About SEM

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The SEM Story (Full Article)

The SEM Story

SEM began in 1990 by listening to low-income persons identify their economic and social needs combined with their grassroots wisdom on how to solve their problems. Roger Truehart and Pastor Wanda E. McNeill formed a recreation program for youth, Books & Balls, that attracted youth with league sports and required academics of them.

Books & Balls was discontinued in 2003.
In 1994 a GED program for women, Moms n’ Tots, was begun that reduced the barriers for them to get a basic education by offering baby sitting and transportation. In 1998, men were also included in the GED program and it became, Moms n’Tots/AMEN GED program.

When in 1998 the men in the community asked for some of the same services the women were getting a job readiness program was added - AMEN (Anacostia Men’s Employment Network). AMEN provided three weeks of employment preparation and culminated with assistance to find a job, education, or training. As of 2006, the name AMEN now stands for Anacostia Mentoring & Employment Network to be more inclusive of the women who also attend.

In 2002, Ex-Offender Support Group was started to reach the many re-entrants who were returning to the community from prison. This group has a weekly open house with a focused discussion, good food, and comradery.

SEM is a social justice agency that is client-centered, where education programs are the cornerstone, and African American history and culture is used to foster self-development. This holistic approach builds confidence, pride, and increases self worth that assists clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

Since 1998 SEM has been located in the heart of southeast at 3111 Martin Luther King Ave, and primarily serves people who are undereducated, unemployed, or ex-offenders. SEM serves as a catalyst in the lives of persons who want to work to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.

Historic SEM Group

Books and Balls Champions

VBS Program Children