No matter what type of event you are looking to head to this weekend, the events featured below will all help you make a difference in your community. See what you can do to give back to great nonprofits in your own backyard. Continue reading
Today we’re shining a spotlight on Horton’s Kids (a recent winner of a Washington Post Charities Award and City Paper’s 2013 Best NonProfit) to find out what they’re most excited for this year and congratulate them on their 25th Anniversary!
Horton’s Kids: Celebrating 25 Years
by Kristin Frontiera
This year is an exciting one for Horton’s Kids! We are thrilled to be celebrating our 25th anniversary, an incredible milestone for our organization and the children and families we serve.
We kicked off the celebratory year over the weekend, with a dedication of the Horton’s Kids Community Resource Center to our founder, Karin Walser. This look back at the organization’s early days was a reunion of some of our earliest volunteers and the children who first joined Karin on weekend field trips! As the organization grew to include tutoring, meals, and basic needs items like shoes, coats, and glasses, Horton’s Kids served more and more children. Last year, for example, Horton’s Kids reached 676 children through tutoring, older youth programming, summer camp, and the many support services delivered at the Community Resource Center. (We blogged about the March 2012 renovation of the Community Resource Center on the Catalogue blog here!)
In addition to the many services offered in the Community Resource Center, Horton’s Kids continues to bring the children out of their isolated neighborhood into the heart of this amazing city! We are just a couple weeks into our 13th year of tutoring on Capitol Hill, and Horton’s Kids has already enrolled 120 children! With support through The Washington Post Charities, a fund of the McCormick Foundation, Horton’s Kids continues to deliver three evenings of one-on-one tutoring for children in grades K through 6.
Horton’s Kids is targeting our younger readers this year, as children need to be reading on or above grade level by third grade, or they’ll always be behind. We use a research-based intervention model, developed at the University of Virginia, that moves readers along a sequence, so they can really focus on what they need to learn, rather than what their grade level dictates. Children spend the 90-minute tutoring sessions working on reading and math skills through fun and interactive games with their dedicated volunteer tutors.
To learn more about volunteering at Horton’s Kids, visit www.hortonskids.org/volunteer. In addition to tutoring, volunteers can work with older youth on homework help, join the children on weekend field trips, and more!
Are you a golfer that is looking to support a good cause while still working on your golf game? Or are you a non-golfer (like me), who just likes to get out and support local nonprofits? If so, Rebuilding Together Montgomery County has a great event for you!
Rebuilding Together Montgomery County
The RTMC Golf Classic brings together motivated golfers and socially responsible businesses, joining hands to take a swing at providing low-income homeowners with the help they need to live in safe and healthy homes. While enjoying a day out on the green, golfers have the opportunity to network with other professionals and commit their resources in support of our community and its most vulnerable residents. This year, corporate executives, civic leaders, skilled trades professionals, and community leaders will come together again to support Rebuilding Together Montgomery County and the work we do across this region. Lunch, goody bags, and course beverages will be provided, as will many opportunities to enhance your game play and score! Once again, there will be a Harley Davidson on the course just waiting for the talented golfer to get a Hole-in-One! After the tournament, players will enjoy dinner and a silent auction while awaiting word of the victors. Prizes are available for game and tournament winners.
When: Monday, October 7, 2013 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Whiskey Creek Golf Club – Ijamsville, MD, 4804 Whiskey Court, Ijamsville, MD 21754
Fee? :yes Volunteers are free; golfing begins at $250, sponsorships begin at $150
Volunteer Info: Register Golfers, Sell Raffle Tickets, Host Games
Contact: Lee-Berkeley Shaw, (301) 933-2700 ext 307
For more information: click here
Remember: if you are a current Catalogue nonprofit, we would love to post your events and volunteer opportunities! Make sure to put them in through your portal and they will go out not only on our site, but on our blog as well! If you have any questions about how to access your portal or posting events and volunteer opportunities, email our Community Partnerships Coordinator Jenn Hatch at jhatch@cfp-dc.org.
Catalogue nonprofits are staying busy! If you are looking for something fun to do with your friends and family this upcoming week, try one of these events put on by some great Catalogue nonprofits!
National Philharmonic
Soovin Kim, violin, Piotr Gajewski, conductor – Come hear award-winning violinist Soovin Kim perform one of the most popular works ever written: Beethoven’s only violin concerto, a virtuosic masterpiece both lyrical and serene, radiating surprises and a soaring spirit. When Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 was premiered, the press commented that it “projects its force upon all people of all ages, just like the great natural phenomena, which leave us in awe every time they appear. This symphony alike, will still resound centuries to come, for as long as there will be man and music.” Beethoven Violin Concerto Symphony No. 5
When: Saturday, September 28, 2013 (8:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5100
For more information: click here
Montgomery Countryside Alliance
MCA is partnering with Potomac Pedalers for the 5th annual MoCo Farm Tour. Bikers can choose from winding farm routes of 17-75 miles through Montgomery County’s Ag Reserve. There is also a picnic for bikers and event volunteers at Kingsbury’s Orchard.
When: Sunday, September 29, 2013 (09:00 AM)
Where: Start: Pooleville Golf Course, 16601 West Willard Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Help set up the picnic for bikers- shuttle biker’s belongings back to their cars, engage with event attendees about the purpose and importance of the Ag Reserve. Service learning hours are available for MCPS students.
Contact: Kristina Bostick, (301) 602-4013
For more information: click here
National Philharmonic
Soovin Kim, violin, Piotr Gajewski, conductor – Come hear award-winning violinist Soovin Kim perform one of the most popular works ever written: Beethoven’s only violin concerto, a virtuosic masterpiece both lyrical and serene, radiating surprises and a soaring spirit. When Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 was premiered, the press commented that it “projects its force upon all people of all ages, just like the great natural phenomena, which leave us in awe every time they appear. This symphony alike, will still resound centuries to come, for as long as there will be man and music.” Beethoven Violin Concerto Symphony No. 5
When: Sunday, September 29, 2013 (3:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5100
For more information: click here
Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center
Register now to Join Boston Marathon runners and a local Junior Olympiad recordholder for the Teddy Bear 5K and 1K Walk/Run on the W&OD Trail starting in the heart of Falls Church, VA. All participants will receive T-Shirts and great prizes will be awarded the top three male and female runners in 8 age categories, plus best overall male, female and Stroller-Runner. Bring your Teddy Bear or favorite stuffed friend to be admitted to a tea party after the race. Online Registration thru Sept. 26 at www.safetyandhealthfoundation.org/TeddyBear. Proceeds benefit the Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center, a high-quality early childhood education program serving all children, regardless of their family’s financial resources.
When: Sunday, September 29, 2013 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Where: W&OD Trail, 400 N. Oak St., Falls Church, Virginia 22043
Fee? yes 5K thru Sept. 26, $30; 1K thru Sept. 26, $15.
Volunteer Info: Volunteers welcome to assist along the trail, giving out water to runners.
Contact: Renee Boyle, (703) 534-4907
For more information: click here
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC
Volunteer Opportunity at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Children’s National Medical Center Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Washington DC needs volunteers to work a weekly 3 hour shift in the Ronald McDonald Family Room located at Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC). Shifts are seven days a week: 9AM to Noon, Noon to 3PM, 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM. Volunteers will be cross trained by both RMHC and CNMC. A commitment of two shifts a month/60 hours a year is required. Contact: Karen Judson, 202-529-8204/kjudson@rmhcdc.org. www.rmhc.greaterdc.org.
When: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 (09:00 AM)
Where: Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC), 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20310
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Greeting and helping families, coordinate family programming activities and more.
Contact: Karen Judson, (202) 529-8204
For more information: click here
The weather may be cooling down, but our nonprofits are just heating up! Check out these great events put on by some of our wonderful Catalogue nonprofits. Heading out to one of these events? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or by email at info@cfp-dc.org!
Volunteer Fairfax
Join Volunteer Fairfax and compete for hundreds of dollars worth of prizes at VolunTrivia: live, MC-hosted team trivia! Teams of up to 6 players will compete for a chance to win the $200 1st place prize as well as over $300 in other prizes. Join us on Saturday, September 21st at Bennigan’s in McLean to test your knowledge, enjoy special happy hour specials, and support volunteering. To compete, you must pre-register. All registrants will have the option to play on your selected team (of up to 6 people), play solo, or ask to be placed on a pick-up team.
When: Saturday, September 21, 2013 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Bennigan’s, 8201 Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Fee?: yes $25 team; $10 individuals
Contact: Emily Davis, (703) 246-3892
For more information: click here
Jubilee Jobs
Last year, Jubilee Jobs helped 1,000 people obtain employment. Want to know how we do it? Want to help us place 1,000 more people in jobs this year? Then join us on September 23rd at The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW at 8:30 am. We need your help to assist the unemployed in the community. Come and hear applicant testimonials, meet our Executive Director Terry Flood, learn more about our volunteer opportunities, and join others who want to make a real difference and help others in the community. Please call ahead of time at (202) 667-8970 so we know to look for you.
When: Monday, September 23, 2013 (08:30 AM)
Where: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee?: no
Contact: Sheila Robinson, (202) 667-8970
Wilderness Leadership & Learning
A special cocktail reception to highlight the positive impact WILL makes in the lives of the DC youth from underserved neighborhoods and to honor the WILL Partner of the Year – Rachel Skerritt, Principal of Eastern High School
When: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Fee?: yes $75 per person
Contact: Steve Abraham, (202) 319-2
For more information: click here
Audubon Naturalist Society
Long-time ANS support and current Executive Director, Neal Fitzpatrick, plans to retire in September after 33 years of service. Since Neal has been such a passionate advocate for protecting our local water resources and natural spaces, it seems fitting that his legacy include a fund established in his name that would support the mobilization of people of all ages to protect and restore streams in the greater DC region. To honor Neal and to build his Legacy Fund, we have planned a number of festive events! Join us for a farewell dinner to Neal on Thursday, September 26th, at 5:30pm at Woodend Sanctuary. All ANS Volunteers and current and former staff members are invited. Dinner and drinks will be served. There is a suggested donation of $15 per person (all of which is a tax-deductible gift). RSVP by Friday, September 20th, to Pam Oves at poves@audubonnaturalist.org or 301-652-9188 x16. We hope to see you there!
When: Thursday, September 26, 2013 (5:30 PM)
Where: Woodend Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Fee?: yes $15 suggested donation (fully tax-deductible)
Contact: Pam Oves, (301) 652-9188 ext 16
For more information: click here
Dramatic increase in demand for affordable housing in Arlington — A 122-unit affordable housing complex, still under construction, received over 3,600 applications in less than two weeks from hopeful residents. With maximum income limits that vary between just over $30,000 for one person to up to $74,000 for six people living in one unit, this surge of applications highlights a larger affordable housing crunch in the county.
Food stamp benefits will see decline in November and face an additional 5 percent cut in House vote next week — Additional SNAP benefits launched by the 2009 stimulus are set to expire in November. With the current divide in Congress, their impending expiration will cut the monthly food stamp allowance for a family of four by $36.
A vote in the House next week could mean an additional cut of nearly 5 percent to the SNAP program. There are over 50 million Americans who are hungry, nearly 17 million of whom are children. September is Hunger Awareness Month and these decisions could mean increased challenges for low-income Americans locally, and across the country.
Errors by DC tax officials have put over 1,900 DC homeowners at risk for foreclosure — A Washington Post investigation into a program at the DC Department of Tax and Revenue has led , after reports that residents, including elderly homeowners, were forced into foreclosure. One in five liens was sold by mistake. An excerpt from the Post’s series is below — read the series here.
For decades, the District placed liens on properties when homeowners failed to pay their bills, then sold those liens at public auctions to mom-and-pop investors who drew a profit by charging owners interest on top of the tax debt until the money was repaid. But under the watch of local leaders, the program has morphed into a predatory system of debt collection for well-financed, out-of-town companies that turned $500 delinquencies into $5,000 debts then foreclosed on homes when families couldn’t pay, a Washington Post investigation found.
Kids suffer as gap grows between families of different races, classes and educational achievements — A new report by the Ohio State University’s Department of Sociology found “a widening gap in recent years between families that are white, educated or economically secure and minority families, those headed by someone with a high school degree or less, and poor families.” The report noted that living arrangement was a “strong indicator of poverty,” showing that “four percent of U.S.-born children living in dual-income families were poor in 2010, followed by 14 percent in traditional families, while nearly 60 percent of the children living with single, never-married mothers were.” This is significant as white U.S.-born kids were nearly twice as likely as their African-American counterparts to grow up in a dual-income household with married parents. Find the report here.
DC’s new superintendent for education: Mayor Gray announced yesterday that Jesus Aguirre, director of the District’s Parks Department, will become the city’s new state superintendent of education. With a background in education, Aguirre first joined the District government in 2007 as part of the transition team leading up to Michelle Rhee’s term. Since 2009, he has directed the Parks Department at the request of Mayor Fenty, and begins his new post on October 1st.
Catalogue nonprofits always seem to have great events and volunteer opportunities available to the community. Check out what some of the best local nonprofits are up to this week!
Heart of America Foundation
This event features a decadent mix of chocolate & fashion including: – A delicious Chocolate Fashion Show where chefs decorate models in beautiful chocolate couture – More than 50 sweet and savory tasting stations and an open bar for you to enjoy, including a special celebration of Italian culture and cuisine – A raffle campaign with fabulous prizes and proceeds supporting book donations to children in need Proceeds from Charity in Chocolate help The Heart of America Foundation provide books to children in the DC metropolitan area who have little or nothing to read at home.
When: Friday, September 6, 2013 (6:00 PM – 09:00 AM)
Where: Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C., 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20024
Fee? no $110 Guest, tickets discounted for groups of 10 or more, VIP tickets also available
Contact: Daniel Horgan, (202) 347-6278
For more information: click here
Audubon Naturalist Society
Long-time ANS support and current Executive Director, Neal Fitzpatrick, plans to retire in September after 33 years of service. Since Neal has been such a passionate advocate for protecting our local water resources and natural spaces, it seems fitting that his legacy include a fund established in his name that would support the mobilization of people of all ages to protect and restore streams in the greater DC region. To honor Neal and to build his Legacy Fund, we have planned a number of festive events! Join Neal and his wife Roxane, Saturday, September 7th, 6-8pm, aboard the U.S.S. Sequoia Presidential Yacht for an elegant cocktail reception catered by Main Event Caterers, one of Washington, DC’s premiere caterers. Proclaimed by the History Channel as the “Rolls Royce of Yachts,” the Sequoia has catered to a dozen U.S. Presidents for 90 years. It features most of the original furnishings and is full of historic photos and letters. Suggested donation for this event is $500 per person ($400 of which is a tax-deductible gift). RSVP by Friday, August 30th, to Loree Trilling at ltrilling@audubonnaturalist.org or 301-652-9188 x35. Space is limited!
When: Saturday, September 7, 2013 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: Gangplank Marina, 6th St SW & Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Fee? yes $500 per person suggested donation ($400 is tax-deductible)
Contact: Loree Trilling, (301) 652-9188 ext 35
For more information: click here
Literacy Council of Montgomery County
Come learn about the state of adult literacy in Montgomery County, how the Literacy Council addresses the needs of adults with low literacy skills, and how you can be involved.
When: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 (10:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
Where: Rockville Library, Suite 320, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
Fee? no
Contact: Marty Stephens, (301) 610-0030 ext 202
For more information: click here
By Jenn Hatch
According to an article by David Versel at George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, the choices aging Baby Boomers in our region make about where to retire could mean profound impacts for local governments and social service organizations.
Though Boomers make up 26 percent of the region’s population, they represent 47 percent of the homeowners, and are mostly concentrated in the DC suburbs. If the majority of the area’s 1.5 million Boomers opt to “age in place,” as most hope to, Versel notes some key impacts on local communities:
Social Services for the Elderly — Boomers make up more than 50 percent of homeowning households in Calvert, Fairfax and Fauquier counties, and just under half in Montgomery, Stafford and Prince George’s counties. As the elderly population of these communities spikes, the demand for social services to accommodate these residents — from accessible transit programs and social work services to home health care and recreational programming — will swell. Communities that grew with a surge of new families decades ago will become “naturally occurring retirement communities” and now lack the infrastructure to meet these emerging needs.
Help for Limited Income Residents — Boomers living a fixed income of retirement savings and social security benefits will likely face a crunch as their health care costs rise with age. This adds urgency to provide accessible social services for low- or limited-income elderly residents such as energy assistance, affordable transportation, home health or social work services, and financial counseling, benefit and tax assistance. The article also notes that these homeowners won’t be able to maintain their investment in maintaining their homes, which has repercussions for attracting new buyers and maintaining public services in the future.
Transitioning After the Boomers — Communities facing this dramatic increase in their elderly population today will also experience another significant shift in 27-50 years as the Boomers’ reach ages 76-94. Versel notes that “at some point age and health will take their toll. If Boomers do intend to stay in their homes for the duration, their eventual departures from their homes and neighborhoods will likely occur under difficult circumstances. Most will either leave quickly due to health issues, or their surviving family members will need to sell their homes after they are gone.” This rapid change in demographics poses challenges for governments and social service groups alike — finding ways to meet the changing needs of local residents while striving to maintain sustainable, vibrant communities.
This pendulum swing of demographics over three to four decades will compound current suburban challenges including poverty and demand for social services. But as communities plan for and face these changes, it is also an opportunity to strengthen our region’s nonprofit network — from planning and working collaboratively to sharing expertise across organizations and coordinating diverse services — to best serve an ever-changing community.
Looking for something to do around town for the next week? Leave it to these great Catalogue nonprofits–they have already planned the events, you just need to show up! Let us know if you end up at an event! Tweet at us, Facebook us, or drop us a line at info@cfp-dc.org. We would love to hear from you!
Joy of Motion Dance Center
Step Ahead immerses 50 DC high school students in the dynamic, challenging environment of the performing arts workplace. Developing both dance and job skills, Step Ahead teens spend six weeks in the summer training and rehearsing like professional dancers. The experience culminates in the Step Ahead concert at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. http://www.joyofmotion.org/outreach/step-ahead/
When: Friday, August 9, 2013 (6:00 PM – 07:00 AM)
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Fee?: no
Contact: Julia Cain, (202) 399-6764 ext 166
Anacostia Watershed Society
The Anacostia Watershed Society is working to restore a wetland along the Anacostia River called Kingman Marsh. Wetlands do great things for our river — they provide habitat for native wildlife, help filter toxins from river water, and act like a sponge to prevent flooding. We need your help to ensure to restore Kingman Marsh! No previous training or skills are required. All tools and supplies needed (including boots and waders) will be provided. Please note that the work will be muddy and volunteers will be asked to wear waders for the entire event. Bending, lifting, digging, and walking fair distances will be required. If this will be an issue, please consider joining us for another event. Contact Maddie Koenig at 301-699-6204 ext. 109 or mkoenig@anacostiaws.org to sign up!
When: Monday, August 12, 2013 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Driving Range of Langston Golf Course, Benning Rd. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Fee?:no
Volunteer Info: See above.
Contact: Madeline Koenig, (301) 699-6204 ext 109
For more information: click here
Anacostia Watershed Society
The Anacostia Watershed Society is working to restore a wetland along the Anacostia River called Kingman Marsh. Wetlands do great things for our river — they provide habitat for native wildlife, help filter toxins from river water, and act like a sponge to prevent flooding. We need your help to ensure to restore Kingman Marsh! No previous training or skills are required. All tools and supplies needed (including boots and waders) will be provided. Please note that the work will be muddy and volunteers will be asked to wear waders for the entire event. Bending, lifting, digging, and walking fair distances will be required. If this will be an issue, please consider joining us for another event. Contact Maddie Koenig at 301-699-6204 ext. 109 or mkoenig@anacostiaws.org to sign up!
When: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Driving Range of Langston Golf Course, Benning Rd. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Fee? : no
Volunteer Info: See above.
Contact: Madeline Koenig, (301) 699-6204 ext 109
For more information: click here
Anacostia Watershed Society
The Anacostia Watershed Society is working to restore a wetland along the Anacostia River called Kingman Marsh. Wetlands do great things for our river — they provide habitat for native wildlife, help filter toxins from river water, and act like a sponge to prevent flooding. We need your help to ensure to restore Kingman Marsh! No previous training or skills are required. All tools and supplies needed (including boots and waders) will be provided. Please note that the work will be muddy and volunteers will be asked to wear waders for the entire event. Bending, lifting, digging, and walking fair distances will be required. If this will be an issue, please consider joining us for another event. Contact Maddie Koenig at 301-699-6204 ext. 109 or mkoenig@anacostiaws.org to sign up!
When: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Driving Range of Langston Golf Course, Benning Rd. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Fee? : no
Volunteer Info: See above.
Contact: Madeline Koenig, (301) 699-6204 ext 109
For more information: click here
Literacy Council of Montgomery County
Come learn about the state of adult literacy in Montgomery County, how the Literacy Council addresses the needs of adults with low literacy skills, and how you can be involved.
When: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 (7:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: Rockville Library, Suite 320, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
Fee?: no
Contact: Marty Stephens, (301) 610-0030 ext 202
For more information: click here
Don’t let Tropical Storm Andrea give your weekend the rainy day blues! See what you can do this weekend to help out our community with Anacostia Watershed Society and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts!
Anacostia Watershed Society
Please join the Anacostia Watershed Society, the Beltsville Citizen’s Association, and Konterra to clean up a section of Little Paint Branch in Beltsville, MD. For more info and to register, visit: http://www.anacostiaws.org/calendar/beltsville-community-cleanup
When: Saturday, June 8, 2013 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: 4001 Powder Mill Rd., Beltsville, Maryland 20710
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: remove trash and debris from Little Paint Branch
Contact: Maddie Koenig, (301) 699-6204 ext 109
For more information: click here
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
When you have cancer, what you eat matters. Learn about the role of nutrition during the cancer experience in this fun and informative class.
When: Saturday, June 8, 2013 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? yes $30
Contact: Smith Center, (202) 483-8600
For more information: click here