Program areas at Kiwanis International - Kiwanis Club of Washington DC
Large scale service project: supporting and mentoring youth advocates and leaders (smyal): through youth leadership, smyal creates opportunities for lgbtq youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Since 1984, smyal has been providing services to lgbtq youth through education, scholarships, housing, and other after school services. The 2022-2023 calendar year is the second of the Club's partnership with smyal as our large-scale service project. During this program year, smyal was advancing their clinical services program to ensure that lgbtq youth had access to mental health counseling that is affirming, empowering, and accessible. Funds from the Kiwanis Club assisted smyal with expanding their outreach within the DC community and increasing execution of one-on-one therapy, group counseling and case management support to the community.
Various programs: the Club conducts various programs to help children and the elderly. Sarah's circle is an event held for the residents of the sarah's circle community, a housing residence and wellness center in Washington, d.cDC.c. for very low-income seniors. River terrace education campus was supported with gifts at their holiday party and financial support to assist with graduation and their annual prom. The Club purchased items and packaged 100 toiletry bags to assist a local DC homeless shelter called so others might eat (some). Additionally, the Kiwanis Club sponsors two circle k and one key Club organizations that foster service leadership for high school and college students.
Student leader awards: for 25 years the Club has awarded graduating seniors from DC schools with scholarships, backpacks, and laptops to help set them up for success in their higher education journeys. The program is open to any graduating senior who both resides in and attends school in the district of columbia. The program is open to all educational pathways to include students pursuing vocational or training schools, an associate's degree, or other accredited programs. Applicants are graded based on leadership characteristics and financial need, as well as their desire to grow and make a difference in the world.