First Congregational UCC (945 G Street) opened its doors to the DowntownDC BID’s Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance (SAMs) employees for the second time in less than two years this month. It was a joyous homecoming, with building manager Byron Adams shedding light on how the church lobbied for the BID back before the organization was founded in 1997.
The BID’s close working relationship with First Congregational began back in 1998, when it set up and funded the Downtown Services Center in the church’s previous building located in the same spot at 10th and G streets. The Center brought together various D.C. nonprofits to assist the homeless but closed in 2007 after the church decided to demolish the building to construct what is now its new home, part of a new, 10-story, mixed-use building at 733 10th Street, which the church partnered with Skanska USA Commercial Development to build.
First Congregational has a long history of community service since its founding in 1865, when it was led by Christian abolitionists:
- It was the first racially integrated congregation in D.C.
- In 1867, the church even played a prominent role in Howard University’s founding.
- First Congregational UCC supports BID partner Pathways to Housing DC by leasing it space for staff members to meet with Downtown clients, offering free parking space and allowing homeless individuals to use its showers.
- It engages in national issues, including advocating to stem gun violence, reform immigration and address the many consequences of climate change
- Its motto: “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Also, recently, because of the federal government shutdown, Ford’s Theatre (511 10th Street) has relocated several performances of The Laramie Project to the church through October 15.
During the meeting, SAMs with October birthdays were recognized and SAM Appreciation Letters from thankful Downtown visitors, workers and residents were read. Graduate students from George Washington University talked about a Capstone project they’re conducting to measure how SAMS interact with the community, record these interactions and use technology to perform their jobs. The students are:
- Julie Longpre
- Gaurav Malik
- Christine Chui
- Joshua Sorkin
Everett D.E. Scruggs, the BID’s director of operations, informed those gathered for the meeting that the Maintenance SAMs will soon receive radios and the Safety/Hospitality SAMs will begin using new, automated hand-held communication devices and incorporate bike patrols or Segways into their operations. With Phase I of the mixed-use CityCenterDC development opening in the spring, he noted the BID will extend nighttime and weekend hours for the SAMs, who will also receive additional training.
The meeting concluded with two SAMs being recognized as the SAMs of the Month: Safety/Hospitality Team Member Marquez Clifford and Maintenance Team Member Norma Canales.
Marquez Clifford joined the SAM Team less than three years ago. The former loss prevention agent for the Gap clothing store was in retail for many years, including at the now-defunct Filene’s Basement and Bar Louie (701 7th Street) establishments. The native Washingtonian says she loves her job as a SAM and takes it seriously. “I like meeting different people and dealing with homeless people, although I’m not on the [BID’s] Homeless Outreach Service Team [HOST]. But they tell me what they need, and I know them by name. I have a bond with them.” In her spare time, Marquez enjoys spending time with her infant son, who turns one next month.
Norma Conales will soon be an 11-year veteran of the Maintenance Team. Originally from Honduras, she has lived in D.C. for 17 years. The proud mother of two is very family oriented and a dedicated worker. She has excelled as a zone cleaner during her tenure and is known for always delivering a friendly smile. Norma finds great joy in her work and in knowing that she is helping to create a beautiful and vibrant Downtown. In her spare time, Norma can’t help herself: she likes to clean … and shop.
Both Marquez and Norma exemplify the BID standard of providing best in class service to the Downtown community. Congratulations, ladies!