William Penn House

William Penn House Report 2008

During the past week, we hosted the 4^th grade class from Plymouth Meeting Friends School whose teacher, Will Starr, has brought his classes annually for 21 years. The day that they left, the House hosted two groups of women, many retired, who were lobbying Congress to control nuclear technology. The day that these ladies checked out, they were replaced by 8^th graders from Thornton Friends School who were engaged with Washington Quaker Workcamps on issues of hunger and homelessness. Sharing the House with the Thornton youth were a group of developmentally challenged young people and their sponsors from England who were completing a 6 weeks tour of the US.

On the day that these last two groups checked in, I walked to Union Station to catch the Metro. As I walked up East Capitol, I passed the Folger Shakespeare Theatre that was preparing for a banquet, at the Library of Congress; I crossed over East Capitol toward the Supreme Court with the US Capitol on my left. In front of the Supreme Court, the networks were setting up to broadcast the retirement of Justice Souter. As I continued, I overheard the conversations of two young men who were aides to US Senators, sharing their take on the Souter retirement and then continued behind three young women who also worked on the Hill who were discussing careers as we walked past the Senate Office Buildings. Fifteen minutes after I left the William Penn House, I was at the Metro Station at Union Station.

Through our doors pass the most extraordinary cross sections of the world population; young people on school trips, young people through Washington Quaker Workcamps seeking the transformative experience of service, people of all ages who are engaging their elective representatives in their efforts to transform society, families and individuals who are tourists here to experience the culture and history of this wonderful city. And when I reflect on why I am here and the mission of William Penn House, I am struck with gratitude and joy in having this tremendous opportunity to serve.

Washington Quaker Workcamps offers service opportunities in New Orleans, the hamlets of West Virginia, the inner city of Washington, DC. We work with the Capitol Hill Village who serves the elderly to help them to be secure as they “age in place”; we feed the homeless; we transform parks and we work with other agencies to reduce storm runoffs by building rain gardens. We study and seek to reuse, recycle and to improve our ecology.

Through our programs, we address issues related to peace, social justice, global warming and the environment. We seek to improve dialogue surrounding issues of gender and HIV/AIDS. We prepare seminars on human rights, lobbying and greening existing buildings. Through our Potluck and Dialogues series we are engaged in the lives of our fellow Quakers and other activist who share their leadings monthly with area Friends.

And we host young and old, activists and tourists, US and international travelers, groups and individuals, who seek a safe, comfortable, affordable and convenient place to stay while being engaged in the plethora of reasons that draw people to the District of Columbia.

The staff of William Penn House reflects the concept of service and dedication that makes this place so special. On our current staff is Greg Woods, a recent graduate of Earlham College whose life was transformed through his high school service with an AFSC Workcamp. Faith Kelley, raised as an Evangelical Friend who has worked with Friends to develop dialogue and opportunities among Quaker youth; Wambani Lusinaka a Kenyan Quaker completing her master’s degree so that she can return to Kenya to help improve the lives of Kenyan women; Ben Self, also a recent Earlham graduate who was raised overseas and is engaged in all of our programs as he prepares to continue his education and Kelli Mansure, a future psychologist, who savors each moment of life. Helping to provide opportunities for growth and exploration is Brad Ogilvie who has taken his life challenging illness to serve him as catalyst to help seek unity and dialogue among all people of faith on issues that are too controversial for most. Patricia Newkirk, an anchor and staff member extraordinaire at the end of the year moved to Seattle to enjoy her first grandchild.

This chart puts numbers to our service:

	Detail of activities in 2008
2008	groups hosted	Workcamps held	programs held	potlucks & dialogue	Monthly occupancy	beds occupied
January	0	0	0	1	45%	419
February	5	1	2	1	70%	588
March	10	2	2	1	89%	828
April	7	3	1	1	87%	783
May	6	3	1	1	81%	753
June	5	5	2	1	86%	774
July	3	2	2	0	67%	623
August	5	3	1	1	82%	763
September	6	3	5	1	84%	756
October	8	3	1	1	61%	567
November	4	0	0	1	52%	406
December	4	0	1	1	39%	293
Total	63	25	18	11	70%	7552

As we have engaged others in service, training and programs, we have addressed many of the same issues within the House. Last year through generous donations, we replaced our furnace with a highly efficient one that helps to reduce our carbon footprint. We have switched to fluorescent light, replaced most of our plumbing fixtures to ones that use less water, installed ceiling fans throughout the House. We have landscaped the front with native plants and with the help of young people we transformed our ratty backyard into a rain garden of beauty and simplicity. We are currently seeking bids and funding to install a vegetated roof on our Carriage House to help to further reduce runoff into the troubled Anacostia River.

And by following the Quaker testimonies of Simplicity and Integrity we seek to provide all of these services with a balanced budget:

	Income and Expenses	2008
Ordinary Income/Expense
	Income
	Program Revenues	$ 295,099
	Contributions	$ 71,388
	Investment Income	$ (3,311)
	Other Income	$ 2,905
	Total Income	$ 366,082
	Expense
	Personnel	$ 260,345
	Building Exp	$ (5,614)
	Program Exp	$ 84,451
	Insurance Exp	$ 2,476
	Equipment loss	$ 254
	Fundraising Exp	$ 6,801
	Other Admin Exp	$ 18,564
	Total Expense	$ 367,276
Net Ordinary Income		$ (1,194)

Byron Sandford

Executive Director

William Penn House is blessed by the quality and dedication of our employees. Our permanent staff consists of exceptionally qualified individuals who have chosen to make their lives a witness to their faith and core beliefs. Our interns grace us with their perceptions, intelligence and fresh approaches to all aspects of William Penn House. Together we continue to test our leadings, to refine our programs, to upgrade our facilities and to improve our hospitality.

In 2007, we continued to increase the number of people who stayed at the House. Our occupancy was just shy of 70% for the year, which represents over 7500 times in the year that our beds were occupied, that breakfasts were served and linens and towels were washed. This occupancy reflects the increased participation in Washington Quaker Workcamps, in our expanding peace and social justice programs and the increase in the number of overall guests who are in Washington to visit, to lobby, to attend conferences and to relocate.

We are enriching the Workcamp program to more deeply reflect the spiritual and service depth of the programs. We now include presentations on poverty and privilege; training on lobbying and other opportunities to stretch our selves to be more actively engaged in the world that surrounds us. As we broaden the Workcamps, we seek to capitalize on our unique location on Capitol Hill and in our nation’s capital.

A new commitment is to provide a bridge between various faith traditions to engage each other over the issues of HIV/AIDS and the fact that our faith is based upon the true meaning of loving one another. We are working to deepen our relationship with our Capitol Hill neighbors and with area Quakers. Our relationships with the American Friends Service Committee and Friends Committee on National Legislation are broad and deep.

Over the past few years, we have reinvested our increased revenue in the property. We have installed air conditioning which is reflected in our 81% occupancy in the hottest months of the year. This past year we replaced our antique gas furnace with a state of the art highly efficient system. We have upgraded all of the rooms with warm colors, ceiling fans and new furnishings. The Conference Room is now a well lit, modern facility with new paint, carpeting and upgraded wiring. We have renovated our front garden into an inviting peace garden and are now working on the backyard so that it is also an oasis in this dynamic city.

We have entered the modern age with online registrations, online donations, an e-web newsletter and international exposure through an internet booking service. To reinforce our Quaker presence, we attend yearly meetings, Quaker conferences and gatherings and many monthly meetings. We are assisted with our outreach by our National Consultative Committee members who represent 22 yearly meetings.

We are strengthened by our dedicated board of directors who are appointed by area Friends Meetings. Currently there are thirteen board members.

In addition, our staff members are currently engaged with Friends Meeting of Washington, as a trustee of the monthly meeting, as a representative to FCNL, as members of marriage, property and peace and social justice committees. In addition, we serve Baltimore Yearly Meeting as clerk of trustees and Friends General Conference as treasurer, as a member of the Young Adult Friends conference planning committee and as a trainer to improve dialogue among Friends.

New Orleans Workcamp - October 5-8, 2007

In March this year Washington Quaker Workcamps led a second New Orleans Workcamp with 12 volunteers to New Orleans. The volunteers landscaped the garden around the newly reopen branch of the New Orleans Public Library, landscaped the garden around Edible School Yard, assisted local farmers at farmers markets, provided a caring presence to the people with whom they worked and interacted, and listened to dozens of New Orleanians spontaneously tell their stories.

We again are putting together an open 4-day workcamp for October 5-8 this year with a crew of about 15 people.

We would like to assist people who need help with construction, hauling of debris, cleaning etc. of their homes. Our priorities are senior citizens and single parents. We are collaborating efforts with a local church on the Gulf Coast to identify a repair and recovery project with which we can assist. In addition, we will offer to work with church leaders to coordinate and cook a dinner as part of the Workcamp. At this dinner, we plan to provide food, fellowship, and assistance with healing from the traumas of this disaster through a facilitated gathering in which survivors can share their stories of loss, pain, survival, and hope.

By both working hard and listening deeply, we expect to provide long-term relief for victim/survivors and help educate Workcamp participants about the ways in which the effects of natural disasters are exacerbated by both poverty and racism.

Teachers of Peace: Educating for Peace and Social Change
October 18th -October 21st, 2007.

In a supportive Quaker community, 20 middle and high school teachers and youth leaders will explore peacemaking through the lens of Multi-Track Diplomacy – a holistic framework for understanding peace. Participants will have the opportunity to draw inspiration from peacemakers from a variety of “tracks,” build a network of supportive colleagues, and begin creating their own units, lessons, courses, or programs for creating a more just and peaceful society.

Participation will count toward continuing education requirements for licensure renewal in most school systems, and seminar graduates will receive a certificate for 20 contact hours. We ask for a contribution of $50 to $250 to help cover program costs, lodging, and meals. To download an application and see lessons plans and programs created by previous seminar participants, please go to http://www.williampennhouse.org/teachers-of-peace.php

“Simply Awesome Youth Seminar”
November 2 to 5, 2007

The William Penn House is now accepting enrollment for the “Simply Awesome Youth Seminar” from November 2 to 5, 2007. All high school youth are invited to attend this powerful weekend workshop while connecting with other youth and with the Quaker Peace Testimony as a guide for living in our troubled times. Quakers have a long history of influencing our country and our world in positive ways, and this weekend seminar will empower all youth to find ways to influence the world now and in the future. For more information about the event, including the agenda and the registration form, please visit our website (www.williampennhouse.org).

The suggested donation for room, board and participation in all events is $50, but please do not let the cost be a barrier to participation.

“I Have a Dream…” Youth Seminar

From October 13-16, a dozen high-school age Friends and a dozen DC area students involved in AFSC’s “Help Increase the Peace Program” (HIPP) will participate in William Penn House’s “I Have a Dream…” Youth Seminar. Participants will build community; learn about lobbying and nonviolence; explore issues of racism, civil rights and democracy; and take guided tours of the National Mall and through one of D.C.’s most historically- and culturally-rich African-American neighborhoods.

William Penn House invites Friends Meetings from across the country to support one or two young Friends in attending, and suggests asking participants to report back both on their experience and follow-up ideas. We also ask participants for a contribution of $50 to help cover program costs, lodging, meals and materials.

Teachers of Peace

The William Penn House’s upcoming seminar, Teachers of Peace: Educating for Peace and Social Change helps teachers help their students create a more just and peaceful society. If you teach middle through high school-aged students, please join us in Washington D.C. from November 2-5, for what promises to be a rich learning opportunity.

By participating, you will build a network of supportive colleagues; create your own peace lesson, unit or course; learn about Multi-Track Diplomacy, a framework for understanding and engaging in peacemaking; gain inspiration from peacemakers from a variety of “tracks;” and deepen your understanding of the spiritual aspects of teaching peace.

Participation will count toward continuing education requirements for licensure renewal in most school systems, and you will receive a certificate for 20 contact hours. William Penn House asks for a contribution of $50 to $250 to help cover program costs, lodging, meals, and materials. We also have resources available to support the participation of all, so please don’t let a lack of funds stand in your way.

“What a positive, upbeat atmosphere! I greatly enjoyed meeting folks from the Workcamps, other countries, and here for Amnesty International, as well as helpful staff. My 10 year old niece’s birthday trip to the Smithsonian was enriched by staying here and meeting diverse and friendly folks. Peace’s blessings! Mary Fran Hughes-McIntyre”

2005 was a memorable year for William Penn House. We completed the merger of Washington Quaker Workcamps into the corporate structure of William Penn House. This revitalized ministry has not only expanded our programs to young people but has also increased the number of groups staying at the House. We also added a new staff member to develop and coordinate programs offered by the House.

Working with teachers, we further refined our “Teachers of Peace” seminars. The October seminar was attended by Friends of all 4 traditions in addition to teachers who were not Friends. Through the Workcamping program, we increased our outreach to Young Friends and Quaker schools. The service learning opportunities offered by the Workcamping program has developed a broad base of support among people of various faith traditions.

We have continued our improvements to the House through painting, some construction and the overall improvements to the facility’s atmosphere. Since much of the work is performed by staff, it progresses slowly but each step is appreciated by staff and guests. One of the key improvements has been to the Cory Conference Room with new lighting, electrical wiring, tin ceiling repairs and repainted walls.

We were blessed with two generous bequests. Through this new addition to our reserves, we have been able to accelerate our improvements to the House and to afford the upfront costs of expanding the seminar and Workcamping programs. As always, we were gratified by the donations from monthly meetings, yearly meetings and individuals.

Because of these gifts, we continue our presence on Capitol Hill by offering affordable lodging to those lobbying Congress, for those here to protest policies and to provide safe and comfortable hospitality to visitors from the US and abroad.

Our collaboration with Friends Committee on National Legislation continues to be an important relationship. We co-sponsor the FCNL Young Adult Lobby Weekend and provide hospitality to FCNL committee members and Young Adults who attend the FCNL annual session. We are deepening our relationship with American Friends Service Committee by jointly developing programs for youth. Our relationship with area monthly meetings continues to enrich and enliven our community. We host a monthly potluck and dialogue which is attended by friends from up to 5 monthly meetings each 1^st Sunday. Our presenters are from local meetings or Quaker organizations who share their leadings and interests with our Quaker community.

The William Penn House internship program attracts the best and the brightest of our young Friends. In addition to the service that they provide the House, we see this internship as an opportunity to expose these Friends to the broader world of Quakers and to other groups who seek a better world. Each intern receives room and board, health insurance and a stipend. We encourage their participation in opportunities that are offered to expand and enrich their lives. We see this program as a ministry to our youth and to the future of a vital Quaker faith.

Our interns provide the organizational needs for two of our long term relationships: The Emerson Congressional Hunger Fellows and the University of Washington-Bothell. The Hunger Fellows are here twice a year as they are trained to help reduce hunger among Americans. The Bothell students attend a week long seminar on the relationship of government, NGOs and foreign embassies. This is a program for credit.

William Penn House participates with the Friends Association for Higher Education and the Friends Council on Education. Our staff is actively involved with Friends General Conference, Baltimore Yearly Meeting and the Friends Meeting of Washington. Staff members visit several yearly meeting sessions each year and numerous monthly meetings. Our Quaker connections are integral to our lives.

2005 Income and Expenses

Income	Expenses
Contributions, Bequests & Grants	Personnel $173,900
WPH $116,575	Building 24,690
WQW 17,100	Household 15,700
Program & Lodging	Program 26,118
WPH $188,200	WQW Expenses 3,640
WQW 12,865	Administrative 18,500
Other Income $10,200	Other 16,650
Total Income $344,940	Total Expenses $279,198
Net Income $63,742

Byron Sandford

Executive Director

As I finish my second year as Director, a day does not go by when I am not thankful for this opportunity I have been given for Quaker service. On a daily basis, we get to play host to people of conscience from throughout the world. They journey to our nation's capital to lobby, protest, celebrate, or, just to vacation. The issues that they speak to with deep dedication range the gamut from saving the forests to ending war.

William Penn House has had a long tradition of serving youth-young Friends in particular. This house is a virtual window onto the world of future generations. As an every day eyewitness to this view, I can tell you that it is an encouraging vision. Young people come to us from all over the nation to study, witness, learn and serve their fellow man. These young people hale from all of the states and territories (even the disenfranchised colony of Washington, DC). They come from all socio-economic backgrounds, yet they have one thing in common, they believe that they can make a difference and make the world a better place to live.

One of our goals as an organization is to be a place where the next generation of leaders - in particular, Quaker leaders - can be nurtured. We see our internship opportunities as one way to meet this goal. Our interns typically are recent college graduates who see William Penn House as a place to test and grow their talents and their spirit. Many have left here to go on to work for Quaker or other non-profit organizations. Each of our interns has been a blessing and has helped the House to change and to adapt to an ever evolving world. In June 2004, at the end of his year-long internship with us, Justin Anderson accepted a staff position at the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). As Justin left the House, we welcomed Amy Marie Babcock as his replacement. Amy is a graduate of Earlham School of Religion. She served as a pastor in a Quaker Church for two years before joining our intern staff. Also, during the summer and fall, Sarah Klein interned with us as a last co-op work experience to meet graduation requirements for Antioch College. When she left us at Thanksgiving, we welcomed Caroline Kernahan, a graduate of Guilford College. Caroline will be with us until late 2005.

During 2004, Robert Chambers joined our staff as janitor. For several years, William Penn House has hired housekeeping staff from addiction treatment programs. This has had mixed results. All have had the best intentions of staying clean, yet have found it harder than anticipated. And Robert had tried treatment programs before. But now, Robert has become one of our success stories. Having had no previous history of job stability, Robert has now been with William Penn House for over a year and has been clean of drugs for over two years. And, thanks to Robert's dedication, William Penn House is clean as a whistle, too.

In 2004 I believe we made important progress both in the development of William Penn House as a Quaker organization and as a valuable resource to the wider Quaker community. Two major initiatives take center stage in this progression:

Additional program highlights from 2004 included both the youth and inter-generational lobby weekends that we co-sponsored with FCNL; the wonderful graduate level educational seminar on human rights conducted by the University of Washington, our ongoing special relationship with the Emerson Hunger Fellows and the opportunity to host Native Americans participating in the opening ceremonies of the Museum of the American Indian.

As an outreach to our local Quaker community, William Penn House marked its third year of hosting a monthly potluck and dialogue series. On the evening of the 1st First day of each month, 20 to 30 Quakers from DC area Monthly Meetings gather for hospitality and learning. Most importantly, we are getting to know each other as individuals while sharing ministry, leadings and knowledge. All of the speakers have come from the local Quaker community and serve to highlight the vast wealth of knowledge held right here in our midst.

Our progress this past year and our continued high level of activity would not have been possible without the many talents of my Associate Director, Patricia Coffman. Her bookkeeping talents and computer literacy have helped bring our office into the new millennium. Her eye for detail and sense of organization enrich our programs and her long history of living in community has added to the fabric of the community at this House. Her grace and energy are no small part of this year's economic success and the progress that we have made in repainting and refurbishing this historic House.

As we slip into 2005, we at William Penn House are planning for 2006 and William Penn House's 40th anniversary. We hope by the 40th anniversary to accomplish two key labor and cash intensive goals. We hope to have completely repainted the whole House, creating more comfortable surroundings for our guests. We also hope to have upgraded the Cory Conference Room to a state-of-the art seminar space to better serve our program clients. With these kinds of goals, continued expansion of programs and a healthy set of advanced hospitality bookings for months to come, 2005 promises to be a busy, rewarding year.