For nearly three years, Malcolm Smith has found a valuable advocate in Marcelles Queen, who has consistently sought to uplift young individuals facing challenges.
Earlier this year, Smith joined the Unleashed Potential program, which is a collaboration between Queen’s organization, Representation for the Bottom, and the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
Twice a week, Smith and other young residents from Congress Park accompany Queen to the Northeast animal shelter, where they learn to care for hundreds of dogs and cats.
Smith, 18, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “It opened my eyes to think maybe this could be like a step forward to success or greatness.”
“I was automatically excited when Marcelles told me about it and he had to meet and greet with the CEO of the animal shelter,” he added.
Through his volunteer experience at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, Smith has learned various skills, including how to clean kennels and prepare dog treats.
Recently, he and other program participants have practiced using treats and a clicker to teach dogs commands.
Eventually, participants work towards the goal of walking the dogs around the property independently.
Smith described the skills he has gained as tools for becoming a responsible dog owner while also pursuing self-sufficiency.
“I was excited about it overall … how it could be some legal income, a step forward, like a career path,” he explained.
Queen, a graduate of the Pathways Program within the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), has made significant strides with the youth in Congress Park since the tragic death of community member Martez Toney, known as Tez, in early 2023.
Through Representation for the Bottom, Queen has organized programming that connects Smith and his peers with elected officials, community leaders, and nonprofit organizers.
James Robinson, another young adult from Congress Park who participated in the Pathways program, contributed to these efforts before his untimely passing earlier this year.
Queen has emphasized how the Pathways program has been transformative for him and others. He stated, “You have a lot of individuals … coming from situations where you don’t see hope, but Pathways gives you an outlet to meet different people.”
Participants interact with city council members and people from various backgrounds and experiences.
Years later, Queen believes he has made meaningful progress with local youth. However, he expresses concern regarding the sustainability of such efforts without consistent grant funding.
He remarked, “He knows how to operate as a man, but coming from a community like Congress Park, there’s a lot of stuff he has to navigate by himself.”
Queen noted that Smith thrives when he is engaged in positive activities.
“Sometimes it’s not just about [the] program. It’s really just about people loving and helping other people,” he explained.
Unleashed Potential is yet another initiative that Queen believes should be part of a broadened selection of programs available to youth, enhancing the D.C. summer youth employment program.
This belief stems from the conviction that partnerships with organizations like animal shelters can provide stability and opportunities for young individuals.
Aaron Johnson, chief operating officer at Brandywine Valley SPCA, underscored the importance of such programs in keeping youth engaged and out of trouble.
“We can involve the youth and have good programs that give them some knowledge while also keeping them out of trouble at the same time,” Johnson stated.
During a demonstration showcasing the program, Johnson observed how Smith had applied his learning back at home as a dog owner.
Smith’s enthusiasm and quick understanding of animal care have impressed both his peers and the shelter staff.
“He picks up on these things pretty quickly too,” Johnson noted.
“Malcolm knows the walking paths already and knows all about the enrichment and training. But these are also skills … they’re learning that they can use in their own life.”
Smith’s path to becoming a volunteer was not without challenges, including grappling with the Prince George’s County justice system.
Despite the hurdles, Smith highlighted how the Unleashed Potential program is shaping him into the best version of himself.
“Every at-risk youth, teenager and adult in D.C. is not actually a bad person,” he asserted.
As budget deliberations come to a close for fiscal year 2026, Smith voiced a proposal for the D.C. government’s allocation toward violence interruption resources, emphasizing the need to support Queen’s initiatives.
“I want to see Marcelles’ program more active in the ONSE office, and different profit organizations, expanding to help more kids across the city,” he expressed.
If Queen’s work is benefiting Smith and his friends, he believes it can reach and assist even more young individuals in the community.
image source from：washingtoninformer
