June 2020 Newsletter
From our very beginning in 1967, our founder created PHILLIPS Programs on the premise that, “our society should be judged by its concern for the quality of life of all its members without exception.” For 53 years we have followed that charge, but we know that we must do more. The outcomes for the youth and young adults served by institutions such as PHILLIPS Programs continue to be the same after they age out of school because all social systems are inherently biased and prevent them from achieving parity.
During this time that is like no other, the fight to defend our civil and human rights has never been more critical. Racial disparities in the death rate due to the pandemic reveal the dark truth about marginalized populations. Inequity in all its forms is exacerbated. Not everyone has the same level of access to basic services. Barriers to obtaining secure and stable housing, healthcare, water, food, and personal space are not available to everyone. Those barriers have grown taller from the resulting shut down of businesses and skyrocketing unemployment, plunging those hanging by a thread over the cliff.
With these challenges as a backdrop, the murder of George Floyd followed by Rayshard Brooks at the hands of people sworn to protect us, further highlights the disparities our society faces. Based on data since 2016, 1,000 people have died annually in police shootings. These are two names that we have on our minds now, but there are hundreds of names annually. Therefore, we are intensified in our commitment to do all that we can to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
The inequities in our approach to criminal justice go back to its roots. True reform can only occur by addressing systemic racism across all platforms. Addressing one part of our social systems is ineffective, for there are inequities that persist at every level. Reform must include the mental-health system, the healthcare system, affordable housing, education, and workforce opportunities for all populations.
We will continue to advocate and educate to advance the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.
Sincerely,
PHILLIPS Programs Celebrates Graduates with Socially Distant & Virtual Ceremonies
PHILLIPS 25th Annual Gala Update
Owing to uncertainty facing our community due to the novel coronavirus (COVID - 19), PHILLIPS Programs made the difficult decision to cancel our 25th Annual Gala that was scheduled for April 25, 2020 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
While this was a disappointing decision, the health and safety of our community is always our first priority.
We're deeply grateful that our sponsors agreed to donate to the New Horizons Fund despite our cancellation.
We'd like to thank our sponsors for their commitment to PHILLIPS. Proceeds from the gala has helped build the commercial kitchen in Laurel, supported the vertical farm in Laurel, helped launch Career Partners and supported the new 3D lab at the Fairfax campus.
The ad below ran in the May 1st issue of the Washington Business Journal.
News from Growing Futures
PHILLIPS Career and Technical Education programs and future workforce development programs fill a critical gap in services meeting continued demand for high quality career training for those with behavioral health needs and developmental disabilities so they can successfully transition from school into the workforce.
I have worked with many special education institutions that provide internships and transition programs to help prepare their students for traditional jobs. I’m aware of no institution as progressive as PHILLIPS in training special needs students for 21st century jobs like hydroponic vertical farming. Their programs are inspirational!
- Jeff Johnson, Executive Search Consultant
Of the 18,000 individuals receiving workforce development services from their state rehabilitation programs, 60% completed the training with a job and of those 80% earned a median income of just $160 weekly.
Learn more about Growing Futures here.
Grocery Gift Cards to Support Youth & Their Families
We are providing $100 gift cards to 70 families every two weeks. If you would like to contribute to this ongoing effort, please click here and select Grocery Gift Card Program in the Program Menu section. Thank you for your support!
How Do You Keep Your Family Together When Things Go Bad? Join Us For a Virtual Conversation Tonight!
In Memoriam
On May 14, 2020, an early advocate of PHILLIPS School~Annandale, Mr. Robert E. Lee, IV passed away in his home at the Fox Mill Residences in Bethesda, Maryland. Mr. Lee was the chairman of our first capital campaign, which raised the funds needed to build the Sibley building at PHILLIPS School~Annandale. We will be forever grateful to his dedication to our children and families.
PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families is a private, non-profit organization serving the complex needs of children and youth living with cognitive, emotional and/or behavioral challenges in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Through excellence in specialized education, community programs and individualized support services, we provide our children and families every advantage to ensure they develop to achieve their greatest individual success. Their potential is our commitment.