Dear Ward 8 Residents:

We are all sad to hear of the passing of Ms. Mary Cuthbert - a true Ward 8 legend. 

Mary was as tough as they come. She was fearless and advocated unapologetically for District residents, especially those in Ward 8. Mary was not one to mince words; she told it like it was. 

I smile, thinking back to our conversations. When speaking about her mode of transportation, Mary would say she had a BMW, but she did not mean the luxury car. Instead, she created the fun acronym that stood for "Bike, Metro, Walk" and would offer a slight grin at her cleverness when explaining this to someone new. These qualities and so many more are what we all loved and could expect from her. 

Mary held several leadership positions, including Vice President of the Ward 8 Democrats; Committee member of the DC Democratic State Committee; President of the Congress Heights Community Association; President of the 7th District Citizens Advisory Council, and 34 years of committed services as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner.

It is important to give people their flowers while they are alive to receive them. In June 2019, I introduced a ceremonial resolution for Mary to honor her lifelong community leadership and recognize her commitment to service.

There will never be another Mary Cuthbert. She will be missed.

Respectfully,

 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2022

CONTACT: 
Kevin Valentine Jr. (DHS); (202) 316-0832; [email protected]

DHS identifies possible compromised benefits
Potentially impacted customers should file a police report and contact DHS’ Office of Program Review, Monitoring and Investigation 

(WASHINGTON, DC) – On March 1, 2022, the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) began receiving calls from residents who reported missing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits from their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.

The DHS Office of Program Review, Monitoring and Investigation (OPRMI) preliminarily investigated the disbursement and availability of TANF benefits and identified a pattern consistent with possible compromised benefits. Once the pattern was identified, OPRMI began collecting data and notifying proper DHS personnel.

“We understand how crucial benefits assistance is for our residents and theft of these essential supports is unconscionable,” said Laura Green Zeilinger, Director of DHS. “I’d like to make three things clear: first, we will work with our families to replace funds that were wrongfully removed from their accounts; second, we will closely collaborate with law enforcement to be sure those responsible are held fully accountable; and finally, residents can protect their benefits and stop potential bad actors by heeding our call to immediately change their PIN.”

If you believe your DHS public assistance benefits have been compromised, please:

• File a report with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) by one of the following:
  • Call 311 and report a financial or cyber crime
  • If you are outside DC, you may call (202) 265-9100
  • Visit the nearest MPD station and ask an officer to take file a report and forward it to OPRMI
     
•  File a report with DHS’ OPRMI using one of the options below:
  • Call the 24-hour OPRMI hotline at (202) 673-4464
    • The voicemail should include full name and date of birth
  • Call to speak directly with DHS personnel (202) 671-4460, then press “3” for a live representative between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • DHS has increased staffing to handle an influx of calls, but please expect extended wait times
  • Email [email protected] with the subject “TANF benefit compromised,” and provide pertinent details of your case and the following information:
    • name
    • date of birth
    • the number from the associated police report
    • a phone number where you can be reached
• Visit the online portal: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/fraud and click “Fraud Allegation Form” 

As a reminder, EBT cards are like credit cards and should be kept in a safe place. Do not share your PIN or give out your EBT number. As a precaution, DHS is completing a general assessment of benefits for inconsistencies. For general information about eligibility or information about your case, please call DHS’ Economic Security Administration’s (ESA) Public Benefits call center at 202-727-5355.

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At the District's COVID Centers, individuals will have access to vaccinations, boosters, and take-home rapid antigen tests. There is also a new walk-up testing opportunity which will allow residents to administer and register a PCR test themselves.

Councilmember Trayon White joined students, teachers and administrators at Ketcham Elementary School for their "Read Across America Day" event.

Ketcham prides itself on teaching its students how to read by giving them the foundation needed to defy the rigors of college and excel in their future careers.

Councilmember Trayon White joined Ms. Leadholm's 2nd grade class at Malcolm X Elementary School, during an assignment needed to finish their social studies unit. 

"The students have taken their learning very seriously and created a Mock DC Council to learn about government and law." stated Councilmember White. "This right here, is the future."

March 2022
Meetings & Hearings Schedule