A Note From Amy
Dear neighbors,
This month, I celebrate eight years on staff at A Wider Circle. One of the things I’ve grown to love most in this time is that we are a “say yes” organization.
We say yes to partnerships, knowing collaboration makes us stronger and our impact greater. We say yes to volunteers of all ages and abilities, believing everyone has something valuable to offer.
Most importantly, we say yes to the neighbors who come to us for help. We welcome individuals and families from all walks of life, many of whom have experienced deep challenges — refugees, survivors of domestic violence, and families who have experienced entrenched generational poverty.
Saying yes means ensuring every person who enters our doors feels accepted, supported, and cared for. Sometimes it can be hard, but it’s always worth it.
The name A Wider Circle comes from Einstein’s call to “widen the circle of compassion.” Saying yes is how we live that every day. For our team, it means leading with love. For our supporters, it makes this work possible. And for those we serve, it may be the bright spot they need on their journey.
No matter the challenges, we will always continue to say yes. Because together, every yes helps us build a stronger, more compassionate community.
In solidarity,
Amy Javaid
President & CEO
In This First Friday:
Our Impact in 2024
With your support, A Wider Circle’s programs and services helped thousands of our neighbors last year. Here’s a quick look at the impact made by our Essential Support program and Ward 8 Hub in 2024:
Stay tuned for next month’s First Friday, when we’ll share the impact we made via the Career Support program and our Partnership to Independence initiative!
Home Reimagined 2025
In 2024, we transformed 10 homes in one day.
In 2025, we will transform 50.
Yes, 50 homes, all in one day.
On May 8, 2025, our annual Home Reimagined initiative will be back and bigger than ever — culminating in a one-day event where we transform FIFTY unfurnished spaces into fully furnished, professionally designed, functional homes for our neighbors.
Sponsors, moving companies, and designers needed!
Learn how you or your company can get involved here.
MLK Day of Service
Community spirit was in the air as hundreds of volunteers joined us at our Silver Spring Center and Ward 8 Hub for this year’s MLK Day of Service.
Thank you to the amazing groups who braved the cold to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — Adventist Healthcare, Alpha Kappa Alpha – Xi Omega Chapter, George Washington University staff, Highland Dwellings Resident Council, Jack and Jill of America, Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (including MD Secretary of Labor Portia Wu), SolutionsMET, and Wonders Early Learning!
Circling Back
Show the Love — You’re Invited!
Start your Valentine’s Day with warmth and community by joining us for coffee and cocoa at our Center for Community Service.
Details:
Friday, February 14
8:30-9:30 AM
9159 Brookville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
All are welcome! Register here.
Finding Warmth in Community
In case you missed it: our latest blog post featured Amy’s thoughts on how, together, we can find warmth, hope, and connection this winter.
Welcome, New Board Members!
A big welcome to the two newest members of our Board of Directors, JP Arcuri and Diane Taitt!
Additionally, we bid a fond farewell to Terry Kenny, who has stepped off of our Board after serving since 2016. Thank you, Terry, for all you have done to help widen our circle!
Reminder: Important Parking Update for Visitors
Due to circumstances beyond our control, A Wider Circle has had to make changes to our on-site parking at our Center for Community Service.
All parking spaces in front of the building are reserved for clients — staff and volunteers are kindly asked not to park there.
Due to a significant reduction in available spaces, the back lot near the truck parking is now fully reserved for specific team members who arrive early and work the longest hours. We kindly ask other staff and volunteers to avoid parking in the back lot. Additionally, parking spaces facing Brookville Road at the top of the lot are reserved for staff.
Volunteers and guests are welcome to park at 9141 Brookville Road (our admin building, one block away) or in the neighborhood to the southeast of our Center.
Printed maps of nearby parking spots are available upon request.
We apologize for the inconvenience and will notify you if more on-site parking becomes available. Thank you for your understanding!
Did you know…
…that our Center for Community Service in Silver Spring offers multiple meeting rooms available for rental? Host your next event with us at an affordable rate!
Stay tuned!
This year we’re partnering with local hotels on two major clearout projects adding up to over 1300 hotel rooms worth of furniture to redistribute to our community! Keep an eye out for updates on our progress in the coming months!
January at A Wider Circle
In January at A Wider Circle:
- 191 homes were furnished
- 503 neighbors visited our Ward 8 Hub
- 200 families in Southeast DC received market bags
- 25 parents received baby items for their new arrivals
- 161 job seekers received professional clothing
- 39 job seekers were supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment
- 1,153 donations of furniture, home goods, and professional clothing were contributed
- 557 volunteers joined us to serve
This Wednesday, our Career Support team hosted its very first Job Cafe — a new weekly offering at our Ward 8 Hub!
Thank you — we could not do this without your support.
