will take place as scheduled.

DPR will use this day to convene all the agency's employees to review the level of service DPR provides to DC residents and visitors and to set goals to ensure that residents continue to receive high-quality service at all DPR centers, parks, events, and activities.

All DPR facilities will resume normal business hours on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Should you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the email below or call our Customer Care Center during normal business hours at (202) 673-7647 or send an email to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Who’s ready for #ArtAllNight2023 ([link removed]) ? Mark your calendars and discover the power of the arts at DC Art All Night Sept. 29-30!

With activations in all 8 wards, there is more to explore than ever before. #DCArtAllNight ([link removed])
Need Utility Assistance?

Consumers who are having a problem with their utility services to act sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to apply for financial assistance. With a new fiscal year beginning October 1, consumers receiving aid will need to reapply. Here’s the link ([link removed]) .

If you are behind on your utility bills, or have a complaint against a utility company, don’t hesitate to contact the Office of the People’s Counsel at (202) 727-3071. We stand ready to advocate, educate, and protect!

ADVISORY: The energy assistance centers located at 2100 Martin Luther King Avenue SE & 1207 Taylor Street NW are accepting limited in-person appointments. Applicants must have an appointment to come to the energy assistance centers. To schedule an in-person appointment, please call 311 (202-737-4404). Walk-ins will not be accepted. Applicants may also apply online at ECOS ([link removed]) or by faxing their completed and signed application to 202-671-0802 if you live in Wards 1-6 or 202-673-6725 if you live in Wards 6,7 & 8.


** Services for Income Eligible Residents
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* Receive Help Paying Your Energy Bills (LIHEAP) ([link removed])
* Receive Discounts on Your Utility Bills (UDP) ([link removed])
* Receive Help Paying Your DC Water Bill (LIHWAP) or Discounts on Your DC Water Bill (CRIAC) ([link removed])
* Receive Assistance Replacing Your Partial Lead Service Line (LPRAP) ([link removed])
* Make Your Home More Energy Efficient with the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) ([link removed])
* Reduce Your Electric Bill with Solar for All (SfA) ([link removed])
* Receive Assistance Reducing Lead Paint in Your Home (EERP) ([link removed])


This week, the Council did not have a legislative meeting but the Council’s committees were busy confirming Mayoral and Council appointees through legislative resolutions.

On Monday, September 25th and Tuesday, September 26th, the Committee on Health confirmed several nominees to the Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Board of Medicine. On Tuesday, the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor held a roundtable to confirm Charles Hall Jr. as the new Director of the Department of Human Resources (DCHR), which is the agency responsible for the hiring and management of the District’s workforce, as well as implementing the Summer Youth Employment Program, and apprenticeship and training programs. The Labor Committee also confirmed nominees to the Public Employee Relations Board and the Office of Employee Appeals at the same hearing. The Committee on Public Works and Operations also held a meeting to confirm six new members for the Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday, September 26th, and the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a public roundtable on the nomination of Pamela A. Smith to be the new chief of the
Metropolitan Police Department on Wednesday, September 27th.

One notable measure not confirming an appointee is scheduled for hearings this week. Councilmember White co-introduced the Cost-Free Coverage for Prostate Cancer Screening Amendment Act of 2023, which requires insurers to provide coverage for at least one prostate-specific antigen test and digital rectal exam annually. Prostate cancer disproportionally affects African-American men[DEL: , :DEL] and is the second leading cause of death among men in the United States. The Committee on Business and Economic Development will hold a hearing on this measure on Thursday, September 28th at 10 a.m.

On Wednesday, September 27th, the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs held a public roundtable on PR25-0192 - Board of Library Trustees Maria Peace Confirmation Resolution of 2023. Committee Chairman, Trayon White Sr. conducted the hearing and Mrs. Maria Peace attended. Given the opportunity to speak, she shared her affinity for library services that had grown from a childhood rich with positive experiences at DC public libraries. Mrs. Peace confirmed her commitment to being a member of the Board of Library Trustees.

Maria Peace is the Owner and Project Manager of a local family-owned business, PMGL LLC. As such, Ms. Peace manages all strategic financial budget planning for the company. She and her husband have served families, businesses and government agencies in the District and neighboring areas for over 12 years.

Prior to shifting her focus solely on PMGL LLC in 2019, Ms. Peace dually served as Program Manager at General Electric (GE) - Government Relations Global Research for 14 years. There she served as a liaison between GE and the Global Research Center (GRC) facilities and interfaced with congressional, federal, and executive branches to build long-term relationships. She also translated all strategic budget planning in efforts to financially fund businesses pertaining to technology, research and development within the company for healthcare, power & energy, defense & security, and transportation in Latin America.

In addition to her 20 years in the real estate/development industry, Ms. Peace has held a variety of roles such as Case Manager for The Child Center and Adult Services, Inc., Litigation Analyst at Consolidated Analysis Centers, Inc. CACI - Randstad, and Bilingual Closing Director at Millennium Title and Settlement Co. Inc. A Ward 7 resident, Ms. Peace holds a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s in international trade from Trinity Washington University.

[link removed]
Public Roundtable on PR 25-0192
Board of Library Trustees Maria Peace Confirmation Resolution of 2023
[Click to Watch] ([link removed])

Councilmember White attends Indy.B Mentoring & Modeling Black Tie Ceremony.

September 23, 2023

Over the weekend, Councilmember White was invited to be a guest speaker at Indy.B Mentoring & Modeling Black Tie Award Ceremony. India Blocker, Founder of Indy.B's Mentoring and Modeling expressed how thankful she was to have the support of Councilmember White and thanked him for the role he plays in the community.

WMATA holds a public hearing on proposed changes to Congress Heights Metro Station.

September 25, 2023

Constituent Services Director, Monique Diop attended WMATA's public hearing about the proposed changes to Congress Heights Metro Station. The presentation covered the environmental impacts and modifications of the project and the reconstruction of the Kiss & Ride spaces from 48 to 8. The Kiss & Ride will be relocated to 13th St SE, going behind the metro and avoiding most traffic off Alabama Ave SE. The project was planned in 2012.

The public review and comments period closes on October 5, 2023.


** Quick Links
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* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2021 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2022 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Visit our website w ([link removed]) ww.trayonwhite8.com ([link removed])
* CM White's Social Media Facebook ([link removed]) | Instagram ([link removed]) | Twitter ([link removed])

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** Website ([link removed])

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