PACT Program Launch Day

Our Thanksgiving themed launch party for “The Pact” mentorship program was a great success! We hosted the event at the National Childrens Museum in Washington D. C. The evening was jam-packed with activities ranging from a scavenger hunt, group building activities, a panel discussion led by our distinguished guests and a soul food dinner buffet provided by Della J’s! It is so impactful to spend time with the youth in Southeast DC community and they definitely need our help! We will continue to grow this program with one goal in mind- changing the culture of these communities through mentorship.

update 1: Community library

Members of the Hearts of Empowerment executive team spent the day putting together a neighborhood book exchange for the residents of Webster Garden Apartments. The community library is sourced from donated books and encourages children and adults of all ages to enjoy a nice read. If you’d like to support the neighborhood book exchange, please contact us at contact@heartsofempowerment.org

update 2: Gardening & Ice Cream!

Along with the children and families of this community, our organization hosted a gardening project that allowed us to teach the youth about the importance of sustainable gardening. The families and children have found great interest in gardening and along with our 6 volunteers, we were able to renovate their garden plots and plant new seeds for the summer. As summer continues, the residents will see lettuce, carrots, herbs, and much more arise which they will be able to take home and cook.

To celebrate this new project, an Ice Cream Social was held afterwards as it gave the residents and our organization the opportunity to interact and learn more about our upcoming projects that are targeted to address their needs.

Update 3: Parent Appreciation Night 

Along with the children and parents of Webster Garden, our organization hosted a Parent Appreciation Night. Multiple families joined our Executive Team and volunteers for a night of fun. Our team was able to spend time with the youth and provide insight on the importance of cooking, as they prepared a meal for their parents. Together we were able to teach them not only how to roll their own pizza dough but the valuable lessons that come with being in the kitchen: Health, Family, Culture, and Independence.

Update 4: NBA Fun!

We had the opportunity to take some of our PACT program kids to the wizards game for a night of fun and fellowship. We’d like to give a special shoutout to the Washington Wizards staff for the hospitality and to our program director Jared Green for his dedication to getting this program off the ground.

Update 5: Summer Block Party

Recently Hearts of Empowerment and its partner, Housing Up, held an event to better serve the residents of Webster Garden Apartments in Washington DC.

Along with the families of Webster Garden, our organization hosted a Summer Block Party. Multiple families joined our Hearts of Empowerment Team and volunteers for a night of fun. Our team was able to spend time and bond with the youth and parents of this amazing community. A delicious BBQ dinner was served as residents enjoyed a summer night of activities, food, and family portraits.

We had a great time hosting our 4th monthly event with the community of Webster Apartments.

Update 6: BARD hs Boys Basketball Dinner

Let us start by saying CONGRATS to the Bard HS Boys Basketball for an absolutely incredible 2021-2022 season.These young men faced immense adversity all season long, which only made their trip to the DSCAA State Championship sweeter.

The Bard HS Boys Basketball is a FIRST year program which doesn’t have a home gym for practice or games and minimal training equipment. These young men were big believers in themselves despite not having the same resources and opportunities as their contemporaries. Their limited resources didn't stop them from outworking their competition and is something Hearts of Empowerment wanted to celebrate.

We came together as a family and hosted a celebratory banquet which highlighted both on and off the court accomplishments. We look forward to supporting these young men next season and getting them prepared with all of the proper equipment and resources!

Update 7: Science Project Night 

Along with the children and parents of Webster Garden, our organization hosted a Project Night. Our team was able to teach the youth children how exciting and important science can be! The kids had an amazing time, and we were able to provide their parents a night of peace and quiet as they were given a spa gift basket to enjoy at home!

Update 8: Halloween night!

Along with the children and parents of Webster Garden, our organization hosted a Halloween Night where the kids were able to show off their amazing costumes! 

We had a great time hosting our 6th monthly event with the community of Webster Apartments.

Update 9: Thanksgiving

Along with the children and parents of Webster Garden, our organization celebrated Thanksgiving with them! Children were able to engage in arts and crafts and enjoy a warm thanksgiving meal.

We had a great time hosting our 7th monthly event with the community of Webster Apartments.

Update 10: christmas

We celebrated the Holiday Season by taking the children of Webster Gardens on a Christmas Light Show across DC! The children were able to see the exciting Holidays lights across the city.

It's been a pleasure serving Webster Garden for the past year! We look forward to serving them in 2022.

Update 11: Valentines Day

It’s a new year and we’re back with our favorite community, Housing Up at Webster Gardens! We kicked off the year by celebrating Valentine's Day with the children and family of Webster Garden Apartments! 

We’re excited to have hosted our first event of the year with them and have a long year of events planned!

Update 12: Spring community day

We had so much fun hosting a Spring Community Day together for the residents! We played games, ate pizza, and enjoyed each other’s company as we rang in the new season.

Update 13: Easter day

As the weather got warmer, we took our favorite community out to celebrate Easter. This month we gathered the families of Webster Garden and hosted an Easter Egg Hunt. The children had a great time running around and breaking bread after.

Update 14: Mother’s day

Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world! We dedicated our event with Housing Up to the mothers who are doing all they can to make ends meet and provide for their families. We wanted to show our appreciation by helping the kids make cards for the mother figures in their lives.

Happy Mother’s Day from the Hearts of Empowerment family

Update 15: Summer Fun!

As always, we had a blast with our friends at Webster Garden Apartments! We decorated pots for the kids to take home & plant seeds in, cleaned up the garden, and played games. The night was complete with dinner from Roaming Rooster!

It’s always a pleasure hanging out with this community and we’re excited for our next event together!

Update 16: Summer Project!

Recently Hearts of Empowerment and its partner, Housing Up, held an event to better serve the residents of Webster Garden Apartments in Washington DC. 

This month we gathered the families of Webster Garden and hosted a science night! The children had a great time conducting volcano eruptions and learning about the role science plays in our daily lives. We also enjoyed some games and had pizza to cap off the night!

Update 17: Movie Night!

The Webster Gardens neighborhood celebrated the start of the school year with a special movie day. Residents gathered in the community room to watch a family-friendly film, and were treated to popcorn and ice cream. Backpacks filled with school supplies were also distributed to families in need. Every child in attendance went home with a backpack full of essential supplies. It was a fun-filled day for everyone involved, and a great way to kick off the new school year!

Update 18: Making Lava lamps!

Recently Hearts of Empowerment and its partner, Housing Up, held an event to better serve the residents of Webster Garden Apartments in Washington DC.

This month we gathered the families of Webster Garden and hosted a lava lamp science project! The children had a great time getting messy with their experiment. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we also brought Hispanic food from Central America and discussed the importance of honoring different cultures. 

UPDATE 19: Halloween!

Halloween was a blast! The kids really got into the spirit of things by dressing up in their Halloween best. We played games, ate candy, and just had a ton of fun. We think the highlight for everyone was when we did the face painting! It was great to see all the creativity that went into each outfit. All in all, it was just a great evening spent with some amazing families. We’re already looking forward to the next event!

UPDATE 20: Thanksgiving!

Last week we had a joyous occasion at Webster Gardens Apartments, with our Housing Hearts Thanksgiving Feast! In celebration of the upcoming holiday, residents throughout our community gathered in the common room to join us in an evening of fun. There were arts and crafts projects for everyone to get involved with, creating amazing hand turkeys and paintings. Of course, no Thanksgiving celebration would be complete without a delicious meal - we had a sumptuous feast catered by local eateries. All told it was an unforgettable night filled with music, laughter, and genuine connection - a great reminder of all we have to be thankful for this season. We want to thank our staff that attended and all the wonderful people here at Webster Gardens Apartments for making our Housing Hearts Program such a success! It was truly something special.

Update 21: Christmas from the heart!

For the past two years, team members and volunteers have spent their Friday evenings in the community room of Webster Garden Apartments, In Washington DC. 

Through the course of serving the families of Webster Garden, Important friendships and bonds have formed. We felt that we wanted to make this Christmas special for our dear friends. Earlier this month we launched our Christmas From The Heart Fundraiser and let us tell you, we killed it. 

Our initial goal was to provide gifts to 50 children within our Housing Hearts program. Due to the generosity and support of our supporters, we were able to surpass that goal and provided Christmas gifts to over 600 children! We were able to adopt other housing units and spread the holiday joy with them. 

We are aware that our group of supporters are special and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of many within our community. The joy and happiness that was spread to all 600 children was special. We thank you.

Update 22: new year, new goals!

We had a memorable evening where all the kids participated in creating vision boards for the year 2023. Each child was given the opportunity to express their goals and aspirations for the coming year. The kids were full of creativity and enthusiasm as they worked on their boards. After the activity, everyone was treated to a fun-filled evening with games, laughter and delicious pizza. The joy and excitement on the kids' faces as they shared their vision boards was truly priceless. This event showcased the power of community and the importance of supporting one another in achieving our dreams. It was a night to remember and a testament to the impact of our Housing Hearts program.

Update 23: Black history Month

Our visit to the African American Museum in Washington D.C. with our friends from Webster Gardens was truly unforgettable. The museum provided us with a powerful reminder that Black history is an essential part of American history. As we explored the exhibits, we learned so much about the important contributions of Black Americans to our country's history and culture. From the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights movement to the achievements of Black inventors, artists, writers, and leaders, we were struck by the richness and diversity of our shared history. We left the museum with a renewed appreciation for the complex and multifaceted story of America, and a commitment to continuing to learn, grow, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives that make our country great.

Update 24: Arts & Crafts Night!

Our team had the pleasure of hosting an arts and craft night at Webster Garden Apartments, where we spent a fun-filled evening creating wonderful crafts with the residents. In addition to the indoor activities, we also enjoyed some outdoor games and activities. We strongly believe in the importance of connecting with our community, and this experience was another reminder of why. The smiles on the faces of the residents were priceless, and we feel privileged to have been a part of this initiative. It was an incredible way to give back and spread some joy, and we look forward to more opportunities to do so in the future.

Update 25: easter Egg Hunt!

Over the recent Easter weekend, we had the privilege of hosting an Easter egg hunt for the vibrant children of the Webster Garden community. The event was marked by an abundance of laughter, joy, and a delightful array of activities. The children enthusiastically embarked on a quest to discover hidden treasures, engaging in lively games, all while enjoying the company of one another. To further enhance the festive spirit, we indulged in some amazing pizza, adding a flavorful touch to the occasion.

Update 26: Learning about Plants & Gardening!

We had the wonderful opportunity to educate the children of the Webster Garden community about the fascinating world of plant life and the incredible process of photosynthesis. Alongside that, we shared our knowledge about gardening, introducing them to various techniques for nurturing thriving green spaces. To make the experience even more engaging, we guided the children as they planted their very own vegetables, allowing them to experience the joy of hands-on cultivation. As a delightful finale to our enriching session, we all savored mouthwatering tacos, adding a delicious touch of culinary delight to our time together.

Update 27: A Trip to Six Flags!

We had the incredible opportunity to take the children from our PACT Program on a thrilling field trip to Six Flags. The day was filled with laughter, excitement, and shared moments of overcoming fears. As we rode the exhilarating roller coasters together, we saw the children's eyes light up with courage and determination. It was heartwarming to witness their expressions change to pure joy as they conquered their fears. This field trip not only provided a day of fun and adventure but also served as a reminder to the children that they are capable of facing and conquering any challenge that comes their way. By offering these young individuals an opportunity to explore a world of adventure, we aimed to instill confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. It was a truly unforgettable experience for all involved.

Update 28: Back to school drive!

As the summer sun dipped below the horizon, Webster Garden families came together for an unforgettable night, bidding farewell to vacation days and ushering in the new school year with boundless joy! It was a lively evening filled with laughter, games, and an abundance of mouthwatering treats. Our Back-to-School Drive was the ultimate summer swan song! From thrilling games to interactive activities, we transformed the Webster Garden grounds into an amusement park of excitement. The giggles and grins of children echoed as they darted from one adventure to the next. The highlight of the evening was our heartwarming mission to help eager young minds gear up for their academic journey. We watched in delight as the kids gleefully filled their brand-new backpacks with all the supplies they needed to conquer the challenges ahead. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our community. We extend our deepest thanks to every supporter who spread the word and generously donated. Because of your unwavering commitment, dozens of students now have the tools they need to succeed! Check out our photo gallery for snapshots of the unforgettable night. Relive the magic, the smiles, and the camaraderie that made this Back-to-School Drive truly special. Thank you for being a part of our mission to empower young minds and create lasting memories.

Update 29: financial literacy Class!

We recently hosted our first Financial Literacy Class as part of our PACT Program in Washington, D.C. While the kids had a great time playing with our team, parents had the valuable opportunity to hear from financial experts from Navy Federal.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Navy Federal for taking the lead in this class and providing our participants with essential takeaways. This event represents a significant stride in our mission to create more equitable opportunities for our underserved community neighbors.

update 30: HALLOWEEN!

Our annual Halloween hangout at Webster Garden Apartments in D.C. with our PACT families has quickly become one of our favorite traditions. It's a time when we all come together, have a blast playing games, getting creative with pumpkin and face painting, marveling at awesome costumes, and savoring some delicious food. These events have a special place in our hearts, and these families have become like our extended family.

It's these moments that we eagerly look forward to each year, a chance to bond and create lasting memories with our PACT community. We value the connections we've formed, and it's these simple joys that remind us of the importance of togetherness.

Update 31: Thanksgiving!

At the Webster Garden Apartments, the spirit of gratitude came alive during our Thanksgiving event with the residents. Gathered around tables adorned with autumnal hues, we shared not only a delicious Thanksgiving meal but also the warmth of companionship. Laughter echoed through the air as we engaged in lively games and expressed our creativity through art and crafts. Amidst the festivities, an important moment unfolded as each person took a moment to reflect on their blessings and wrote down what they were thankful for. The atmosphere was one of joy and appreciation, fostering a sense of community and connection that made this Thanksgiving a truly memorable occasion for all at Webster Garden.

Update 33: Christmas

We are thrilled to share the joy of Christmas and the holiday spirit with the wonderful families of Webster Garden Apartments. Teaming up with our friends at DKS Apparel, we embarked on a heartwarming journey filled with great food, fantastic company, and the magical vibes of the season. A heartfelt thank you to the DKS Apparel Team for generously providing gifts and volunteering their time. The success of our holiday projects wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, whose efforts made this festive season truly special. Special gratitude also goes to F1 Castle for hosting an incredible fundraiser, enabling us to bring smiles and gifts to families across all our holiday initiatives. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays filled with love, warmth, and community spirit. Together, we make a difference!

Update 34: Bringing in the New Year!

Entering the new year with positivity and excitement! Our time spent with the residents of Webster Gardens Apartments in D.C. was truly delightful as we engaged in the creative process of crafting vision boards for the year ahead. We embraced the opportunity to set our intentions for 2024, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment. Together, we embark on this journey with hearts full of hope and optimism, ready to seize the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead

Update 35: Valentine’s Day!

This Valentine's Day, the Webster Garden families took center stage as our cherished valentines. It was an absolute delight to spend quality time with them, engaging in a variety of heartwarming activities. From getting creative with arts and crafts to indulging in delicious food and sharing laughter through games, the atmosphere was filled with joy and love. The palpable positive energy uplifted spirits, making it a memorable celebration for all involved. As the festivities concluded, our heartfelt wish is for everyone to have experienced an extraordinary Valentine's Day, brimming with warmth and happiness.

Update 36: Easter!

Our Easter event at Webster Garden was an amazing time, brimming with joyous moments and cherished family bonds. As we immersed ourselves in the festivities, the air was alive with laughter and excitement, echoing throughout. From the egg painting sessions to the great food, every aspect of the day was a testament to the warmth of togetherness. However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the electrifying Easter Egg Hunt, where anticipation soared and hearts raced as we scoured every nook and cranny in search of hidden treasures. As the day drew to a close, our spirits remained high, filled with gratitude for the unforgettable memories forged at Webster Garden. We can’t wait for the next one!