The revitalization of urban parks is an opportunity to connect residents of underserved communities with meaningful work opportunities and transferable skills. We hire Anacostia residents to lead in-park programming, preserve the land and water, maintain the facilities and welcome visitors with a smile. The Corps manages the logistics for all Friends of Anacostia Park events and programs.
Friends Corps
LOGIC MODEL
Audience
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Ward 7 & 8 communities
TANF recipients
Returning citizens
Senior citizens
Dislocated workers
Historically underserved populations
Partners
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Mayor’s Office for Returning Citizens Affairs
Jobs Have Priority
National Reentry Network
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Casey Trees
Ward 8 Woods
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
Anacostia Watershed Society
Anacostia Riverkeeper
National Park Service
Inputs
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Friends Corps
Tree planting & maintenance
Park cleanups
Bike maintenance
Water quality training
Watershed Stewards Academy
Invasive species removal
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Grounds, landscaping, mulching, tree identification, tree planting, trash removal, invasive species identification and removal
Maintenance, use of power tools and equipment
Historical and cultural understanding of Anacostia Park and Watershed
Understanding complex watershed systems, threats to watershed, solutions to runoff and other pollution and how to implement them, how to monitor water quality
Community engagement and hospitality
Bicycle safety and maintenance checks, fixing flat tires and other minor repairs
Principles of environmental justice
First Aid
Workplace professional development
OUTPUTS
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Better time management, accountability, teamwork, adaptability, self-starting and problem-solving
Better customer service, conversation and hospitality
Knowledge of environment, conservation and ecological threats
More self-efficacy, confidence, willpower, motivation, resilience, self-regulation, sense of worth and esteem
Better park management skills and outcomes: grounds, maintenance, natural resource protection, visitor engagement, park safety, cultural and history resources, park operations
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Improved employability
Increased community presence in the park
Expanded equitable access to National Park
Meaningful Engagement of BIPOC residents & park visitors
More community engagement in park management
Community Fishing Program
Join our Corps on Saturday mornings for fishing at the boat dock near Anacostia Skating Pavilion.
Respite Programming
Our Corps expands access to Anacostia Park by creating meaningful, outdoor experiences for stressed communities—activating the Park as a mental health resource.
Connect with us and learn more.