ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-275
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 1, 2024
To recognize and honor Mae H. Best on her retirement and her 23 years of exceptional
leadership and service as the Executive Director of the East River Family Strengthening
Collaborative, uplifting families and transforming communities in Ward 7.
WHEREAS, Mae H. Best took the helm as Executive Director of the East River Family
Strengthening Collaborative (ERFSC) in 2001, guiding the organization through its early years
shortly after it achieved 501(c)(3) status, and transforming it into a cornerstone of support for
families across Ward 7;
WHEREAS, under Mae H. Best’s visionary leadership, ERFSC evolved from an
organization focused on protecting children at risk of entering the child welfare system to one
that serves entire families, from the youngest children to older adults, addressing the complex
and diverse needs of Ward 7’s residents;
WHEREAS, Mae H. Best spearheaded the development of numerous critical programs,
including housing and employment assistance, parent education and support, truancy prevention,
Safe Passages, case management services, and senior services, ensuring that ERFSC’s reach
extended to every corner of the community;
WHEREAS, under Mae H. Best’s guidance, ERFSC established the East of the River
Regional Socialization HUB providing senior services for residents of Wards 1, 7 and 8, and two
Family Success Centers — at Benning Terrace/Benning Park and Benning Road/Minnesota
Avenue — providing comprehensive resources to families, including assistance with housing
stability, family support, and educational services, which have become vital hubs for families in
need;
WHEREAS, Mae H. Best’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of children,
particularly those in the foster care system, began with her pioneering work in launching the
Homes for Black Children program in Washington, DC, the first of its kind to focus on placing
Black children with Black families, a program that forever changed the landscape of adoption
services in the District;
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WHEREAS, Mae H. Best’s leadership extended beyond ERFSC, as she forged lasting
partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and national leaders,
amplifying the impact of her work through collaboration and advocacy for equitable resources
for Ward 7 families;
WHEREAS, Mae H. Best’s tireless efforts helped ERFSC grow exponentially, increasing
the organization’s annual budget from $750,000 to an impressive $13,000,000, making it the
largest collaborative in the Healthy Families Thriving Communities network and ensuring
sustainable resources for the most vulnerable members of the community;
WHEREAS, under Mae H. Best’s stewardship, ERFSC expanded its team from 7 to 83
employees, cultivating a culture of care and service that continues to empower staff to carry on
her legacy of community-centered support;
WHEREAS, Mae H. Best’s work has had a lasting impact on thousands of children,
families, and seniors throughout the District of Columbia, and her commitment to empowering
communities will be felt for generations to come.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Mae H. Best Retirement Recognition Resolution of 2024.”
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors and celebrates Mae H. Best on her
well-earned retirement, recognizing her 23 years of tireless service, transformative leadership,
and steadfast dedication to improving the lives of families in Ward 7 and across the District;
expresses its confidence that her work will continue to inspire future generations of community
leaders; and extends its deepest gratitude to Mae H. Best for her lifelong commitment to social
work, community empowerment, and the betterment of lives through her visionary leadership at
the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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