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

Thank you! Gracias! Grazie! Danke! 謝謝 !
 
Thank you in any and all languages to our committed and caring donors who responded to our request for support for our summer program. Your generosity and commitment to our kids' development allowed our staff to create an amazing summer program. Want to know more? Keep reading!
We're in the News!

Oh yes we did! Alexandria's very own Gazette Packette wrote a wonderful story on Community Lodgings and those we serve, and then posted a photo of U. S. Representative Don Beyer Jr.'s (D) visit with us on July 24. Did you see it? If not, we've got the links here for your reading pleasure (page 18 for the photo of U.S. Rep Beyer).
Summer Program Winds Down and We are Registering for After-School

 

Our 51 kids in our summer program are learning, creating arts and crafts, playing outdoor games and - their favorite - swimming at the local pool. Our staff and volunteers plan the lessons and workshops in partnership with the Family Nutrition Program (a branch of Virginia Cooperative Extension) and the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services. So far our kids have gone to the zoo, the American History museum and Luray Caverns, Great Falls, Botanical Gardens, and the National Geographic Museum. Each child receives a healthy meal and secure environment, with our staff and volunteers ensuring that every child has a fun and educational summer!   

 

Coming up - the 2015-2016 school year is just around the corner and Community Lodgings is gearing up for another year of engaging, interactive after school programming! Registration is at Fifer Learning Center and Brent Place's community room from Monday, August 24 until Friday, August 28 from 10:00 am to 5 p.m. Students in grades 1-12 are invited to sign up and all are encouraged to register early to ensure a spot for the year. 
Our Kids at Work in the City

The Youth Employment series of workshops ended with seven students placed in summer jobs with the City of Alexandria. During these workshops our students learned the employment process - how to set goals, make career choices, complete applications, interview (including how to dress for the interview and job), answer and ask questions, the importance of saving and general workplace etiquette. We are so proud of them as they put their new-found knowledge to work in their new (albeit short) careers as a records clerk, data entry, customer service, office assistant and a counselor in training. As an added bonus, our students received Smartrip cards for transportation and a gift card for Target from Community Lodgings for their achievements. Way to go!
And Who Wants a Free Week's Vacation to Jamaica?
Well, not exactly  free, but for $20? We have teamed up with our grant partner, the RunningBrooke Fund, for their   Banish the Back-to-School Blues Raffle. A $20 ticket buys you a chance for a week's stay at the Buccaneer Villa in Jamaica's Treasure Beach for up to 10 people AND 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. Proceeds raised from ticket sales buy back-to-school supplies, healthy snacks, and other essentials for our kids.  Contact a Community Lodgings staff member at (703) 549-4407 or email [email protected]. Drawing held October 1.

SAVE THE DATE - Join Us at our Open Doors to Independence Fundraising Breakfast on Oct 22

We know you received a separated email about this, but it's so important that we want to mention it again. We would love for you to join us at 8:00 a.m. on October 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (901 N. Fairfax, Alexandria) as we host a breakfast for you and share our story of the good that we do. Please contact Jasmin Witcher at [email protected] for more information or to be a table captain.
Stay Connected