2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT

Center for Community Service 9159-C Brookville Road Silver Spring, MD. 20910

Mailing Address 4808 Moorland Ave. Ste 802 Bethesda, MD. 20814

www.awidercircle.org www.awidercircle.org www.awidercircle.org www.awidercircle.org ♦ p: (301) 608♦ p: (301) 608♦ p: (301) 608♦ p: (301) 608----3504 3504 3504 3504 ♦ f: (301) 608♦ f: (301) 608♦ f: (301) 608♦ f: (301) 608----3508350835083508

“My apartment burned to the ground “My apartment burned to the ground “My apartment burned to the ground “My apartment burned to the ground and we lost everything.and we lost everything.and we lost everything.and we lost everything. It's been a It's been a It's been a It's been a struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is so nice to have an organization that so nice to have an organization that so nice to have an organization that so nice to have an organization that can provide help.can provide help.can provide help.can provide help. Now I can get Now I can get Now I can get Now I can get uninterrupted sleep since my baby uninterrupted sleep since my baby uninterrupted sleep since my baby uninterrupted sleep since my baby will be sleeping in a crib will be sleeping in a crib will be sleeping in a crib will be sleeping in a crib ---- we had we had we had we had been sleeping in a twin bed together.”been sleeping in a twin bed together.”been sleeping in a twin bed together.”been sleeping in a twin bed together.”

— Montgomery County client, served in 2008

2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT

“I am so excited to sleep in a bed.“I am so excited to sleep in a bed.“I am so excited to sleep in a bed.“I am so excited to sleep in a bed. I am 43 and I am 43 and I am 43 and I am 43 and I can't do the floor anymore.I can't do the floor anymore.I can't do the floor anymore.I can't do the floor anymore. I am so excited I am so excited I am so excited I am so excited for this bed.”for this bed.”for this bed.”for this bed.” —- Deborah, DC public housing resident

recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as “one the region’s finest small charities.”

A MESSAGE FROM THE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

1111

This year, A Wider Circle’s work on behalf of our region’s most vulnerable residents has grown dramatically. For the sixth consecutive year, almost every single indicator of success saw significant increases here at A Wider Circle. And compared to 2007, the changes were even more dramatic. The number of people served grew from 7,225 to 9,006. The number of homes furnished went from 545 to 828. We increased the number of educational workshops delivered from 253 to 393. Financially, we increased our total revenue from $243,000 to $360,000.

The increased revenue inspired us to look at finding a larger home for the organization, one where we could combine our office and warehouse space and serve our clients seven days a week. In October 2008, we opened our new Center for Community Service, allowing us to make major changes to our operations, each of which resulted in more people getting the help they need.

Our educational programs saw one of the most exciting expansions, as we held our first ever adult education workshop series, featuring classes on stress management, financial planning, interview skills, and more. 23 adults graduated from the eight-session series, one of whom stood up at the graduation ceremony and exclaimed, “This is my first graduation ceremony ever!”

While calls for help increased significantly in 2008, there was also an increase in the calls totototo help. These calls came from all across the region, and they took the form of in-kind donations, volunteers, and those looking to teach courses or connect with families in need.

Unfortunately, poverty grew in 2007, which provides strong inspiration to us. A Wider Circle is here because poverty ought not be here - not in a region with so much. Recession or not, we can do better. At A Wider Circle, we are determined to lead this change.

Mark Bergel, Ph.D. Executive Director, A Wider Circle

Landon Butler & Company, LP

David Levine

Sharon Long

Alexandra MacCracken

Hilda Maibach

Manfield Charitable Fund

Mary and Daniel Loughran Foundation

Richard and Lynn Matheny

Kate Miller

Linna Barnes and Christian Mixter

Montgomery Alliance

Katharine Picard

Matt, Polly, and Ella Poffenroth

Jeffrey and Sara Rosen

Gary and Sheryl Rosenbaum

Jon Simon of Parkway Custom Drycleaning

St. Luke's United Methodist Church

Bonnie and John Staffier

Claire Reade and Earl Steinberg

Lisa Stransky Brown of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Deborah Miller and Adam Strickberger

Amy Taylor

The Carl M. Freeman Foundation

The Emmanuel and Anna Weinstein Foundation

The Ernst and Gertrude Ticho Charitable Foundation

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

Edward and Susan Thompson

TKF Foundation

Alan and Judith Tobin

/training/etc

Tyco Electronics

Sidney Wallace

Leslie Weber

Wellness Corporate Solutions

George Yin

12121212

Phyllis Aaronson

American University Honors Program

Astec Power Company/Emerson Network Power

Brian and Hedy Bannon

Richard and Mimi Bergel

Kenneth and Sheila Berman

Gary and Carol Berman of the Berman Family Foundation

Cindy Bertaut of Brooks Glogau Photographers

Annie Blattner

Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP

Tim Brennan

Buchbinder, Tunick & Co. LLP

Mr. H. Lawrence Clark

Clark CARES Foundation

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares Foundation

Pamela Loprest and Hugh Courtney

Richard and Pamela Feinstein

Stephen Foster

Gannett Foundation

Paul Fetters and Mary Beth Gardiner

Henshel Foundation

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Toby and Marvin Kaulkin

Kensington Business Solutions

Adam Kernan-Schloss of KSA-Plus Communications

James and Luan Kerr

Joseph and Kathy Kolar

Alan Krigel

Cathy Landau-Painter

DONORS 11111111

I am starting off fresh in a new area because of an abusive relationship. I came to Washington with nothing, and now I have a lot to be thankful for. A Wider Circle provided my family with our household needs. A Wider A Wider A Wider A Wider Circle was a big part of my family's new start.Circle was a big part of my family's new start.Circle was a big part of my family's new start.Circle was a big part of my family's new start.

— Bernadine, 2008 client

A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in support of our work in 2008:support of our work in 2008:support of our work in 2008:support of our work in 2008:

The mission

of A Wider Circle is simple: to help individuals and to help individuals and to help individuals and to help individuals and families lift themselves families lift themselves families lift themselves families lift themselves

out of povertyout of povertyout of povertyout of poverty.

At the heart of this mission is the realization

that breaking the cycles of poverty requires a deep

commitment to the physical, intellectual, and

emotional needs of our region’s most vulnerable

families.

GOALS

1) Provide cutting edge health and wellness information free of charge to people who would not otherwise have access to it

2) Address basic environmental needs and improve the quality of life for all people, from providing furniture and home goods to planting community gardens and contributing to the overall beautification of neglected areas

3) Empower children and adults by educating them on the ability they have within themselves to create and maintain healthy lives

4) Offer opportunities for people of all ages throughout the region to be involved in community service

5) Serve as a model for the delivery of such programs to other cities across the U.S. and worldwide

MISSION 2222

NEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBOR----TOTOTOTO----NEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBOR The collection of donated furniture and home goods (e.g., beds, dressers, sheets and towels) from families with more than they need and the redistribution of these items to families transitioning out of homeless and battered women’s shelters, recovering from a crisis, or otherwise living without basic need items PUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESSPUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESSPUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESSPUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESS Holistic wellness programming for seniors and individuals with disabilities who are living in public housing - providing health workshops, basic need items, and beautification of the grounds

OUR PROGRAMS 3333

WELL MOTHER, WELL BABYWELL MOTHER, WELL BABYWELL MOTHER, WELL BABYWELL MOTHER, WELL BABY Low-income pregnant adolescents are provided with educational workshops such as newborn care, parenting skills, and financial management, along with the basic items they need to raise a healthy child (e.g., cribs, changing tables, car seats, strollers, and more) SCHOOL COMMUNITYSCHOOL COMMUNITYSCHOOL COMMUNITYSCHOOL COMMUNITY Comprehensive after-school programs for children at low-income schools, along with educational workshops for parents, faculty, and staff SHELTER SUPPORTSHELTER SUPPORTSHELTER SUPPORTSHELTER SUPPORT Wellness workshops (e.g., healthy self-esteem, stress management, and yoga) for shelter residents, followed by the provision of basic need items for families as they transition out of the shelters

By every measure, the growth of A Wider Circle in 2008 surpassed expectations, leaving us poised to play an even larger role in the greater Washington DC community.

We serve the community through five programs:

As we move forward, we will continually refine these programs and look for places where we can expand to better serve and bring us closer to the defining aspect of our work — ending poverty in the nation’s capital region.

Ms. Pam Feinstein, ChairMs. Pam Feinstein, ChairMs. Pam Feinstein, ChairMs. Pam Feinstein, Chair Consultant, Resolution Health, Inc.

Dr. Pamela Loprest, ViceDr. Pamela Loprest, ViceDr. Pamela Loprest, ViceDr. Pamela Loprest, Vice----ChairChairChairChair

Labor economist and Senior Research Associate, Income and Benefits Policy Center, The Urban Institute

Dr. Anne Thompson, SecretaryDr. Anne Thompson, SecretaryDr. Anne Thompson, SecretaryDr. Anne Thompson, Secretary

Child psychologist who works in her own practice and at Kidspace

Mr. Jason Dahl, TreasurerMr. Jason Dahl, TreasurerMr. Jason Dahl, TreasurerMr. Jason Dahl, Treasurer Financial Planning Assistant, AFS Financial Group.

Dr. Mark Bergel, FounderDr. Mark Bergel, FounderDr. Mark Bergel, FounderDr. Mark Bergel, Founder

Executive Director

Mr. Sean Fromm, MemberMr. Sean Fromm, MemberMr. Sean Fromm, MemberMr. Sean Fromm, Member Vice President of Technical Services Group, ZeNETeX, LLC

Ms. Lisa StranskyMs. Lisa StranskyMs. Lisa StranskyMs. Lisa Stransky----Brown, MemberBrown, MemberBrown, MemberBrown, Member

Realtor, Coldwell Banker

During 2008, interns were again a vital part of our success. Fifty-two students from across the country

brought their enthusiasm, skills, and interests to A Wider Circle. Interns contributed to every aspect of the organization, including curriculum development, workshop facilitation, community outreach, program planning, management, and marketing.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PERSONNEL 10101010

INTERNS

Ann WiardAnn WiardAnn WiardAnn Wiard Volunteer & Intern Coordinator

Layne AmerikanerLayne AmerikanerLayne AmerikanerLayne Amerikaner

Director of Development

Alicia GutierrezAlicia GutierrezAlicia GutierrezAlicia Gutierrez Client Services Coordinator

Erin Dodson Erin Dodson Erin Dodson Erin Dodson Client Relations Coordinator &

Assistant to the Director

Jessica Halperin Jessica Halperin Jessica Halperin Jessica Halperin Marketing & Fundraising

Coordinator

P. Kaye HanifeeP. Kaye HanifeeP. Kaye HanifeeP. Kaye Hanifee Donor Relations Coordinator

Dr. Mark BergelDr. Mark BergelDr. Mark BergelDr. Mark Bergel Founder & Executive Director

Brian HalprinBrian HalprinBrian HalprinBrian Halprin Director of Community Outreach

STAFF

FINANCES

REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE

Cash Cash Cash Cash

Individual Donations $142,906

Foundations and Grants $204,950

Fundraisers $31,000

Corporate Support $15,600

Total Cash Revenue Total Cash Revenue Total Cash Revenue Total Cash Revenue $394,456$394,456$394,456$394,456

In In In In----Kind SupportKind SupportKind SupportKind Support

Donation of office and storage space $133,847

Donations of furniture $167,865

Total In Total In Total In Total In----Kind Support Kind Support Kind Support Kind Support $301,712$301,712$301,712$301,712

Total Revenue (cash + in Total Revenue (cash + in Total Revenue (cash + in Total Revenue (cash + in----kind)kind)kind)kind) $696,168$696,168$696,168$696,168

EXPENSES EXPENSES EXPENSES EXPENSES

Payroll $115,234

Office and Storage Facility (in kind) $133,847

Furniture (in kind) $167,865

Consultants and Professional Fees $4,056

Marketing & Fundraising Supplies $2,938

Community Outreach $47,262

Equipment and Maintenance $28,470

Office Rent and Utilities $50,077

Printing and Reproduction $14,545

Telephone and Fax $7,574

Postage and Delivery $3,618

Technology $5,690

Travel $1,001

Insurance $4,518

Dues and Memberships $5,025

Total Expenses Total Expenses Total Expenses Total Expenses $591,720$591,720$591,720$591,720

Net Net Net Net $104,448$104,448$104,448$104,448

Total Fundraising Expenses $35,275

Total Administrative Expenses $22,957

Total End-of-Year Net Assets $233,018

Overhead and EndOverhead and EndOverhead and EndOverhead and End----ofofofof----Year Net AssetsYear Net AssetsYear Net AssetsYear Net Assets

9999

2008

4444

• Served 9,0069,0069,0069,006 people (1,781 moremoremoremore people than in 2007!)

• Furnished the homes of 778778778778 families (more than 3,500 children and adults) moving out of battered women’s and homeless shelters or otherwise living without their basic needs

• Delivered 393393393393 workshops on topics such as healthy self-esteem, stress management, financial planning, nutrition, yoga, and leadership to children and adults in low-income schools, shelters, and public housing residences

• Provided 350350350350 families with food and gifts during the winter holiday season

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A Wider Circle’s services continue to spread across the region, with the following among our many accomplishments:

2008

Our growth over the years... Families served during holidays

Workshops delivered

Houses furnished

We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!

THE BIG MOVETHE BIG MOVETHE BIG MOVETHE BIG MOVE In October 2008, A Wider Circle moved both its offices and warehouse to a combined two-story warehouse/office space in Silver Spring, Maryland. A Wider Circle’s new Center for Community ServiceCenter for Community ServiceCenter for Community ServiceCenter for Community Service is a dynamic resource, a place out of which we provide truly holistic support to families in need—seven days a week!

5555

GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR

Our aim in 2009 is to strengthen our existing programs and create new ones where such programs would move us closer to our vision of ending poverty. Specifically, we aim to:

Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% over the previous year). over the previous year). over the previous year). over the previous year). With the downturn in the economy, even more families are struggling to make ends meet. We know the resources exist to provide them with the help they need and our goal is help more families in need in a more efficient manner than ever. Increase client showIncrease client showIncrease client showIncrease client show----up rate by 20%up rate by 20%up rate by 20%up rate by 20% to surpass our show-up rate of approximately 50%, and ensure that our clients receive the basic items they need at the time of their appointment. Increase number of pickIncrease number of pickIncrease number of pickIncrease number of pick----up days to fourup days to fourup days to fourup days to four----five per week (up from twofive per week (up from twofive per week (up from twofive per week (up from two----three three three three per week).per week).per week).per week). Because our new Center for Community Service allows us to serve an increased number of clients, we also need to increase the frequency with which we pick-up items from donors. Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the previous year). previous year). previous year). previous year). Our relationships with the 200+ social service agencies with whom we collaborate remain critical to A Wider Circle and the work we do in the community. Increase number of “shopping” days to fourIncrease number of “shopping” days to fourIncrease number of “shopping” days to fourIncrease number of “shopping” days to four----five per week (up from three five per week (up from three five per week (up from three five per week (up from three per week). per week). per week). per week). In order to meet the demand we receive from clients, we are looking to build a larger client relations team to support the increased number of “shopping” days.

"Robin is so happy with everything. She was so excited that she got so much stuff. She is so grateful. I I I I have many more patients have many more patients have many more patients have many more patients that could use your help." that could use your help." that could use your help." that could use your help." — Montgomery County social worker

8888

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

A Wider Circle was recently recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as “one of the region’s finest small charities.”

Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes”Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes”Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes”Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes” from the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region

A Wider Circle was the recipient of several awards in 2008, receiving increasing recognition for its work in the region.

Dick Price Small Business AwardDick Price Small Business AwardDick Price Small Business AwardDick Price Small Business Award from the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce

Outstanding Community Leader AwardOutstanding Community Leader AwardOutstanding Community Leader AwardOutstanding Community Leader Award from the Ward 7 Education Council

In 2008, A Wider Circle was also featured in the Washington Post, Washington Home and Garden Magazine, Street Sense, and Washington Woman.

Leadership AwardLeadership AwardLeadership AwardLeadership Award from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation

HHHHello, my name is Jessie Flowers and I am graduating high school in

Washington, D.C. I work for A Wider Circle after school, helping out with the families on Saturdays and doing various jobs in the office on weekdays. Some of the lives of the people that we serve have greatly changed since connecting with A Wider Circle. Families go from not having anything at all to having a warm bed that their children can sleep in for many nights to come. This organization has helped many families in the region, and they have not only helped those families, but they have helped mine as well.

In 2006, my family was getting put out of an apartment building. This left me and my family in a (new) empty apartment - sleeping and eating on the floor for a couple of weeks. Sometimes my mom would spend the night crying and hoping for change. When my mother informed Mark about our crisis, he was more than happy to help us. He gave us everything from kitchen items to beds to sleep on. My family and I will always be grateful to A Wider Circle.

7777

JESSIE’S STORY

… A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world … A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world … A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world … A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you make a year.make a year.make a year.make a year.

I have to say that working with A Wider Circle has helped me evolve as a person, mentally and physically. I realize that we as a race of people must work together to make things function as one instead of separately. In this rich and resourceful country that we live in, there should not be poverty. A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you make a year. At A Wider Circle, every-body counts.

"On Monday I got a message from A Wider Circle to come in for the crib and other furniture. On Tuesday I got a call from Delia and she told me that she had delivered her son Andy. It was perfect.It was perfect.It was perfect.It was perfect. I thought "Wow, I thought "Wow, I thought "Wow, I thought "Wow, they are going to have a crib."they are going to have a crib."they are going to have a crib."they are going to have a crib." ” — Social worker from Prince George's County Community Resources Center

6666

GROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSGROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSGROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSGROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS We are working to provide educational workshops at an increasing number of sites. Requests continue to pour in from an increasing number of battered women’s shelters, homeless family shelters, and low-income schools. SIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACESIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACESIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACESIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACE Our objective for this beautification project is to transform the undervalued outdoor areas of Sibley Plaza, a D.C. public housing facility, into green, thriving spaces for residents to cultivate more peaceful relationships with themselves, each other, and their environment.

"My heart is full. I feel good. I got nice things that I really needed. I appreciate everything that I received. My children don't have to My children don't have to My children don't have to My children don't have to sleep on the floor anymore.”sleep on the floor anymore.”sleep on the floor anymore.”sleep on the floor anymore.” —Alexis, DC resident served in 2008