Our 2008 Accomplishments
2008
was a year of continued growth and foundation building at the ECAC. Our
reputation grew steadily and our offerings at the center became very diverse
and unique. During the year we were able to:
- Host more than 130 unique arts and educational activities for all ages, including dance, yoga, support groups, martial arts, and an after-school and summer program
- Provide 2,200 adults, children and youth with a safe, positive home-like environment
- Keep affordable space available within the community – with 80% of the activities offered for a small donation or free to the public
- Offer an Intergenerational Arts and Education Program where the young and elderly could engage in fun activities together on Saturday mornings
As a vital hub within the Pleasant Plains community, ECAC took the lead
on documenting neighborhood history as part of the Georgia Avenue/Pleasant
Plains Heritage Trail Project. Working with Cultural Tourism DC,
we formed a neighborhood working group which met monthly to document the
historical sites along Georgia Avenue, and conduct interviews of elder
residents and business owners. Over 50 sites have been documented
at www ecacollective.org/trail . Taking the project a step further,
we initiated the Summer Heritage project where over 130 children ages 5-12
were given a workshop on the history of Georgia Avenue and completed an
art project related to what they learned.
Although we function with a very limited staff, we are able to keep the
center very active through grass roots engagement with neighboring organizations
and individuals. Many of the activities we offer are collaborations
with others who provide expertise, outreach, and a similar goal of connecting
with the community. Likewise our volunteers have helped us realize
our goals in many capacities, filling the gaps in our staffing shortfalls.
During 2008 we successfully:
- Partnered with 74 community-based non-profits, artists, educators and social organizations to offer vital support groups, direct social services, exemplary arts projects and educational programs to residents
- Engaged 90 volunteers in donating over 758 hours to the center in support of its programs and maintaining the building
2008 was a significant year for our organization as well. On September
25th, ECAC purchased the building at 733 Euclid St. NW, and by December
completed a 5 year strategic plan to build stability, capacity and sustainability
within our organization. This complex financial undertaking strengthened
our Board and helped us solidify the vision we have for the future of ECAC.
Some snapshots of our 2008 programs
 |
 |
|
 |
||
| Anthony Muhammed Conducts an art workshop | ||