Hope for the Holidays Community Party

Hope for the Holidays Community Party

Join us on Saturday, December 21st, from 11 AM to 3 PMat the COH Holiday Giving Event! COWOC, in partnership with Community of Hope AME Church, McDonalds, and the City of District Heights is spreading holiday cheer by giving away free food and toys to families in the community. This special event is our way of bringing joy, hope, and support during the holiday season.

Everyone is welcome—come enjoy a festive day filled with generosity, connection, and smiles for the whole family.

We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Community of Hope AME Church

If you’d like to volunteer, donate, or learn more about this event, please contact us or follow along on our Instagram page. Together, we can make this season brighter!

Men Who Cook in Pink

Men Who Cook in Pink

This event brought together community members to raise awareness and support for breast and prostate cancer initiatives through a unique culinary showcase.

The “Men Who Cook in Pink” event, held at Oxon Hill High School on October 26, 2024, was part of the “Prince George’s Goes Pink” initiative. Hosted by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and local leaders, this unique gathering brought together local male chefs, community leaders, and attendees for an afternoon of culinary creativity, awareness, and support for breast cancer survivors and research.

The event encouraged men to showcase their cooking talents, with dishes served to a standing-room-only crowd, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere focused on raising awareness about breast cancer in the community. Participants enjoyed food, learned about local resources for cancer prevention, and connected with advocates working to fight cancer’s impact within the community.

Men Make A Difference (Day Program)

Men Make A Difference (Day Program)

The “Men Make a Difference” Day program, held at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School on October 14, 2024, is part of a broader initiative encouraging male figures to actively support students’ educational experiences in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This annual event emphasizes the vital role that fathers, male family members, and mentors play in enhancing educational outcomes for students. The program includes activities designed to foster positive engagement between male participants and students, aiming to strengthen the school-community connection and provide students with supportive role models.

The school system hosts this day to inspire ongoing community involvement, underscoring how male mentorship contributes to improved academic and social development among youth in the area. Additionally, similar events are planned across local schools, building a culture of support and involvement within the Prince George’s County educational community.”

Faith & Blue Community Event

Faith & Blue Community Event Strengthens Bonds Between PGPD and Local Residents at Padgett's Corner

The event at Padgett’s Corner Shopping Mall took place as part of the National Faith & Blue Weekend, which is an initiative aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and local communities through faith-based partnerships. The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) collaborated with faith-based organizations to host events countywide, including the one at Padgett’s Corner.

The goal of these events is to foster open dialogue and trust, provide community support, and highlight the positive work being done by both the police and community leaders. Events like these often feature a mix of activities such as outreach, community service, and discussions about public safety and unity.

Domestic Violence Walk/Run

Domestic Violence Walk/Run

The 3rd annual Domestic Violence Walk/Run at Fairwood Park is a community-focused event hosted by the Prince George’s County Police Department. The event seeks to raise awareness about domestic violence and the resources available to those affected. It typically attracts various participants, including survivors, law enforcement, local leaders, and residents, all united to advocate against domestic violence and support prevention initiatives.

The police department and other local organizations use the event as an opportunity to spread information about domestic violence services, share personal stories of survival, and foster a stronger sense of community engagement to combat rising rates of domestic violence in the area. These efforts align with broader county initiatives aimed at addressing family violence, which saw an increase during the pandemic and remain a significant issue in the community.

The Day of Remembrance – A Special Service for DC Homicide Survivors

The Day of Remembrance - A Special Service for DC Homicide Survivors

Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ (Peoples Church) in Washington, DC, is a vibrant community with a wide range of activities aimed at fostering faith, community service, and justice work. The church hosts weekly hybrid worship services and Sunday school, and it engages members with a variety of spiritual programs, such as teleconference praise and worship, Bible studies, and prayer meetings. Peoples Church is also deeply involved in justice and social action, with projects like the Justice and Witness Action Network-DC (JWAN-DC) team, which supports the homeless through donations and advocacy. Furthermore, the church recently participated in the United Church of Christ’s General Synod, focusing on anti-racism efforts and confronting white supremacy.

The “Day of Remembrance” event focused on honoring victims of violence, particularly gun violence. Community members, families, and faith leaders gathered to remember lost loved ones and advocate for the reduction of gun violence in local communities. Through prayer and reflection, the event underscored the importance of healing and collective action to prevent future tragedies and support survivors. The event was a deeply emotional and spiritual gathering, aimed at strengthening community resilience and solidarity.

Crime Survivors Speak – March On Washington

Crime Survivors Speak - March On Washington

The “Crime Survivors Speak: March on Washington” event took place on September 23-24, 2024, bringing together thousands of crime survivors, advocates, and community leaders. Organized by the Alliance for Safety and Justice and Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, the event marked a powerful moment of unity and advocacy. Participants gathered to highlight a new approach to public safety, emphasizing the importance of crime prevention, trauma recovery, rehabilitation, and community health. The event featured a march to the Capitol, legislative visits, and a rally and music festival at Freedom Plaza, where survivors shared their stories and pushed for changes in safety and justice policies. The Violence Interrupters from COWOC were in attendance, showing solidarity and supporting survivors as they advocated for their rights. They engaged with attendees, shared resources, and demonstrated their commitment to making communities safer through intervention and outreach. This event was not just a march, but a testament to the resilience of survivors and the strength of the community’s call for reform.

Benjamin Stoddert Middle School “Back 2 School Night”

Benjamin Stoddert Middle School "Back 2 School Night"

The Back 2 School event at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School this past Tuesday was a fantastic success, thanks to the efforts of the community and our Violence Interrupters.

They played a key role in fostering a safe environment, engaging with students and parents, and spreading awareness about the importance of violence prevention. The event not only provided school supplies but also connected families to vital resources, ensuring the youth are well-prepared for the upcoming school year. It was an inspiring day of unity and support for our next generation.

Benjamin Stoddert Middle School is named after Benjamin Stoddert, the first Secretary of the Navy, appointed by President John Adams in 1798. Stoddert played a significant role in establishing the U.S. Navy, helping secure America’s early maritime defense. The middle school, located in Prince George’s County, has served the community for decades, providing quality education to students and promoting a culture of academic excellence. The school continues to honor Stoddert’s legacy through its dedication to empowering future leaders.

SJ Green Crowned Maryland State Champion in 85cc 9-11 Class

SJ Green Crowned Maryland State Champion in 85cc 9-11 Class

We are beyond excited to announce that SJ Green, proudly sponsored by COWOC, has emerged victorious at the Maryland State Championships, winning 1st place in the 85cc 9-11 class! Competing at the esteemed Budds Creek Motocross Park, SJ showcased his incredible talent and determination by taking home first place in both Moto 1 and Moto 2, earning a total of 25 points to claim the championship title.

This win is a huge milestone for SJ, solidifying his place as one of the rising stars in the motocross world. His dedication and hard work were evident as he dominated the track, leaving competitors in the dust and making his community proud.

COWOC extends heartfelt congratulations to SJ and his family on this monumental achievement. We are honored to sponsor such a talented athlete and look forward to supporting him as he continues to make waves in the motocross world.

Stay tuned for more updates on SJ’s journey and be sure to follow us on social media for highlights from the championship! Let’s continue to rally behind SJ as he prepares for the next big race!

Aisha Braveboy Community Celebration

Aisha Braveboy Community Celebration

Office of the State's Attorney for PG County, MD presents Aisha Braveboy's Community Celebration.

Aisha Braveboy recently hosted a Community Celebration at Fairwood Park in Bowie, Maryland, on August 31, 2024. The event brought the community together with a focus on cultural connections, offering food, music, and various activities. The celebration was a day of cultural connections, food, music, and fun and aimed to foster community spirit and provide valuable resources and information to residents. This event is part of Braveboy’s ongoing efforts to engage with and support the local community, continuing her work as Prince George’s County State’s Attorney.