Vision
UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents.
Mission
Uniting People with Opportunities
History
Since 1962, the United Planning Organization (UPO) has focused on changing lives — supporting and inspiring Washington, DC’s low-income residents on their journey to self-sufficiency and success.
We currently offer more than 30 programs and services in such areas as early childhood education, youth development, job training and placement, health and wellness, housing, and volunteering.
UPO is a family, and we understand the importance of supporting both individuals and the loved ones who surround them. Working in and with the community, we will continue helping people get where they want and need to be.
UPO is celebrating 57 years of service and accomplishments! That’s more than five decades of helping create happier, healthier children, adults, and community. Whether you’re looking to improve your own life or support and encourage others, UPO is here to help start the journey.
Take your first step now, click on the video to learn more…
“YESTERDAY’S HOPE. TODAY’S PROMISE. TOMORROW’S FUTURE.”
As we celebrate and reflect on 57 years of milestones and accomplishments, we take great pride in helping the members of our shared community thrive in creating futures filled with promise, potential, and possibility.
UPO’s journey began on December 10, 1962. Come take a look through highlights and notable achievements from over the years.
James G. Banks, UPO’s first director, addresses a group. Photo by Northrup and courtesy of The Washington Post.
Executive Team
Board of Directors
Jeffrey Page, Esq. (Chair)
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia (Ward 7)
Joseph Vaughan (Vice Chair)
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia (Ward 4)
Mary Ellen Curtin (Secretary)
Representative of Major Groups & Interest (Ward 4)
Juan Jara (Treasurer)
Representative of Major Groups & Interest
Salim K. Adofo
Representative of Low-Income Residents, Elected by Ward 8b
Michael Austin
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Lafayette Barnes
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia (Ward 8)
Barbara Bovbjerg
Elected by UPO Board
Kevin Chavous, Esq.
Representative of Low-Income Residents, Elected by Ward 7 (Ward 7)
Ashley Emerson
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Donna Grigsby
Representative of Major Groups & Interest (Ward 4)
Rhonda N. Hamilton
Representative of Low-Income Residents, Elected by Wards 2 & 6 (Ward 6)
Dr. JoAnne Joyner
Designated by Mayor of the District of Columbia
Hadiyah M. Muhammad
Representative of Low-Income Residents Elected by Ward 4 & 5 (Ward 5)
Ruthven Phillip, Esq.
Representative of Major Groups & Interest (Ward 2)
Tara Plochocki, Esq.
Representative of Major Groups & Interest (Ward 2)
Oliver Spurgeon
Representative of Low-Income Residents Ward 8
Dr. Christine M.
Warnke
Representative of Low-Income Residents, Elected by Ward 1 & 3 (Ward 1)
Robert W. Warren
Elected by UPO Board (Ward 8)
Network of Service Providers
The United Planning Organization works with an array of agencies, organizations, and other partners throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area to help our customers on their journey to opportunity and self-sufficiency.
Annual Reports & Financials
The United Planning Organization’s annual reports provide a snapshot of our impact and accomplishments in local DC communities. We share this information to keep UPO stakeholders, supporters, and other interested parties informed about our ongoing achievements and milestones.
UPO Impact Statement and Service Centers
Facilities
Seeking a spot to host a community event or activity?
The United Planning Organization has facility space available at two of our community service centers in Southeast DC.
It takes a village to get those in need on the path to self-sufficiency and opportunity, and UPO could not offer our life changing programs without the contributions and assistance of our dedicated supporters. Please consider giving today to help keep transforming lives.
Donate Today
The UPO Inspire Foundation helps improve the impact of UPO by supporting the development of innovative new programs, offering services beyond the DC metropolitan area, and creating career opportunities for those who do not qualify for free support from UPO but still require financial assistance.
For more information:
