We are a highly respected organization that has been in the Shaw Community in Washington, DC for over 75 years. Founded in 1934 as an offshoot of the Tuesday Evening Club of Social Workers- a group of African American women who organized to extend a helping hand within the Shaw Community- NWSH was started to provide family services, childcare and many needs for families in the area. We were the site of the District of Columbia's first Head Start Program and the sponsor of the Shaw Redevelopment project.
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| Tuesday Evening Club Social Workers |
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| Northwest Settlement House (1934) |
For more than 50 years, NWSH was located on 448 Ridge Street, NW and could not be missed. Everyone knew of the yellow house on Ridge Street. This one building served as a food pantry, daycare, youth center, administrative offices and much more. In August of 2012, we said goodbye to our beloved yellow house and relocated to our Infant and Toddler center on 7th Street NW, in the progressive area near Howard University.
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| 448 Ridge Street |
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| Ridge Street Playground |
In September 2008 we opened a brand new state of the art infant and toddler center in response to the community and the need for great, quality childcare. NWSH's newest facility holds 44 children, aging from 6 weeks to 3 years old. Our new center is full of windows that let in light and allow those passing by to get a glimpse of our daily classroom activities. With bright colored walls, and large classrooms, our Early Learning Center is a great choice for any family. We are also directly across from the Shaw Howard Metro stop.
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| Current NWSH |
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| Infant Room (now carpeted) |
Today, as we were 75 years ago, the Northwest Settlement House wants to remain true to its vision of helping people in the community. Although the city is changing, we want to continue to be able to be a safe place for the many people in the Shaw area. While childcare services are a huge component of NWSH, we are working towards expanding to regain the name we once had as a place that can serve all needs.
This first blog is to introduce you to our organization and to invite you to follow us for all things NWSH!
2014 we plan to take over DC!
Best,
NWSH
