The Dilemma

In Washington, D.C., the effects of child abuse and neglect upon children is staggering. The need for services continues to expand as the rolls of the D.C. Foster Care System have increased at an alarming rate. The District has one of the highest percentages of children living in poverty (26%) and serves far more children in foster care per 10,000 residents than any other jurisdiction. In the District of Columbia, more than 1 in 4 children (27,000) live with a relative other than their parents. The District of Columbia's child welfare system has more than 3,000 children in foster care and another 2,113 children are under supervision by government social workers.

A child’s story: The story of Tammy typifies the impact the Ionia R. Whipper Home has on its clients. Tammy entered the program at age twelve. She was diagnosed as a failure to thrive infant due to fetal alcohol syndrome. She suffered from a history of neglect, possessed poor social skills, and was developmentally disabled. Her capacity to bond and relate to adults was a strength on which we were able to build. Through the educational and therapeutic programs and support offered she was able to obtain a certificate of completion from high school and achieve self-sufficiency.

Many of the young women who have entered the Whipper Home go on to college. There are medical doctors, engineers, teachers, social workers that can trace their college entrance to the work of the Whipper Home.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES The Whipper Home serves abused, abandoned, and neglected females who are unable to reside at home with family members due to dysfunction. The Home provides a supportive atmosphere for identity and self-esteem building for personal growth and development.

Individual, Group, and Family Therapy; Therapeutic interventions allow residents the opportunity to work on resolving problems and conflicts resulting from their experiences and past life traumas. Psychiatric consultation and mental health support are intricate parts of clinical treatment.

Educational/Vocational Counseling; The Agency promotes the development of academic, vocational and self-enriching skills. Higher education is encouraged and directed by a college advisor.

Life Skills Training; Develops and reinforces basic skills for independent living. Social and Recreational Activities A "sense of belonging" is reinforced for the residents through involvement with volunteers and provides them with lifelines for support in the community.