OUR IMPACT - A RECENT SUCCESS STORY  

Caroline entered shelter after fleeing a long-term and violent relationship with her abuser. Upon arrival to Artemis House (Fairfax County's only 24-hour emergency domestic violence shelter), Caroline  reported that she suffered from a background of substance abuse and prostitution, but was ready to start living a healthy and safe l ife. 

Within two weeks after entering our program, Caroline was gainfully employed with two jobs. She began saving funds and developed a plan with her dedicated Housing Locator to find affordable and safe housing. Caroline continued working diligently and met with her support team,  which included a case manager, employment specialist, housing locator and therapist  on a consistent basis.

With a drive to change the direction of her future, and the help of Shelter House, Caroline was able to exit Artemis House into affordable and safe housing, where her abuser would not be able to easily locate her. Today, Caroline maintains a healthy lifestyle and is thankful for the support she received from Shelter House and the community. 

SHELTER HOUSE FEATURED IN VIVA RESTON/TYSONS MAGAZINE

Have you ever wanted to learn more about Shelter House as an organization and the background of our Executive Director and CEO, Joe Meyer? Elaine Watt from Viva Reston/Tysons Magazine had those same thoughts and recently sat down with Joe to learn more about how he came to be the CEO of an organization servicing homeless families and victims of domestic violence. 

Click on the picture above to read about Joe's upbringing, in addition to learning more about Shelter House's culture and how YOU can get involved in making a difference in our community! 

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - MARCIA BRADFORD 

Meet our new Vice-Chair, Marcia Bradford!  Marcia first discovered Shelter House a little over 10 years ago, while volunteering at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter with colleagues. After learning more about Shelter House's mission, and the homelessness issues that Fairfax County faced during the economic crisis, Marcia decided she wanted to become more involved with an organization that would have an impact in the community where she lived. 

Having worked with non-profits for over 25 years in the financial services industry, Marcia maintained an interest in affordable housing as well as homelessness - particularly in  Fairfax County, which is predominantly known for being a high-cost area and where many families are living paycheck to paycheck.  Due to Shelter House's successful track record of assisting families, she has been able to combine her career and passions by giving back to the community.

Marcia has been part of Shelter House's Board of Directors for two years and  w e are honored to welcome her as our new Vice-Chair.  She shares Shelter House's vision and dream of a community free of homelessness and domestic violence and we  look forward to her support in helping us achieve our goals!

DONOR SPOTLIGHT - CUSTOMINK

At CustomInk, charity is all about giving back to the communities they serve.  Marc Katz, Co-Founder and CEO, describes community as, "people coming together and being a part of something that's bigger than themselves." 

Three Hearts is the charitable giving "arm" of CustomInk.  While its official creation was in August 2014, philanthropy has always been a core part of who they are, both as a company and as "Inkers".  Notable, is their logo of the octopus, which fittingly has not one, not two, but three hearts! 

The Three Hearts team was drawn to Shelter House's core values and mission and remains inspired by its commitment to the community.  In April, CustomInk partnered with Shelter House to hold a fundraiser at a local restaurant in addition to running an in-office fundraiser and Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign, raising nearly $600. Last month, they held their annual team "Yard Sale" and donated 20 boxes of new apparel to our Patrick Henry Family Shelter, valuing over $2,000. 

CustomInk exemplifies how one company is making such a huge difference in the community and we look forward to our ongoing partnership!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - SOUTHVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH

Southview Community Church is passionate about volunteering their time to help others in need. Their "DC Serve" program is a one week annual project created to shower the community with love - this year, over 1,500 hours of volunteering was dedicated. 

Southview became inspired by the dignity Shelter House's shows its clients when rebuilding their lives. The DC Serve volunteering team came to our Katherine Hanley Family shelter to serve children and their families with fun and supportive activities, crib assembly and more. Their efforts made our clients feel happy and loved and we are proud to partner with them. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Hair Cuttery Share-A-Haircut for Back-to-School

Chipping In to End Domestic Violence Golf Tournament

Hosted by Cooper Ginsberg Gray PLLC, the 17th annual "Chipping In to End Domestic Violence" Charity Golf Tournament is back! This year's tournament will be held at The Golf Club in Lansdowne and all proceeds will go directly to the women and children at Artemis House. Spots are filling up quickly - click  here to register today!

September 29

Not Your Average Joe's Cause of the Month