(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams led today’s ribbon cutting ceremony to open a new building at 1250 U Street, N.W. where the DC Department of Mental Health Community Services Agency provides services to the multicultural community and children, youth and their families. The building also houses Sun Trust Bank, Starbucks, and Quiznos, and H&R Block opens in January. Mayor Williams was joined by Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) and other community leaders celebrating the new location in the heart of the U Street Corridor.
"This is the city we’ve dreamed of: everything at your fingertips, and the District government right here in the heart of it," said Mayor Williams. "This $8 million, 44,000-square foot building is such a great place to house an important part of the District government. We have Metro right beneath us, and new housing all around us. There’s a choice of restaurants and Ben’s Chili Bowl – a Washington, DC institution, is right across the street. For culture and entertainment, the Lincoln Theatre is across the street and Lee’s florist shop is nearby."
Councilmember Graham, a member of the Committee on Human Services and a Metro Board member, worked closely with DMH Director Martha B. Knisley, the project developer Marvin Jawer of the Jenco Group, and the community to ensure the building meets the needs of consumers of mental health services and the community.
Two mental health programs operate in the building – the Multicultural Community Support Services and the Northwest Child and Family Community Support Center. A family member praised the Northwest Center for its superior services and the building for its warmth and comfort. The State Education Office opens its Lifelong Learning Center on August 9. The center will focus on assessment and literacy services for learners including those with English as a second language. For more information, contact Margaret Worthy, DMH Liaison to the State Education Office, at 202-727-6782 or 202-727-6436.
Sun Trust Bank Greater Washington President Peter Nostrand, Branch Manager David Power, and Community Development Manager Muriel Garr hosted the participants at a reception at the branch bank following the Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
This building is the third new site opened since 2001 where community-based mental health services are being delivered. The Department of Mental Health provides community-based services to promote recovery in adults and build resilience in children and youth.