Foster and Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center (FAPAC)

From September 6th-7th, 2024, join the National Museum of African Art for an interactive family-friendly event raising students’ awareness about Africa! On September 6th, there will be a scavenger hunt, pizza, snacks, and move screening! September 7th will feature art making, story readings, lunch, performances, and more. Located at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560). See the full timelines and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-night-tickets-988979082057?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On September 6th, 2024, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT, join The Yards to celebrate the end of summer and the start of a new school year! The theme of this family-friendly event will be neon dance party! Enjoy 80s and 90s music, breakdance performances, groovy crafts, face painters and glitter tattoos, and even more fun for all ages. Located at The Yards Park (355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003). Reserve your free spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-the-yards-2024-tickets-989066312967?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On August 31st, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST, join Hill Family Biking for a 4.5 mile back to school bike ride touring Capitol Hill schools on the northern part of the Hill! After the ride, there will be a block party to celebrate the new school year including a bouncy house, giant chalk art mural, DJ, Maracas Ice Pops tricycle, and a food truck! The meeting spot is 200 13th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hill-family-biking-back-to-school-ride-tickets-698011189257?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

This month, we welcomed Jamarri White to the FAPAC team! He is our new Nonprofit Management and Policy Intern.

Learn more about Jamarri here: https://www.dcfapac.org/spotlight-on-jamarri-white/

On August 24th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT, join neighborhood friends and families for a fun ride supporting safer bikeways in the Q / R corridor. The bike ride will also include safer bicycling discussions, a raffle, and a trip to an ice cream shop! The meeting point is 11 Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036. See full timeline and register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ice-cream-for-bikeways-rides-again-tickets-746136031957?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On August 22nd, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM EDT, join the Hirshhorn Museum (Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560) for this workshop. Teens will learn world-building skills and the importance of daily observation to creation. The free, 90-minute session is designed to engage teen artists in creative exercises inspired by the Hirshhorn’s exhibitions. Teens will gain skills and experience in illustration, digital art, and more. See more details here: https://hirshhorn.si.edu/event/teen-studio-endless-worlds-3/

On August 10th, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT, join Help Me Grow DC and others for a day of celebration dedicated to families, expectant parents, and caregivers of young children aged 0-5. Explore activities including health and developmental screenings to support your child's well-being. Discover valuable community resources and engage in craft activities. There will also be a DJ and giveaways! Located at Raymond Recreation Center and Playground (3725 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010) Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/help-me-grows-5th-annual-books-and-blocks-party-tickets-950938622017?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On August 10th, 2024, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT, bring the family to the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC 20020) for an arts and crafts workshop! Materials and supplies are provided for a variety of make and take crafts including fans, masks, and greeting cards. Reserve your free spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-arts-crafts-tickets-946546023637?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On August 3rd, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT, join the DAR Museum for a fun-filled time of creativity and crafting. In this hands-on activity, educators will guide you through the process, providing all the materials needed to create a fabric flower. Recommended for ages 7 and up. The event is free, but pre-registration is requested. Located at 1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-activity-fabric-flowers-tickets-950009974407?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On August 3rd, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT, enjoy a day of family fun at Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002)! Get ready for exciting games, storytime, refreshments, and more. This event is perfect for all ages, so bring the whole family (and a blanket)! Reserve your free spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dcujf-family-fun-day-tickets-943641135037?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Justice Thurston, our 2024 Foster Youth of the Year who was celebrated at this year’s Gala for Foster Care, was featured in NBC Washington! In this clip, Justice explains her experience in foster care and how she became an advocate for change. Watch her story here: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/former-foster-care-child-advocates-for-change-in-foster-care-system/3647580/

Today we recognize our second intern. Maras Lawson joined the FAPAC team last month as our Public Policy Intern. Learn more about Maras here: https://www.dcfapac.org/spotlight-on-maras-lawson/. Welcome to FAPAC!

Today we recognize one of our new interns. Hannah Dyson joined the FAPAC team last month as our Nonprofit Management Intern. Learn more about Hannah here: https://www.dcfapac.org/spotlight-on-hannah-dyson/. Welcome to FAPAC!

On May 25th, 2024, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM EST, join Capital House Music Festival for music, dancing, and live performances! This free, outdoor, day-long festival will be fun for all. See the full lineup here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-house-music-festival-salutes-sam-the-man-burns-w-crystal-waters-tickets-670194388457

On May 18th, 2024, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST, join Hill Family Biking for a family friendly ride to Kingman Island for picnics (BYO), free play in a safe car-free area, and kid friendly music! The ride starts at Stanton Park (226 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002). See more details and register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hill-family-biking-kingman-island-ride-tickets-693289707177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Head over to the DAR Museum (1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006) on May 18th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST for a fun-filled time of creativity and crafting. In this hands-on activity, kids will learn how to make their very own sampler bookmarks to take home. Educators will guide you through the process, providing all the materials needed to create a unique and personalized bookmark. This is a great opportunity for kids to express their creativity and have a blast while doing it! Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-activity-sampler-bookmarks-tickets-887799982647?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On May 12th, 2024 at 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST, join the National Museum of Asian Art for their annual IlluminAsia festival in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This day will feature Mother’s Day themed activities for the whole family, including paper flower-making. Located at 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004. Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/illuminasia-mothers-day-nmaa-tickets-884232151167?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

On May 8th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, head over to the National Museum of Women in the Arts for free admission! Explore current exhibitions, participate in art-making activities, and more. Located at 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005. Registration is required and can be done so here: https://nmwa.org/whats-on/calendar/free-community-day-2024-05-08/

On May 4th, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST, the 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival! This family-friendly event will reconnect you to the river and the outdoors. There will be live entertainment, arts and crafts, a free fishing workshop, and more! Located at Anacostia Park (1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC 20020). See more details here: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/anacostia-river-festival/

On May 4th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST, embassies from multiple non-European Union (EU) countries will host open houses to visitors and residents to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience! Participants will learn about other cultures and traditions through food, fashion, arts and music, and more. The event is free and no registration required. See more details and participating embassies here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-around-the-world-embassy-tour-tickets-885752147517?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

From May 3rd to May 5th, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST, celebrate Cinco de Mayo! This celebration will include live performances, pinata making, a farmer's market, and more. Located at Bryant St Market (670 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002). See the full lineup and reserve your free spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinco-de-mayo-weekend-bryant-street-tickets-873948733187?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Head over to the MLK Library this coming Saturday, April 27th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for the STAR Festival! STAR (Sing, Talk, and Read) stands for early literacy practices and is part of the DC Library’s Books from Birth program. There will be story times, live music, face painting, free giveaways, and more!

Hill Family Biking turns 1 year old! On April 27th, 2024, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT, celebrate with a 4.5 mile ride and block party in front of Maury Elementary. All are welcome at the block party whether you participate in the ride or not. There will be music, face painting, food trucks, a kid's biking course, collaborative chalk art, and more. The ride starts at the Maury Elementary Parking Lot (12th Place NE, Washington, DC 20002). Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hill-family-biking-anniversary-ride-tickets-693289426337?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Head over to the Hirshhorn Museum (Independence Ave and 7th St, Washington, DC 20560) on April 24th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT for a Spring-inspired Storytime! Young artists will look closely at Futurist Flowers by artist Giacomo Balla and read Plants Can’t Sit Still by Mia Posada. After the read-aloud, you'll build and sculpt your own nature-inspired works! No registration required. See more details here: https://hirshhorn.si.edu/event/storytime-4-2024-04-24/

Head over to the Hirshhorn Museum (Independence Ave and 7th St, Washington, DC 20560) on April 20th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT! In this session, artists will have an opportunity to look closely at Hepworth’s sculptures, learn about how nature inspired her, and sculpt and build with nature inspired materials! No registration required. See more details here: https://hirshhorn.si.edu/event/art-cart-5-6/

The Alliance Française DC Library (2142 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) invites you to sing and dance with Achille on April 13th, 2024 at 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM EDT! Enjoy traditional French songs during a fun, immersion-based program for kids in French! Reserve your free spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-person-do-re-mi-les-amis-tickets-805193534537?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Teen Studio is a free, monthly series of in-person art-making workshops led by teaching artists. Each 90-minute session is designed to engage teen artists in creative exercises. In this session on April 11th, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM EDT, teen artists will design their own stencils and then transform negative space to create their own patterned works. Open to all skill levels. Located at the Hirshhorn Museum (Independence Ave and 7th St, Washington, DC 20560). Registration is required and can be done by emailing [email protected]

On April 6th, 2024, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST, move your body and enjoy the rhythm at Axé Fest, a community day of free classes featuring the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, Yoga, and Afro-Brazilian Dance and Drumming. Classes are open to kids and adults! Located at The Capoeira Spot (2008 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018). See the full schedule and register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/axe-fest-joy-of-movement-tickets-848361140007?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Celebrate Spring at Petalpalooza for a full day of live music and engaging activities! This day-long celebration on April 6th, 2024, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages. Don't miss the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show starting at 8:30 PM! Located at the Capitol Riverfront. Event is free and no registration required. See more details here: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/petalpalooza/

On April 4th, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT, join the opening of this celebration of spring and vibrant abstract art with Martha Spak and Robin Davisson at StudioLab! Featuring paintings and an outdoor sculpture, this event promises to be a visual feast for the senses. Located at 1037 33rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20007. Reserve your free spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/springs-palette-a-celebration-of-abstract-expression-tickets-860080954287?aff=ebdssbdestsearch