Labor, community and political leaders came together at the Boys and Girls Club in Fort Washington, MD on Monday when Painters (IUPAT) District Council 51 presented a $1,500 check from the Children’s Hope Foundation (PATCH). Painters apprentices have been volunteering to restore the youth facility. “This is an opportunity for IUPAT DC51 apprentices to give back to the community as they learn a career in the painting, drywall finishing and wall covering apprenticeship program,” said DC 51 Business Manager Mark Heffron “All of us working on this project are glad to give others an opportunity for a better future, just like the union is doing for us,” said third-year apprentice Jamir Zanders. The boys and girls club serves over 500 young people in the Fort Washington and Accokeek communities. This year, through their partnership with IUPAT, these young people will enjoy a newly renovated center where they can participate in educational and sports activities. MD House of Delegates member Veronica Turner (MD-D26), Councilmember Obie Paterson (PG-D8), Prince George’s County Council Chair Councilmember Mel Franklin, Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-D4) and executive representatives of the county boys and girls club took the opportunity on Monday to tour facility to check out the apprentice’s progress on the facility. PATCH was founded by the Painters nearly 15 years ago to support programs and organizations that provide children with education, medical care and a healthier life through youth sports. photos courtesy DC 51
