1. 50 Years of Dignity and Respect: We marked 50 years of service to DC, celebrating our deep roots in the community and reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved in healthcare, housing, and social justice—always through the lens of racial equity.

2. A Golden Gala: We hosted an unforgettable gala with 500 of our closest supporters, inspiring clients, and partners to honor our half-century of service. Hosted by Britt Waters at the Capital Turnaround in Southeast, the evening was a true celebration of our collective impact.

3. A Jubilant Juneteenth: We joined Mema’s Popups for our third annual Juneteenth for the City celebration, which featured 31 local Black-owned businesses, ten extraordinary performances, and 650 attendees. It was a day of joy, pride, and unity.

4. Holidays for All: Our long-standing Holiday Helpings initiative provided holiday meal kits to 16,341 of our DC neighbors during the holiday season, including culturally inclusive meals and residential deliveries, ensuring that every family could celebrate with dignity and joy.

5. The Students Become the Teachers This year, the Terrance Moore Organizing Institute was operated entirely by past graduates for the first time, empowering our community members to lead and inspire. We celebrated the graduation of eight new organizers—many of them seniors!

6. Popcorn and Policy Change: We hosted a three-part summer film and discussion series exploring innovative policies and programs nationwide. We came together to discuss actionable solutions for economic justice for all DC residents.

7. Legacy of Leadership: Two pillars of our organization, Edie Oliver and Lynda Brown, retired after 32 years and 22 years, respectively, of extraordinary service. Their dedication has shaped the foundation of Bread for the City, and we’re grateful for their leadership and impact.

9. Culturally Inclusive Healthcare: This year, we re-introduced acupuncture to our medical clinic thanks to our partnership with Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. This holistic approach reflects our belief in mind, body, and spirit interconnectedness.
10. We Got a Cool Makeover: Local artist Trap Bob designed a special, limited-edition merch line to celebrate our 50th birthday. Show your Bread for the City pride and grab a piece of this unique collaboration while you can!
11. Free Produce – Now Every Week! We expanded our farmers markets, offering fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce every week. Clients now have access to nutritious food five days a week through this additional opportunity, helping families make healthier choices.

11. Steps in the Right Direction: As part of the Fair Budget Coalition, we successfully advocated for investments in public housing repairs, non-congregate shelters, and the Access to Justice Initiative, which supports our free legal services.

12. Life-Saving Learning: Our Social Services team hosted 12 CPR training sessions, certifying 160 community members in life-saving skills. It’s just one of the ways we’re equipping DC residents to take action in times of need.

13. Weaving Our Community Together: Our Community Empowered workshop participants unveiled a beautiful quilt exhibit, weaving together stories, memories, and moments from our community. This art installation celebrates the diverse experiences of those we serve.

14. Breathing Easy: Thanks to a generous donation from MegaLight, we distributed 500 air purifiers to help our clients breathe easier in their homes. This initiative addressed the health impacts of air pollution, particularly in underserved communities.

15. Welcoming Fresh Perspectives: We welcomed new board members Cody and Gaybrielle, who bring fresh perspectives and a passion for the work we do. Their leadership will help us continue to grow and make a lasting impact in the community.

16. Connecting with Chinatown: We partnered with Save Chinatown DC to advocate for equitable development in the historic neighborhood. Our relationship with a nearby Chinese senior center deepened with an afternoon of shared meals, dancing, and a traditional tea ceremony.

17. In Full Bloom: Our garden flourished with fruits, veggies, herbs, and beautiful flowers, all donated to clients at our farmers markets. We also hosted gardening workshops and installed a Little Free Library for the community to enjoy.

18. Bridging Health Gaps: In partnership with Black Women Thriving East of the River, we launched a Healthcare Scholarship Program that provides ongoing financial support and wrap-around services for Black women living in Wards 7 and 8 so they can pursue careers in the healthcare field.

19. Standing Strong for Tenants: Our Advocacy team, in partnership with the Movement Lawyering Project, took action for tenants at Kenilworth Courts and Pleasant Hills apartments, pushing for urgent repairs and improved living conditions.

20. Holding Space for Local Leaders: We proudly opened our doors to local organizations like Kuumba Prep School Of The Arts and Black Swan Academy, offering our space as a hub to amplify their efforts and support community-led initiatives that make a real difference for DC residents.

21. Getting Out the Vote: This year, we registered our clients to vote and share resources on what was on the ballot at our weekly farmers markets.

22. Out and About: We made our presence felt at Broccoli City Fest and Adams Morgan Day, connecting with thousands of attendees and sharing our work with the wider DC community.

23. Honoring Our City’s History: We screened La Manplesa, a film that tells the powerful story of the 1991 Mt. Pleasant uprisings against police violence and Latine discrimination in Washington, DC. Lilo Gonzalez, who was part of the uprisings, joined us to share his perspective through music. Take a look here.

24. Inclusive, Innovative, and Now Live: In November, we launched our revamped website, designed with accessibility in mind. The new features make it easier for everyone—whether browsing in different languages or using assistive technologies—to connect with our services.

Thank you for being part of this incredible year with us. Nothing we do is possible without you! Together, we’ve achieved so much and are excited for what the future holds as we continue to build a more equitable and inclusive DC. Here’s to another year of progress, impact, and transformation!