Ready, Willing, and Working (RWW), a 501(c)3 organization aimed at ending the cycles of homelessness, welfare dependency, and substance abuse in Washington, D.C., was awarded a $20,000 grant to launch an in-house General Education Diploma (GED) program from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (CHCF) and The National Capital Bank of Washington. The grant funding will be used to elevate RWW participants through improved literacy and education with the goal of obtaining their GED certifications.

Ready, Willing & Working is celebrating 10 years of providing paid work opportunities and supportive services to homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals and currently has approximately 50 participants in the program — 1/3 of whom do not have a high school diploma or equivalent. By offering a GED program to our participants, it will enhance their ability to obtain future employment when they’re ready to move on from the RWW program.

“In the ten years since we started Ready, Willing & Working, we’ve helped dozens of men become productive, taxpaying citizens through meaningful employment and supportive services,” said Patty Brosmer, President of RWW. “This generous grant will allow us to expand the services we offer and empower our participants to continue on the path of personal and economic growth while also enhancing the lives of their children and family members. Additionally, participants that leave RWW program for further education or GED required jobs will allow other applicants to participate. We currently have a waiting list of 150 applicants to the RWW program who would greatly benefit from work and supportive services.”

“I dropped out of school when I was 14 for a life of crime, drugs, and sleeping on the streets,” said Jeffrey S., RWW participant. “I never thought I’d could get my high school diploma or GED. Thanks to the support of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and National Capital Bank, I will have the opportunity to get my GED so that I can become a commercial truck driver someday.”

Ready, Willing & Working plans to implement their GED certification program in Spring 2018.

For more information:

Ready, Willing & Working rwwdc.org

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com

The National Capital Bank nationalcapitalbank.com