The D.C. Family Resources Expo will bring together the D.C. Department of Employment Services, the Department of Human Services, the Council, and the All-Faith Consortium in sponsoring this historic "Expo". Intended participants include D.C. residents and families who are in need of assistance, particularly TANF recipients, and others who are unemployed or dislocated from their jobs. Those presenting workshops and offering assistance at the event will include social services providers, educators and trainers, employers, and other organizations that will assist residents in achieving economic and personal self-sufficiency.

Over 100 vendors will be at the Expo, including a number of District government agencies and faith-based organizations, that can assist District residents and families with job training, employment opportunities, and financial and health matters. Throughout the day, workshops will be offered on such topics as: Public Housing, Child Care, Transportation, Energy, Financial Management, Family Counseling, and Adult Education.

Councilmember Catania has taken a leadership role in the Council to ensure that District residents are provided with the necessary tools, such as job training and placement, transportation services and addiction recovery programs, so that they may hold meaningful employment. He has particularly focused on the District's Welfare to Work programs, and the thousands of TANF recipients who will reach the end of their 60-month benefit period early next year. The Expo is another initiative by Councilmember Catania that will help provide the necessary services to District residents.

"I am extremely pleased that in mutual partnership," commented Councilmember Catania, "these public and private organizations have come together in recognition of the need to collaborate with other social services organizations to provide the resources that will enable District citizens to take the proper steps toward self-sufficiency." Catania will be speaking at the Expo at 1 pm.

In organizing the Expo, Councilmember Catania has partnered with the All-Faith Consortium (AFC), a local non-profit faith-based organization that is utilizing innovative and individualized approaches to assist long-term TANF recipients, low income and other people in achieving self-sufficiency in the areas of employment/
training, literacy, and other life-sustaining benefits. There are currently over 60 churches and other organizations belonging to the Consortium. Its Executive Director is Marvin Muhammad of the Hereafter Family Foundation.

In order to facilitate transportation to the Expo, there will be free shuttle bus service from the Department of Employment Services "One Stop Employment Centers" and the Latin American Youth Center from 8-11 am and 1-5 pm. The One Stop Employment Centers are located at 1500 Franklin Street, NE; 4049 South Capitol Street, SE; and 2626 Naylor Road, SE. The Latin American Youth Center is located at 1419 Columbia Road, NW. Participants are also encouraged to take METROBUS and METRORAIL to the Armory.

Refreshments will be served. For additional information on the Expo call 202/671-1600.