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The Circle of HOPE Story

The Circle of HOPE (Helping Others through Partnership and Engagement) was founded in 2010 by three Alexandria mothers with young children who were deeply concerned about local homelessness, particularly the rising homelessness resulting from the recent distressed economic times.  We wanted to make a difference in Alexandria through a long term, committed partnership with the wonderful staff, board, and volunteers of the Carpenter’s Shelter and other local families and individuals who were also concerned about homelessness.  At the same time, we knew our family, school, church, and work commitments meant that we could not necessarily volunteer in the Shelter on a weekly basis.  We were seeking a middle ground between weekly volunteer commitments and the other extreme of anonymous yearly donations that did not foster a personal relationship with the Shelter.

Our vision for the Circle of HOPE is to bring together other Alexandria families and individuals who wish to support the Carpenter’s Shelter mission of ending homelessness, while also developing a closer relationship with the Shelter, its programs, and residents.  Rather than just making a donation, we hope Circle members will engage with the Shelter and other Circle families by participating in special Circle of HOPE projects with Shelter children and by supporting annual Shelter events such as the Carpenter’s Cook-Off and the Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon team.  We want to develop a relationship with Carpenter’s Shelter similar to our relationships with our children’s schools – a commitment to support, participate, and engage with the Shelter community, as well as other participating families and friends.

Who are Circle of HOPE members?

Any family or individual who cares about ending homelessness is encouraged to join!  Membership is established by a $250 contribution per calendar year, which directly supports Carpenter’s Shelter operations and programs. Members who join in 2010 will be considered Circle of HOPE Charter Members and will be recognized accordingly as the Circle grows.

How long is my commitment?

Your commitment is on an annual basis and is renewed with a new contribution each calendar year.  We hope that you will be an engaged member for many years to come, but there is no requirement to commit beyond one year.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Your contribution is 100% tax-deductible and you will receive appropriate supporting documentation from Carpenter’s Shelter for tax purposes.

How can I make my membership payment?

A favorite question!  If you are ready to join now, please visit our donor page and look for the Circle of HOPE membership option.  You may make your contribution in one payment of $250 or may choose to spread your payments out on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Does the Circle of HOPE have a typical “Giving Circle” structure?

We are not a typical “giving circle” in that we do not plan to develop a formal leadership structure with meetings or participation requirements and your donations will go 100% to the Carpenter’s Shelter, rather than being pooled together and then granted to different organizations.  We plan to have a standing e-mail group of Circle of HOPE members for communicating about events and opportunities – truly a “circle” of communication among all of us.

What can Circle of HOPE members do in addition to donating?

• Volunteer Opportunities: Like all community members, Circle of HOPE members are welcome to volunteer at the Shelter through the many existing volunteer opportunities.  The volunteer opportunities here are generally for adults only (to protect the confidentiality and dignity of the Shelter’s youngest residents).

• Circle of HOPE Family Day: With enough support and interest from Circle members, the Shelter has graciously offered to plan an annual family volunteer day in which your children may also participate with you in volunteering at the Shelter.  This special opportunity for Circle of HOPE families will help our children expand their awareness of Alexandria beyond their usual boundaries and teach them the value of helping others.

• Adopt-a-Child Back-to-School Program:  As we prepare our own children for the back-to-school season, the Circle of HOPE will also sponsor a special “adopt-a-child” program in which interested Circle members are matched with a specific Shelter child to buy specific back-to-school items in preparation for a great first day of school.  This will be a wonderful opportunity for adult Circle members to engage with a Shelter family and get to know (and honor) the special needs and wants of a school-age child.

• Carpenter’s Cook-Off: We hope all Circle of HOPE members will participate in the annual Carpenter’s Cook-Off at the Birchmere, scheduled every  April.  This fun-filled and tasty family event is an annual highlight in Alexandria and will be a wonderful way to bring our families together socially for the benefit of Carpenter’s Shelter.

• Special Needs Drives: The Shelter often has special needs for basic items such as cereal, coffee, or diapers.  We envision using our Circle of HOPE e-mail group as a way to communicate these needs quickly to a supportive group of individuals and identify help for the Shelter on an as-needed basis from among our members.

• Annual Circle of HOPE Reception: We plan to have an annual reception for all Circle of HOPE members at the Shelter in recognition of everyone’s support during the year.  We will no doubt ask you to bring interested friends and family who may wish to learn more about the Circle of HOPE at that time!  We have not yet planned this event for the Charter Membership of 2010, but will do so after completing our membership campaign – so stay tuned for more details.

Who are the Circle of HOPE Charter members?

Abigail Spangler
Adrien Cotton
Amy Bacon
Amy Heiden
Anne Metcalf
Ashley O’Connor
Brad and Jenny Smith
Broderick Isom
Carey Sullivan
Charlotte Grzebien
Christy Beach
Courtney Elwood
Cynthia Caporizzo
Diane Hynes
Ellen Patrick
Fran Becker
Greg and Nancy Woodford
Gretchen Moss
Jane Downing Knops
Jenny Considine
Karen and Bill Sauers
Katherine Wiegmann
Kathleen Oehler
Kelly Abramson
Kerri Harris
Kristin Teeters
Lee Carosi Dunn
Lisa Cecchi
Margaret French
Marianne McInerney
Mary Sexton
Maryclare Tracy
Maureen O’Keefe
Michael T. Richard
Monte and Amy Lehmkuhler
Roger and Barbara Furey
Simone Putnam
Sirine Fisher
Stacy Sloan
Tara Bandes
Virginia Barth