Partner Organizations
If you are interested in becoming a partner of Fair Chance, please review the Partner Application Guidelines.
We also continue to provide services to our Second Year Partners and our Alumni Partner Organizations.
Since 2002, Fair Chance has partnered with 57 community-based nonprofit organizations who serve more than 54,000 children, youth, and families in Washington, DC's most underserved communities, Ward 5-8 [PDF]. Fair Chance helps each of these organizations and their leaders rise to their potential. Our proven program of support empowers our partners do what they do better, do more of it, and be around for those that need them for a long, long time.
Learn more about our new partners!
Through our team of highly skilled, specially trained Capacity Building Specialists, Fair Chance provides our partner organizations with year long individually tailored services aimed at improving their capacity, and strengthening their sustainability, impact, and success. This partnership, as well as the customized services it entails, evolves over time as our partner organizations grow and their needs change.
Partners receive a comprehensive assessment process resulting in a detailed work plan, and year-long, weekly, one-on-one, technical assistance in each of our eight service areas: Board Development, Financial Management and Analysis, Fundraising, Leadership Development, Human Resources and Accountability, Outreach and Communications, Program Evaluation and Monitoring, and Strategic Planning. Our Capacity Building Specialists work directly with each of our partner organizations' Executive Directors and other organizational leadership to enhance the skills and confidence they need to effectively lead and strengthen their organizations.
Fair Chance partners are eligible to receive a second year partnership that builds upon the lessons learned and skills transferred throughout the first year. While less time intensive, second year partnerships continue the structured, deliverable-based model to help our partners become stable, sustainable organizations.
After completing a first and/or second year of partnership with Fair Chance, partners join a thriving Alumni network. Fair Chance Alumni receive regular learning and networking opportunities through: quarterly roundtable events, access to our partner e-forum, Executive Director breakfasts, pro bono services, continued staff support when needed and invitations to various other events. Fair Chance values and maintains relationships with its partners to build a stronger community of support for DC children and youth.
First Year Partner Organizations
The following is a list of our partner organizations in the first year of their partnership. Fair Chance targets its efforts in two communities: east of the Anacostia River in Wards 7 and 8, and select neighborhoods west of the river in Wards 5 and 6.
Fair Chance seeks dynamic, child and youth-focused organizations operating in Wards 5-8 who have innovative programs and inspiring leaders. We are delighted to be working alongside the following nine partners throughout 2011.
Access Youth, Inc - (City-Wide) recognizes the unlimited potential of each child and provides youth with access to resources, support, and services that empower them to transform themselves and make life choices that positively impact their future. ACCESS Youth programs touch individuals at all stages of their lives. Developing skills and fostering friendships, ACCESS Youth combines the benefits of mentorship and mediation in dynamic and engaging summer and after school programs.
Alliance of Concerned Men - (City-wide; primarily 7 & 8) goal is to save the lives of at-risk youth residing in high crime areas of Washington, DC. Their mentoring program aims to change attitudes and value systems of children, youth, and young adults who are at-risk and/or in crisis by promoting and teaching independence, positive life skills, and beneficial survival techniques to help them re-join the mainstream of American life.
City Gate - (Ward 1, 3, 7 & 8) mission is to empower those on the margins of urban society to access more fully the life and benefits of the larger community, and to addresses the needs of children and youth who are impoverished, disadvantaged, or disenfranchised. City Gate provides excellent out-of-school time programs, free after school and summer day camps, daily meals at several sites, and parenting and adult education programs.
DayBreak Ministries - (Wards 7) faith-based programming supports under-resourced communities (mainly Lincoln Heights) through nurturing children and strengthening families. Daybreak's services offer youth mentoring, after-school programming, education and training.
Homeless Children’s Playtime Project - (City-Wide) nurtures healthy child development and reduces the effects of trauma among children living in temporary housing programs in the District of Columbia. The Playtime Project provides the only children’s program offered in five DC shelters reaching more than 120 homeless children in families. They provide one-on-one attention, healthy snacks, and access to developmentally appropriate toys and activities designed to promote learning and joy.
The Literacy Lab - (City-wide) mission is to provide high-quality, targeted reading remediation to low-income students in order to increase their literacy skills, leading to increased academic success and greater opportunities in life. Their innovative programs focus on direct instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness, repeated fluency practice, and teaching strategies for comprehension all to create a lasting and measurable impact on the students they serve.
M.O.M.I.E's TLC - (City-Wide) nurtures the genius of children and creates a transformative learning system. M.O.M.I.E's implements a unique 3-pronged educational change strategy to address our children's urgent needs and achieve their mission: Providing high-quality direct services that are creative, culture-based learning programs for children, ages 5 to 12; Offering opportunities for parent and community involvement, advocacy, and training; Developing innovative, user-friendly educational tools, resources, and products for families and the community.
Project Create - (Wards 1, 7, & 8) is committed to enriching and transforming the lives of homeless children in the District of Columbia by providing them with high-quality, professionally-led arts programming. They empower children to reach their potential by fostering critical thinking skills, creative expression, self-esteem, and social skills.
Reach Incorporated - (Wards 5 & 6) Reach strives to improve reading skills, across ages, by hiring and training struggling adolescent readers to tutor in DC elementary schools.
Southeast Ministry - (Wards 6, 7, & 8) develops culturally sensitive education programs that address root causes of social problems such as poverty, illiteracy, and violence. They offer GED preparation classes, job readiness programs including computer/IT training to help young adults reach their full potential.
Uplift, Inc. - (Wards 7 & 8) researches existing conditions within underrepresented communities and develops technology-based and educational programs, products, and services to empower lifelong learners, strong citizens, leaders, and resilient neighborhoods and communities. Uplift provides safe out-of-school activities and environments for children with opportunities for self and creative expression, development in social and leadership skills, and educational achievement, as well as vocational and career skills ready for the 21 st century marketplace.
