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# A Wider Circle

Building Community, Neighbor to Neighbor

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://awidercircle.org/blog/)
- [Ward 8 Hub Activities & Resources](https://awidercircle.org/ward-8-hub-activities-resources/) - August 17-21, 2026 DC Cooling Centers - District of Columbia – Cooling Centers Have information or resources to share? Send them to dhart@awidercircle.org. Free HIV Testing & Primary Care Referrals at the Hub Every Wednesday - 9:30 am - 1:00 pm - Family & Medical Counseling Services, Inc. is at the Ward 8 Hub to
- [First Fridays | August 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-august-2026/) - A Note From Amy Funny thing about August — it's the one month where the whole world seems to quietly agree to take it easy. Summer hasn't quite let go yet, but you can already hear fall clearing its throat in the background. Some of you are still holding on tight to these last few
- [First Fridays | July 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-july-2026/) - 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.
- [First Fridays | June 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-june-2026/) - A Note From Amy Amy JavaidPresident & CEO DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT 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
- [First Fridays | May 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-may-2026/) - A Note From Amy Right now, there are spreadsheets open with more tabs than anyone wants to admit. Final delivery windows are being confirmed. Someone, somewhere, is triple-checking a couch measurement (and then checking it again, just to be sure). It’s that week — the final countdown to Home Reimagined 2026. The one where months
- [Empowering Leaders to Drive Lasting Change on Poverty](https://awidercircle.org/empowering-leaders-to-drive-lasting-change-on-poverty/) - By Rachael Buck, Director of Advocacy As we enter spring, we are celebrating what is new and blossoming here at A Wider Circle. Our Advocacy program has continued to grow in meaningful ways over the past three years, rooted in the voices, experiences, and leadership of the neighbors we serve. Each day, neighbors come to
- [First Fridays | April 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-april-2026/) - A Note From Amy There's always that moment this time of year — when the weather finally turns, and being outside (and around other people) just feels a little easier again. At A Wider Circle, that instinct to show up for one another isn't limited to a season. It's something we see in action all
- [Meeting Families Where They Are: A Conversation with Career Support Director, Regina Robinson](https://awidercircle.org/meeting-families-where-they-are-a-conversation-with-career-support-director-regina-robinson/) - At A Wider Circle, meeting families where they are isn’t just a phrase — it’s a philosophy that shapes how we support people every day. Our Career Support program reflects that approach by focusing not only on employment, but on the whole person: their experiences, their barriers, and their goals. We sat down with Regina
- [First Fridays | March 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-march-2026/) - 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
- [First Fridays | February 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-february-2026/) - A Note From Amy Here’s something we talk about a lot at A Wider Circle: dignity. Not as a buzzword or a value on a wall — but as a real, everyday way of showing up. For our staff. For our volunteers. And most importantly, for our neighbors. You see it in the details. When someone selects
- [Furniture is a Foundation for Health](https://awidercircle.org/furniture-is-a-foundation-for-health/) - By Eddy Ameen, PhD, Chief Program Officer In 2018, the World Health Organization published guidelines for healthy housing across the globe. They wrote, “Housing can expose people to a number of health risks,” but they did not mention the presence or absence of furniture as having any bearing on health. We find that to be
- [Career Support Happenings](https://awidercircle.org/career-support-happenings2/) - Career Support Happenings Week of 2/2/2026 The Career Support team and our network of volunteers are here to support you as you continue your career journey. With that in mind, check out the resources and activities going on this week and how we can best support you. For more info, check out our flyer by
- [First Fridays | January 2026](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-january-2026/) - 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
- [Key Information for End of Year Giving](https://awidercircle.org/key-information-for-end-of-year-giving/) - Key Information for End of Year Giving As we approach the year-end giving season, we hope you'll consider supporting A Wider Circle with a tax-deductible donation. Read on for key information on the many ways you can give this season. Give Online: You can give online by visiting awidercircle.org/donate. You will be redirected to our
- [First Fridays | December 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-december-2025/) - A Note From Amy As we move through another busy season at A Wider Circle, I've been thinking a lot about how much this community shows up — and how much that support truly means to the people we serve. I want to start by simply saying thank you. On Giving Tuesday, you helped us
- [First Fridays | November 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-november-2025/) - Once again, thank you for joining us and making our work possible. — SAVE THE DATE!Next year's Neighbor to Neighbor Night will take place on October 8, 2026. Mark your calendars so you can join us to celebrate A Wider Circle's 25th anniversary! Suited for Success On October 30, we celebrated the graduation of the
- [First Fridays | October 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-october-2025/) - A Note From Amy Dear neighbors, In recent weeks, I have spent time with other nonprofits talking about the state of our ecosystem. In some cases, I was an audience member, in some, a participant, and in some, a key presenter. Despite the varying forums for these discussions, there were several points of agreement: The
- [Styled by Jen: Val](https://awidercircle.org/styled-by-jen-val/) - By Jen Tidwell, AWC Volunteer Val earned the nickname “Super Intern” at the Ward 8 Hub, not only because of her super-sized internship, but also because she’s such a superstar! A typical internship lasts two to three months during a summer or semester, so having Val on our team since February has been such a
- [HEAL DC: Helping Young Men Break the Cycle of Gun Violence](https://awidercircle.org/heal-dc-helping-young-men-break-the-cycle-of-gun-violence/) - HEAL DC program graduates and staff at the program's August 26 graduation At A Wider Circle, we’re proud to partner with organizations that help people transform their lives. Recently, our Career Support program worked with Peace for DC’s HEAL DC program (Healthy, Empowered, Achieving Leaders for DC) to support a group of ten young men
- [PRESS RELEASE: A Wider Circle to Honor Bozzuto and Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman at 2025 Neighbor to Neighbor Night](https://awidercircle.org/press-release-a-wider-circle-to-honor-bozzuto-and-maryland-comptroller-brooke-e-lierman-at-2025-neighbor-to-neighbor-night/) - Neighbor to Neighbor Night 2025: Sneaker Soiree to celebrate community, honor corporate and individual leadership, and support families on the path to stability FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC — September 22, 2025 — A Wider Circle will recognize Bozzuto with the 2025 Corporate Circle of Community Champions Award and Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman with
- [Styled by Jen: Jasmine](https://awidercircle.org/styled-by-jen-jasmine/) - By Jen Tidwell, AWC Volunteer The Hub had a fantastic addition to our team this summer with Jasmine, our superstar intern. Jasmine grew up in Ward 8, so she's familiar with the challenges our clients face and is committed to giving back to her community. She’s a sophomore at George Washington University, majoring in Public
- [First Fridays | September 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-september-2025/) - A Note From Amy Dear neighbors, Neighbor to Neighbor Night, our annual evening of celebration and community impact, is right around the corner! We hope you can join us on Thursday, October 9, for a "Sneaker Soirée" honoring the strength and generosity of our community. I'm excited to share that this year's 2025 Circle of
- [Parties, Workshops, and Power Kicks](https://awidercircle.org/parties-workshops-and-power-kicks/) - 2025 Microgrants Build Community, Confidence, and Skills A local family receives backpacks filled with school supplies at Swanson Family Academy's August 9 back-to-school event, funded by a 2025 microgrant from A Wider Circle. By Maggie Fox One will pay for a series of workshops about how to build a business. Another will help young people
- [First Fridays | August 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-august-2025/) - A Note From Amy Dear neighbors, In challenging times like these, we’re reminded daily of the deep and shifting needs in our community, along with the resilience and generosity that continue to meet them. Some neighbors are hesitant to seek help when they're in need. Others are navigating the social safety net for the first
- [Styled by Jen: Tahiti](https://awidercircle.org/styled-by-jen-tahiti/) - By Jen Tidwell, AWC Volunteer This month, I had the pleasure of styling Tahiti: a chef, caterer, and entrepreneur who is passionate about feeding others, especially those experiencing food insecurity. A Hurtful Comment, and a Clear Next Step Tahiti is outgoing, friendly, upbeat, and deeply nurturing toward others. So when she shared an interaction with
- [Interview: Eddy Ameen on Furniture Poverty](https://awidercircle.org/an-interview-with-eddy-ameen-on-furniture-poverty/) - On Monday, July 21, A Wider Circle hosted representatives from 15 furniture banks across the country for a meeting of Furnish Together: The National Furniture Bank Coalition (representatives from another 25 furniture banks joined virtually). On July 22, the group presented a briefing on furniture poverty to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Prior to these meetings, we sat down with Eddy Ameen, A Wider Circle’s Chief Program Officer, to learn more about furniture poverty, and how A Wider Circle is working as part of Furnish Together to put a spotlight on this issue.
- [First Fridays | July 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-july-2025/) - A Note From Amy Dear neighbors, As we move into the second half of the year, I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you. Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our goal during June’s Matching Gifts Month! At a time of tremendous change and growing need, we are deeply honored that so many chose
- [Styled by Jen: Senior Prom Edition!](https://awidercircle.org/styled-by-jen-senior-prom-edition/) - By Jen Tidwell, AWC Volunteer On Saturday, June 28, the Washington Highlands Community Center (near A Wider Circle’s Ward 8 Hub) hosted its much-anticipated Annual Senior Prom. I was fortunate not only to attend this festive event for the 40-and-up crowd, but also to help style some lovely ladies for it. There was dancing, food,
- [First Fridays | June 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-june-2025/) - A Note From Amy Dear neighbors, At A Wider Circle, community is more than a value — it’s the foundation of everything we do. Every day, we engage with neighbors as clients, volunteers, donors, and partners, and we’re reminded of the power of coming together. Home Reimagined was a beautiful example of this on a
- [Last Mile Home](https://awidercircle.org/last-mile-home/) - Strong Backs and Community Spirit Deliver the Goods By Maggie Fox Anyone who has ever moved between homes knows just how difficult it is. Furniture is heavy and bulky, boxes don’t always fit in the back of cars, and stairs seem to appear out of nowhere. Imagine how much harder it is for those of
- [Styled by Jen: Carol](https://awidercircle.org/styled-by-jen-carol/) - By Jen Tidwell, AWC Volunteer I was thrilled Carol agreed to be my very first Styled by Jen client. Carol is a community leader at our Ward 8 Hub, regularly volunteering on behalf of her neighbors, including by serving as President of the Highland Dwellings Resident Council. I’ve known Carol for over 3 years, and
- [PRESS RELEASE: Washington Gas sponsors Home Reimagined 2025.](https://awidercircle.org/press-release-washington-gas-sponsors-home-reimagined-a-oneday-home-makeover-event-2025/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC - May 6, 2025 - A Wider Circle, a local non-profit organization that provides furniture and housewares to 10-15 individuals and families daily, is excited to announce the sponsorship of Home Reimagined 2025 by Washington Gas. Home Reimagined is a one day event that transforms an unfurnished or sparsely furnished
- [PRESS RELEASE: A WIDER CIRCLE and Bozzuto partners for Home Reimagined 2025.](https://awidercircle.org/press-release-a-wider-circle-and-bozzuto-partners-for-home-reimagined-2025/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A WIDER CIRCLE and Bozzuto announce partnerships for Home Reimagined: A OneDay Home Makeover Event 2025. Washington, DC - May 5, 2025 - A Wider Circle, a local non-profit organization that provides furniture and housewares to 10-15 individuals and families daily, has announced a partnership with Bozzuto for Home Reimagined 2025. Bozzuto
- [First Fridays | May 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-may-2025/) - A Note From Amy Dear neighbors, This week, we received a message from a father of four. He asked what kinds of bites, infections, or illnesses his children might get from sleeping on the floor without beds or blankets. He had no resources for medical care or furniture. His children weren’t just losing sleep. They
- [Getting Ready for Home Reimagined](https://awidercircle.org/getting-ready-for-home-reimagined/) - Designer Catherine Fowlkes consults a floor plan while selecting furniture for the Cooper family On May 8, A Wider Circle is partnering with our friends at Bozzuto — along with an abundance of sponsors, volunteers, pro bono designers, and movers — for Home Reimagined: A One Day Home Makeover Event. This year, 35 families will come
- [Introducing: Styled by Jen](https://awidercircle.org/introducing-styled-by-jen/) - By Jen Tidwell, AWC Volunteer For as long as I can remember, what I wore was very important to me. I remember in first grade, smearing toothpaste all over the front of my red sweater with the plaid apple, because I wanted to wear something else to school. Unfortunately, my mom grabbed a dish towel
- [5 Ways AWC Helps Protect Our Climate](https://awidercircle.org/earth-day-2025/) - [UPDATED for 2025] Did you know that in addition to being a social service organization, A Wider Circle also works to build a sustainable future for our region and planet? Here are 5 ways we worked to protect our climate in 2024: 1. Diverting 2.7 MILLION POUNDS of items from landfills In 2024, with help
- [From Hotels to Homes](https://awidercircle.org/from-hotels-to-homes/) - Partnering for Sustainability and Community Impact Mattresses from a recent hotel delivery at A Wider Circle's satellite warehouse. The Call that Changed Everything "...they sought a nonprofit that could make use of more than 250 rooms' worth of beds, dressers, love seats, and other furniture..." In the fall of 2022, A Wider Circle received a
- [First Fridays | April 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-april-2025/) - A Note From Amy Dear neighbors, With Earth Day coming up, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the ways A Wider Circle has been helping to build a sustainable future for our region and our planet. In 2024, we: Kept 100% of the mattresses we received out of landfills, redistributing 2,507 to neighbors
- [First Fridays | March 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-march-2025/) - A Note From Rachael “There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that wehave 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
- [First Fridays | February 2025](https://awidercircle.org/first-fridays-february-2025/) - 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
- [Building Community at the Job Café](https://awidercircle.org/building-community-at-the-job-cafe/) - “‘I never would have guessed you were from Ward 8. You’re so articulate!’” Christina* repeats these words, once said to her by a hiring manager during a job interview. She and six fellow job seekers are discussing workplace discrimination, one of the topics at this week’s Job Café. It’s the second session of the Job
- [Finding Warmth in Community](https://awidercircle.org/finding-warmth-in-community/) - I've never been a winter person. I don't like the cold, the wind, the ice. And even when we have a respite from the worst weather, I don’t like how darkness comes so early. I struggle with how many of my family, friends, and neighbors seem to hibernate — waiting out this time, being more
- [Neighbors Heal Together](https://awidercircle.org/neighbors-heal-together-82624/) - How A Wider Circle is Bridging the Mental Health Gap in Ward 8
- [PRESS RELEASE: A Wider Circle, local companies to transform the homes of 10 families tomorrow](https://awidercircle.org/press-release-a-wider-circle-local-companies-to-transform-the-homes-of-10-families-tomorrow/) - Local nonprofit holding “Home Reimagined: A One-Day Home Makeover Event,” which will give complete home makeovers to 10 local families
- [Recognizing Second Chance Month](https://awidercircle.org/recognizing-second-chance-month/) - Editor's note: Adam Albanese, Senior Program Advisor at AWC, recently shared the personal reflection below with our staff in recognition of Second Chance Month. Since 2017, April has been deemed “Second Chance Month,” to recognize the importance of reintegrating justice system-affiliated individuals back into communities. This month of awareness was started by the Prison Fellowship,
- [5 Ways AWC Helps Protect Our Climate](https://awidercircle.org/earth-day-2024/) - Did you know that in addition to being a social service organization, A Wider Circle also works to build a sustainable future for our region and planet? Here are 5 ways we worked to protect our climate in 2023: 1. Diverting 3 MILLION POUNDS of items from landfills In 2023, with help from donors and
- [Summer High School Internship Program](https://awidercircle.org/summer-high-school-internship-program/) - Summer Internship Opportunity: Volunteer Program Assistant The A Wider Circle (AWC) Summer of Service volunteer program will give rising high school seniors the unique opportunity to spend the summer working behind the scenes with AWC staff. Position OverviewAs a Volunteer Program Assistant, you’ll work closely with our dedicated Volunteer Staff, gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit
- [A Legacy of Caring and Success](https://awidercircle.org/a-legacy-of-caring-and-success/) - Liz Anne Ganiban, Co-Founder of A Wider Circle's Partnership to Independence Program, Retires Liz Anne Ganiban (second from the left) with three members of P2I's first graduating class at A Wider Circle's Neighbor to Neighbor Night in 2023. Editor's note: In December 2023, Liz Anne Ganiban, Senior Director of our Partnership to Independence (P2I) program, retired after 13 years
- [Volunteer Profile: Jj Cuneo](https://awidercircle.org/volunteer-profile-jj-cuneo/) - Growing Up Kind At A Wider Circle 04/02/2024 By Maggie Fox Jj Cuneo knows A Wider Circle inside out. They should. The high school senior has been volunteering at A Wider Circle since they were in the 6th grade. On a cold January morning, Jj is re-arranging toys and games in A Wider Circle’s warehouse.
- [A Wider Community 8/6/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-8-6-23/) - By Theo Blair Welcome back to A Wider Community, A Wider Circle's ongoing blog exploring the goings-on in and around our circle! This week, we're diving into: How bulk donations are helping us better serve our community Career Support helping empower neighbors in DC Connecting with students at Summer Rise 2023 And more! Let's get
- [A Wider Community 10/2/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-10-2-23/) - By Theo Blair Hey neighbor, how was your day? Hopefully, your week is off to a smooth start. But if you're looking for a way to unwind after a hectic Monday or you're just curious how things are going in our neck of the woods, we've got your latest edition of A Wider Community ready
- [A Wider Community 11/20/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-11-20-23/) - By Theo Blair Howdy, neighbor! Fall is in full effect, and the start of the holiday season is just days away! While we have a short week ahead of us as our team takes some well-deserved time to relax for the holiday weekend, we've still got plenty to share in this week's edition, including: The
- [Volunteer Spotlight: Elmer Brown](https://awidercircle.org/volunteer-spotlight-elmer-brown/) - In November, we shared the inspiring story of Elmer Brown, a 94-years young, community-minded neighbor who volunteers his time and uses a local church’s workshop to refurbish furniture. The beautiful pieces he brings back to life are then donated to local organizations, like A Wider Circle. […]
- [A Wider Community 12/20/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-12-20-23/) - Hard to believe, but it’s finally here, folks: the final A Wider Community of the year! Since we started this blog, it’s been a blast sharing a closer look at all kinds of stories, events, and excitement in and across our community. We hope you've […]
- [A Wider Community 12/11/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-12-11-23/) - Happy holidays, neighbor! Holiday cheer is definitely in the air at all of A Wider Circle’s locations. We have community celebrations coming up at our Ward 8 Hub; we’re collecting and sorting gifts at our admin building; at our satellite warehouse, volunteers are […]
- [PRESS RELEASE: District 18 Officials Announce A Wider Circle's Participation In New Service Programs](https://awidercircle.org/press-release-officials-from-marylands-district-18-announce-a-wider-circles-participation-in-marylands-groundbreaking-service-programs/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Officials from Maryland's District 18 Announce A Wider Circle's Participation In Maryland's Groundbreaking Service Programs Silver Spring, MD — December 1, 2023 — Maryland’s District 18 State Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, along with District 18 Delegates Jared Solomon, Emily Shetty, and Aaron Kaufman are excited to announce the participation of A Wider Circle
- [A Wider Community 11/27/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-11-27-23/) - Howdy, neighbor! Turkey Day has come and gone, which means the holiday season is officially underway! While there are plenty of great things to celebrate over the coming weeks, there are a few events we’re so excited about that we’re dedicating this entire […]
- [A Wider Community 11/13/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-11-13-23/) - By Theo Blair Hello, neighbors, we meet again! There's never a shortage of news to share from around our community, so let's get to this week's stories! Coming up in this week's A Wider Community, we'll be looking at: Here comes the Holiday Program! How you can donate any day, any time Working with the
- [AWC Volunteer Newsletter - 11/10/2023](https://awidercircle.org/awc-volunteer-newsletter-11-10-2023/) - Volunteers! Welcome to the Fall 2023 Newsletter from A Wider Circle. We’ve put together some information you’ll need, some you will want, and plenty of tidbits to share with your own communities. First off, THANK YOU. We could not do what we do without you! Our volunteers keep us going and help us get the
- [Volunteer Profile: Gary Friend](https://awidercircle.org/volunteer-profile-gary-friend/) - From the White Collar Rat Race to Blue Collar Service By Maggie Fox Gary Friend is concentrating hard as he shaves a small piece of wood to fit into the foot of a wrought metal chair. “It just came in with this sign on it that says ‘broken chair,” says Friend, before he dashes over
- [A Wider Community 10/30/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-10-30-23/) - Welcome to another edition of A Wider Community! October at A Wider Circle has continued to stay busy, and we've got some fantastic highlights to share with you, including: Celebrating the Graduation of Partnership to Independence Cohort 1 An Advocacy Training Facilitated by AWC's Social Justice Committee Gathering with Fellow Service Providers at AU Law
- [A Wider Community 10/17/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-10-17-23/) - By Theo Blair There's a chill in the air and there's news to share, so welcome back, neighbors, to another edition of A Wider Community! We've had quite a busy October so far by starting the month off with our second annual Neighbor to Neighbor Night, but it wasn't the only fun we've had over the previous
- [PRESS RELEASE: A Wider Circle to Honor Congressman Jamie Raskin at Fall Fundraiser](https://awidercircle.org/press-release-a-wider-circle-to-honor-congressman-jamie-raskin-at-fall-fundraiser/) - August 19, 2026 Washington, DC - October 2, 2023 - A Wider Circle, a local non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equity and addressing poverty’s root causes, has announced that it will honor Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin this week at their annual gala, Neighbor to Neighbor Night. A Wider Circle PRESS RELEASE: A Wider Circle to Honor Congressman Jamie Raskin at Fall Fundraiser
- [A Wider Community 9/25/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-9-25-23/) - By Theo Blair Falling into your feed just in time to start your week and kick off the new season, it's the latest edition of A Wider Community! This week, we've got a double stuffed edition to catch you up on some of the awesome work that's been happening in and around A Wider Circle,
- [A Wider Community 9/10/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-9-10-23/) - By Theo Blair Despite the disappointment of last week's false fall coming to a quick end and ushering in another heat wave, we're still burning with the desire to do great work here are A Wider Circle! This week we've got another two-tale edition of A Wider Community for you, exploring: Big things happening at
- [A Wider Community 9/3/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-9-3-23/) - By Theo Blair Have you felt a crisp chill in the nighttime air? Maybe you caught the scent of a backyard bonfire from down the street? A season of change is slowly approaching, and this week for A Wider Community, we've got two great stories about how A Wider Circle strives to be an organization
- [A Wider Community 8/27/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-8-27-23/) - By Theo Blair Howdy, neighbor! Pull up a chair, settle in, and we'll share some news from around our circle in this week's edition of A Wider Community! This week, we're covering: Empowering the future of social justice A candid conversation about healthcare Having a ball with our friends at HR Source And more! Let's
- [A Wider Community 8/20/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-8-20-23/) - By Theo Blair Welcome to another edition of A Wider Community, A Wider Circle's ongoing blog exploring the goings-on in and around our circle! This week, we're covering: Our recent work in advocacy and government relations Hearing from a team member as she celebrates her third anniversary working for A Wider Circle Celebrating community in
- [PRESS RELEASE: A Wider Circle and Forbright Bank announce 2023-2024 partnership](https://awidercircle.org/press-release-a-wider-circle-and-forbright-bank-announce-2023-2024-partnership/) - Washington, DC - August 3, 2023 - A Wider Circle, a local non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equity and addressing poverty’s root causes, has announced an annual partnership with Forbright Bank.
- [A Wider Circle in the Media!](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-circle-in-the-media/) - In just the past two weeks, we've been fortunate to be featured in three different programs showcasing our work. Check them out below!
- [A Wider Community 8/13/23](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-8-13-23/) - Welcome to week three of A Wider Community, A Wider Circle's ongoing blog exploring the goings-on in and around our circle! A Wider Community A Wider Circle August 13, 2023
- [A Wider Community 7/30/2023](https://awidercircle.org/a-wider-community-7-30-2023/) - This week, we're diving into: How we're coping with a summer of scarcity through the power of partnership A new support group launching at our Ward 8 Hub Insightful discussions between the staff and interns of AWC A retrospective on our recently developed needs assessment tool, which has reduced wait times in our Essential Support program by seven months! And more! A Wider Community A Wider Community 7/30/2023
- [Building a Shared Vision: Reflections on our Strategic Planning Process](https://awidercircle.org/building-a-shared-vision-reflections-on-our-strategic-planning-process/) - Matthew Desmond, sociologist and author of the books “Evicted” and “Poverty, By America” recently wrote a New York Times article on the persistence....
- [Neighbor to Neighbor Day and the Power of Partnership](https://awidercircle.org/neighbor-to-neighbor-day-and-the-power-of-partnership/) - Neighbor to Neighbor Day was one week ago today. It was a bright sunny day, and from early in the morning, our space and staff were buzzing with energy and purpose. At the end of the day we were asked — was it a success? For me....
- [A Summer of Scarcity](https://awidercircle.org/a-summer-of-scarcity/) - Last week, I walked into A Wider Circle’s Silver Spring Center for a meeting. It was noon on a typical day, with neighbors waiting patiently in our lobby to select and take home items they needed. As I entered our furniture showroom, I was disheartened by what I saw. There was almost nothing to offer

## Pages

- [Front Page](https://awidercircle.org/) - Our vision is a world without poverty. Our holistic approach integrates on-the-ground services for the creation of stable homes, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization. We also seek to develop large-scale solutions that incorporate greater awareness and engagement by the community. Happening in our Circle We're hiring! Join our team and share your talent and skills
- [Donate Items](https://awidercircle.org/donate-items/) - Help us give local families a fresh start. Your donations help A Wider Circle furnish homes and provide essential items to neighbors throughout our community. The items you donate help local families create homes with more comfort, stability, and hope — often during times of major transition or uncertainty. We are grateful for the items
- [Get Involved](https://awidercircle.org/get-involved/) - Get Involved Ways to Give Make a Gift Stock Donations IRA Donations Donor Advised Funds Planned Giving Workplace Giving Employer Matching Gifts Giving Communities (NEW!) Make a Gift Our work is possible because of generous donors and partners like you. We can never overstate the ripple effect that one donation can have on the lives
- [Home Reimagined](https://awidercircle.org/hri/) - ● Save the date — 05.2027 One Day. Fifty Homes. Powered by community. Get Involved Get In Touch What it is A one day home makeover event. Home Reimagined is A Wider Circle's boldest expression of what we believe: a home is the foundation where children grow, families gather, and new chapters begin. Built from
- [About](https://awidercircle.org/about/) - About Staff Executive Office Amy Javaid President & CEO Mary Lauritzen Executive Assistant Programs Eddy Ameen Chief Program Officer Ateh Ade Career Support Navigator Adam Albanese Senior Program Advisor Jasmin Alvarez Essential Support Coordinator Marques Anderson Therapist Resource Navigator, Ward 8 Hub YaVonne Boyd Director, Ward 8 Hub Rachael Buck Director, Advocacy Lori Chalk Neighborhood
- [Furniture Poverty](https://awidercircle.org/furniture-poverty/) - A Hidden Crisis For nearly 25 years, A Wider Circle has led the way in alleviating furniture poverty in the Greater Washington, DC region. Every year, our Essential Support program provides more than 3,500 households with beds, basic home furnishings, and other home essentials. However, the crisis of furniture poverty persists in our region, across
- [Neighbor to Neighbor Night](https://awidercircle.org/n2nnight/) - Thursday, October 8, 2026 A Wider Circle's Neighbor to Neighbor Night is our annual fundraising gala and a celebration of the community that has made 25 years of impact possible. Together, supporters, partners, and friends come together to honor the people and partnerships that have strengthened our region, celebrate those helping build brighter futures for
- [Career Support](https://awidercircle.org/get-help/career-support/) - Meet the Career Support Team Regina Robinson Director, Career Support Career Counselor & Coach Adam AlbaneseCareer Counselor & Coach Ateh Ade Career Support Resource Navigator What does the Career Support team do? Our Career Support (CS) team serves individuals seeking employment and those employed who are looking to make a change on their career path.
- [Meeting Rooms & Event Spaces](https://awidercircle.org/meeting-rooms/) - In early 2021, A Wider Circle undertook a multi-million dollar renovation project to enhance its Silver Spring headquarters facility and increase its capacity to serve more community neighbors holistically. Today, we seek to offer the use of our facility to outside entities, supporting a more significant impact on community organizations and the individuals we collectively
- [home-reimagined-2026-participants](https://awidercircle.org/home-reimagined-2026-participants/) - Home Reimagined 2026 | Be a Part of HRI-26 | 2026 Participants | Gallery / Before & After | FAQs / Contact THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 PARTICIPANTS Sponsors Hamel Builders Inc. Wellpoint Designers Movers In-Kind Sponsors Sponsor A Home Engage in direct service in the community & make a true impact with your employees.
- [Our Work](https://awidercircle.org/our-work/) - Our Work Mission The mission of A Wider Circle is to advance equity in the greater Washington, DC region by fostering the exchange of goods, skills, and connections from neighbor to neighbor, and by engaging in advocacy to address the root causes of poverty. Vision Our vision is a world without poverty, where people have
- [Get Help](https://awidercircle.org/get-help/) - Get Help If you are in need of food assistance, please click here for a list of resources. Furniture & Home Goods A Wider Circle’s Essential Support program provides home furnishings — including beds, dressers, dining tables, chairs, and couches — to anyone in need, free-of-charge. In addition to furniture, we also provide dishes, linens,
- [home-reimagined-faqs](https://awidercircle.org/home-reimagined-faqs/) - Home Reimagined 2026 | Be a Part of HRI-26 | 2026 Participants | Gallery / Before & After | FAQs / Contact Frequently Asked Questions What is 'Home Reimagined'? Home Reimagined is a program / a one day event that transforms an unfurnished or sparsely furnished apartment or house into a fully furnished, professionally designed,
- [home-reimagined-gallery](https://awidercircle.org/home-reimagined-gallery/) - Home Reimagined 2026 | Be a Part of HRI-26 | 2026 Participants | Gallery / Before & After | FAQs / Contact Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Sponsor A Home
- [Home-Reimagined-get-engaged-and-participate](https://awidercircle.org/home-reimagined-get-engaged-and-participate/) - Home Reimagined 2026 | Be a Part of HRI-26 | 2026 Participants | Gallery / Before & After | FAQs / Contact Experience the magic of a complete home makeover in just one day, as our expert interior designers and skilled movers work tirelessly to reimagine the homes of our clients. From choosing exquisite furniture
- [home-reimagined-2024-participants](https://awidercircle.org/home-reimagined-2024-participants/) - Home Reimagined 2026 | Be a Part of HRI-26 | 2025 Participants | Gallery / Before & After | 2024 Participants | FAQs / Contact Our May 2, 2024 Participants Our heart felt gratitude goes out to our 2024 participants who made the transformation of 10 homes possible. Sponsors Fannie Mae NewRez First Finish Fowlkes
- [Professional Clothing](https://awidercircle.org/get-help/professional-clothing/) - Professional Attire At our Professional Development Center, we provide professional clothing, free-of-charge, for you to wear to job interviews or on the job. Available attire includes suits, dresses, blazers, dress shirts and blouses, ties, purses, jewelry, and shoes to ensure a complete look. "Nicer than Nordstrom's" Our personal shoppers help you select the right outfits
- [Furniture and Home Goods](https://awidercircle.org/get-help/furniture/) - Furniture, Home Goods, and More A Wider Circle’s Essential Support Program provides home furnishings — including beds, dressers, dining tables, chairs, and couches — to anyone in need, free-of-charge. In addition to furniture, we also provide dishes, linens, pots and pans, baby items, and more — all of the essentials you need to turn your
- [Support in Ward 8](https://awidercircle.org/get-help/support-in-ward-8/) - Ward 8 Hub At our Ward 8 Hub in Washington Highlands, we provide a wide range of wraparound programming. Our twin goals are to improve the quality of life of our neighbors through high-quality programming, and to facilitate place-based community building and organizing to realize an inclusive future for the neighborhood. Our neighbors are at the
- [Staff](https://awidercircle.org/about/staff/)
- [How Medicaid can Cover Moving Expenses in DC, Maryland, and Virginia](https://awidercircle.org/get-help/furniture/medicaid/) - How Medicaid Can Cover Moving Expenses in DC, MD, and VA While we do not have direct experience with clients using Medicaid to cover moving expenses, we have heard in states outside the DC area that certain eligible people have been able to get assistance through Medicaid to cover the expenses of moving. Theoretically, this
- [Good Karma Holiday Program](https://awidercircle.org/holiday/) - Give Joy This Holiday Season A Wider Circle is gearing up for its annual Good Karma Holiday Program, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our incredible community. Your contributions are essential to our mission of helping families thrive during the holidays — and all year long. Want to sponsor a family? Sign
- [Corporate Advisory Council](https://awidercircle.org/corporate-advisory-council/) - Launched in October 2025, A Wider Circle's Corporate Advisory Council will advise A Wider Circle's President & CEO and leadership staff on building, enriching, expanding, and evaluating corporate partnerships and involvement of the corporate community. Key responsibilities of the Corporate Advisory Council include: Serving as Ambassadors for A Wider Circle by identifying corporate partnership prospects,
- [2023 Strategic Plan](https://awidercircle.org/our-work/strategic-plan/) - Advancing Equity Through Innovation in Social Service: A Wider Circle 2023-2028 In April of 2022, we embarked on a strategic planning process, mapping out our next steps over the coming 3-5 years so that we can better serve and make real progress in achieving our mission. Now, nearly one year later, we are excited to
- [Advocacy](https://awidercircle.org/our-work/advocacy/) - Working to Create Change A Wider Circle is driven by our vision of a future without poverty. Since our inception, we have worked to innovate, partner, and serve so that one day, all of our neighbors have the resources they need to thrive. Every day, neighbors we serve share stories of policies and systems that have
- [Appt](https://awidercircle.org/appt/) - English Español We are looking forward to seeing you for your upcoming appointment at A Wider Circle. Watch the video below to prepare for your appointment. IMPORTANT NOTE RE: BED INVENTORY - Due to a temporary shortage in bed donations, at this time we are only able to provide one bed per client at most.
- [home-reimagined-2025-participants](https://awidercircle.org/home-reimagined-2025-participants/) - Home Reimagined 2026 | Be a Part of HRI-26 | 2025 Participants | Gallery / Before & After | 2024 Participants | FAQs / Contact Thank you to our 2025 participants Sponsors Hamel Builders Shulman Rogers Anthony Wilder Spiro and Laurel Gagrica NFP Designers Accents Added Dimensions Anthony Wilder Antonia Russell Barbara Margolis Interiors Brenda
- [Preferred Partner Initiative](https://awidercircle.org/preferred-partner-initiative/) - Drive Your Business Forward by becoming a Preferred Partner An exclusive opportunity for movers & haulers A Wider Circle is excited to introduce a new way to strengthen our partnerships with local moving and hauling companies. Our Preferred Partner Initiative will highlight our moving and hauling partners as an option for donors who wish to
- [Holiday Giving Guide](https://awidercircle.org/holiday-giving-guide/) - This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Community. Searching for the ideal gift this holiday season? Give the gift of community by donating to A Wider Circle on behalf of a loved one! Your contribution, whether in the form of furniture, home essentials, career assistance, or neighborhood-based support, will have a major impact for those
- [Neighbor to Neighbor 5K](https://awidercircle.org/5k/) - Sunday, May 5, 2024 | 8:00 am Meadowbrook Park Chevy Chase, MD Register Sponsor Join us to stride so our neighbors can thrive! Join us on Sunday, May 5 for a morning of fun, including a Tot Trot, 1 mile, and 5K run or walk! All proceeds from the Neighbor to Neighbor 5K will support A Wider
- [Summer of Service 2024](https://awidercircle.org/get-involved/summer-of-service-2024/) - Calling the class of 2025! The A Wider Circle (AWC) Summer of Service volunteer program will give rising high school seniors the unique opportunity to spend the summer working behind the scenes with AWC staff. Summer Internship Opportunity: Volunteer Program Assistant Position Overview As a Volunteer Program Assistant, you’ll work closely with our dedicated Volunteer
- [Workplace Matching Gifts](https://awidercircle.org/workplace-matching-gifts/) - Did you know that thousands of companies will match donations made to A Wider Circle by their employees? Please use the below search tool to see if your company will match your donation and to access the forms, guidelines, and instructions that you need to submit a matching gift. When submitting a matching gift through
- [Adam Albanese](https://awidercircle.org/about/staff/adam-albanese/) - Senior Program Advisor “When I was first introduced to A Wider Circle, I was immediately drawn to two words in particular: dignity and holistic. Work provides not just income but a sense of dignity, and unemployment (and underemployment) can feel like an absence of both. Only a holistic approach rooted in dignity can provide the
- [Neighbor to Neighbor Day](https://awidercircle.org/n2nday/) - Learn, Serve, and Celebrate! Join us at A Wider Circle’s Center for Community Service for a community day extravaganza! Neighbor to Neighbor Day is a great...
- [Neighbor to Neighbor Day](https://awidercircle.org/neighbor/) - Learn, Serve, and Celebrate! Join us at A Wider Circle’s Center for Community Service for a community day extravaganza! Neighbor to Neighbor Day is a great...
- [Privacy Policy](https://awidercircle.org/privacy-policy-2/) - Welcome to https://awidercircle.org (the “Site”). We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site, especially when conducting business. This statement governs our privacy policies with respect to those users of the Site (“Visitors”) who visit without transacting business and Visitors who register to transact business on the Site and make use of
- [N2N Day LI](https://awidercircle.org/n2n-day-li/) - You are being redirected to the Neighbor to Neighbor Day sponsorship opportunities page. If the page does not load within a few seconds, please click here.
- [N2N Day fb](https://awidercircle.org/n2ndayfb/) - You are being redirected to the Neighbor to Neighbor Day ticket purchasing page. If the page does not load within a few seconds, please click here.
- [Post a Job](https://awidercircle.org/post-a-job/) - Back to job dashboard [submit_job_form]
- [2023 Microgrants](https://awidercircle.org/2023-microgrants/) - Funding Community-Led Change For the third year in a row, A Wider Circle's Ward 8 Hub invited people living and working in the Washington Highlands community to bring forward their best proposals to enrich the neighborhood. Then, a committee of neighborhood residents selected the winners, and we funded them! 2023 Microgrant Winners After careful review
- [Amy Javaid](https://awidercircle.org/about/staff/amy-javaid/) - President & CEO “Rising up is best done together. A Wider Circle’s collaborations with clients, volunteers, partner organizations and donors demonstrate its community commitment and belief in the power of many to improve the lives of all.” Amy was named A Wider Circle’s President & CEO in July 2021, after having served as A Wider
- [Privacy Policy](https://awidercircle.org/privacy-policy/) - Your privacy is very important to us. This privacy policy explains what type of information we collect, and what we do with that information to allow you to make choices about the way your information is collected and used. What Information Do We Collect? This site collects information such as the visitor’s domain name, site
- [Chanel Giles](https://awidercircle.org/about/staff/chanel-giles/) - Director, Operations Chanel has been a leader for A Wider Circle for over ten years. She has served in many roles, always leading and setting an example for the team. As Director of Operations, she oversees daily operations at our Silver Spring warehouse, where we serve 20 families receiving furniture and household goods each day,
- [Janet Dailey](https://awidercircle.org/about/staff/janet-dailey/) - Director, In-Kind Donations “I was initially attracted to A Wider Circle’s mission, but there is an energy, palpable and contagious, that is created through the connection between staff, volunteers, donors, and the individuals and families served, that pushes each of us to want to do more. Playing a role in this movement to eradicate poverty
- [Rachael Buck](https://awidercircle.org/about/staff/rachael-buck/) - Director, Advocacy “Seeing the end of poverty was what I devoted my life to many years ago and after much searching I have found an organization that takes the strategic and urgent approach I have been looking for.” Rachael has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a focus on Human Services
- [Eddy Ameen, PhD](https://awidercircle.org/about/staff/eddy-ameen-phd/) - Chief Program Officer “Supporting and strengthening programs that help people living on the margins has long been how I’ve put my skills to use. What drew me to A Wider Circle is the energy and commitment of the staff and the journey this organization is willing to take to make the greatest impacts possible in
- [Jobs](https://awidercircle.org/jobs/) - [jobs]
- [Job Dashboard](https://awidercircle.org/job-dashboard/) - [job_dashboard]

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://awidercircle.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [News & updates](https://awidercircle.org/category/news-and-updates/)
- [Blog](https://awidercircle.org/category/blog/)
- [A Wider Community](https://awidercircle.org/category/blog/a-wider-community/) - A Weekly Roundup from AWC!
- [Volunteer newsletter](https://awidercircle.org/category/volunteer-newsletter/) - The Volunteer Newsletter From A Wider Circle
- [First Friday](https://awidercircle.org/category/blog/first-friday/)

## Tags

- [march 2023](https://awidercircle.org/tag/march-2023/)
- [volunteer](https://awidercircle.org/tag/volunteer/)
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- [high school](https://awidercircle.org/tag/high-school/)
- [summer of service](https://awidercircle.org/tag/summer-of-service/)
- [2024](https://awidercircle.org/tag/2024/)