A Note From Amy
Every once in a while, something simple feels especially worth leaning into.
That’s how I feel about this month.
In March, every dollar donated to A Wider Circle will be matched — dollar for dollar — up to $50,000, thanks to the generosity of our friend, The Honorable Ann Brown.
We’re calling it March Matchness, but at its heart, it’s about something pretty straightforward: Making sure every participating child and family has a safe, comfortable bed to sleep in as we prepare to transform 50 homes on May 7 through Home Reimagined.
What we’ve learned over the past 25 years is that stability isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes the need is complex. Sometimes it’s layered. And sometimes, it’s as foundational as rest.
A bed won’t solve everything. But I’ve seen what it changes. A child who sleeps well shows up differently at school. A parent who isn’t exhausted can focus on what’s next. Small, practical support often creates the momentum families need to move forward.
That’s what I love about this match. It’s tangible. It’s immediate. And this month, it goes twice as far.
If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to step in, this is a powerful moment to do it.
While I can offer exactly zero help with your brackets this year, I can guarantee that a good night’s sleep for a child is always a winning pick!
With appreciation,
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 March:
With your support, we can provide our neighbors with exactly what they need, when they need it most.
February at a Glance
224
homes furnished
1,318
furniture, home goods, and professional clothing items contributed
28
parents received baby items for their new arrivals
658
visits to our Ward 8 Hub
215
families in Southeast DC received market bags containing cleaning and personal care products
49
job seekers supported on their journey to finding meaningful employment
186
job seekers received professional clothing
385
volunteers joined us to serve
Thank you to the volunteer groups who joined us in February:
Amideast Fulbright Program, Einstein High School Honors Society, Greater Washington Urban League Young Professionals, Host Hotels and Resorts, Junior League, Kids After Hours, Lazarus Leadership Fellows Program, Leadership Greater Washington, NetWork Volunteers, The Nora School, River School, Scout Troop 463, Stone Ridge School, Tau Beta Pi Maryland Beta Chapter (UMD), Temple Sinai Men’s Club, Whiting-Turner, Wilton Presbyterian Church, and Yale Alumni Association
Host Hotels Volunteer Day
Thank you to the team at Host Hotels & Resorts for joining us on February 10 for an action-packed volunteer day!
Booz Allen Hamilton Toiletry Drive
Many thanks to Booz Allen Hamilton for hosting a toiletry drive and assembly project at their offices! We are grateful for your support in helping us build a stronger community.
If your organization is interested in volunteering or hosting a drive, send us a note at groups@awidercircle.org!
On The Horizon
Art Show: The Human Flood
If you haven’t had the chance, make sure to check out artists Ellyn Weiss and Sondra Arkin’s showcase of their compelling exhibition, The Human Flood, at the Dumbarton Concerts Art Gallery, running now through March 14. Arrive early to enjoy the art before the music — gallery doors open at 6:00 p.m. ahead of the 7:30 p.m. evening concerts and at 3:00 p.m. prior to matinee performances. Best of all, a portion of gallery proceeds will benefit A Wider Circle. We’re grateful to Ellyn and Sondra for believing in our mission and standing with our neighbors.
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.
New Giving Communities!
Champions Circle and Inner Circle
To celebrate the extraordinary impact of our most dedicated supporters, we are honored to introduce two special giving communities: the Champions Circle and the Inner Circle. These circles are more than recognition societies; they are communities of compassionate leaders who believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and economic stability.
When you join, you become part of a powerful network of changemakers committed to equity and opportunity. You’ll receive meaningful engagement opportunities, insider updates that show your impact firsthand, and invitations to connect with fellow community leaders who share your passion for creating lasting change.
Most importantly, your partnership ensures that neighbors facing hardship are met with compassion, respect, and real pathways forward.
To learn more about joining the Champions Circle or the Inner Circle, please reach out to us at jchevis@awidercircle.org or 301-557-9401.
