First Fridays at A Wider Circle | News from A Wider Circle on the first Friday of every month

A Note From Amy

If you’re still recovering from the Fourth of July — or just trying to convince yourself that 95 degrees builds character — I hope you’re finding a few moments to enjoy summer. 

Last month, we asked this community to rally around local families, and you showed up in a remarkable way. Together, we reached our $250,000 June Matching Gifts Campaign goal, meaning thousands of children and parents across our region will have access to beds, furniture, and other essentials they need to build a home full of hope. Every gift, every share, and every act of generosity added up to something far bigger than any one of us could have accomplished alone. Thank you for making that happen.

Summer may be a season for slowing down, but the need doesn’t take a vacation. If you find yourself with a little extra time between trips to the pool, cookouts, or simply trying to stay cool, we’d love to have you join us as a volunteer. Whether you’re signing up for your first shift or you’re already a familiar face around A Wider Circle, just a few hours can change the course of someone’s day. And who knows? You might leave with sore feet, a full heart, and a new appreciation for air conditioning. 

Until next month, stay cool, stay hydrated, and thank you for making this community such a remarkable place. 

In partnership,

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 July:

DROP IT OFF

We have a big need for gently-used (or new!) bed linens, especially king and queen sizes.

Click here for donation drop-off information.
SHIP IT

Our Ward 8 Hub needs Solar Charger Power Banks for clients living without electricity who need a way to charge phones and other devices.

Click here to purchase needed items and have them shipped directly to us.
FUND IT

Make a general operating support donation, and your gift will go where it’s needed most.

Click here to donate.

With your support, we can provide our neighbors with exactly what they need, when they need it most.


June at a Glance

258

homes furnished

1,685

furniture, home goods, and professional clothing items contributed

32

parents received baby items for their new arrivals

905

visits to our Ward 8 Hub

215

families in Southeast DC received market bags containing cleaning and personal care products

47

job seekers supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment

346

job seekers received professional clothing

382

volunteers joined us to serve

Thank you to the following volunteer groups who joined us in June: ASAE; AWC Champions Circle; Bozzuto; Charles Schwab; DC Illini; DC News Now; Deloitte; Eko Community Development Organization; First Christian Church of Barnesville, Ohio; Giving Together; Junior League of Washington; Long & Foster; National Presbyterian Church Youth Group; Seneca Academy; Silver Spring Masonic Lodge #215; Temple Sinai Men’s Club; Umu Igbo Unite, DMV Chapter; and Washington Ireland Program

Our team took the time to regroup and reconnect at our annual staff retreat!


On The Horizon

July 24: Give A Hoot, Share A Laugh!

Come out for a fun-filled night of laughter at the Give A Hoot Comedy Club!

Gather your friends, coworkers, and family members for an evening of stand-up comedy with veteran comedian Ben Jones while supporting our mission.

Location:  Give A Hoot Comedy Club, 16143 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Date:  Friday, July 24
Time:  8pm – 10pm (Doors open at 7pm)

Parking at the venue is free, and the full La Mexicana food and drink menu is available in the club for you to purchase items as you please.

A percentage of ticket sales will support A Wider Circle’s mission.

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

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