A Note From Amy
Lately, on my morning commute, I’ve been in awe of the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows all around us. The sun-dappled leaves and blue sky create a breathtaking scene, and a reminder of how beautiful change can be.
But in the evenings, when the air turns crisp and the wind sharpens, I’m reminded that colder days are ahead. Change is constant, and not always easy. Whether in the weather, in our communities, or in the broader world — politics, policies, and needs — change can bring uncertainty and challenge.
Yet it can also bring hope, innovation, and connection.
At A Wider Circle, this new season brings renewed energy and inspiration. We began our fiscal year with a joyous Neighbor to Neighbor Night, where we celebrated community, danced in sneakers, and reconnected with friends old and new. That night captured the spirit that carries us forward, a spirit grounded in compassion, commitment, and optimism about what’s possible when we come together.
This month’s First Friday reflects that same spirit. You’ll find stories of impact that shine even amid change, as well as new opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
While many changes lie beyond our control, we can each choose to be the change we want to see in the world. And as the season changes, I’m grateful to be part of a community that does just that, every single day.
With Gratitude,
Amy Javaid
President & CEO
Good Karma Holiday Program
A Wider Circle is gearing up for our annual Good Karma Holiday Program, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our incredible community. Your contributions are essential to our mission of helping families thrive during the holidays — and all year long.
How you can help this Thanksgiving
Join us in providing meaningful, ongoing nourishment for neighbors near both our Ward 8 Hub and our Silver Spring Center by:
- Donating a Food & Grocery Gift Card Bundle
- Shopping online via our Amazon Wishlist
- Dropping off non-perishable food from your pantry
Click here for more information on each Thanksgiving option.
Three ways of gift-giving in 2025
Sponsor a family or donate gifts to help us create holiday magic for families throughout the region!
- Personalize a holiday experience by sponsoring a family in the Washington Highlands Community
- Drop off gifts or shop via our Amazon Wishlist to support our Winter Wonderland in Silver Spring
- Provide “Gifts of Love” to the DC Housing Authority
Click here for more information on each gift-giving option.
Interested in volunteering for the Good Karma Holiday Program? Click here for information on volunteer opportunities.
Neighbor to Neighbor Night: Sneaker Soirée
On behalf of the whole team at A Wider Circle, thank you to everyone who Stepped Into Stability with us for Neighbor to Neighbor Night 2025: Sneaker Soirée! We had so much fun seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and widening our circle — all while raising critical funds to support our work.
We’d also like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors, the evening’s honorees, Brooke Lierman and Bozzuto, and our fantastic emcee, Tommy McFly!
Whether you couldn’t make it or just want to re-experience the energy of the evening, check out this great recap video, courtesy of our friends at Bozzuto!
Once again, thank you for joining us and making our work possible.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Next year’s Neighbor to Neighbor Night will take place on October 8, 2026. Mark your calendars so you can join us to celebrate A Wider Circle’s 25th anniversary!
Suited for Success
On October 30, we celebrated the graduation of the DC Office of the Attorney General’s Suited for Success pilot employment program! Suited for Success is a six-week employment readiness program for individuals affected by gun violence and facing employment barriers.
We were thrilled to partner with the Office of the Attorney General, Peace for DC, and Jubilee Jobs on Suited for Success, preparing the nine program graduates for the next step in their careers. We’re also excited to launch a second cohort of Suited for Success later in November!
Fill the Need: November
In every issue of First Friday, Fill the Need highlights three specific ways you can help make an immediate impact. Whether you choose to Drop It Off, Ship It, or Fund It, your support makes it easy to fill our most urgent needs.
Here’s how you can Fill the Need this November:
- Drop It Off: This month, we have a big need for non-perishable food for the pantry at our Ward 8 Hub. With SNAP funding in flux, we anticipate a higher need for the emergency food assistance the Hub pantry provides. The most needed items include peanut butter, tuna, rice, pasta, and pasta sauces. Items can be dropped off at our Silver Spring Center, and you can find donation drop-off hours here.
- Ship It: Want to help but don’t have the item on hand? Check out our Fill the Need Wishlist to purchase a high-need item and have it shipped directly to us. This month, we’re looking for your help with two essential products that aren’t covered by food benefits and are often cost-prohibitive: laundry detergent and diapers.
- Fund It: Some opportunities to support our work arise outside of our regular budget. Each month, we’ll share one specific item or service that your gift can help fund — something timely and meaningful that will make a real difference. This month, your donations will allow us to purchase beds so we can continue addressing our ongoing bed shortage. Click here to make a gift.
With your support, we can provide our neighbors with exactly what they need, when they need it most.
Circling Back
Operations Update
Please note that our offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28.
Food Assistance Information
While A Wider Circle has a small food pantry for emergency needs at our Ward 8 Hub, and we also provide non-perishable food to clients visiting our Center to receive furniture, we typically do not have the capacity to otherwise serve neighbors who are primarily looking for food assistance. However, we are always happy to provide information and resources to those whose needs we are unable to fill.
We also know many are currently impacted by the SNAP funding lapse, the government shutdown, and high food costs. In that spirit, our Social Justice Committee has put together this list of food resources throughout the region for anyone who might need them.
Tomorrow! Community Yard Sale
Our Community Yard Sale is happening tomorrow, November 8th, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM!
Join us at our Community Connections Center (2618 Pittman Drive — just half a mile down the road from our main Silver Spring Center) to find great deals on outdoor furniture, garden tools, sports equipment, bikes, car gear, and more — all while supporting a great cause.
Every dollar raised benefits A Wider Circle’s Essential Support program. See you there!
Key Info for End of Year Giving
As we approach the year-end giving season, we hope you’ll consider supporting A Wider Circle with a tax-deductible donation. Click here for key information on the many ways you can give this season.
Congratulations, Terry!
Congratulations to Terry Kenny, Market President at TD, for being honored as Leader of the Year at Leadership Greater Washington’s 2025 Celebration of Leadership! We’re grateful for Terry’s long-standing commitment to the work of A Wider Circle, including previously serving on our Board of Directors and providing major support for our work via holiday programming, grants, sponsorship, and more!
Join our Circle of Supporters
One of the best ways to make your support of A Wider Circle last is to become a recurring donor! Signing up to make a monthly or quarterly donation to A Wider Circle ensures that we can provide innovative programming and services for our neighbors all year long.
SAVE THE DATE! Home Reimagined 2026
In 2025, we transformed 35 homes in 1 day.
In 2026, we will transform 50.
Yes, 50 homes, all in 1 day.
Save the date! On Thursday, May 7, 2026, we’ll host our biggest Home Reimagined yet!
Learn more here.
October at A Wider Circle
In October at A Wider Circle:
- 222 homes were furnished
- 1350 visits were made to our Ward 8 Hub
- 215 families in Southeast DC received market bags
- 40 parents received baby items for their new arrivals
- 84 job seekers were supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment
- 131 job seekers received professional clothing
- 1,537 donations of furniture, home goods, and professional clothing were contributed
- 365 volunteers joined us to serve
Thank you to the volunteer groups who joined us in October:
Washington Adventist University, Junior League, Giving Together, Sidwell Friends School, Deloitte, The Nora School, Office of the Comptroller of Maryland, Spencerville Seventh-Day Adventist Church, SECU, Women’s Connection, Target, Temple Sinai Men’s Club, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, St. Bernadette’s School, Alfred Street Baptist Church, Forbright Bank, Washington Metro Oasis, Uniformed Services University, Jack Venezia & Friends, Republic Services, and KI Concerts.
Thank you — we could not do this without your support.
