As 2023 comes to a close, we reflect on challenges and triumphs during the past year. But one thing remains constant – our commitment to providing affordable housing and essential services to older adults with very limited income. Make your end-of-year gift TODAY – your support ensures that we can continue creating nurturing communities where older adults can age with dignity

Did you know that your donations of $500 or more to Fellowship Square between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, may qualify for state tax credits through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) in Virginia?

By taking advantage of this program, you can maximize the impact of your giving while also benefiting from valuable tax incentives. Your support is crucial to our mission and the NAP tax credit program is a great way to make your donation go even further. To learn more or to make a tax-deductible contribution or contact Brenda Martinez at bmartinez@fellowshipsquare.org.

Proceeds from calendar sales help support our ability to provide programs and services for our residents.

In a heartwarming display of intergenerational connection and cultural exchange, the Hunters Woods Fellowship House recently hosted a special event in collaboration with the Silver Light Seniors Association (SLSA). This event brought together residents of the Fellowship House who are members of the SLSA, and students from The Potomac School, a local private school renowned for its Chinese language program.

Preparing for the holidays is both an exciting and stressful time of the year. Our Fellowship Houses are buzzing with feasts and festivities, dancing and caroling, sparkling with holiday decorations and hearts are warm with holiday cheer.

We take special notice this time of year of those who participate in the joyous events and those missing from the crowd. For some people, and especially older adults, the holidays can be a depressing time of year, and bring back memories of sadness or feelings of loneliness.

Each December, we address this very real problem by having a guest speaker educate residents about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), raising awareness about underlying causes and how-to steps to prevent it. We work hard to reassure Fellowship House residents who do not have family or family close by that they do not have to go through the holiday season feeling alone and forgotten. We pay close attention to warning signs and address residents one-on-one if we think they could be suffering in silence.

At Fellowship Square, we strive to give seniors a pleasant and uplifting environment that makes them feel valued and appreciated. We welcome anyone who has a passion for serving seniors to join us — as a volunteer or through a year-end financial contribution.

I hope your holidays are filled with joy, love and lots of smiling faces.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

With gratitude,

Residents had a great time participating in an engaging presentation about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by dietitian Lisa Sharp. After learning about the condition, they put their knowledge into practice by making festive mood lights, a well-known method for managing this type of depression. Throughout the activity, they enjoyed socializing with their neighbors and listening to holiday music.

Grace Foster, Service Coordinator, adopted a unique approach to addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) among Lake Ridge Residents. Her strategy involved targeting residents who don't typically attend programs during the holidays and spending one-on-one time with them.

Largo Landing residents enjoyed making holiday crafts and listening to music, all while learning about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) from Service Coordinator, Michele Faunteroy.

THANK YOU for attending, volunteering, sponsoring, donating and supporting our work.

Proceeds from the event support our mission to improve the lives of older adults who struggle to make ends meet by providing affordable housing and supportive services.

For more information contact info@fellowshipsquare.org

Take a listen to Fellowship Square's CEO, Christy Zeitz, as a guest speaker on Season 2 Episode 2 of the Gifts of Hope podcast, "The Gifts of Speech and Silence." In this episode, Christy discusses the importance of when it is of value to speak up, and when it is important to stay silent.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Fellowship Square's work and our impact on the lives of older adults who struggle to make ends meet.

"Ms. Jean, may your retirement be filled with happiness and good health." – Lake Ridge Resident, Gloria

"Follow your passion! Trust in God's plan." – Lake Ridge Resident, Kathleen