Miriam’s Kitchen is a local Washington, DC organization focused on ending chronic homelessness. In addition to providing direct services, they partner with people who have experienced homelessness to advocate for the D.C. government to make investments in effective housing programs. All Souls has worked with Miriam Kitchen’s over the last few years to help support individuals in need who we meet at or right around the church.
Share The Plate Collection
We care for all souls, which means we care for the community beyond our doors as well. This value is reflected in our church goals adopted in June 2022, which call us to “serve the needs of those in our city in partnership with local organizations.”
Since December 2022, All Souls has shared (50/50 split) all non-pledge contributions from the offerings with a different organization each month. The recipients are determined by the executive team (Traci Hughes-Trotter and Rev. Anastassia Zinke) on the recommendation of Minister of Social Justice Rev. Rob Keithan.
Most recipients are local or regional groups rather than national. We encourage All Souls congregants to build deeper relationships than just giving to support. Consider joining, volunteering, or otherwise supporting them in an ongoing way beyond the offering. Our goal is to promote deeper relationship and connection!
The Share the Plate program is an opportunity to broaden All Souls connections in the community, so current Beckner Fund recipients are not eligible. Previous Beckner recipients are eligible.
Any congregant or staff member is welcome to suggest an organization by emailing Rev. Rob Keithan.
Guiding Criteria
- Groups can be local, regional, or national in scope, but most recipients will be local organizations.
- Groups need to be 501c3 nonprofit organizations or be fiscally sponsored by a 501c3.
- Current Beckner Fund recipients are not eligible. Previous recipients are eligible.
- In cases where a church staff member or congregant has a direct connection to the organization (such as a staff member serving on their Board, or a congregant serving on their Board or working there) it will be shared with the congregation verbally and on the website. Organizations that employ church staff are not eligible.
This Month's Recipient
Miriam’s Kitchen
2024-25 Recipients
Beacon House
Beacon House, located in the Edgewood neighborhood of northeast DC. Founded in 1991 by Rev. Don Robinson, a UU Minister affiliated with All Souls, Beacon House provides high quality afterschool education and youth development services to nearly 400 children annually.
UU the Vote of DC, MD, and VA
Democracy is All Souls theme of the month for October, and our share-the-plate recipient is UU the Vote of DC, MD, and VA! Now in its 3rd election cycle, this project is a unique, 3-way partnership between All Souls, UUs for Social Justice, and UU the Vote nationally to mobilize, build capacity, and increase connection among UUs and UU congregations in this region. All Souls Reeb Project is a leader in the work and also benefits from the increased opportunities, which includes hiring a voting campaign organizer. And thanks to a grant from the UU Funding Program, all donations will be matched, up to $5000! Check out the Reeb Action Center to see all the project’s events, as well as actions specific to All Souls–like the in-person phone banks every Tuesday night!
La Clínica Del Pueblo
Since 1983, La Clínica del Pueblo has provided primary care, mental health, language access, community health services, and advocacy to increase inclusion and substance use programs for Latinae immigrants. Not only are they a longtime partner of All Souls, they’re also our neighbors! Their clinic is right across 15th street from the church and they proudly serve undocumented, uninsured, and underinsured people. Contributions will support their community-based programs including wellness activities, women’s reproductive health initiatives, gender-based violence prevention, LGBTQ empowerment, and ongoing advocacy for a more just and equitable health system.
2023-24 Recipients
All Souls Emergency Fund
August 2024
The staff use this fund to help congregants pay for housing, utilities, food, or other critical needs during tough times. Although the amounts are limited, occasional direct financial support is an important aspect of congregational care, and recognizes that we are an economically diverse community.
Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
July 2024
The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), headquartered nearby on Columbia Road, provides over 50 programs and services to help youth become the best possible version of themselves, including housing, education, wellness, and much more!
DC Center for the LGBT Community
June 2024
The DC Center for the LGBT Community, which educates, empowers, celebrates, and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Their work focuses on four core areas: health and wellness, arts & culture, social and peer support, and advocacy and community building.
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
UU Service Committee
April 2024
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization advancing human rights together with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates.
Harriet’s Wildest Dreams
March 2024
A Black-led abolitionist community defense hub centering all Black lives most at risk for state-sanctioned violence in the DC area.
One Common Unity
February 2024
One Common Unity, an organization that breaks cycles of violence and builds compassionate, healthy communities through the transformative power of music, arts and peace education. OCU is a former Beckner Advancement Fund Grantee.
Mamatoto Village
January 2024
This organization is devoted to serving Black women through the creation of career pathways in maternal health. They provide accessible perinatal support services designed to equip women with the necessary tools to make the most informed decisions in their maternity care, parenting, and lives.
Miriam’s Kitchen
December 2023
A comprehensive approach to eliminating the housing crisis in Washington, D.C.
SMYAL
November 2023
SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region.
The TraRon Center
October 2023
The TraRon Center is an organization in Washington, DC, dedicated to helping those affected by gun violence heal through the arts.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
September 2023
Your gifts will go to a relief fund specifically dedicated to helping Native Hawaiians on Maui to recover and rebuild from the wildfire of 2023.
2022-23 Recipients
Courtney’s House
August 2023
This is a survivor-founded, survivor-focused, trauma informed organization based in DC that serves DC, MD, and VA.
Gala Hispanic Theatre
July 2023
A National Center for Latino Performing Arts in the nation’s capital.
The DC Center
June 2023
A community center that connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.
La Clinica del Pueblo
May 2023
A high-quality community health center serving the Latinx immigrant community.
Dreaming Out Loud
April 2023
An organization that creates economic opportunities for the DCV’s marginalized communities by building healthy, equitable food systems.
Beacon House
March 2023
Providing children in the Edgewood neighborhood of Northeast DC with a safe, life-expanding community in which to learn, discover talents, and to grow into healthy adults.
Harriet’s Wildest Dreams
February 2023
A Black-led abolitionist community defense hub centering all Black lives most at risk for state-sanctioned violence in the DC area.
SACReD
January 2023
The Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity; a national alliance working to advance reproductive justice.
Miriam’s Kitchen
December 2022
A comprehensive approach to eliminating the housing crisis in Washington, D.C.