Dear Ward 8 Residents,

Councilmember Trayon White, in partnership with the Ward 8 Health Council, is back to host its annual Resources to the Block (RTTB) / Ward 8 Health Pop-Ups. Councilmember Trayon White established this annual initiative to bring supportive services to individuals in the community that need them the most.

RTTB is an ongoing engagement opportunity to connect residents with resources such as substance abuse programs, employment opportunities, health services, trauma counseling, and individuals "On the block" who may not seek assistance on their own. Councilmember White will also highlight his legislative record.

We are looking to partner with organizations that can bring services to neighborhoods from June 18th until August 20th. If you want to partner with us, please register at: [link removed] ([link removed]) . For more information, contact Jules Jessie at [email protected]

Regards,

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.


** Quick Links
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* Need a Test? Get a Test: Learn more about COVID-19 testing sites ([link removed])
* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2021 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])

May is Mental Health Awareness month. It is a time to highlight the importance of mental health and call on communities to prioritize mental health resources and accessibility.

As May draws to a close, we want to leave you with some helpful reminders that will support your journey of mental health.

1. It’s okay if you’re struggling.
The more you pressure yourself into having everything figured out, the more you’re going to frustrate yourself. Let yourself feel the way you do, and only then can you let go.

2. Take necessary breaks.
It can be exhausting to constantly be there everyone, all the time. Take necessary breaks. Do not push yourself to the point of burnout.

3. Physical activity goes a long way.
Physical activity releases endorphins in the body that help you feel good. Set some time out for a walk, take a yoga class, or play with your kids at the park.

4. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
We’re constantly being reminded of the bad that is happening around the world, rather than being reminded of the positives. Remind yourself every day that there is a light and it will always be there if you look for it.

5. Stay connected with friends & family.
Find your support group within your family or friends and make a plan or seek out new activities where you can connect with new people like a club, class, or support group.

6. You deserve to be happy.
When we struggle with our mental health, we often struggle with our self-esteem. We start to think that we aren’t deserving of the things that we have. That’s simply not true. You deserve happiness. We all do.

7. You will come out of this much stronger.
You might not feel like you are at your strongest right now and that’s completely understandable. Just know that you have come this far and you are doing extremely well. You will come out on the other side as a much stronger person.

8. Have positive self-talk.
It’s common to get into cycles of speaking negatively to ourselves. Recognizing and making changes to how we speak to ourselves can make a large difference in our mood.

9. Mental health is a journey.
Mental health is a journey; it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It can be complicated, messy, ugly, and sad. It can also be powerful, uplifting, combative, and positive. There will be peaks and valleys, but knowing that it is all part of the journey can provide comfort in those times when you feel like giving up.

10. You are not alone.
Mental health impacts everyone – even though we’re unique, our experiences can look, feel, and sound so similar. Even though we can feel alone, the mental health community is strong, and we’re always stronger together.


** DPR Summer Employment
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Department of Parls & Recreation has over 700 jobs available in various areas. Join #WhereFunHappens ([link removed]) in DC. Visit [link removed] ([link removed]) for more information.

This week, Mayor Bowser and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced that the District is seeking DC residents for referral to work ([link removed]) at the upcoming SOMETHING IN THE WATER festival, taking place June 17-19.

In April, Pharrell Williams and Mayor Bowser announced that the three-day festival will be held in the District on Independence Avenue, SW.

Residents interested in applying should visit does.dc.gov/page/something-water-2022-festival ([link removed]) . For more information about the festival, visit somethinginthewater.com ([link removed]) .
Have you checked out the 2021 Progress Report? Click the link below and see exactly what progress Councilmember Trayon White has made for Ward 8 residents.
Click To Here See The 2021 Progress Report ([link removed])
Councilmember White Joins Seniors at the Senior Fest: The Homecoming 2022

On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation hosted its annual Senior Fest at the Gateway Pavilion in Ward 8.

The event featured music, live entertainment from the Side by Side Band, exhibitors, health screenings, games, and much more.

Open Streets DC kicks off its neighborhood engagements in Ward 8.

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, Open Streets kicked off its neighborhood engagements on Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE. Open Streets is a global initiative that offers communities the opportunity to experience their city streets in a whole new way. Open Streets events temporarily close roadways to vehicles to provide safe spaces for walking, biking, skating, and other social activities.
[link removed]
[Click to Watch]


** Meetings & Hearings schedule
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Week of May 22 - June 4, 2022
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:30pm
CLOSED Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Wendy Glenn: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Director, Constituent Services
Department of Employment Services
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
DCACL
ERCPCP/ACC Faith Leaders

Louise Thorne: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
DC Public Schools
DC Housing Authority
Department of Human Services
Utilities: PEPCO, DC Water, Washington Gas
Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Eric Cleckley: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
District Department of Transportation
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Department of Energy and Environment

James Wood: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Works
Senior Related Issues

For all other constituent services concerns, please contact Wendy Glenn.

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Ward 8 Outreach

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