Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month — Get Your Early-Bird Tickets to Art of Transformation

May 7, 2025/by McClendon Center

Art of Transformation 2025

Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:00-8:00 pm
📍 True Reformer Building

Join us on Thursday, September 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the historic True Reformer Building (1200 U Street NW, Washington, DC) — a cultural landmark and a powerful setting for an evening centered on mental health, community, and resilience.

🖼️ Highlights include:

– 50+ original artworks created by McClendon Center clients
– A special performance by our Dance/Movement Therapy participants
– A vibrant gathering of community members, supporters, and advocates

🎟️ Early-bird tickets are $100 through May 31 in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Tickets increase to $125 starting June 1.

Your ticket includes light appetizers, drinks, and an immersive experience of McClendon Center’s impact.

Proceeds from ticket and art sales directly support our work to improve the health and well-being of DC residents living with mental health challenges.

Get Your Tickets Now

Celebrate transformation. Support healing. Join us.

Six Ways You Can Support McClendon Center This Holiday Season

December 23, 2024/by McClendon Center

Michael Burt Promoted to Chief Operating Officer at McClendon Center

December 17, 2024/by McClendon Center

McClendon Center is excited to announce that Michael Burt has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

In this role, Michael is responsible for the oversight of daily operational activities, strategic planning, project management and providing leadership throughout the organization.

“Michael has been an integral part of the McClendon Center family since March 2009, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication,” said Sheandinita Dyson, McClendon Center President and CEO. “We’re thrilled to elevate him into this role which more accurately reflects the breadth and depth of his responsibilities and contributions. As COO, he will continue to ensure our operations align seamlessly with our mission, vision, and values.”

Michael joined McClendon Center as a Team Leader in March 2009, later assuming dual responsibilities as Director of Quality Improvement in April 2014. Since 2022, he has served as Senior Director and Chief of Staff.

“I’ve spent nearly 16 years at McClendon Center, and it’s been incredibly rewarding,” said Michael. “The opportunity to impact countless lives and collaborate with such talented staff has been a true honor. I’m excited to continue this journey as Chief Operating Officer.”

Make McClendon Center Your CFC Charity of Choice!

December 12, 2024/by McClendon Center

Celebrating the Life of Shim at McClendon Center

December 11, 2024/by McClendon Center

McClendon Center Welcomes Natalie Foster as Director of Development

November 21, 2024/by McClendon Center

The McClendon Center is thrilled to welcome Natalie Foster as its new Director of Development.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Natalie to our leadership team,” said Sheandinita Dyson, McClendon Center’s President and CEO. “Her expertise will be invaluable as we expand our reach and impact in our community.”

Natalie is an accomplished nonprofit leader with over 14 years of experience in resource development working to connect, support and empower lives in the community. She joins the McClendon Center from Virginia Ready, a statewide organization focused on workforce development.

Natalie has led numerous successful fundraising initiatives and annual fund campaigns to support the missions of nonprofits.

Her expertise will help elevate McClendon Center’s outreach to donors on the critical need of quality behavioral mental healthcare in our region and the importance of their contributions to supporting our clients to become their best selves.

“I am honored to join the McClendon Center team and contribute to the well-being of our community,” said Foster. “Our clients inspire me with their resilience and creativity. By supporting the McClendon Center, we can empower individuals to reach their full potential.”

Natalie holds a master’s degree in human resource management from the University of Richmond. She resides in Annapolis, Maryland, and enjoys playing pickleball in her free time.

Please join us in welcoming Natalie to the McClendon Center team!

McClendon Center to Host Warmth for Winter Clothing Drive

October 1, 2024/by McClendon Center

Client Spotlight: Patrice’s Powerful Message Featured in SAMHSA’s Gallery of Hope

September 27, 2024/by McClendon Center

At McClendon Center, we are proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of our clients, and today, we’re thrilled to spotlight Patrice, a dedicated art therapy participant at our Day Program. Her powerful piece, Everything Starts and Ends With Me, has been chosen for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Gallery of Hope 2024, which highlights the role of artistic creativity in mental health and substance use recovery. Patrice’s work showcases both her talent and her inner journey to self-discovery and healing.

Patrice shared, “I used to blame everyone and everything for my substance abuse. I suffered low self-esteem because of it. From group therapy for dual diagnosis of substance use disorder and Bipolar disorder, I now know that everything starts and ends with me. This is me looking at myself for the answer.”

View the featured artwork here

Her insight reflects a profound transformation that many of our clients experience, illustrating how art can serve as a vital tool for reflection and empowerment. At McClendon Center, we celebrate stories like Patrice’s, where creativity meets resilience, proving that recovery is not only possible but also deeply personal.

In the photo (left to right): Christie Zwahlen and Patrice Williams at last year’s Art of Transformation

You can see and purchase more of Patrice’s artwork here

Art of Transformation 2024: Get Your Tickets Now

September 24, 2024/by McClendon Center

Art of Transformation 2024

Thursday, November 14 | 6:00-8:00 pm

📍 Studio 52 | 1508 Okie St NE, Washington, DC

Join us for an evening filled with art, inspiration, and community. Here’s what’s in store:

Support Healing Through Art
Be Inspired by Our Client Artists
Peruse and Purchase Original Pieces
Mix and Mingle
Learn and Raise Funds

Over 50 pieces of client artwork will be on sale with proceeds directly supporting McClendon Center’s work to improve the health and well-being of DC’s most vulnerable residents — those who are economically disadvantaged and struggling with mental health issues.

Tickets include light appetizers, drinks, and the opportunity to experience the impact of our work firsthand.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Get Your Tickets Now

Save the Date: Art of Transformation 2024 🎨 to be held November 14

September 11, 2024/by McClendon Center

Art of Transformation 2024

Thursday, November 14 | 6:00-8:00 pm

📍 Studio 52 | 1508 Okie St NE, Washington, DC

This fall, immerse yourself in a showcase of original artwork created by our clients. All artwork sales will directly support McClendon Center’s work to improve the health and well-being of DC’s most vulnerable residents.

Enjoy an evening brimming with fun activities and surprises. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate creativity while connecting with our community!

Here’s what to look forward to:

Support Healing Through Art: Discover how art can be a powerful tool for recovery and expression.
Be Inspired by Our Client Artists: Meet the talented individuals whose stories and creations are making a difference.
Peruse and Purchase Original Pieces: Find unique artwork and support a great cause.
Mix and Mingle: Connect with friends, staff, and fellow supporters in a vibrant community setting.
Learn and Raise Funds: Gain insight into our vital work and help us raise crucial funds for our clients.

Stay tuned for more details. You won’t want to miss it!

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