Washington, DC–The Department of Human Services (DHS) Faith Based Partnership & Advisory Board will join forces with the DC Coalition for the Homeless to provide free services for approximately 70 DC Village homeless families and to recognize the mothers of those families Saturday, May 7, 2005, from 11:00am and 3:00pm at DC Village in Building #2, DC Village Lane, SW, Washington, DC.

“This event is a part of our continued outreach efforts to bring support and resources directly to the District residents who need them most,” said DHS Director Yvonne Gilchrist. “But as we approach Mother’s Day, we also wanted to send the message to the mothers who reside in our shelters that, despite their current challenges, they are special too.”

Working from the theme, “Leaving No Mother Behind,” DHS and more than 15 organizations, including District government agencies, and faith and community based organizations, will provide free services that include, health-care, summer youth employment, early childhood development, literacy materials to promote economic self-sufficiency and overall social wellness.  In addition to free services, mothers at each of the DC Village facilities will be given a rose and a card.

“Though the theme of this event relates to Mother’s Day, this is a collaborative effort to connect all of the 25 fathers, 60 mothers, and 150 children currently residing at DC Village with the information and services they need to achieve an attainable level of self-sufficiency,” Gilchrist said.

The event is part of the DHS Community Services Division’s “Reclaiming Our Families Through Unity In Our Community” Project, which is a series of community outreach efforts that provide free services to District residents in at-risk communities.