McClendon Center is made up of more than 85 talented and dedicated staff members and over 4,500 clients from every part of our District of Columbia community. Here are just a few personal stories — please check back for new stories and photos.
Crystal Chapman
Crystal is an accomplished and dedicated artist, who has big golas and dreams. “I want to be like the artists I heard about and saw when I was growing up — how their lives spoke of art and how they’re the masters of their craft.” But, like many of our clients, she’s faced many challenges and obstacles — none of which are going to keep her from reaching for the stars.
LaTishea Green
LaTishea Green may be petite but she packs a punch of personality, energy, and emotion – especially in her art. Like many of our artists, art is a way for her to express herself in a way words can’t. In the last year, Tishea has been pushing herself to use new art mediums and try new styles. She’s never felt confident enough to talk about her art at our annual Art of Transformation event but she says “This year I’m going to suck it up and stand up beside my artwork and express, with my words, what each piece means to me.
Tonya O
Tonya O’Neal loves to create art so when she learned about our Art of Transformation event, she jumped at the opportunity to submit her work. At our 2018 show, Tonya was our guest speaker and we’re sharing her speech. “… I was reluctant [to attend our Day Program] at first, but I was desperate. I had too much idle time and I was isolating. I kept falling backwards, so I gave it a try…. I sat in on a group and realized I had found a home.”
Frank P
“Coming to McClendon makes me whole. To be an inspiration to my peers… to come here and take the saddest person at the table and make them laugh and smile, that’s what I want. I’m always going to make you laugh. That’s just me. I’ve got to keep laughing in here [pointing to his heart].” You can’t miss Frank during our . . .
Terraia C
“I love being able to interact with the clients on a daily basis. Some days are more challenging than others but I still would not trade it for anything in the world.” If you’ve ever called or visited our Core Service Agency on North Capitol, chances are you were greeted by Terraia’s warm smile and welcoming . . .
Carl M
”When I paint, I feel like I’m inventing something…I identify with the art that I’m trying to create.” Born in Jamaica, Carl moved to the DC area when he was 12. He’s always been interested in creating art and despite his mother discouragement,he didn’t let that stop him from drawing. During his teen years, he began using . . .
