Employee volunteer-driven effort designed to help local youth and area homeless

AT&T employees in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area are coming together to help address critical community issues including homelessness, hunger and helping underserved youth secure necessary skills for a successful future. The outreach is part of a new program called Believe DCSM — an extension of the AT&T BelievesSM initiative.

Believe DC includes support for a number of local organizations, all identified by local AT&T employees. The program began August 9 with a volunteer effort in coordination with four community groups:

• United Community: Volunteers helped clean up and beautify United Community's Early Learning Center playground. Tasks included: building new sandboxes; weeding and cleaning the garden; painting garden fences; and repairing playground equipment and picnic tables.
• S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat): AT&T volunteers served lunch at S.O.M.E.’s Dining Room to the homeless and underserved.
• Together We Bake (TWB): This organization provides comprehensive workforce training and personal development programs for women in need of a second chance. Volunteers helped prepare and/or package freshly baked goods while learning more about TWB’s programs.
• Genesys Works: In a collaborative effort with Genesys Works, an organization that provides students with professional skills, AT&T volunteers coached teens on presentation skills and business dining etiquette during a working luncheon.

“Our employees are enthusiastic when it comes to giving back. They regularly give their time, talent and resources to help their neighbors who need it. Through Believe DC, we’re investing in the communities where we work and live, here in the District and Metro Area,” said Denis Dunn, president, AT&T Washington, D.C.

Dunn said the company is combining the commitment, compassion and altruistic energy of AT&T employees in the D.C. Metro Area with company resources and support to make a positive impact in the lives of the residents of the region.

"We applaud the efforts of AT&T to create sustainable partnerships with local organizations to address critical issues facing our community and are pleased to have the Mayor's vision for a fair shot for all District residents personified in such a collective way,” said Ayris T. Scales, Executive Director, Serve DC, The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships.

AT&T Believes initiatives have been launched in several cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, Arkansas, Bay Area, Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Lebanon (Virginia), WV, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, Seattle, and Trenton with more expected in 2019. Learn more at www.attbelieves.com.