Potomac Gardens Resident Counsel

Marja Hilfiker, Linda Brown Myrick ( first AoH Graduate ), and Gayle Boss In 1985, Marja Hilfiker and Gayle Boss began tutoring adult students in need of high school credentials or literacy proficiency. They met with students in a small room meant for security guards at the Ritz a partment building in Adams Morgan. As word of their efforts spread, requests for help began to grow. Marja and Gayle served 19 students that first year, teaching two hours of math and two hours of reading each day. The two women consider Linda Brown, the first of their students to earn her GED, a co-founder of the Academy. Linda taught them what adult students needed most. The school grew, and soon Gayle and Marja opened a second site, at 16th and S streets N.W. Before long, the student population had grown to 70, and the number of volunteers to manage and train grew as well. Academy of Hope hired its first director in 1993, and moved into the National Baptist Memorial Church at the intersection of Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant in 1994. After more than 20 years, Academy of Hope has moved into a new facility, situated on the property of the 850-unit Edgewood Terrace apartment complex, owned by the Community Preservation and Development Corporation, a nonprofit housing developer. There, in Washington, D.C.'s Ward 5, one of the most underserved neighborhoods in the district, school provides families the hope and skills needed for a better life.

Beacon House Community Ministry is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, dedicated to empowering youth and families through a variety of support programs, including athletics, education, and summer camps. Located on the campus of Edgewood Commons, the ministry fosters a safe and nurturing environment that promotes community engagement and personal development. With a focus on impact and sustainability, Beacon House offers diverse opportunities for involvement, inviting individuals to join as volunteers, participate in group activities, or pursue career opportunities. The organization is committed to creating a positive difference in the lives of those it serves, bolstering community ties and enhancing overall well-being. Generated from the website

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting children's literacy by providing free books and resources to children across the nation. Established in 1966, RIF focuses on engaging corporate volunteers and implementing programs that meet grant goals while ensuring effective delivery within project scope and budget. Kate Kolarik, the Manager of Programs and Events, has been with RIF since March 2019, bringing her experience from children's theater to enhance the organization’s initiatives. With a background in managing theatrical productions and a degree in Theatre, Film, and Media Studies, she is passionate about inspiring children through literature. Generated from the website