A Note From Amy
Funny thing about August — it’s the one month where the whole world seems to quietly agree to take it easy. Summer hasn’t quite let go yet, but you can already hear fall clearing its throat in the background. Some of you are still holding on tight to these last few weeks. Others are already side-eyeing the school supply aisle like it personally wronged you.
Around here, though, nothing really pauses. Families still need help furnishing a home this month. Kids still need beds to sleep in before the first day back. The calendar may say summer’s winding down, but our to-do list clearly didn’t check the calendar.
Last month, we asked you to carve out a little time between pool days and cookouts to join us — and a bunch of you did. So this month, same ask, said again: the offer still stands. Come spend a few hours with us.
Wherever you are this August, I hope it’s treating you well. Things are picking up around here, and we’re glad this circle keeps getting wider.
Talk soon,
Amy Javaid
President & CEO
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 August:
With your support, we can provide our neighbors with exactly what they need, when they need it most.
July at a Glance
homes furnished
furniture, home goods, and professional clothing items contributed
parents received baby items for their new arrivals
visits to our Ward 8 Hub
families in Southeast DC received market bags containing cleaning and personal care products
job seekers supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment
job seekers received professional clothing
volunteers joined us to serve
Thank you to the following volunteer groups who joined us in July:
Baltimore Ravens, Bozzuto, Calibre CPA, Capital One CS&S, The Center For Student Missions, Chain Bridge Bank, Giving Together, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Organization’s World Leadership Congress, Iromidayo Free Education Foundation, Landon School, Makom, My Friends Who Volunteer DMV, Shen Milsom & Wilke, Temple Sinai Men’s Club, Union Church Silver Spring, and Vinecorps
Baltimore Ravens Volunteer at AWC!
Amy C. Walks 90 miles to Raise Awareness of Homelessness
We’re proud to recognize Amy C. (pictured above, right), A Wider Circle’s Social Justice Committee Policy Tracker, for participating in the World Cup Great Walk, a 90 Mile journey from Philadelphia to MetLife Stadium completed over five days. The walk brought together advocates to elevate the voices of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, strengthen community connections, and inspire action. Along the route, participants highlighted the importance of dignity, opportunity, and systemic solutions to homelessness through conversations and events in communities across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
As our Policy Tracker, Amy helps keep the Social Justice Committee informed about policy developments that impact our neighbors. Her participation in the World Cup Great Walk reflects the same commitment she brings to our advocacy work every day — using her voice to advance meaningful change!
On The Horizon
August 17: National Nonprofit Day!
August 18: Breakfast at The Hub
You’re invited to join us for breakfast and a tour of A Wider Circle’s Ward 8 Hub on Tuesday, August 18. Meet the Hub team, get a tour of the office, and see our work in DC’s Ward 8 up close.
Location: 405 Condon Terrace SE, Washington, DC 20032
Date: Tuesday, August 18
Time: 9:00-10:30 am
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
October 8: Neighbor to Neighbor Night
Save the date! On Thursday, October 8, we’ll celebrate 25 years of A Wider Circle at our annual gala, Neighbor to Neighbor Night. Sponsorship opportunities available! Learn more.
October 23: Paddle for a Purpose
Join B.F. Saul Insurance’s fourth annual Paddle for a Purpose Charity Pickleball Tournament, an afternoon of fun and friendly competition in support of A Wider Circle. Register and learn more here.
