The Platform of Hope is a neighborhood-based program in Adams Morgan/Columbia Heights that seeks to support families in identifying and pursuing long term goals for housing, education, finances, health, family stability and more. We partner with Ward 1-based families in planning for their goals through monthly one-on-one appointments, provide referrals to partner organizations’ programs, as well as referrals to other organizations in the community, and host monthly POH events/workshops to enhance your experience. POH recruits cohorts of approximately 20 families each year so that families are building a network among one another, as well as partner organizations and POH staff. Cohort families connect with one another to identify shared concerns and goals, as well as organize and voice their ideas to lead the Platform of Hope programming. 

What this means is, we will support you on your self-defined journey. We will help you network, find places/events for your children, identify resources, create plans towards your long term goals, all while building a supportive, family-led community.

What we offer:

• One- on- one monthly meetings (offered virtually or in person) with POH staff to identify, work on and achieve goals

• Training and events to help build knowledge and skills (as requested by families)

• Supported access to services from partner organizations, including our four founding partners Jubilee Housing, JumpStart, Mary’s Center/ Briya Public Charter School and Sitar Arts Center

• Stipends (paid through gift cards) in recognition of completed written assessments/journals every three months

• Connection to a community of families with monthly workshops and events

• Laptop for each household to ensure virtual participation (as requested)

Commitment 

• Commit to the year-long program: January-December 2024

• Attendance to mandatory Family Saturday Meetings and other voluntary events — both virtual and sometimes in-person

• Completion of written reflection journals every three months on progress made towards self-identified goals.

• Attendance to mandatory monthly one-on-one meeting with POH staff member for 1 hour *held in person or virtually, based on your choice*

• Completion of evaluations twice a year 

To participate:

• Must be a parent of at least one child (defined as age 24 or younger)

• Must be “based” in Ward 1 (defined as living in Ward 1 or frequently accessing resources/ traveling to the neighborhood)

• Have motivation to work on goals you want to accomplish

• Willing to participate in building your network through engagement with other families

• Willing to meet monthly for 1 on 1 meeting with POH staff

• Priority is given to families referred by our partners or current Platform of Hope family members

INTERESTED in joining our next program year in January 2024 and forming “Cohort G”?

The application for joining Cohort G is due November 6th, 2024— please fill it out below! We will reach out to the selected families in November to complete registration in December 2024. If you are not selected at first, we will put you on the waiting list and reach out if spots become available. If you submit an application after October 31st we will also add you to our waiting list.

While we understand that the application asks many personal questions, we appreciate you sharing this information so we can best understand your family’s needs and goals. These application forms assist us in learning more about you and determining if the Platform of Hope program would be a good fit.