Summer 2019 Newsletter

News

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Inside this issue:

Table of Contents

Making Happiness 3 Donating to CAN 12-13
CAN’s Training Can’s Activities 14-15
Nothing about Us, Without Us 4
8 Paths, 1 Destination 6 Healthy Eating & Recipe 16
Physical Happiness 7 Happiness Word Search 17
Train for Happiness 8 “Promise Yourself” 18
Lift Up Your Spirit 9 Coloring Page 19
Civility Matters 10 DC Events 20-25
Recovery Through Resilience 11 Community Resources 26-27

Core Values
CAN seeks to promote and model the core values of our mission;
Education, Mentoring, Planning, Ownership, Wellness, Engagement, and Responsibility.

It is these values that EMPOWER us all on the journey of recovery.

CAN fulfills its mission of promoting recovery and self-advocacy every day.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Learning to Make Your Happiness

August is “Happiness Happens” on pages 22 and 23 of this news-
month and it is important to letter.
remember that happiness happens
when you prioritize your wellbeing. Finally, September has several
By learning to incorporate the 8 “awareness” months including
Dimensions of Wellbeing along with physical health and is also
embracing gratitude into your life, National Suicide Prevention
happiness will happen for you. Month.
Black Business Month is also cele-
brated in August and Consumer Ac- Consumer Action Network chose
tion Network is marking this event to promote achieving happiness
with an inaugural two-page spread of as the theme of this newsletter to
Job and Continuing Education Events recognize that suicide prevention
starts with the wellbeing of the
Visit CAN’s website mind, body, and soul.
(www.can-dc.org)
or find us on FaceBook “Folks are usually about as
for more information. happy as they make their
minds up to be.”

― Abraham Lincoln

“Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened.”

― Dr. Seuss

CAN needs YOU!

As a non-profit, CAN relies on grants and donations to support DC consumers.
If you would like to support CAN’s mission, see Page 12
to learn how to make a donation.

Thank You!

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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CAN’S TRAINING

Nothing About Us Without Us

A small sample of CAN’s training activities from the past few months

Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle

They say the way to a man’s heart is For example, you feel cranky when you
through his stomach but in reality that is skip breakfast and eat a larger lunch with
true for everyone in recovery or otherwise. more carbs. This tells you that breakfast
is important for your body AND for
Because a healthy lifestyle and diet keeps managing your caloric intake.
not just your body but your heart and mind
happy. Talk to your doctor about your overall
health, what, if any, supplements you
The most effective way to improve your should add to your daily intake, and what
mental and physical health is to make a level of activity would be best for you to
complete lifestyle change. It has been start at.
shown that by making a total change in
your lifestyle you have less of a chance of Then incorporate all of this into your
sliding backwards into old habits. daily habits. Continue your daily
journal to not only keep track of your
It may seem daunting at first but when you eating and activities but to evaluate what
break it down into daily steps, your healthy is working and what is not. Is walking
lifestyle and diet will become effortless. everyday helping or would you prefer a
different form of exercise? Are you in-
Some suggestions for developing and creasing the vegetables you are eating
maintaining a healthy lifestyle begins with while decreasing your carbohydrate
self-awareness; of your triggers and where intake. All these things together will put
you are most vulnerable to backsliding. you on the right path to a healthier you.

Begin your process with a daily journal of See page 7 for more exercise and diet
your eating habits and activities. Review it tips.
carefully to determine where you are
strong and where you are vulnerable. By Michael Sterling

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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CAN’S TRAINING

Nothing About Us Without Us

A small sample of CAN’s training activities from the past few months

8 Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Health

Rest is vitally important every day. We same time. Get in touch with your inter-
think a few hours here and there won’t nal clock. Try to separate your day from
matter. But sleep deprivation can have ef- night by creating a sleep ritual such as
fects on both your mental and physical reading before bedtime so the body
health. knows it is time for sleep. Other sleep
rituals can be a warm bath, relaxing mu-
Some negative effects of not getting sic and lighting.
enough sleep are:
 Lower stress threshold Mental relaxation also helps you get a
 Impaired memory good night sleep. Worries can cause
 Trouble concentrating lack of sleep, at bed time think of pleas-
 Increased blood pressure ant things, good times.
 Increased risk of heart attack
 Increase in appetite (leading to obesity) Avoid caffeine, alcohol and chocolate
 Depression which can boost anxiety and can cause
 Decreased mental function lack of sleep.

It is like dragging through the day. Sleep Talk to your therapist or psychiatrist
deprivation makes us less hopeful and less about your sleep patterns, it could be
friendly. your medication.

You might not know what the brain is do- If you have tried all the methods to get
ing while it is asleep, but that time is vital to sleep, your next step is speak to a
to your ability to sleep specialist who may be able to rec-
function and potentially to your life. ommend or provide specific sleep treat-
ments.
Here are some tips that can help you get a
good night sleep. Making sleep a priority in your life is
making yourself and your mental health
A good start is going to bed at the a priority, so go ahead and sleep on it.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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8 Paths, 1 Destination: Happiness

Think of The 8 Dimensions of Wellness as a Happiness Umbrella; a shield against
what life can pour down on you. By examining and building on each dimension,
you are building a happier, more fulfilled you.

The Physical Dimension; Taking care of your body helps your mind take care of you. When
you feel physically better, you feel emotionally better.

The Emotional Dimension; Via positive affirmations, gratitude, and de-stressing , you can
develop a positive Emotional life.

The Environmental Dimension; Create a positive surrounding with uplifting decorations or
art, your favorite music, or inspirational reading.

The Intellectual/Creative Dimension; Your mind needs exercise too. Take a class, try puzzles,
or learn a craft and get your mind in tip top shape.

The Financial Dimension; Getting your finances in order relieves stress and helps you attain
goals. Saving up for even a small treat always feels great.

The Occupational Dimension; Find your own special approach for a job well done and the
personal (and professional) results can be quite rewarding.

The Spiritual Dimension; Mediation, prayer, or merely reminding yourself of all you are grate-
ful for, builds a sense of meaning and purpose in your life.

The Social Dimension; Connections to others, through friends, a faith community, or volun-
teering gives you a sense of belonging and purpose. Each connection you build is another step to
a happier you.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Happy Body, Happy Mind

Taking care of your body involves so much more than exercise and diet but they
are the first steps to better health. Make the effort and both your mind and body
will be happy.

Exercise Nutrition

There are so many free and easy Instead of thinking good
ways to get healthy; from just walk- nutrition means “dieting”, think of it
ing, to following outdoor exercise as a lifestyle; a
paths to the lifestyle that allows for “cheat days”
simple chair based exercises below. but emphasizes correct portions, fresh
The more you make exercise part of foods, and healthy snacks.
your daily routine the more you actu-
ally want to do it. For guidance, check out the USDA’s
Choose My Plate or Food Pyramid
And now is the perfect time to start as websites. And don’t feel as if you
throughout the summer months DC must do it alone, another friend for
offers many free exercise programs, mutual support is always a smart
see page 24 for dates and times. move.

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Train Your Mind To Happiness

“Part of the problem with the word 'disabilities' is that it immediately suggests an inability to
see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of people who
can't feel? Or talk about their feelings? Or manage their feelings in constructive ways? What of
people who aren't able to form close and strong relationships? And people who cannot find ful-
fillment in their lives, or those who have lost hope, who live in disappointment and bitterness
and find in life no joy, no love? These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities.”

― Fred Rogers
The World According to Mister Rogers

Too often we disable ourselves with self-doubt, disconnection, and isolation. We
listen to the devil on one shoulder and ignore our better angel. But there are ways
you can train your mind to both think and express yourself in a positive way.

Writing in a journal, positive affirmations, keeping a gratitude diary, and medita-
tion are often repeated techniques for a reason; they work. What also works?
Deep breathing, yoga, and expressing yourself in support group talks.

You can train your brain to happiness by learning a new skill, exploring a mu-
seum, discovering a craft like knitting or computers, volunteering, or joining a
club that explores something you’ve always been interested in. The point is all of
these activities not only provide a sense of accomplishment but take you out of
yourself, removes you from the negative space of isolation, and keeps you young
in mind and in your heart.

The District has tons of free activities from Workshop Wednesdays at the Museum of African
Art to daily learning events at nearly every DC library. See pages 20-25 for details.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Lift Up Your Spirit

In Creating A Healthier Life: A Step-by “Let no one ever come to you without leaving
-Step Guide to Wellness improving better and happier. Be the living expression of
your spiritual well being is described as God's kindness: kindness in your face, kind-
“one’s personal beliefs and values and ness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
involves having meaning, purpose, and
a sense of balance and peace. It in- ― Mother Teresa
cludes:
Take a moment for yourself to go to the
 Recognizing our search for park and watch the people, the birds,
meaning and purpose in human and the play of sunlight and embrace
existence. the beauty of simple things.

 Developing an appreciation for life So often we are too willing to judge
and the natural forces that exist in others or react negatively to a
the universe.” situation. Instead of a cuss phrase while
driving when someone cuts you off,
What ever you call it; your soul, your consider a positive one such as “Bless
spirit, your character, taking care of it You” or “Travel Safe as I do.”
is the holistic approach to happiness.
You can choose to pray, to meditate, or Or instead of reacting with a rude
to simply take a moment to appreciate gesture, take a deep breath and think to
the good things around us. yourself; “I am a good person who
feels sympathy for those caught in
negativity.”

By considering what you believe in,
learning about other faith (or nonfaith)
belief systems, and finding what works
best for you, you begin to exercise your
most precious spirit.

“Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears
water the seeds of your future happiness.”

― Steve Maraboli

“The happiness of your life depends upon the
quality of your thoughts.”

― Marcus Aurelius

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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How Being Civil Transforms

August is also National Win With Ci- Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation
vility month. But how is being “civil”
related to mental health? Respect. of strength. ― Eric Hoffer
Both respect from others and as
importantly self-respect. Being willing to listen to others and
possibly even realize they might be
It is respect that both empowers your right and you might be wrong, that
recovery and prevents the accidental takes gracious strength. But the payoff
enabling of others to believe they can for being able to do so is immense. It
behave disrespectfully. builds goodwill, creates mutual
respect, empathy, and healthy relation-
Thus being civil is treating yourself ships.
and others respectfully, even if others
treat you badly. You don’t have to turn So how can you celebrate National
the other cheek, simply take a deep Win With Civility month and
breath and, with calm courtesy, develop the respect you deserve for
explain you deserve to be treated as yourself and from others? You could
politely as you are treating them. If start with the “Civility Pledge” from
necessary, walk away. character.org. Make it a daily
positive affirmation
Why take the higher road? Because
there is a direct connection between The Civility Pledge
being civil and having credibility.
Think about a person who shouts I pledge my commitment to personal
insults at the slightest provocation, do reflection and assessment of my
you respect that person? Would you
want to be in any sort of relationship conduct as I strive to do my part to
with that person; work or otherwise? build a more civil society - one in which each
Of course not. person is respected and public and political

Being civil or respectful is a daily discourse are aimed at the betterment of
challenge for all of us and it can re- our communities, our state, and
quire a certain level of humility.
our nation. I will respect other’s rights to
“Learn to value yourself, which means: hold different opinions, strive to
fight for your happiness.”
understand differing perspectives, avoid
― Ayn Rand rhetoric that humiliates and belittles others;

speak out against incivility and act to
promote respect for all people.

Just a little bit of respect every day
will make you a winner.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Recovery Through Resilience

“Top 15 Things Money Can’t Buy; Time. Take the first step slowly. When I was
Happiness. Inner Peace. Integrity. Love. in a deep depression, I engaged in
Character. Manners. Health. Respect. Morals. self-isolation, spending days just crying.
Trust. Patience. Class. Common Sense. By stepping outside and seeing other
Dignity.” humans reminded me I wasn’t alone at
all if I made the effort. Making myself a
― Roy T. Bennett healthy meal and cleaning my
environment reminded me I deserve
Why has Consumer Action Network better. And by repeating these steps, I
dedicated the theme of this news- built my resilience and got the help I
letter to “happiness”? Because a needed to overcome my depression.
happy heart builds resilience to face
unhappy situations. Because a posi- You can do this too. And embracing the
tive outlook gives you the strength to information in this newsletter is a start.
travel on your personal recovery Begin with your body, make yourself
path. And because through a holistic feel better through healthy meals and
approach to building your personal light exercise. Once you are in that
happiness via the 8 Components of habit, engage with others for support ,
Wellness, you build yourself into a consider faith groups, a crafting hobby,
person who has those 15 things or even joining a book club. Sit on a
money can’t buy. park bench for a spell. All that matters
is you are exercising your mind, body,
CAN has promoted recovery through and spirit.
resilience for over 16 years. Our
foundational belief is that recovery is Every step you take will build your
possible; especially if you are willing resiliency, increase your positivity, and
to invest in yourself. help you find your recovery. And
Consumer Action Network is here to
Understanding and believing that you help you via support, mediation, and
are worth investing in is the first step training. Because you are why we are
to everyone’s recovery journey. You here.
are worth making the effort.

But if you try to do everything all at “Letting go means to come to the realization
once, you will set yourself up for that some people are a part of your history, but
failure and CAN wants you to not a part of your destiny.”
succeed.
― Steve Maraboli

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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How does helping people experiencing a mental health crisis help all
the residents of Washington DC? Because nothing happens in a
vacuum.

Mental illness and substance abuse issues can happen to folks from all
walks of life and for many different reasons ranging from trauma to
abuse; loss of housing or a job.

Connecting consumers to the services they need, then empowering
them through education, training, and mentoring puts consumers on the
path to recovery. Then starts them on re-entering daily life, in housing,
with a job; stable and healthy.

All of which makes The District a better place for everyone to live,
work, shop, and visit.

Best of all, as a 501C3 nonprofit, all your donations to
Consumer Action Network are tax deductible!

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Donating To CAN

To give to Consumer Action Network, simply send a check or
money order to:

Consumer Action Network
1300 L Street NW
Suite 1000

Washington DC 20005

Be careful to include a return address if you need a receipt for your tax records.
Additionally, you can visit CAN’s Facebook page (facebook.com/Consumer-
Action-Network) and make a donation to our latest fund-raising drive.

If you have any questions or concerns about giving to CAN, please
email or call us at either:

[email protected]
or

202-842-0001

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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CAN’s Activities

It is CAN’s belief in a holistic approach to mental health and substance abuse
recovery which sparked our recent work to connect the GWU’s Mammovan and
N Street Village.

As a result of meeting at this past January’s NBC Health and Fitness Expo, the
Program Director of GWU’s Cancer Center Mammovan contacted CAN’s
Executive Director regarding their program. CAN used this as a launch pad
opportunity to reach out to several organizations within the community and found
the perfect fit with N Street Village’s Health and Wellness Annual Fair in May

Through CAN’s connections and participation in this annual event, dozens of
women got vital mammogram screenings via the Mammovan.

CAN’s long and deep relationship within DC’s community enables us to make
such holistic connections, to assist mental health and substance use consumers
access all the services they need.

Whether it is through educational training at various core service agencies
throughout the District, conducting Focus Groups to ensure authentic voices are
heard by the Department of Behavioral Health, or advocating via mediation to
address and resolve the concerns of individual consumers, CAN works hard for
the community.

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Find CAN at Alternatives 2019

The Alternatives 2019 Conference is coming to Catholic University in
Washington DC again and Consumer Action Network is delighted to
participate.

This year’s theme is “Standing Together, Celebrating Our Gifts, Raising
Our Voices” which is all the more important as mental health and
substance use consumers work to overcome the associate stigmas.

While Tuesday July 9th is Hill Day (when consumers get to speak with
their Congressional Representatives), the heart of the Alternatives
conference will be on Wednesday the 10th and Thursday the 11th.

During these days and throughout, CAN staff will be found manning
our vendor booth and attending the fascinating educational training ses-
sions offered by Alternatives 2019.

Visit alternatives-conference.org for more information and don’t forget
to stop by CAN at the conference for a plethora of information, bro-
chures. and our popular activities booklets.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Easy & Healthy Summer Recipe

Summer heat means no cook meals are the best. Below is a simple, high-protein
salad that is both healthy and easy to make; just chopping - no stove involved.
Make it even healthier by serving the salad dressing on the side and just dip your
fork into the dressing instead of pouring it on. You get a perfect combination of
dressing and salad with each bite.

Fresh Summer Salad

The idea of this salad is the combination of ingredients and that you don’t have to
cook anything. If you don’t have or don’t like an ingredient, then just substitute

Ingredients: Assembly:

Your favorite oil & vinegar-based salad 1) Place lettuce in a serving bowl or
dressing (served on the side) container

1 head of lettuce (iceberg or romaine) thinly 2) Scatter remaining ingredients except salad
sliced dressing over lettuce.

1 ear of corn, cut off the cob 3) Toss gently.

1 small avocado cut into small chunks 4) Serve in individual bowls; makes 2 dinner
salads or 4 smaller ones.
2 cups shredded chicken (canned, store
bought rotisserie, or home cooked) 5) You can now add your salad dressing a
little at a time until you have your individual
4 oz crumbly cheese (goat, blue, or feta portion lightly seasoned, or you can pour it
cheese) into a small side dish and dip your fork into
the dressing before each bite of salad so the
1 fresh Peach, Pear or Granny Smith apple, amount of high calorie dressing is minimal.
sliced thin.
6) Do not place salad dressing on salad if
1/3 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts) if you have leftovers. The vinegar in salad
desired dressing “cooks” the vegetables, making the
lettuce soft and wilted. By keeping the
1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional) dressing separate, your salad will last longer.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Word Search

The main focus of this activity is to think about the words as you search for them and, hopefully,
experience uplifting thoughts.

Words can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or backwards.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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“Promise Yourself”

By Christian D Larson

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”

From: Your Forces and How to Use Them

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Color Me Happy

Think of the poem on the other page and bring to vibrant life this coloring page.
Think of it as a form of positive meditation through creativity. And be happy.

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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YEAR ROUND EVENTS

Year Round Views of DC, 9A. – 5P, Th – Sun., Old Post Office Clock Tower
Every Day, 6pm, Millennium Stage Performances, Kennedy Center
Every Sunday, 2P, Game Day, Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Ave., SE
Every Sunday, Free Tours of The National Cathedral
Every Monday, 10:30A, Yoga Mondays, Tenley-Friendship Library,
4450 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Every Monday, 11A, 12:30P, 2P, Decatur House Tours, 1610 H St., NW
Every Monday, 6P – 9P, Blue Monday, Blues at Westminster Presbyterian Church,
400 I St. SW, $5
Every Monday, 6:15-7:30P, Mindful Mondays (guided meditation),
1517 U Street, NW, #1
Every Wednesday, 4P – 5P, Seated Yoga, Westminster Presbyterian Church,
400 I St. SW
Every Friday, 12P, Adult Coloring Class, Anacostia Library,
1800 Good Hope Rd, SE
Every Friday, 6P – 9P, Jazz Night in DC, Westminster Presbyterian Church,
400 I St. SW $5
First Sundays, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Community Day,
First Mondays, 10A, Coffee & Conversation, Deanwood Library,
1350 49th St., NE
Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 1:30-3:30, Workshop Wednesday (creating African-themed
crafts), National Museum of African Art
Every 3rd Thurs., 6-8P, Circle of Endurance Group, Clout Workspace,
9221 Hampton Overlook, Capitol Heights MD. (Visit womenofferingwealth.org)
Every 2nd Saturday, 7P – 9P, Faith & Film, Westminster Presbyterian Church,
400 I St. SW (Visit westminsterdc.org for listing.)
Every 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Sat., 6:30A-9A, Volunteer with Our Homeless Breakfast,
Calvary Episcopal Church,

“Even if you cannot change all the people around you, you can change the people you choose
to be around. Life is too short to waste your time on people who don’t respect, appreciate, and
value you. Spend your life with people who make you smile, laugh, and feel loved.”

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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SEASONAL EVENTS

“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with them-

selves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others...By

and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only

of ourselves.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley

Now to Oct. 31, 10A-5:30P, “Good as Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women”,
African Art Museum
Now to Dec. 21, 11A-5P, Every Saturday, ArtRave Art Meet, Dupont NW
Every Sun. to Sept. 1st, 9-10A, Hit Boxing, Canal Park, 200 M St., SE
Every Mon. to Aug. 26th, 7-8P Yoga Flow, TheYards Park, 1100 NJ Ave, SE
Every Tue. to Aug 27th, 7-8P, HIT Workout, The Yards Park 1100 NJ Ave SE
Every Tues. to Sept 24th, 5:30pm, TriFit Yoga Farragut Square @ K & 17th
Every Wed, July 10th – Aug 10th, 6-7P, Sunset Fitness In The Park,
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Every Wed., July & Aug., 6:30-7:30P, Popstar Dance Class, The Yards Park,
355 Water Street SE
Every Wed., to Aug. 28th, 7-8P, Barre Yoga, Canal Park, 200 M St., SE
Every Wed. to Sept 25th, TriFit Body Sculpting, Farragut Square K & 17th
Every Thur. to Aug. 15th, 8:30-11:30P, Summer Movies on North Lawn,
Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St, SE
Every Thur. to Aug. 29th, 7-8P, Run the Riverfront, 1100 NJ Ave., SE
Every Thur. to Sept 26th, TriFit Pilates, Farragut Square @ K & 17th Sts.
Every Fri. Jul. 12th – Aug. 9th, 5-8P, Chinatown Block Party at 5th and Mass.
Every Fri. to Aug. 30th, 7-8A Boot Camp Canal Park, 200 M St., SE
Every Fri. to Sept. 20th, 9A-5P, Office/Picnic in the Park, Farragut Square
Every Fri. to Oct. 4th, 6-9P, Free Concert “Friday Nights in the Heights,
3401 Idaho Ave., NW
Every Sat. to Aug. 31st, 9:30A, Yoga In The Park, Georgetown Waterfront
Every Sat. to Sept. 14th, 12-4P, Volunteer at H Street Farms, 910 Bladensburg
Road, NE
Every Sat. to Dec. 22nd, 11A-5P, ArtRave DC: Where Art Meets Fashion,
15th St. & P St.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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JOB & EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Date Specific Events/Classes

Jul 10th, 10-11:30A, Intro to Finding Grants, 1627 K Street, NW, 3rd Fl.
Jul. 13th, 10A-2P, MPD Recruiting Fair, 4665 Blue Plains Drive, SW
Jul. 13th, 12-4P, 3rd Annual BeGreatDC Volunteer Fair, 1875 Conn. Ave. NW
Jul. 13th, 2-4P, Photoshop Workshop, 1641 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Jul. 16th, 10-13:30A, Should I Start A Nonprofit? 1627 K Street, NW, 3rd Fl
Jul. 18th, 6:30P, KCDC Workshop; Know Your Tenant Rights, South East
Library, 403 7th St., SE
Jul. 23rd, 11A-2P, DC Career Fair, DoubleTree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Dr
Jul. 23rd, 10A-2P, Ginnie Mae Small Business Outreach, 451 7th St., SW
Jul. 31st, 5-7:30P, “Entrepreneurship Speed Dating”, 901 F St, NW
Aug. 1st, 11A-2P, DC Job Fair, Marriott, 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Aug. 12th,11A-2P, Arlington Job Fair, Holiday Inn, 2850 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Aug. 17th , 11:30A-1P, Li Li PRO , Entrepreneur Networking for Recent Grads,
7007 Bock RD, Fort Washington
Sep. 10th, 11A-2P, Arlington Job Fair, DoubleTree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Dr.
Sep. 11th,11A-2P, JOB Fair, Holiday Inn at Key Bridge (1900 North Fort Myer
Drive)
Sep. 12th, 8:30A -12P, First Generation Professional Summit, 1401 Constitution
Ave., NW
Sept. 13th – 14th, 9A-4P, Invention Con 2019, USPTO Alexandria VA,
600 Dulany St. Madison Auditorium
Sep. 16th, 11A-2P, DC Job Fair, Marriot Hotel, 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy

“Happiness is not
something ready made.
It comes from your own
actions.”

― Dalai Lama XIV

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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JOB & EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Ongoing Events/Classes

Every Mon., 11:30A, Technology Tomorrow (Computer Learning Class)
Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St., NE
Every Mon., Tues., & Weds., 4-7P, Adult Learning Lab Skills Assessment (Wed)
& Adult Tutoring (GED), Shaw Library, 1630 7th St., NW.
Every Mon., Wed., & Sat., 10A-1P, Adult Learning Lab Skills Assessment (Sat.)
& Adult Tutoring (GED), Library Express 1990 K St. at 20th St.
Every Mon. & Wed., 10A, English Conversation Circle, Shaw Library,
1630 7th St., NW
Every 1st Mon., 2P, Job Seekers Clinic, South East Library, 403 7th Ave, SE
Every Other Mon., 5-7P, Job & Career Drop-In One-on-One Clinic, Capitol
View Library, 5001 Central Ave., SE
Every 4th Mon., 10A-12P, Legal Clinic, Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd NE
Every Tues. @10A & Thurs. @3P, DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA),
2330 Pomeroy Road, Community Ctr, 1st Floor. (See eventbrite.com for details.)
Every 4th Tues., 2P, Applying for DC Gov. Jobs; A Practical Steps to Success,
Library Express 1990 K St. at 20th St.
Every Wed., 1:30P, Adult Computer Class, Bellevue Library, 115 Atlantic St., SW
Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 11A-1P, One-on-One Market Research Assistance,
Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave, NW
Every 2nd Wed., 2-3:30P, One-on-One Market Research Assistance, Woodridge
Library, 1801 Hamlin St, NE
Every 3rd Wed., 3-5P, Legal Clinic, Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin St., NE
Every 2nd Thurs., 11:30A-1:30P, Legal Clinic, Parklands-Turner Library,
1547 Alabama Ave., SE
Every Fri., 10-11:30A, Shut Up And Write, West End Library, 2301 L St. NW
Every 1st Sat., 10A, Pancake Saturdays, Changing Perceptions House,
36 18th St., SE

“For every minute you are angry you lose
sixty seconds of happiness.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
23

JULY EVENTS 2019

July 12th, 7:30-9:30A, Feel Good Fridays (free coffee), NoMa-Gallaudet Metro
Station (N Street Side)
July 13th, 12-3P, Girl, Let It Go & FLOW, 3640 Martin Luther King, Jr.Ave., SE
July 13th, 10A-4P, “Women Fight for the Vote” Community Day, Various
locations at 10 First Street, SE
July 13th, 10A-2P, Family Fun Day at the Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW
July 14th, 1:30-3P, Welcome to a Creative Writing Journey (Workshop 2 of 4),
Francis Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave., SE
July 16th, 5:30-7P, A Surprised Queenhood, National Portrait Gallery
July 17th, 6-7A, Sunrise Pilates; House of Sweden Rooftop, 2900 K Street NW
July 20th, 10-11A, Community Yoga, 605 Rhode Island Ave. NE
July 20th, 10-11A, UDC Green Roof Tours, Uni. Of DC, 4200 Conn. Ave., NW,
Building 44, Green Roof
July 20th, 3-4:30P, Plans to Prosper You: Reflections of Black Resistance and
Resilience, 4400 Mass. Ave NW
July 21st, 1:30-3P, Welcome to a Creative Writing Journey (Workshop 3 of 4),
Francis Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave., SE
July 26th – 28th, 10A -5P, Kaypi Peru Festival, National Museum of American
Indian, Independence Ave. SW
July 28th, 1:30-3P, Welcome to a Creative Writing Journey (Workshop 4 of 4),
Francis Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave., SE
July 31st, 1-3P, DJ Workshop Showcase, Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St., NE

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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AUGUST EVENTS 2019

Aug. 3rd, 10-11A, Community Yoga, 605 Rhode Island Ave. NE
Aug. 3rd, 10A-3P, World’s Fair at DAR Museum, 1776 D Street, NW
Aug. 4th, 12-8P, Heal & Release, Marvin Gaye Park, 601 Division Ave., NE
Aug. 4th., 11:30A-3:30P, Daughters of Addiction Brunch, 2900 14th St, NW
(register @ eventbrite.com)
Aug. 5th, 6:30-9P, Ten Strong Women of Barry Farm/Hillsdale, Anacostia
Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd, SE
Aug 7th, 6-7A, Sunrise Pilates; House of Sweden Rooftop, 2900 K Street NW
Aug. 9th, 7:30-9:30A, Feel Good Fridays (free coffee), NoMa-Gallaudet Metro

Station (N Street Side)
Aug. 10th, 11A-1P, Artist Talk with Shani Shih, Woodridge Library,
1801 Hamlin St., NE
Aug. 16th, 7-9P, Amazing Grace (Aretha Franklin Gospel concert), Allen Chapel
AME Church, 2498 Alabama Ave., SE
Aug. 17th, 10-11A, Community Yoga, 605 Rhode Island Ave. NE
Aug. 17th, 10-11A, UDC Green Roof Tours, Uni. Of DC, 4200 Conn. Ave., NW,
Building 44, Green Roof
Aug 20th, 5:30-7P, Art AfterWords: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation,
National Portrait Gallery
Aug. 23rd, 8:30A-3P, 11th Annual Olmstead Community Integration
Conference, The ARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE
Aug 28th, 6-7A, Sunrise Pilates; House of Sweden Rooftop, 2900 K Street NW

SEPTEMBER EVENTS 2019

Sep. 6th, 7:30-9:30A, Feel Good Fridays (free coffee), NoMa-Gallaudet Metro
Station (N Street Side)
Sep, 10th, 12-1P, “An 18th Century Cooking Challenge”, 1776 D Street, NW
Sep. 12 – 14th, 8A-6P, 2019 ShopAGOA, (See eventbrite.com for location)
Sept. 13th – 14th, 9A-4P, Invention Con 2019, USPTO Alexandria VA,
600 Dulany St. Madison Auditorium
Sep. 14th, 4-6P, 38th Congressional Heights Day Parade/Call 3401 4th St., SE
Sept. 14th, 1-3P, Family Restoration: Celebrating Fathers, Empowering
Parents, Francis Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave, SE
Sept 17th, 3:30-5P,, Effective Advocacy for Parents, 1200 G St., NW, Ste 725
Sept 18th , 9-4, Hill Day with National Council for Behavioral Health, Capitol

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

DC GOVERNMENT SHELTERS

Department of Behavioral Health Community for Creative Non-Violence
Access Help Line 202-393-1909
1-888-7WE-HELP DC General
DC Housing Authority Family Shelter
202-535-1000 202-675-5000
Income Maintenance Admin Central Union Mission
Food Stamps, TANF, Medicaid, IDA 202-745-7118
202-698-3900 Hypothermia Shelter Hotline
Board of Elections and Ethics 1-800-535-7252
202-727-2525
Division of Tax and Revenue WOMEN & FAMILIES
202-727-4TAX
Mayor’s Office House of Ruth
311 202-667-7001
Ramona’s Way
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 202-257-6790
My Sister’s Place
Social Security Administration 202-529-5991
1-800-772-1213 Nat’l Domestic Violence Hotline
Housing and Urban Development 1-800-799-7233
202-708-1112 Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
Immigration and Naturalization 202-671-7233
National Customer Service Center Champs Hotline
1-800-375-5283 202-481-1450
Internal Revenue Service Crisis and Family Stress Hotline
1-800-829-1040 202-223-2255
Adult Protective Services Hotline
LEGAL AGENCIES 202-541-3951
Mary’s Center
University Legal Services 202-483-8196
202-547-4747
Washington Legal Clinic DUAL DIAGNOSIS SERVICES
for the Homeless (WLCH)
202-328-5505 APRA
DC Bar Pro Bono Program 202-442-5955
202-737-4700 N St Village NW
202-939-2076

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

GENERAL SERVICES HOME HEALTH CARE

Energy Hotline Human Touch
202-673-6750 202-483-9111
DC Rape Crisis Center
202-333-7273 EMPLOYMENT-EDUCATION
Mental Health Emergencies
202-673-9319 Rehabilitation Services Administration
Safe Link phones 202-442-8400
1 800 977-3768
VETERAN RESOURCES
www.dcfoodfinder.org
VA CRRC (Community Resource & Referral
INTERNET/SOCIAL RESOURCE Center)
Medical Center
www.mentalhealthsocial.com 1500 Franklin St. NE
www.psychcentral.com/resources 202-636-7660

HOUSING PROGRAMS Department of Behavioral Health

Community Council for the 64 New York Avenue, NE, 3rd Floor,
Homeless (CCHFP) Washington, DC 20002
202-364-1419 Phone: (202) 673-7440
Manna Housing Fax: (202) 673-3433
202-832-1845 TTY: (202) 673-7500
Woodley House, Inc.
202-328-4069 Access Help Line
Landlord Tenant Resource Center 1-888-7WE-HELP
M-F 9:15am to 12 pm
510 4th St., NW 35 K St NE Washington DC 20002
(202) 442-4100

Consumer Action Network Vol 16 No. 2, Summer 2019
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Consumer Action Network (CAN)

1300 L St., N.W.
Suite 1000

Washington, D.C. 20005

Phone: (202) 842-0001
Toll Free: 1-866-314-9226

Fax: 202-842-2685

e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.can-dc.org

CAN Mission Statement
Consumer Action Network (CAN) empowers mental health consumers by

promoting recovery and self-advocacy.

CAN is a 501(c) (3) Organization

Celebrating 16 years
of Service in DC

Newsletter Contributors

E. Effie Smith , Executive Director
Patricia Wade

Michael Sterling
Pertrina Thomas
Kristen Murray

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