About us
Who we are
Founded in 2015 by lifelong Anacostia resident Aummett Paige, Anacostia AMP Outreach Empowerment Center (AAMP) is dedicated to cultivating confident future leaders among youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in DC’s ward 7 and 8 communities, most of whom are Black and Latinx youth aged 5-14. AAMP provides a safe haven where 100+ youth annually are mentored, supported, and guided in a positive direction through various free community-building events, enrichment programs, and sports and cultural arts activities. All programs are supported by volunteers, including door-to-door transportation, and furnished meals or snacks.
Program History
Anacostia AMP Outreach Empowerment Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Wards 7 and 8. We have been in operation since 2014 and received our non-profit status in 2015.
Good Hope Family Community Day
Our largest charitable event is held every August, on the Saturday before the new school year begins. At this event, we provide bookbags, school supplies, haircuts, hair braiding, new/gently used shoes, clothing and coats. This is all done in a festive, block party-style event with live entertainment, free food, beverages, cotton candy, shaved ice cones, games, prizes and amusements for children.
Holiday Toy & Coat Drive
Since 2015, we have hosted a Holiday Toy & Coat Drive. At our first giveaway event we were able to provide 50 children with coats and toys and over the years we have been able to expand this charity event, donating up to 150 coats and reaching almost 75 families! This year, we are gearing up to exceed this target and reach up to 250 children and their families.
After-School Program
Since 2017, we have provided an After-School Program at Ketcham Elementary, where we work with children ages 5-10, providing homework assistance, mentorship, financial literacy, cultural arts and field trips.
Dainty Doll Pageant Program
This year, we are delighted to introduce our newest program, the Dainty Doll Pageant Program, which aims to engage the youth in fun and unique activities that build self-awareness, confidence, self-care and preservation, basic hygiene, etiquette, posture, presentation and more. This program will provide the tools needed to help our youth build confidence and reach their potential wherever they go.
Anacostia AMP Youth Sports Association
In May of 2018, we extended our educational program to cover youth sports. The Anacostia AMP Youth Sports Association is a year-round program that engages children in a fun and safe space to build personal development and lifelong skills including team work, commitment, communication, and discipline primarily through the game of football and cheerleading. Our goal is to add other sport activities to the program to further reach and engage children ages 5 to 14.
Youth Community Clean-up Project
In 2021, we introduced our 12-week Youth Community Clean-up Project where we engaged 25 youth participants in community service through cleaning up parts of the Anacostia neighborhood. Participants received small stipends for their service.
Youth Retreat Getaway
In 2022, we introduced two new programs: Our Youth Retreat Getaway where we provided 40 youth and 10 staff with a weekend getaway to Lake Anna Virginia for a 3 night and 4 days stay away from their community, and a Bi-Weekly Mentoring Program where the youth participate in creative, fun, and wellness activities including vision board creating, paint night, game night, movie night, skate night and youth development activities.
Pre-Holiday Dinner
Since 2017, we have supported vulnerable individuals and families by distributing hot meals and essential cold-weather items, particularly during the holidays and in extreme weather when needs are most urgent.
Engagement Programs
Since 2020, we have provided consistent weekly activities that foster community, joy, and positive experiences for our youth—from bowling and skating to movie nights, sporting events, theme parks, and more.
Support Our Mission
Support our mission to support DC youth. Our outreach has benefited more than 5000 families since 2015.