A Note From Rachael
“There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we
have the resources to get rid of it.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Dear neighbors,
As we write to you, many in vulnerable communities are facing a high level of uncertainty. There are proposed cuts at the Federal level that would deeply impact HUD (housing programs), SNAP (food assistance), and Medicaid — there are people in every community in America for whom these cuts would have devastating impacts. We also know this goes beyond communities that were already hard hit by poverty, to the tens of thousands of Federal workers across the nation who now are without a paycheck to support their families.
With all that we face, we know we must move forward in solidarity. We will be here with tangible resources for those impacted. And we hope others will step forward and stand shoulder to shoulder with us.
Thank you for all the ways you stand in solidarity with A Wider Circle and those we serve. If you are looking for more ways to engage, we would welcome you as a volunteer in our direct service programs or as an advocate to raise your voice. If you are looking for ways to offer assistance, or if you may be in need of assistance, please reach out to us at contact@awidercircle.org.
In solidarity,
Rachael Buck
Director, Advocacy
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 Career Support program and Partnership to Independence initiative in 2024:
You can check out 2024 data from our Essential Support program and our Ward 8 Hub in last month’s issue of First Friday here.
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.
Advocacy Update
On February 18, members of our Social Justice Committee from Germantown to the Eastern Shore visited Annapolis to testify in favor of HB0767: the Tenant Possession Recovery Act. This bill requires tenants receive a two weeks’ notice before an eviction and 10 days to collect their items after an eviction is executed.
We were proud to advocate for no surprises in the already traumatic process of eviction. A full 10% of the 4,668 families who called A Wider Circle last year to request furniture did so because they had lost their possessions due to eviction.
You can hear the testimony of A Wider Circle’s Director of Advocacy, Rachael Buck followed by Ayanna Bunch and Chissell Baker, both members of the Social Justice Committee of A Wider Circle here. Their testimony starts at minute 34:00.
Earlier this week the National Low Income Housing Coalition organized a rally and press conference to oppose proposed cuts to HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development). Many partners from the housing and homelessness prevention space joined to hear speakers such as Rep. Maxine Waters, Ranking Member and former Chair of the House Committee on Financial Services.
Among the hundreds of attendees were A Wider Circle staff, volunteers, donors, and members of our Social Justice Committee. We stood in solidarity with many in support of the programs that are critical for vulnerable individuals, including those we serve.
Happenings at the Hub
February at the Ward 8 Hub saw the launch of our brand new Job Café, a weekly group facilitated by our Career Support team that provides a supportive space for job seekers to share resources, strategies, job leads, and encouragement. Read more about the Job Café in our latest blog.
Along with our regular programming, other activities at the Hub this month included a healthy cooking demonstration, a candlemaking workshop, and a “Rep Your Team” pre-Super Bowl party!
Circling Back
Volunteer tutors needed!
A Wider Circle is seeking dedicated volunteers to provide one-on-one tutoring for teens and young adults in Southeast D.C. who are working to earn their GED or improve their math and/or reading CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) scores. These young people are connected to a program focused on breaking the cycle of violence in the community, and your support can make a lasting impact.
Join us in empowering young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed! If you’re interested or need more details, please reach out to Adam Albanese at adam@awidercircle.org.
Leaning on community in a time of uncertainty
We understand that the current upheaval in Washington is affecting many neighbors in our community, including individuals, families, and local businesses who have been generous partners in our efforts. If you’ve been impacted by recent events and would like to pause your recurring gift or opt out of fundraising emails, we completely understand. To make any changes, please email our Development team to let us know how we can assist you. Additionally, if you’re interested in help from our Career Support team, you can learn more about the services we offer and fill out our interest form here.
If you are a neighbor who is uplifted by volunteering you can click here to find a time to join our team. Helping others can be a powerful way to find hope and connection in our community. You can also read about more ways to support local organizations right now in this article from the Greater Washington Community Foundation: Supporting Nonprofits in Uncertain Times: What You Can Do Right Now.
Thank you, Jace and friends!
Last month, an incredible group of friends came together on a Saturday to celebrate the birthday of their friend Jace and make a meaningful impact in their community by volunteering at A Wider Circle. Together, they spent two hours building furniture for Home Reimagined, our day of transforming homes for over 50 families this May. What’s even more inspiring? Jace and his friends raised over $3,000 for A Wider Circle to support neighbors in need!
Prom Drive
Help local students celebrate their prom in style! Through April 11, we’ll be accepting donations of clothing and accessories for local students to wear to prom. Want to help? Click here for more info!
Thank you, MCPS!
Thank you to the Montgomery County Public Schools Department of Community Schools for inviting AWC President & CEO Amy Javaid to join them this month to present about our mission, programs, and outcomes to their staff.
February at A Wider Circle
In February at A Wider Circle:
- 228 homes were furnished
- 589 neighbors visited our Ward 8 Hub
- 200 families in Southeast DC received market bags
- 29 parents received baby items for their new arrivals
- 61 job seekers were supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment
- 99 job seekers received professional clothing
- 1,158 donations of furniture, home goods, and professional clothing were contributed
- 551 volunteers joined us to serve
Thank you — we could not do this without your support.
