Now in existence for two years, AKOMA continues its mission to serve the DC metropolitan area by responding to the needs of residents who are unable to participate in life’s milestones due to limited financial resources. The number of low-income families in the area is substantial with nearly half of the income population in single-parent homes. According to DC Fiscal Policy Institute, eighty-one percent of these families are headed by women. Poverty is known to be associated with lower educational outcomes and decreased self-esteem.
Here at AKOMA, we tackle the issue head-on with various initiatives. We provide support for the homeless, help meet educational supply needs, and other needs commonly overlooked such as helping under resourced students attend their senior prom. In order to continue serving the needs of the DC metropolitan area, we need your help. In whichever capacity you choose — whether it be a monetary donation, school supply, or holiday basket, etc. — your gift will most certainly enrich someone else’s life.
BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE
At the beginning of the school year, students receive a list of school supplies they will need to have for a successful school year. Akoma Foundation donates bags full of these supplies to the students who need them the most every year.
A NIGHT FOR KINGS & QUEENS – PROM
Prom-Senior year is one of the most vital times in high school. Akoma Foundation takes some of the ease off of seniors stress by providing them free prom services. The students we aid need financial assistance, and with our help, we give them the glamour makeover they desire to make their prom night enjoyable. These youth come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but have worked diligently despite their circumstances. It is our turn to step up to the plate to make prom night, a night to remember.
We offer makeup, hair and photography services. In addition, we receive wardrobe and jewelry donations each year to give to the students.
HELP US MAKE IT A NIGHT THEY’LL NEVER FORGET
Our annual fundraiser, “A Night for Kings and Queens,” seeks to galvanize support to celebrate youth who have journeyed through high school and are on the brink of graduation. We do this by providing them with the tools necessary to participate in the highlight of every adolescent’s high school career: prom.
Each year we aim to meet the needs of at least twenty local students. In addition to monetary donations, we also seek the donation of Prom attire (dresses, tuxedos and shoes).
A HEART FOR THE HOMELESS
Approximately 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in a year (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 2007). Our foundation creates care packages to give to homeless people in our community.
WARM HEARTS COAT DRIVE
Each fall, AKOMA requests the submission of new or gently used coats, of all sizes, to help the homeless stay warm during the winter months. In the past year, Akoma has collected and donated over 70 coats to those in need.
BLANKETS OF LOVE
The winter season is harsh on the homeless. In addition to coats, AKOMA provides new blankets to ensure warmth through frigid temperature.
CARE PACKAGES
Homeless men, women and children are in need throughout the year. All year round, we collect all types of toiletries, non-perishable snacks (trail mix, crackers, granola bars, raisins, etc.), beverages in plastic bottles or cans (preferably water, juice and sports drinks).
HEART FILLED HOLIDAYS
The holiday season is one of celebration and should leave us all with lasting joyful memories. To remedy some of the issues of strained relationships, family and/or job displacement, and economic hardship, AKOMA garners support to provide food baskets during Thanksgiving and gifts during the Christmas holiday.