A Note From Amy
January has a way of setting the tone.
It’s a moment to pause, take stock, and look ahead — and as we kick off our first First Friday of 2026, it feels like an especially meaningful one for A Wider Circle.
This year, we turn 25. That milestone is something we’re proud of, but also a reminder of why this work matters. For 25 years, this community has shown up for neighbors in real, tangible ways — and in a world that feels increasingly uncertain, that commitment is more important than ever.
Just before the holidays, we were tested. A break-in at our Center for Community Service left essential parts stolen from our trucks, taking them off the road and creating an unexpected repair cost in the tens of thousands. What could have slowed us down instead revealed something powerful. You showed up. Because of this community, we were able to recover quickly and keep serving families who rely on us.
That same energy carried us through the end of the year. Thanks to your generosity, we reached our $100,000 December matching goal — closing out 2025 strong and giving us real momentum as we step into 2026.
This January also marks a leadership transition on our Board. I want to thank Marty Durbin for his more than 10 years of service and partnership as Board Chair, and welcome Bill Strathmann as he steps into the role. I’m grateful for the foundation that’s been built and energized for what’s ahead.
Twenty-five years in, one thing is clear: A Wider Circle is strong because of the people behind it. Thank you for being part of this community and for the many ways you show up — through your time, your generosity, and your belief in what’s possible for our neighbors.
So whether you’re a weekly volunteer, a longtime supporter, or someone who follows our work from afar, I hope this is a year you stay close. Stop by the Center. Bring a colleague or your kids. Join us this spring at Home Reimagined, or celebrate with us at the Gala in October. There are so many ways to be part of what comes next, and I’m excited for all that we’ll build together in this milestone year.
With Gratitude,
Amy Javaid
President & CEO
In This First Friday
2025 Annual Report
Want to learn more about our impact over the last year? Check out our FY2025 Annual Report here.
Good Karma Holiday Program Recap
Since 2008, A Wider Circle’s Good Karma Holiday program has brought joy and strengthened community bonds by providing gifts and non-perishable food for local families during the holiday season. In 2020, the program was renamed in honor of longtime supporter Karma Kenny.
This holiday season…
573
families selected gifts from our Silver Spring and Ward 8 Winter Wonderlands
138
families received gifts via volunteer sponsor families
700
children living in DC public housing received toys
814
families received non-perishable food
334
grocery gift cards were distributed
Special Holiday Programming Note: Got Gift Cards?
Holding onto gift cards from the holiday season that you don’t plan on using? Or looking for a simple way to give back? We’d be glad to take them off your hands!
Your unused gift cards help support our programming and make a real impact — no shopping required.
Mail them:
10325 Kensington Pkwy, #70, Kensington, MD 20895
Or drop them off:
9159 Brookville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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 January:
With your support, we can provide our neighbors with exactly what they need, when they need it most.
December at a Glance
Along with our Good Karma Holiday Program, our regular services kept us busy in December!
- 238 homes furnished
- 2,233 furniture, home goods, and professional clothing items contributed
- 40 parents received baby items for their new arrivals
- 690 visits to our Ward 8 Hub
- 215 families in Southeast DC received market bags containing cleaning and personal care products
- 62 job seekers supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment
- 225 job seekers received professional clothing
- 395 volunteers joined us to serve
Thank you to the volunteer groups who joined us in December:
American Society of Association Executives, Arnold & Porter, Bozzuto, Capital One, Chelsea School, Georgetown Day School, Giving Together, Junior League of Washington, MERCYworldwide, Milton Dottesman Jewish Day School, National Association of School Psychologists, Salesforce, Silver Spring Masonic Lodge 215, Temple Emanuel, Temple Sinai Men’s Club, World Bank, and Yale Alumni Association
Combined Federal Campaign
In December, we kicked off the season for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) by visiting several Federal agencies to share our work. This year, the CFC has been extended through January 31, so there is still time to sign up! If you’re a Federal employee and would like to support A Wider Circle, our CFC number is 21120. Click here to learn more.
Suited For Success
On December 18, our Career Support team — in partnership with Peace for DC, Jubilee Jobs, and the DC Office of the Attorney General — celebrated the graduation of our second Suited for Success cohort!
We’re excited to see what’s next for these graduates as they continue building their careers.
On The Horizon
January 19: MLK Day of Service
This national day of service honors Dr. King’s legacy by encouraging meaningful action and community engagement. We invite you to take time to reflect on how service shows up in your own life and to support organizations in your community doing important work year-round. You can learn more about our ongoing volunteer opportunities here.
January 31: Join Us for a Night of Nostalgia and Giving Back to Our Community!
Join A Wider Circle and Silver Spring’s own 50s – 80s cover band, Close Enough, for a night of nostalgia and giving back to our community at El Golfo Restaurant.
You will know and want to dance and sing along to every song from Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Bonnie Raitt, the Stones, CSNY, and more. Their tight harmonies and “you-gotta-move” rhythms make this band a BLAST to enjoy!
El Golfo’s Latin and Mexican food is authentic, fresh, and tasty. It’s the place to go whether you like your Latin food mild or spicy; whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or steak and fish lover.
Let your server know you are supporting A Wider Circle, and 10% of your bill will go toward helping us make sure our neighbors have what they need to thrive!
RETRO attire optional.
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 6:00-9:30 pm
Location: El Golfo Restaurant, 8739 Flower Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tickets: Free with suggested donation of $15
Save the Date: Home Reimagined 2026
In 2024, we transformed 10 homes.
In 2025, we jumped to 35.
And this year? We’re going big: 50 homes in one day.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 7 — our biggest Home Reimagined day yet.
