Around Town: 10/22-10/28

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Spur Local

Photo by Krista Schlyer for the Anacostia Watershed Society

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts‘ Integrative Cancer Care Navigation Training

Experience a powerful new paradigm in whole-person care that supports patients on all levels, improving the cancer experience. Developed by Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and taught by renowned experts in integrative cancer care, this program is the nation’s leading professional training in integrative navigation. This fall, Smith Center is offering the training at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Western Massachusetts. Through immersive instruction and experiential learning, gain the knowledge, resources and tools needed to:
-Create a space of safety, compassionate listening, and support for patients and caregivers throughout the cancer continuum
-Increase patients’ knowledge of available resources to better cope with cancer and reduce stress
-Guide patients in the responsible selection and use of appropriate evidence-based complementary therapies for healing and well-being
-Offer patients a deeper level of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual support Come explore opportunities for self-care and personal healing, and be inspired to transform the experience of cancer for your patient

When: Sun Oct 23 2016 (09:00 AM)
Where: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262
Fee: $995. Limited scholarships available
Contact: Erin Price, (202) 483-8600
For more information: click here

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Presents The Capitol Steps

Join Shepherd’s Center for an outrageously funny afternoon of political humor and laugh-out-loud fun. This event features the ever hilarious and always topical humor of the Capitol Steps. Being an election year, we’re sure you will be entertained by Hillary and The Donald. And, maybe Bernie will show up, too. This is the signature fundraiser to support the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna, providing services, personal enrichment, volunteer opportunities for adults 50 and over.

When: Sun Oct 23 2016 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
Where: Oakton High School, 2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA 22181
Fee: $30 in advance, $35 at the door (if available)
Contact: Jayne Young, (703) 281-0538
For more information: click here

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

LUNAFEST, presented by Girls on the Run – DC

LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. Join Girls on the Run – DC for a fun evening including sips and snacks followed by the showing of the winning films!

When: Wed Oct 26 2016 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20068
Fee: $40 online; $50 at the door
Contact: Kelly Makimaa, (832) 443-8909
For more information: click here

7 Questions with DC Bilingual Public Charter School

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Spur Local

Daniela Anello-DCBilingual Organization Name: DC Bilingual Public Charter School
Executive Director: Daniela Anello, Head of School

What motivated you to begin working with your organization?
DC Bilingual is the best bilingual school in the city and it didn’t happen overnight. I joined the DC Bilingual community in 2009 as the school’s first full-time literacy coach and curriculum developer. At that time, test scores were 30% proficient or advanced using the DCCAS state test in reading and 3% in math. After the school’s implementation of a rigorous bilingual literacy teaching model, teacher coaching, and improving its hiring process the school’s scores have dramatically improved.

Please click to view our gains in Math and ELA (English Language Arts) in the 2015-2016 PARCC and CLASS.

This year (2016-2017), we have also been ranked a Tier 1 School. This amazing achievement ranks DCB among the top 10 highest-performing elementary charters in the city and in the top 25% of the District’s 73 tiered charter schools.

DC Bilingual received an overall score of 75.3 — a 13-point gain from our previous score and a clear indication of our continued student-centered, academically-driven teaching approach. (View full report here).
DCPCS awards Tier rankings 1 through 3 based on evaluations of the School Quality Report. This report compiles information on each charter including re-enrollment, attendance, achievement and growth in PARCC and achievement in the PreK assessment, CLASS. Our incredible gains in Math and ELA (English Language Arts) in the 2015-2016 PARCC and CLASS, are directly responsible for our Tier 1 ranking.

What exciting change or innovation is on your mind?
We are a school of continuous improvement. This means we are always working hard to improve our school systems and programmatic offerings. My current projects include overseeing a major building renovation project to provide our students and families with a state-of-the-art learning facility, and designing our internal before and after school program supporting enrichment opportunities for all students and a seamless transition from academic time to after school time.

Who inspires you (in the philanthropy world or otherwise)? Do you have a hero?
People who inspire me to work hard and keep a clear vision of what can be made possible, regardless of how difficult it may seem to accomplish are my heroes. My teaching hero is Lucy Calkins. I learned from her what it means to set a high bar for what students can accomplish in their reading lives as writers and devoted readers. She also taught me the power teachers hold in controlling how much students accomplish by believing in students capacity, setting a high bar for student learning and by being life-long readers and writers themselves.

What was your most interesting recent project/partnership?
**Renovation project is by far the most exciting! Very rarely does a school leader get to also decide what they want the building facility to look like for their students, staff and families now and for many years to come. I have really enjoyed dreaming big, and thinking creatively about how to make our school vision and mission come to life in physical spaces.

What is the single greatest challenge that your organization faces (besides finances) and how are you dealing with this challenge?
The greatest challenge I face is making sure that words, actions and decisions are well understood by all stakeholders. In an organization with so many people, in a wide range of roles where decisions must be made quickly, it is important to ensure everyone understands why certain things are decided and the outcome of the decisions. It works best when the communication is clear, and people are working together to to achieve the school mission.

What advice do you have for other people in your position?
Be highly visible and inspirational, communicating the vision and mission of the school relentlessly, while building trusting relationships with adults and students.

What’s next/coming up for you?
My position as Head of School is always changing and growing. In this role I can never think that what we have currently achieved is ‘enough.’ The needs of our students grow daily as does my responsibility to DCB’s students and community. That is what makes this position so rewarding and engaging. While there are repeatable tasks I do each and every day, there is always a newness to what I do each day. To answer, what is next? I will continue to work with our community to continue DCB’s legacy of excellence and make sure we are meeting the needs of our community and students

Around Town: 10/15 – 10/21

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Spur Local

: Photo by Krista Schlyer for the Anacostia Watershed Society

Saturday, October 15, 2016

World of Wheels for CASA with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) invites transportation enthusiasts and families alike to join together for an afternoon of fun that will benefit abused and neglected children in foster care. The non-profit?s 5th annual Pepco World of Wheels for CASA, presented by Council Member Deni Taveras, is a Touch-A-Truck and Family Festival that will take place Saturday, October 15th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at DeMatha Catholic High School.

When: Sat Oct 15 2016 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Where: DeMatha High School, 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Fee – None
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will assist at game and craft booths, the food station and generally ensure the success of the event!
Contact: Kara Bundy, (301) 209-0491
For more information: click here

Festival del Rio Anacostia with Anacostia Watershed Society

The Anacostia Watershed Society is excited to announce the first ever “Festival del Rio Anacostia,” an environmental/cultural festival to connect the Latino community with the Anacostia River and its restoration. Held at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, AWS and their partners will offer free boat rides, fishing, and other recreational activities.

When: Sat Oct 15 2016 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD 20710
Fee – None
Contact: Jorge Bogantes Montero, (301) 699-6204 ext 118
For more information: click here

barre3 Class with Girls on the Run – DC

Join GOTR-DC at barre3 on Saturday, October 15th, for special classes, fun giveaways, and snacks. Classes are $25 each and expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss this great work out combining ballet barre, yoga, and Pilates! You’ll have fun and help empower another young girl.

When: Sat Oct 15 2016 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Where: barre3 – 14th Street, 1832 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee – $25
Contact: Kelly Makimaa, (832) 4438909-4438909 ext 4438909
For more information: click here

Anacostia Watershed Society‘s Tavern Toast

Tavern Toast is Anacostia Watershed Society’s annual party to thank you for everything you have done to get us closer to a swimmable and fishable Anacostia River! From Earth Day to wetland restoration, membership renewals to native removals, your hard work has benefited everyone in the Anacostia Watershed. Please join AWS for campfires, food, and drinks for an evening of mingling with your friends and neighbors who support the Anacostia River. Let them toast you and your support!

When: Sat Oct 15 2016 (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: George Washington House, 4302 Baltimore Avenue, Bladensburg, MD 20710
Fee – None
Contact: Maureen Farrington, (301) 699-6204 ext 117
For more information: click here

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Open Doors to Independence Fundraising Breakfast with Community Lodgings

Enjoy Community Lodgings’ complimentary one-hour breakfast while you hear first-hand the successful story of a former program participant. You will be inspired by their mission to help families lift themselves out of poverty and learn more on how you can partner with Community Lodgings to make sustainable change in the neighborhoods they serve. To register, contact jwitcher@community-lodgings.org or call 703-549-4407.

When: Thu Oct 20 2016 (08:00 AM – 09:00 AM)
Where: Holiday Inn and Suites, 625 First Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Fee – None
Contact: Jasmin Witcher, (703) 549-4407

Around Town: 10/8 – 10/14

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Spur Local

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Saturday, October 08, 2016

Urban Wild: Rock Creek Conservancy Gala

Urban Wild, Rock Creek Conservancy’s Gala, will be held on October 8, 2016 at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C., overlooking Rock Creek Park. The evening will feature food tastings from guest chefs from some of DC’s finest restaurants in addition to live music and entertainment. Event proceeds will support the ongoing efforts of the Rock Creek Conservancy to protect the lands and waters of Rock Creek and revitalize Rock Creek Park for people to treasure and enjoy.

When: Sat Oct 8 2016 (7:00 PM)
Where: Embassy of Italy 3000 Whitehaven St NW, Washington DC 20008
Fee – $250 per entry ticket
Contact: Maddie Freburger, (301) 579-3105

Sunday, October 09, 2016

JCADA 5K Event: A Run, A Walk, AWARE with Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse

Join JCADA?for their 5K Event: A Run, A Walk, AWARE on Sunday, October 9th, at the Berman Hebrew Academy in Rockville! Run or walk with JCADA to promote healthy relationships and help end domestic and dating abuse. Register at jcada.org/5k. Proceeds from the JCADA 5K Event support the critical, life-saving services JCADA provides for the Greater Washington community. JCADA delivers comprehensive services to victims of domestic and dating abuse while simultaneously working to break the cycle of abuse in future generations through community education and prevention initiatives. All of their clinical services are free to ensure fewer barriers to victims seeking help. They invite community members of any age to join them! The JCADA 5K Event will feature a morning of family friendly activities that promote healthy relationships, empowerment and confidence inspired by AWARE, JCADA’s dating abuse prevention initiative.

When: Sun Oct 9 2016 (08:30 AM – 11:00 AM)
Where: Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, 13300 Arctic Avenue, Rockville, MD 20853
Fee – Early bird: $36; Regular: $40; Kids 10 & under free
Volunteer Info: Registration and course set-up; water station; course clean up.
Contact: Kira Doar, (301) 315-8040
For more information: click here

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Fall Pre-service Training with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County

Apply now for the CASA Pre-Service Training that begins Tuesday October 11th and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays until Tuesday November 15th. Participants will learn best practices when advocating for a youth in foster care and will continue on their way to becoming a CASA volunteer and making a difference in our Community.

When: Tue Oct 11 2016 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Hyattsville Administrative Building 4310 Gallatin St, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Fee: None
Volunteer Info: Volunteers attend pre-service training in order to prepare to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Must apply and be accepted in order to attend training
Contact: Keyanna McGriff, (301) 209-0491
For more information: click here

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Pink & Green Party with Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia

The Board of Directors of Girls on the Run of NOVA invites you to the Pink & Green Party! Enjoy exciting auction items, a wonderful crowd, delicious culinary creations, premium beverages, and music in a beautiful venue. Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon when it was considered a men’s-only race, will be joining as the keynote speaker. All funds raised will provide resources for those girls and families who struggle to afford participation in the Girls on the Run program. Help GOTR to ensure that NOVA’s girls grow into strong women.

When: Thu Oct 13 2016 (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
Where: Davis Estate, 10560 Main Street, Suite 514, McLean, VA 22030
Fee – $99
Contact: Emily Davis, (703) 273-3153
For more information: click here

Around Town: 9/17-9/23

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Spur Local

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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Symposium on Preparing College-Ready Writers with One World Education

Join One World Education on September 22 for a timely conversation on preparing students for the rigors of college-level writing, featuring a diverse panel of speakers representing different perspectives on the topic. We are all too familiar with the countless reports from higher education and the business community that the state of student writing is in serious need of repair. To address these challenges, One World Education is bringing together K-12 and university experts to provide a forum for exchanging successful strategies and initiatives that work at different levels, with a particular focus on instruction and assignments.

When: Thu Sep 22 2016 (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Where: Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20068
Fee: None
Contact: Liz Gossens, (202) 558-8899
For more information: click here

Friday, September 23, 2016

2nd Annual Golf Tournament with HomeAid Northern Virginia

Attention: Builders, Trade Partners, and HomeAid Supporters! Hit a hole-in-one with your registration or sponsorship of HomeAid’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament. Take care of business on the course all while supporting their mission: building new lives for Northern Virginia’s homeless. Your registration includes a complimentary continental breakfast and buffet lunch. Mulligans, Tosses, and Raffle Tickets for golf foursomes and other exciting prizes will also be available.

When: Fri Sep 23 2016 (07:00 AM)
Where: Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, 41601 Raspberry Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176
Fee: $900/foursome or $250/single golfer
Contact: Christy Eaton, (571) 283-6320
For more information: click here

Campaign for Brighter Futures Breakfast with Doorways for Women and Families

Bringing together a wide array of community members, the Campaign for Brighter Futures Breakfast celebrates Doorways for Women & Families client accomplishments and ensures their future successes. A popular event among those who live in Northern Virginia, the Breakfast highlights more than 38 years of progressive programs and services that have helped women, men and children heal from trauma, rebuild their lives and achieve the brightest possible futures. Each year, guests are given the opportunity to make a financial contribution to support Doorways’ ongoing service to the community; however, there is no minimum or maximum gift amount expected. They hope to see you there!

When: Fri Sep 23 2016 (08:00 AM – 09:00 AM)
Where: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
Fee: Free Fundraising Event
Contact: To RSVP, email Kristina Dugan, (703) 504-9289

WILL Power Party with Wilderness Leadership & Learning, Inc.

The WILL Power Party is a special cocktail reception to highlight and celebrate 12 Years of WILL positively impacting the lives of the DC youth from underserved neighborhoods. The WILL Power Party will:

Bring WILL friends together to celebrate our successes
Continue to raise awareness about WILL
Introduce WILL to new friends
Raise funds so they can increase the number of youth they impact
Be a tremendous networking opportunity for DC professionals gathered with the common goal of investing in WILL and the future of DC youth
Honor their Partner of the Year: The Spend Performance Solutions Team of the Advisory Board Company

When: Fri Sep 23 2016 (6:30 PM – 10:30 PM)
Where: The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, Maryland, 7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Fee: $150/person
Contact: Steve Abraham, (202) 319-2765
For more information: click here

Around Town: 8/13 – 8/19

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Spur Local

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Saturday, August 13, 2016

Bubble Run – Race Day Operations with Operation Second Chance

Operation Second Chance was selected as the beneficiary of the first annual D.C. Bubble Run! As such, they are required to provide volunteers for both the Packet Pack-Up and the actual Race Day Operations. The day of the race, volunteers will be supporting the runners. Whether performing runner check-in, or working a water station, volunteers will help to ensure that everyone has Good Clean Fun at the Bubble Run!

When: Sat Aug 13 2016 (06:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Rosecroft Raceway, 6336 Rosecroft Dr, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Fee: Registration fee for runners only
Volunteer Info: Helping with runner check in, handing out shirts, goodie bags and assisting with retail. Volunteers should feel comfortable using an iPad or iPod touch. All volunteers will receive an email with specific shift information. To volunteer to help with the Bubble Run race day operations, please register online.
Contact: Christopher Enders, (301) 972-1080
For more information: click here

Thursday, August 18 – Friday, August 19, 2016

Carousel with The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts

Music by Richard Rodgers, Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Directed by Caroline Angell, Musical Direction by Joshua Coyne. August 18-20, 7:30 pm; August 20, 2:00 pm Please Note: This play contains mature themes and language that may not be suitable for children. The second production of this summer’s Theatre Lab Musical Theatre Institute for Teens is Carousel, the classic musical by the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein. The story of a young mill worker who falls in love with an impulsive, sometimes violent carousel barker, Carousel is a complex story of love, loss and redemption featuring some of musical theatre’s most memorable songs.

When: Thu Aug 18 2016 (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM), Fri Aug 19 2016 (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM)
Where: The Theatre Lab, 733 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Fee: $15
Volunteer Info: House staff volunteers to serve as ushers, concession sales, etc.
Contact: Dane Petersen, (202) 824-0449
For more information: click here

Back-to-School Spotlight: Adopt a Classroom, Change 18 Lives

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Spur Local

This month the Catalogue is highlighting various school supply drives around our region. More than 30 nonprofits in our network are in need of supplies for the upcoming 2016-17 school year. Below is a blog post from our friends at The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC) in Alexandria, Virginia, with details about their Adopt-A-Classroom initiative.

“Look what I got!” exclaimed The Child and Family Network Centers’ (CFNC) preschooler Yorleny, as she opened her new backpack stuffed with school supplies, a book and a toy.

cfnc1

You can help a child or even a whole classroom of children experience this same joy.

CFNC, a nonprofit provider of early education for children of the working poor, is offering eight corporate partners the opportunity to Adopt – A – Classroom for the 2016-2017 school year.

Classroom sponsorships will help fund the supplies needed for each of CFNC’s classrooms to provide high-quality education and meet the needs of vulnerable children. Your sponsorship will change the lives of 18 preschoolers this year! Because of sponsorships, CFNC is able to provide key materials and tools for 8 classrooms that enable the teachers to maximize their efforts in teaching 138 students what they need to learn in order to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

cfnc2 By the age of 5, a child’s brain is already 90% formed. Yet, many children living in poverty are less likely to attend preschool and often live in households where early learning activities are few and far between. CFNC’s free bilingual early education program gives these children the opportunity to learn and grow early on and gives them the foundation of English language and literacy skills so they can enter school ready to succeed. By the time these children leave CFNC, many of them are reading and writing in English, understanding the language, and have gained the developmental, social and emotional skills they need to enter kindergarten alongside their peers. Thanks to the education that they receive and because of their amazing donors and sponsors, CFNC has the means and ability to change these children’s lives.

cfnc3 “From the first time we walked into a classroom to volunteer at CFNC we knew it was a very special place. It was a wonderful, positive experience working with the children and they were so appreciative and engaging. Since that time we have been fortunate enough to work with them through reading and volunteer programs, providing school supplies and assisting with their annual coat, hat and mitten drives. We believe that CFNC makes a significant difference in getting these children ready for kindergarten and focusing on providing whole family engagement,” said Linda Abravanel, Wells Fargo employee and volunteer at CFNC.

cfnc4 Adopt-a-Classroom sponsors will get the opportunity to meet the children and the teachers in their sponsored classroom and participate in four classroom engagement opportunities throughout the year with the kids. Quarterly reports and photos from CFNC keep you up-to-date on the progress of each child. In addition, each sponsor receives 26 unique marketing opportunities.

For more information on CFNC’s Adopt-a-Classroom program go to http://cfnc-online.org/ways-to-give/adopt-a-classroom/ or email Jessica Hallstrom at jhallstrom@cfnc-online.org or call her at 703-836-0214.

Around Town: 8/6 – 8/12

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Spur Local

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Monday, August 08, 2016

Heartland 4 Heroes Golf Tournament with ThanksUSA

The annual Heartland 4 Heroes Golf Tournament benefits the spouses and children of those serving in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and other Heartland States.

When: Mon Aug 8 2016 (07:30 AM)
Where: The Governors Club, 9681 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027
Fee: Sponsorships are available.
Contact: Michele Stork, (703) 855-4108
For more information: click here

Computer CORE – Fall Semester Begins

CORE’s mission: To help low-income adults acquire the technological and life skills they need to pursue their career aspirations, by providing computer skills and job search skills training to over 200 under- and unemployed adults in the Northern Virginia region each year. Their fall semester will begin August 8, 2016 and admissions have already begun!

When: Mon Aug 8 2016 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: The Lee Building, 5881 Leesburg Pike, STE 204, Falls Church, VA 22041
Fee: None
Contact: Kathy Jankowski, (703) 931-7346 ext 102
For more information: click here

Friday, August 12, 2016

Bubble Run – Packet Pick-Up Day with Operation Second Chance

Operation Second Chance was selected as the beneficiary of the first annual D.C. Bubble Run! As such, they are required to provide volunteers for both the Packet Pack-Up and the actual Race Day Operations. The day before the race, runners will go to a local sporting goods store and pick-up their packet of information, as well as t-shirts and other run merchandise. Volunteers are needed to ensure every registered runner gets what they need for the following day at the run!

When: Fri Aug 12 2016 (2:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: TBD (Emails will be sent to volunteers with locations), MD 20874
Fee: Fees apply for runners only.
Volunteer Info: Helping with runner check in, handing out shirts, goodie bags and assisting with retail. Must feel comfortable using an iPad or iPod touch. All volunteers will receive an email with specific shift information. To volunteer to support the Packet Pick-Up day of the run, please register online.
Contact: Christopher Enders, (301) 972-1080
For more information: click here

Around Town: 7/30 – 8/5

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Barbara Harman

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Monday, August 01, 2016

Computer CORE Volunteer Opportunities

CORE’s mission: To help low-income adults acquire the technological and life skills they need to pursue their career aspirations, by providing computer skills and job search skills training to over 200 under- and unemployed adults in the Northern Virginia region each year. Volunteers are at the heart of CORE’s mission. Volunteers help ensure that their students graduate with all the skills and tools they need for successful careers.

Want to help? Instructional Volunteer Team Opportunities
Time commitment required: 1 or 2 classes per week for 6 months; various days available
Locations: Alexandria, Baileys Crossroads, Fairfax, Falls Church, Gum Springs, Herndon and Sterling
- Lead Computer Instructor: Teach basic computing skills curriculum to 12 students and monitor their progress. Topics include, but are not limited to: email, Internet, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
- Computer Teaching Assistant: Assist the Lead Instructor in teaching basic computing skills curriculum to twelve students. Monitor their progress; ensure that students receive the individual attention needed to be successful; and assist with the completion of necessary administrative tasks. Topics include, but not limited to: email, Internet, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
- Career Development Instructor: Coach students on practical career and life skills in order to find new jobs, get promotions and/or enroll in further training/education. Teach skills such as resume writing, cover letter writing, goal-setting, planning, interviewing, and online searches.
You Don’t Have to Be a Teacher: More Volunteer Opportunities
- Saturday Morning Tutors (Baileys Crossroads Location): Assist students who need extra support, to make up an exam or a missed class, polish their resumes or simply to review challenging concepts.
- Events Ambassadors: Promote Computer CORE by becoming a speaker, staffing a booth or providing information for potential volunteers/donors at events throughout the greater DC area.

When: Mon Aug 1 2016 (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Northern Virginia (Various Locations); Office located at 5881 Leesburg Pike, STE 204, Falls Church, VA 22041
Fee? no
Contact: Eileen Joyner, (703) 931-7346

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

Byte Back Volunteer Orientation

Join Byte Back for a one-hour orientation to introduce you to the organization, share volunteer opportunities, and find the match for your talents and availability.

When: Tue Aug 2 2016 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Byte Back 9th Street, 3420 9th Street, Washington, DC 20017
Fee? no
Contact: Tamikia Wims, (202) 529-3395
For more information: click here

2016 Back-to-School Local Giving Guide

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Spur Local

Draft School Supply Drive header

For many students, shopping for school supplies is an exciting time. Selecting a brand new backpack, the perfect notebook, and the right outfit for the first day of school are all things most of us remember fondly from our academic years. While an exciting time for students, back-to-school shopping can be a different experience for parents: between clothing, school supplies, and activities…costs add up quickly! According to the National Retail Federation’s annual Back-to-School Spending Survey, families with children in grades K-12 plan to spend an average $673.57 on apparel and accessories, electronics, shoes and school supplies. With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that back-to-school shopping can be a source of major financial stress, especially for those families already struggling to cover basic needs such as food and housing.

While many may not be able to afford school supplies, these tools are still critically important when it comes to setting up a child for success. Providing a student with the proper supplies to learn not only boosts their confidence in the classroom, but also provides a sense of belonging, and can have a positive impact on reducing absenteeism.

Planning to do some back-to-school shopping? Or just want to make a difference in the life of a local student? The Catalogue for Philanthropy has created a comprehensive list of nonprofits in need of supplies to help prepare local students for success. Some of these organizations have specific needs for Fall 2016, others have ongoing needs throughout the school year, and most have wishlists on Amazon.com, making it easy for you to give with a single click.

Happy shopping!

Fall 2016 School Supply Collection

Horton’s Kids (Washington, DC) is committed to ensuring that every child in the program starts school prepared and ready to learn. They need 150 durable backpacks, including 30 backpacks for children in grades K-4, and 120 backpacks or messenger-style bags for children in grades 5 – 12, as well as school supplies. All supplies are needed by July 29^th.Click for more details.

Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) (Fairfax) is helping children in Fairfax County through the Collect for Kids Back to School Program, which is part of a County-wide effort to ensure that children in the community whose families are struggling receive the supplies they need to succeed. Britepaths is working to help more than 2,500 students in Central Fairfax — primarily at JEB Stuart HS, Fairfax HS and the elementary and middle schools that feed into them — have everything they need to succeed this fall. Donors can give in the following ways:

Donate Cash: DONATE through August 31! $30 will help 2 students. Any amount will make a big difference.
Donate Backpacks: July 1-Aug. 5:Larger sizes especially needed.Drop Off or Order on-line through Amazon or Dollar Days.
Donate Calculators: July 1- Aug. 5: TI30xa Solar School Edition, TI-83 or TI-84, new or gently used. Drop Off for Order on-line through Amazon.

Safe Shores (Washington, DC) is hosting its annual Back to School Drive to provide school supplies and backpacks for children affected by abuse in DC. You can help by donating any of the items on their Amazon wishlist, providing general school supplies or by joining their “Pack-To-School” party on August 4th!

Bishop Walker School for Boys (Washington, DC) is a tuition-free Episcopal school for children from traditionally underserved communities. Link to school supply wish list

The Child & Family Network Centers (CFNC) (Alexandria) invites you to invest in brighter futures for Alexandria children by collecting school supplies for one of their 8 classrooms. Click for details and a link to the supplies needed.
- Note: CFNC is also looking for corporations interested in their “Adopt-a-Classroom” initiative. Adopt-a-Classroom helps provide books, school supplies, food, and basic healthcare to one classroom. You assist in funding teacher and school staff salaries and empower students and their families to be the best they can be.
  CFNC has eight classrooms and therefor only eight opportunities for corporations to sponsor a classroom – they will send you quarterly updates and photos of the class and children you have sponsored. Visit this site for more information.

For Love of Children (FLOC) (Washington, DC) provides educational services beyond the classroom to help students succeed from first grade through college and career.View items and a link to their Amazon.com wish list here.

Good Shepherd Housing & Family Services Children’s Resource Program (Alexandria) helps ensure that children in their housing programs do not miss out on critical after-school and extracurricular enrichment activities simply because their families are low income. This long standing program provides our children with school supplies, holiday gifts, access to summer camps, music lessons, and winter coats. GSH even sends children to local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs to encourage their education in science and math. Support their annual school supply drive, or shop their Amazon.com wishlist here.

Homeless Children’s Playtime Project (Washington, DC) is helping DC children experiencing homelessness go back to school with the right supplies, as well as encouragement, support, and practical tools they need to focus on their studies. This year Playtime Project is committed to providing children experiencing homelessness with a new backpack, stuffed with all the equipment they will need to excel this fall. Click for details on how to get involved.

Hope House DC (Washington, DC) – For children whose fathers are incarcerated, displacement often has grave consequences. Contact may be lost, family structure weakened, and reintegration of released fathers made difficult indeed. Enter Hope House, whose dream is to reconnect fathers and kids.On August 28^th, Hope House will host a back to school party. Each Hope House Kid who attends receives a backpack stuffed with school supplies. Items needed include: composition books, dictionaries, highlighters, binders, calculators…and more. See details here.

New Community for Children (Washington, DC) transforms the lives of children and youth by supporting academic achievement, developing life skills, fostering creativity and cultural awareness, nurturing spiritual connections and growth, and empowering children to succeed. It is currently in need of a number of educational items such as digital cameras, printer ink, school furniture, and more.

Reading Partners (Washington, DC) is in need of help filling their reading centers with diverse books through September 30^th, 2016. Many students bring up issues of race when working with their tutors. From discussing their identities to understanding those of the characters they are reading about, it is clear that diversity in texts is of the utmost importance to support our students. From this point on, Reading Partners is asking supporters to help collect books specifically featuring girls of color, with the philosophy that resources should be available in order to have intentional conversations about race. By providing books in reading centers that can help tutors affirm positive thinking and behavior when it comes to race, literacy can be used to inspire confidence in students who need it most. Donors can view book requests here.

San Miguel School (Washington, DC) is a middle school, dedicated to transforming lives for academically underserved and economically disadvantaged boys in the Washington, DC, metro area. Immediate needs for the 2016-17 school year include: art supplies (modeling clay, canvases, etc.), magnetic algebra tiles, audio books/cds, markers, etc. See the full list and Amazon wishlist here.

Ongoing Supply Collections: Art and Music Supplies

Art Enables (Washington, DC) creates the opportunity for visual artists with disabilities to make and market their honest and compelling work. Art Enables is in need of paint brushes, pencil sharpeners, canvases, paint, and other supplies, which can be found via this Amazon wishlist.

Sitar Arts Center (Washington, DC) – Donations of new or gently used arts materials and instruments help to make programs affordable for children from low-income households. Sitar appreciates donations of musical instruments, art supplies, dance shoes and clothing, photography equipment and supplies, sewing machines and sewing supplies, knitting supplies, prom dresses needed for West Side Story musical! Details here.

Ongoing Supply Collections: Sporting Equipment

City Kids Wilderness Project (Washington, DC) was founded on the belief that providing enriching life experiences for under-resourced DC children can enhance their lives, the lives of their families and the greater community. CityKids is always in need of the following new or nearly new items: Tents (2-4 person backpacking tents), sleeping bags (backpacking weight), balls: soccer, football, kickball, etc., rain gear: pants, jackets, and ponchos, digital cameras, and more. They also have a City Kids REI Gift Registry!

DC SCORES (Washington, DC) believes that every child deserves a “team,” and gets the rich, full childhood that he or she deserves. DC SCORES’ innovative model combines poetry and spoken word (developing an individual voice and sharing personal stories is key to knowing who you are), soccer (kids need more exercise than they get, and the skills and teamwork are fun), and service-learning (because our communities are the big teams to which we all belong).DC SCORES will accept gently used soccer gear, appropriately sized for kids 8-13 years old. Donation details here.

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena (Washington, DC) – Most of the equipment skaters use have been donated by other skaters in the area. FFDIA is always in need of gently used, mid/intermediate level figure, hockey and speed skating equipment in good condition. No hockey jerseys, please.To donate equipment drop it off at Fort Dupont Ice Arena at your convenience. To arrange a pickup of large quantities of equipment, email info@fdia.org.

Ongoing Supply Collections

Bright Beginnings (Washington, DC) is a nationally-accredited child and family development center that offers a bright start for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families. Back to school supplies for children transitioning to kindergarten, including two sets of uniforms, school shoes, and back packs are needed each August. Supplies in need range from paper (all sizes, shapes, and textures), magazines, art supplies.etc.

Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center (Falls Church, VA) provides a comprehensive, high-quality, early-childhood program designed to give all young children, regardless of their family’s economic resources, a strong foundation on which to build the rest of their lives. FCMLCC is currently looking for donors to help “set their children’s inner artist free” with the raw materials on their Wish List.

Generation Hope (Washington, DC) is the only community-based nonprofit organization solely focused on college completion for teen parents in the D.C. area. Help these students follow the path to success with the following items: laptops for Scholars (can be used), stamps for mailings, gift cards to Target, Staples, etc. and more.

Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (Greenbelt, MD) helps students overcome the barriers that cause them to drop out and abandon their education. HW-SC is in need of backpacks, art supplies, and general school supplies. Please see their website for more information.

Inner City-Inner Child (Washington, DC) places low-income preschool children on the road to literacy and future success by empowering their educators to use the arts to teach academic skills. Every year, ICIC donates books to DC’s low-income child development centers to stock their classroom libraries. You can make a donation here.

The Reading Connection (Arlington, VA) creates and sustains literacy-rich environments and motivation for reading among low-income children and their families. TRC is in need of new books for children in the Read Aloud program. At every Read-Aloud, children choose one or two books to take with them, and TRC is always working to keep the Give-Away Boxes stocked with books that match the interests of the children served. Click to see the titles of books on childrens’ wishlists, or to find how to donate new books to the program.

Washington Jesuit Academy (Washington, DC) is a college-prep middle school for boys in 5th through 8th grades in Washington, DC. With a 12-hour school day, 11-month school year and aggressive academic curriculum, WJA prepares students for the opportunities and challenges of college-prep high schools and sets them on an early path toward college. WJA accepts certain, gently-used supplies and goods, as well as pro bono service and talent. Visit their Amazon Wish List or contact us for gift ideas.

Washington School for Girls (Washington, DC) is an all-scholarship independent Catholic School serving students in grades 3-8, primarily from DC’s Wards 7 and 8. By offering a comprehensive academic program in a supportive environment, students become confident, competent, and courageous young women. WSG accepts donations of supplies, equipment, and services when appropriate, and also has an ongoing Amazon.com wishlist for books.

YouthBuild Public Charter School (Washington, DC) is a public charter school that was established in 2005 as an outgrowth of an effective program begun in 1995 by the Latin American Youth Center. It is one of the few alternative schools in the District that serves youth ages 16 -24 who have dropped or aged out of traditional high schools. Gifts of tangible personal property including professional dress clothing for students, computer equipment, books etc. are needed and welcomed donations.

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