For Immediate Release
January 16, 2013
For More Information Contact:
Patti Hassler
Vice President of Communications and Outreach
202-662-3554 office
phassler@childrensdefense.org
Press Advisory
Children’s Defense Fund Hosts National Day of Service
CDF Freedom Schools® Children at DC General Homeless Shelter
What: On Saturday, January 19, from 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m., the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools®program will host a National Day of Service and Social Action at the largest homeless shelter for children and families in the nation’s capital, the D.C. General Emergency Family Shelter. The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Schools, the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF), D.C. General Emergency Family Shelter, and the Capital Area Food Bank will partner with CDF as part of the President’s call to serve to put the spotlight on the critical need to end poverty in America and the devastating impact it has on children and families. The opening session will start with the traditional CDF Freedom Schools Harambee, a child-affirming ceremony with cheers and chants. A special guest will participate and read aloud to the children and multi-generational servant leaders.
Fifty children who live at D.C. General Emergency Family Shelter and 50 children from Maya Angelou Public Charter School, CDF Freedom Schools scholars, will participate and learn about actions they can take to make a difference in their world. Parents and young community leaders will learn how to advocate more effectively for children.
Marian Wright Edelman, president, Children’s Defense Fund will deliver A Call to Social Action in the afternoon during an interfaith Children’s Sabbath Service.
This event is open to the public and press is welcome. Press, please register for credentials: phassler@childrensdefense.org.
| Who: | Marian Wright Edelman, president, Children’s Defense Fund Dr. Sheryl Brissett Chapman, executive director, The National Center for Children and FamiliesThe Rev. Dr. Lewis M. Anthony
Dr. Thomas Maridada, director of Education Policy, Practice, and Strategic Initiatives, Children’s Defense Fund LaMont Geddis, principal, Maya Angelou Public Charter School |
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| When: | Saturday, January 19, 20138:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Registration and Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Welcome and Freedom Schools Opening Harambee with Special Guest 10:00 – 12:00 noon – Classroom Breakout Sessions 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. – Afternoon Harambee 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Interfaith Children’s Sabbath and Call to Social Action and Service |
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| Where: | DC General Homeless Shelter for Children and Families1900 Massachusetts avenue SE
Washington, D.C. 20003 |