A Note From Amy
As we move through another busy season at A Wider Circle, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much this community shows up — and how much that support truly means to the people we serve. I want to start by simply saying thank you.
On Giving Tuesday, you helped us not only meet but surpass our $50,000 matching goal. That meant every gift went twice as far, and it allowed more of our neighbors to take real steps toward stability and independence. Your generosity was a reminder of what’s possible when people come together with purpose.
I’m also grateful to everyone who helped make Thanksgiving a little brighter (and more delicious!) this year. Because of your support, more than 650 families were able to sit down to a full holiday meal — something many of us take for granted, but for those families, it meant nourishment, dignity, and a moment of peace. As we look ahead to the December holidays, the need is still very real. Family sponsorships and retail gift cards are especially important right now, and they go a long way toward bringing comfort and joy to households across our region. You can learn more about the Good Karma Holiday Program here.
Even with all we’ve accomplished together, we know there’s more work ahead. To help us meet the growing needs we’re seeing, a group of generous partners has stepped forward with a new $100,000 dollar-for-dollar match through the end of December. Every gift this month will have twice the impact – and will help more families build stronger, more hopeful futures.
Thank you for everything you’ve done, and for everything you continue to do. As we move through this season, I hope you and your loved ones find moments of rest, joy, and connection. I’m grateful to be in this work with you.
Together, we make our circle wider, stronger, and full of hope.
With Gratitude,
Amy Javaid
President & CEO
In This First Friday:
Double Your Impact This December!
As Amy shared above, we’re thrilled to offer a new matching opportunity for everyone supporting our work this month. Through December 31, every donation will be doubled – dollar for dollar up to $100,000.
This match comes at a crucial moment. More families are turning to A Wider Circle for support, and the broader funding landscape continues to shift. Your generosity helps us meet those rising needs — and right now, it can go twice as far.
Here’s a quick look at what your gift makes possible:
*Top: FY25 | Bottom: CY24
Fill the Need
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 December:
With your support, we can provide our neighbors with exactly what they need, when they need it most.
November at Glance
- 248 homes furnished
- 2,000 donations of furniture, home goods, and professional clothing contributed
- 47 parents received baby items for their new arrivals
- 1,075 visits to our Ward 8 Hub
- 215 families in Southeast DC received market bags
- 76 job seekers supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment
- 160 job seekers received professional clothing
- 372 volunteers joined us to serve
Thank you to the volunteer groups who joined us in November:
GWU Alternative Break Program, Giving Together, Maret School, Ernst and Young LLP, City Girls, WGL Energy, Capital One, HOBY Youth Leadership, Junior League, Reformed University Fellowship – Howard University, Potomac High School, Temple Sinai Men’s Club, Blessed Sacrament School, Albert Einstein High School, Mizell Cooper’s Bible Study, The Bridge DC, and Withum.
Championing Critical Resources for Our Community
Last month, our Chief Program Officer, Eddy Ameen, testified before the Montgomery County Council, championing increased nonprofit funding.
Together — alongside a powerful network of community partners — we’re pushing for the resources needed to meet rising demand and support our most vulnerable neighbors.
On The Horizon
Tour Our Center – and Catch Some Holiday Cheer!
This holiday season, we welcome you to come see our work here at A Wider Circle! Whether you are interested in learning about our programs or becoming a volunteer, sign up for a tour here! Adults, kids, families, groups — everyone is welcome!
Operations Update
Please note that A Wider Circle will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, December 26, reopening on Saturday, December 27. We wish you and your family warm and happy holidays!
Additionally, we will be closed from Thursday, January 1, through Monday, January 5, 2026 to allow our team some time to recharge after one of our busiest seasons of the year. We will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, January 6.
Save the Date: Home Reimagined 2026
In 2024, we transformed 10 homes.
In 2025, we jumped to 35.
And next year? We’re going big: 50 homes in one day.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 7 — our biggest Home Reimagined day yet. Learn more here.
