September 2015
Community Connections
A newsletter to keep you updated on what we are doing for you

A New and Better Date for our Fundraising Breakfast!
 
We hope you will attend our "Open Doors to Independence Breakfast"and that you re-mark your calendars to our new date of October 29! Same place, same time - Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 N, Fairfax in Old Town Alexandria. Registration starts at 7:45 a.m. and you will be out by 9!

We're getting pretty excited about this breakfast - we've lined up some compelling speakers, we're creating a wonderful video and the coffee will be limitless. So join us! You will receive your updated invitation next week.
Helping our Adults
Our transitional housing clients continue their journey to independence. The moms in the program created vision boards with the support of our volunteer Dallice Joyner, which gave them a constant reminder of what they can achieve. Our financial literacy class, open to the entire Arlandria community, begins on September 8. Contact us for details.

Our Terrific Teens!
 
Our teens made us proud - again - when ALL six students participating in the City of Alexandria's Summer Youth Employment Program completed their internship. And, four received special recognition from the city for their commitment, dedication and professionalism. Kudos to (left to right): Wesley Martinez, Leadership Award; William Gomez, Jose Santos, Exceptional Initiative Award; Carmen Castillo, Overall Outstanding Award, Kenima Johnson and Alva Castillo, Counselor's Choice Award.

Summer's Over - It's Back to School!
What a fun time our kids had in our summer program! Who wants to say goodbye to field trips, those fabulous days at the pool and yummy breakfast and lunch every day? Even the academics, set up to continue the students' learning trajectory, was fun in our casual, caring environment. Over 200 kids have registered for our after-school program that begins on September 14, and thanks to our generous donors, we were able to distribute a backpack to every child that needed one, including a few kids on our wait list. We are still taking registrations for walk-ins at their learning centers.

We have vacancies for after-school volunteer tutors from 2:45 - 4:15 p.m. (elementary) and 4:30 - 6 p.m. (middle school). Just sayin'.

Score! Soccer Comes to Community Lodgings!

Approximately 20 Arlandria kids showed up for a free soccer clinic on September 2 through our new partnership with the Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA). Experienced soccer players honed their skills and less experienced and new players learned new skills and - we hope - developed a love for the sport. ASA reps registered kids for fall teams and outfitted them with all clothes and shoes. 

BONUS - Read our Newsletter from this Jamaican Lanai!

 
You can spend a week here at the Buccaneer Villa in Jamaica's Treasure Beach with 9 of your best friends and read all about Community Lodgings for only $20! How, you ask? Just buy a  $20 ticket (or 6 for $100), sponsored by the RunningBrooke Fund Banish-the-Back-to-School Blues. Proceeds benefit all of Community Lodgings' good work. Did we mention that  the winning ticket also includes  personal training by Urban Body Works, hair and nail services by Salon Bisoux and The Sugar House Day Spa and boutique clothing gift certificates to Cocoblanca? Contact a Community Lodgings staff member at (703) 549-4407 or email [email protected]. Drawing held October 1.