Lately there has been too much negative news in our community. Stories have included the meteoric rise of the price of gas in the metropolitan region, the slow down of the economy, and an increase in gun violence and the senseless death of our young people across the region.

Too often we dwell on these negative stories, then we become depressed, and we grow oblivious to the fact that there are also good things going on in our midst. One such source of good news is the Southeast White House.

The Southeast White House is an outreach center in the Randle Highlands neighborhood of Southeast Washington that serves as a place of reconciliation and a ministry to children and families.

The place came to be known as the Southeast White House because its stately architecture resembles the White House, and it sits on Pennsylvania Avenue – in Southeast Washington. Most importantly, the organization is known as the White House because it is a beacon of light for Southeast Washington and the entire Washington, DC, community. The White House offers a variety of programs aimed at uplifting the Randle Highlands, Hillcrest, Penn Branch, Congress Heights and Fort Dupont communities.

I spoke recently with co-founder Scott Dimock – a large, charming, gentle man – about the White House and its programs. Dimock said, “We didn’t name ourselves the Southeast White House, but the community calls us the Southeast White House.” Dimock is very humble and emphasizes that the ministry works in partnership with area churches including the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church and the Emmanuel Church of God in Christ.

Dimock founded the ministry back in 1996 with his partner, former police officer, Sammy Morrison. They purchased the house with the goal of providing a place that would minister to the needs of the kids and the community, and 12 years since the founded of the organization, their vision has become a reality. The house has truly become “a house on the hill for all people.”

Indicative of this are the fellowship meals that are hosted at the house. On Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. they host a leadership breakfast, and on the first Wednesdays of the month at 12:30 p.m. they host a fellowship lunch. I have attended both of these fellowship meals, and the food is always delicious, but most importantly the spiritual food, the change to connect with humanity – brothers and sisters from all walks of life is priceless.

When asked about successful programs that the Southeast White House offers, Dimock mentions the Friends Mentoring Program. He said, “Many of the kids who began the mentoring program 12 years ago as children are now graduating and are headed to college, including Frostburg State in Maryland.”

I spoke to Jason Anderson, one of the program’s mentors, and he said that the program has transformed the lives of many young people and that it has touched his own life. In speaking of the program, he said that it is crucial because most of the young men don’t have male figures in their lives. He added, “It is important for young people to have positive role models who are still cool but not associated with things that are destructive, like drugs and violence.”

One area that Anderson said needs a lot of attention and that he spends a lot of time on is filling the gap between the schools and parents. According to Anderson, “there is a lack of connection between the parents and the schools, and we need to devote a lot more attention to this area.” Anderson also said that the program provides mentoring opportunities for about 50 boys, and there is a great need for additional mentors.

Another successful program is the “People’s House” run by Tina Henderson. The People’s House is a relational referral service, which connects people in need with a variety of resources and social services. The types of services provided include information about substance abuse programs, housing, job training and professional development, and emergency services.

As a pastor, I have personally used the services to aid members of the community in need, and I have found the service very useful. As a result of utilizing the People’s House, I have witnessed members of our community going from being homeless on the streets to finding temporary shelter and to go onto finding permanent housing. The People’s House is an invaluable referral service and you can reach Tina Henderson at 202-581-0800.

When asked about the future of the White House, Dimock mentions the Q Street building, a three-story apartment building at 2826 Q St. SE, which is being transformed into a place to provide a safe haven for children and families as well as a place of inspiration and empowerment. The Southeast White House offers a wide array of other programs including a single mom’s night out, cooking classes for young people and an arts program that benefits our community, and they are in need of our volunteer support and monetary donations. If you would like to volunteer, call Nefret Hannah at 703-851-8048.

The Southeast White House is located at 2909 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Visit www.southeastq.org for more information.