So Others Might Eat

🎓 Rising seniors & Class of 2025 grads — join us for our All-Day Open House! 🗓️ Tues, July 15 | 10AM–2PM 📍 4430 Benning Rd NE, DC Explore hands-on training in Medical Assisting, Admin Support, HVAC & Building Maintenance. Sessions start hourly! #DCCareers

This is what partnership looks like. Standard Communities Volunteers spent the day rolling up their sleeves across SOME's TW Perry, Knoll Place Residences, and CET program, breathing new life into the spaces residents and trainees rely on most. From community rooms for children and support groups to reading areas and computer labs, every corner they touched is now better equipped to foster learning, connection, and personal growth. Their commitment elevated more than just the physical environments, it deepened the sense of pride, possibility, and momentum for everyone moving forward on their path toward stability and opportunity.

Advocacy works. When the Department of Behavioral Health proposed eliminating funding for all community-based psychiatric crisis stabilization beds in the FY27 budget, including SOME’s Jordan House, in favor of consolidating services into a more institutional, hospital-like setting, our team stepped up to advocate for keeping these critical beds in the community. SOME has operated Jordan House since 2005. It's a trusted refuge for D.C. residents in psychiatric crisis-- many of whom are experiencing homelessness--who rely on compassionate, community-based care. What followed was a full-team effort. Our staff built a budget advocacy strategy, submitted testimony, created educational materials, and walked into the John A. Wilson Building this week to meet directly with Councilmembers, alongside our partners at Woodley House. On Wednesday, during Committee Mark-Ups on the FY27 budget, the Committee on Health, under the leadership of At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson, recommended restoring funding for community-based crisis beds, including Jordan House. The full Council still has to adopt the final budget, but this is a major step forward, and it happened because people showed up. Thank you to everyone who stood with us and helped raise your voice in support of community-based crisis care, including Chairwoman Christina Henderson and the members of the Committee on Health for recognizing the importance of these services.

Meet Renikka Robinson, a proud graduate of SOME's Center for Employment Training (CET) program and a future Registered Nurse. Renikka started in CET's Medical Assistant program, then enrolled in CNA school to gain real bedside experience. Today, she works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Forest Hills of DC and is an apprentice through the DC Hill and DC National Hospital Association Apprenticeship. This Spring, she begins the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Trinity Washington University. In her words, "My progression from Medical Assistant training to completing CNA school represents more than academic achievement. It reflects CET's mission in action.” If you're looking at this, consider it your sign to become part of CET. We believe in our trainees, and we know you can achieve great things.

This spring, we celebrated recovery in action. Our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Graduation honored 14 individuals who completed treatment and took meaningful steps toward healing and stability through personalized, trauma-informed care, counseling, case management, and access to healthcare and housing support. At SOME, recovery is part of a larger pathway toward wellness, dignity, and lasting opportunity!

This Mother’s Day, the women of SOME were reminded just how deeply valued they are. Volunteer Maria Detherage and her team transformed Isaiah House into a Ladies Pink Boutique, complete with roses, pampering items, music, and a beautifully curated selection of clothing, shoes, purses, and gifts. A space where mothers could be celebrated, seen, and reminded that they are deeply valued by their community. Moments like these are a reminder that joy is care, and care is community. Grateful to SOME staff and every volunteer who made this celebration possible. 🌷

A quick look back at SOME's Housing Programs Open House and Orientation at the Conway Center. We welcomed individuals and families for a closer look at current and upcoming housing opportunities, with space to connect directly with staff and get clear on next steps. Thanks to every staff member who helped make our resources more accessible.

Looking for stable and supportive housing options? Join us for our Housing Programs Open House & Orientation on May 1 at the Conway Center. Learn about available housing opportunities, get guidance on the application process, and connect directly with our team. Morning and afternoon sessions available. Walk ins welcome, space may be limited. Contact HousingIntake@SOME.org for more information.

Tomorrow, Noon Markup - Enhancing Consumer Protection Procedures Amendment Act - Housing with Integrity Amendment Act - Nonprofit Services Preservation Amendment Act lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/heari…

Grateful to Montgomery Beauty School for showing up and serving our community ✂️ Twice a month, they provide haircuts for our clients—helping restore confidence and dignity in a simple but powerful way. These visits are a meaningful part of the care and support we offer each day. Our After Breakfast program continues to offer a welcoming space for neighbors to gather, connect, and spend time in community.

@FIUaB students holding it down at FIU in D.C. 🐾🇺🇸 While others were out visiting agencies, they were here getting real insight into policy, service, and what impact looks like up close. At @SOME_DC

@FBCHighlandPark stopped by with the goods 🧥🧣👜❄️thank you for showing up for our clients, even on the weekend!

“Troy Swanda, president and CEO of the nonprofit So Others Might Eat (SOME), said the unhoused community is particularly vulnerable to the threat of cold weather. He said that the organization has been giving out blankets, hand warmers and sleeping bags for those who don’t want to go into shelters.” — @washingtonpost Read the full article here: washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/… Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and partners who are out in the cold making sure people have what they need to stay safe. #SOME #NonprofitLeadership #WinterResponse #DC

The Varsity Vikes spent the morning volunteering at SOME (So Others Might Eat) in DC. Always good for the guys to serve and give back to the community. I am beyond proud of them both on and off the court. #VikesBaby @MCPS @mcpsAD @TheMoCoShow @MCPSAthletics

What a great turnout for our Housing Meet & Greet! Residents with disabilities learned about tenant rights, affordable, accessible housing, & services we offer to support independent living & self-sufficiency. Learn about future events: tinyurl.com/yeyv7d6w @OTAatDC @SOME_DC

Our Housing Meet & Greet was a success! Residents with disabilities learned about tenant rights, affordable, accessible housing, & services we offer to support independent living & self-sufficiency. Register for future events at tinyurl.com/yeyv7d6w @OTAatDC @SOME_DC

The @KiwanisDC club’s annual MLK weekend service project - packing dignity kits for @SOME_DC and making blankets for others in need. #MLKDayofService #KidsNeedKiwanis

Strong leadership for a stronger community. We’re excited to announce that Troy Swanda has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of SOME following a unanimous vote of our Board of Directors. A longtime leader and former Chief Operating Officer, Troy brings decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a powerful commitment to advancing dignity, opportunity, and stability for our neighbors across Washington, DC. This marks an exciting new chapter for SOME as we continue expanding our impact and strengthening our mission for the future.

Interested in an internship at SOME this Summer? Internships include: HR, social work, marketing, blog writing, program management, communication, community engagement and more! Visit some.org/internships to get started!

Last month, SOME had the privilege of hosting Troy Selberg, the Director of Workforce Initiatives at the US Department of Labor, at the SOME Center for Employment Training (CET). Accompanying him were Candee Chambers, Director of the Office of Public Liaison, and Anna Russell, Deputy Director of the same office. We are deeply appreciative of Mr. Selberg and his team's insights and dedication to advancing workforce innovation. During their visit, we proudly demonstrated how SOME CET is creating opportunities for our students through hands-on skills training and employment readiness programs in the building and healthcare trades. We at SOME CET are excited about the potential of forging a robust and impactful partnership with the DOL. Together, we aim to empower our students with the skills necessary to harness the technologies of the future to create long-term career success. @USDOL

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