Just the change in system alone with over 18,000 youth participating and hundreds of employers information that may or may not have been ported over properly is a problem. All of what happened last year was poor planning. Staff was not trained or informed until the day of. Many of the staff were pulled from their own programs (which suffered) such as Out of School, In School, and PLATO and were absolutely clueless to what they needed to do to support the summer team.

I was privy to a meeting the day before the FIRST DAY OF ORIENTATION at the Convention Center where Summer Spencer gave the directive in the conference room to tell the Mayor's people that all was well and that we had everything under control. Following that meeting management left, there was plenty of work to be done. At 9:00 pm there was still work that needed to be done (nametags, cards pulled, participant info entered into system) at 5:00 am there was work to be done. Based on the continued abuse staff refused to volunteer to assist. They were constantly beaten however some staff persisted for the good of the youth such as myself and about 5 others. Came in and didn't falter in their commitment. The reward, for making it work and attempting to make sense out of madness--being forced to work 10 hour shifts without a break, being put out in the sun without water, having 5 different people come and change the plan midway through the day. Not being paid for time worked, and being forced out of positions so that "friends" could take over.

Summer Spencer is a LIAR... and she deserves to be dragged through the mud and to be questioned. I think that the kid gloves need to come off and we need answers NOW. Furthermore there needs to be a hearing to find out what the plan is for this year so that we can avoid the same troubles.

OYP is now being lead by a woman who sat in that same meeting where she seen that things needed to be done, represented the Mayor's office as his assistant and she did and said nothing. She watched the fall of the summer program last year and she had the opportunity to save it. I know because I spoke with her and other members of the Mayor's team to say--"WE NEED HELP". This woman has no clue on how to run an office. She is abusive, unprofessional, and unexperienced. The mayor will destroy DC government offices by appointing his friends and not qualified individuals.

The office of youth programs, at least for the last 5 years has been a haven for youth to come and receive services year round. It is a place where youth can come and be directed to GED and training programs. However the mismanagement of funds has led to the closing of many of those programs. Youth in the community trusted the staff and often sent their friends down to get help. The PLATO program offered a safe place, and a second chance to youth who had given up on school and sparked a new interest in education and at one time housed 40+ youth each day. Teachers from high schools and GED instructors praised the program for motivating and preparing the youth. The weekly orientation got kids off the street and at least helped them explore different career fields. Assisted with getting connected to community organizations and turned lives around for the better. With programs like that closing their doors, its no wonder why the city is in such disarray. When youth have no outlet, they turn to crime. Thanks Jerrianne Anthony for turning your back on the youth that you were appointed to serve.