A couple of years ago, we worked with a local journalist, Megan Rummler, to shed light on a story about how Community Connections, a non-profit mental health agency based in Washington, D.C. was awarded a grant by The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). This grant helped them launch a program called “Ward 8 Speedy Greens” which not only transformed the lives of several young adults, but also tackled food access issues in the Ward 8 section of Southeast Washington, D.C.
Breonna, Khalil, Shaquilla, Orlando, and Daquan, are only a few of many Transition Age Youth that may have possibly grown up to their middle ages to be in a hospital, in prison, or an addition to the thousands of homeless people in the streets of DC if it weren’t for programs like Ward 8 Speedy Greens. The program not only equips them with personal and professional skills that could give them a chance in real entrepreneurship for a better future, but it also empowers them to take action on a very important issue of the “food deserts” in D.C.’s Southeast quadrant, specifically east of the Potomac and Anacostia River.
It was extremely humbling and inspiring to say the least to be able capture their story with Megan and help celebrate their efforts to actively address some of the lingering effects of systemic inequality in our nation’s capital.
“Ward 8 Speedy Greens” has since changed their name to “Ward 8 Farmers Market”. Find out more info and how to support their team by visiting their website here.
For more info on Community Connections and how you could support, visit their website here.
