(Washington, DC)  The Department of Employment Services today announced the opening of the new West Side Waterfront Business Resource Center which will provide local residents with easy-to-access information about waterfront revitalization efforts, transportation improvements and job opportunities.  The Center is located at the Matthew Henson Center in southwest Washington. 

This morning, at the Frederick Douglas Bridge “Extreme Makeover” Briefing, the Department of Employment Services (DOES), the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Earth Conservation Corps, opened the doors of the jointly-operated community business resource center, at the Matthew Henson Center located at 2000 Half Street, SW.  The Center will serve as a centralized hub providing local residents with access to information on the restoration of the Fredrick Douglass Bridge and other waterfront revitalization projects, as well as workforce training, jobs and business opportunities associated with the revitalization projects. 

“The Department of Employment Services is committed to bringing our services to the community,” said DOES Acting Director Summer Spencer.  “This is another opportunity for us to work closely with DDOT and now the Earth Conservation Corps to connect city workers with jobs created within their communities.”

DOES representatives will be available at the Center to provide information on job opportunities specific to the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative.  Information about apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs will be offered, as well as updates on workshops and job fairs within the DC area.  Visitors also will have access to on-line job search resources, including DOES’ Virtual One-Stop (VOS) system.

Furthermore, DDOT representatives will offer residents information on projects and studies underway as part of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, specifically projects such as the Frederick Douglass Bridge Rehabilitation, the 11th Street Bridge improvements and streetscape projects.  DDOT will further complement DOES’ efforts by providing information about job opportunities related to these surrounding transportation improvement projects.

The Earth Conservation Corps youth development program will continue to provide professional development and training, engaging youth ages 17 to 25, in low environmental impact and light construction training.  Upon completion of the training program participants and alumni will be assisted in obtaining entry-level jobs and apprenticeships.

The Center will be staffed by knowledgeable personnel from each of the partnering agencies.  For additional information visit the SW Waterfront Business Resource Center, 2000 Half Street, Southwest Washington, DC 20024, or call (202) 479-6710.