Little Lights Urban Ministries

Registration is now open for the 2025 virtual Race Literacy 101 cohort! Race Literacy 101 is a 12-session study and discussion group that meets weekly to authentically and honestly learn about and discuss race and racism in a grace-filled environment. The 2025 cohort will meet on Thursday nights beginning January 9th. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot! https://lnkd.in/en-MSkCx

Thank you to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for partnering with us again this year to support our holistic, multigenerational programming in the Ward 6 neighborhoods we serve. We are so grateful for their continued generosity towards our afterschool programs, College and Career Program, Summer Lights, Family Center, and Clean Green Team!

School is back in session, which means that Homework Club is here! Last week, we kicked off our fall programs for pre-K-12th grade students and welcomed them back for afterschool tutoring. Thank you to our volunteers who provide students with the attention and guidance they need to thrive academically!

Tomorrow, Little Lights Executive Director Steve Park will join the AND Campaign DMV Chapter on their Civic Revival Tour for a panel discussion on juvenile justice. We hope you'll join for this engaging talk on how Christians can approach juvenile justice and current politics with compassion and conviction. https://lnkd.in/eG24PUGN

Thank you to Ward 3 DC Councilmember Matthew Frumin for your recent visit to Little Lights! Councilmember Frumin learned about the impact Little Lights has in DC's underserved communities and chatted with our Executive Director Steve Park about our plans to increase our reach.

Little Lights is so proud of our college students! As they return to campus or move into their dorms for the first time, we celebrate their dedication to pursuing their college dreams. This school year, we are supporting 18 students as they navigate life away from home, financial aid, and college courses. By offering a holistic blend of academic support, career guidance, and personalized assistance, our College and Career Program equips students with the tools and resources necessary to achieve their academic and professional goals, setting them on a path toward success in adulthood.

As summer winds down, we are excited to share how we have been blessed by local partners who helped our students and our staff get ready for the start of another school year! Thank you to Pillar Church and Fulcrum Residential for generously donating school supplies to our students! Pillar Church donated 60 backpacks filled with school supplies and Fulcrum donated 30 backpacks and two large boxes of school supplies. Thank you to the Episcopal High School football team for deep cleaning our program sites! Now, the sites are ready to welcome students back this fall. 

Volunteer with Little Lights this fall! As our students return to school, we are looking to fill volunteer spots for our 2024 fall academic programs! Volunteering with Little Lights is perfect for those who are looking for a fun and engaging way to serve youth in Washington, DC. If you feel inspired to serve, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@littlelights.org) or fill out a volunteer application. We hope you’ll consider partnering with us today! https://lnkd.in/esmyUQrP

After five awesome weeks, our Summer Lights camp has come to an end. At Summer Lights, 121 students spent the summer playing, making new friends, keeping their academic skills sharp, and exploring DC. In addition, Little Lights is incredibly grateful for the 15 students in our Next Step College and Career Program (including 8 Department of Employment Services (DOES) student interns) who served as members of program staff. A special thank you to the 105 dedicated volunteers who served at Summer Lights for providing students with a safe, fun, and enriching summer. We are so thankful for our individual volunteers for generously giving of their time and energy, as well as for our volunteer groups from All Saints Episcopal Church, Grace Community Church, National Student Leadership, Grace Covenant Church Capitol Hill, and Saint Albans High School. Check out our 2024 Summer Lights recap video!

Thank you to At-Large DC Councilmember Christina Henderson for visiting Little Lights today! Councilmember Henderson got to see our summer camp in action at our Hopkins Center and meet some of our campers. We love sharing about the impact of Little Lights with those who serve DC residents in government!