WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) announced the selection of Thrive DC as its new pro bono client for 2011-2012.  The formal announcement came during WWPR’s Annual Meeting and Board Induction luncheon on January 20, 2011.

From its beginnings in 1979 as the Dinner Program for Homeless Women, Thrive DC has been responding to homelessness in Washington, DC. Thrive DC provides hot meals twice a day, free showers and laundry; mail, telephone and email access; personal care and medical supplies; emergency clothing; case management and other support services to men and women dealing with homelessness.

“As part of its mission, WWPR provides public relations and communications consulting services at no charge to local nonprofits, like Thrive DC, that serve women and children in the Washington, DC metropolitan area,” said Kendra Kojcsich, WWPR’s president. “We access our members’ expertise in public relations and marketing to assist our pro bono client to achieve its communications goals.”

Starting last September, WWPR conducted an extensive search and application process. More than 30 area nonprofits seeking pro bono communications counsel applied. WWPR’s Pro Bono Committee reviewed and scored the applications based on a several criteria including readiness to work with outside consultants and scope of work. Ultimately, WWPR narrowed the field of applicants to select Thrive DC.

“We are thrilled to work with WWPR over the next two years on our communications strategy,” said Alicia Horton, Thrive DC’s executive director. “After our recent re-branding, our organization is focused on implementing social media, public relations and marketing strategies so that we may continue meeting the needs of our homeless and low-income neighbors.”

About Washington Women in Public Relations
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is the first and only D.C. based professional organization advancing women in the communications industry. WWPR is committed to delivering outstanding professional development, networking, marketplace positioning, and leadership opportunities to area communicators. Visit us at wwpr.org,“Like” us on Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR, and follow us on Twitter @WWPR.

About Thrive DC
Thrive DC is an independent 501 (c ) (3) nonprofit organization serving the District of Columbia. Founded in 1979, Thrive DC, previously known as Dinner Program for Homeless Women (DPHW), serves anyone in need, providing a comprehensive range of crisis and individual case management services to men and women of all ages, backgrounds, races and ethnicities. For more information, please visit www.thrivedc.org.