"The House" - Changing Lives


The House is an after-school teen center in Southeast DC supported by McLean Bible Church. The House provides a safe place for at-risk youth to receive career counseling and SAT tutoring, learn computer skills, get help with homework, participate in sports and music, and find spiritual support and guidance.


All proceeds from the tournament are for the benefit of "The House", a day-center for at risk youth in Southeast Washington.  The words "at risk" aren't the words of The Old School.  These are the words used by coordinators at The House based on their experience.  They know what life is like in Anacostia--broken families, drugs, violence, school drop-outs--the list goes on.  These children need help, guidance and support, and they need it desperately.

 

There's an even greater urgency to our efforts right now.  The decline in the economy has lead to an overall decline in charitable giving, and The House is feeling the pinch.  Please consider making a tax-deductible donation if you cannot attend the tournament.

 

Nine years ago, The House began with the aim of transforming lives in the most dangerous part of D.C.  It now owns three row-homes—some of which were formerly crack houses—in a part of Anacostia in Southeast D.C. once known as “Murder Row.”  These row-homes provide a refuge for the kids that live and play in that area. 

The House is keeping high school students off the streets and out of harm’s way while teaching them life skills and leading them in a new and positive direction.  Your support of The Old School Invitational can continue this process of transforming the inner-city.


Success Stories:

  • Just recently, House student Corey earned a $50,000 academic scholarship for college from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Corey will be attending college in the fall.


  • House student Erica was the Valedictorian of Anacostia Senior High School for 2008. She now attends Trinity College. In 2007, House student Ricardo was the Valedictorian of Anacostia High School. He received a full academic scholarship.

  • In 2007, 50% of National Honor Society Members from Anacostia Senior High School were students from The House.

  • Students who contemplate dropping out of high school oftentimes meet with counselors at The House and decide to stay in school and earn a degree. While the dropout rate for students in D.C. is over 40%, the dropout rate for students from The House is ZERO.

  • 80% of The House’s students graduated high school on time last year, and those who did not continued with their studies and earned a high school degree shortly thereafter—a 100% graduation rate.

  • 10 students from The House are in college this year and will be completing their Freshmen year. A college tour of Tennessee State University is planned for mid-March 2009, including local schools for high school juniors and seniors.

  • The House serves, on average, over 200 dinners per week to its students.

  • The House just unveiled a newly renovated building, which includes a commercial kitchen, an updated computer lab, a fitness center, a recording studio, a music room, and a game room with pool, ping pong, air hockey and a pinball machine.


    The House Programs include:

    Academics

             Computer Training
             Homework Assistance
             SAT Tutoring for Seniors

    Athletics

         Weight Training
         Aerobics

    Arts

         Musical Production
         Piano Lessons
         Crafts

    Spiritual Growth

         Spiritual Retreats
         Individual Mentoring