Our New Partnership with A Wider Circle

The Targeted Grants & Volunteer Resources Committee is proud to announce its new partnership with A Wider Circle. This organization demonstrates how two groups can come together to combat poverty by helping others gain successful employment.

Dr. Mark Bergel founded A Wider Circle in 2001 with the mission of helping families lift themselves out of poverty. In May 2015, the organization purchased a 38,000 sq. ft. center in Silver Spring, Md., and now has more than 50 staff members, 15 interns and more than 15,000 volunteers every year.

A Wider Circle has a multi-pronged approach to helping individuals find a job. One main focus is a Job Skills Boot Camp that involves resume writing, interview skills, career path identification and job advancement. Individuals are also provided a personal job coach and access to computers to research jobs and write resumes.

A Wider Circle also works hard to prepare individuals for job interviews by providing the appropriate attire. Their showroom has been deemed “better than Bloomingdales and nicer than Nordstrom.” A Wider Circle promises to help anyone in need of professional attire regardless if they are enrolled in the program.

JLW is excited to partner with this incredible organization and to give members a variety of ways in which to volunteer. Committee members will be able to become job coaches and work with clients directly on a weekly basis; work in the showroom as a personal shopper to help individuals develop a professional wardrobe; and host workshops and trainings.

By partnering with A Wider Circle, JLW’s talented and generous members will be able to greatly impact many lives and continue the mission Dr. Bergel began more 15 years ago.

Please contact TGVR Chair, Nancy Margaret Ray Adler at nmradler@yahoo.com for more information.

Apply for the JLW Leadership Institute Get on Board 2016 Winter/Spring Training

The Junior League of Washington’s Membership Development Council and Development & Training Committee, in conjunction with President Cameron Gilreath and President-elect Elizabeth Keys, are pleased to announce the JLW Leadership Institute’s third Get On Board training. This four-part class is designed to provide JLW members with the knowledge and skills needed to serve on JLW’s Board of Directors or other nonprofit community boards. Topics will include roles and responsibilities of Boards, Board/staff relationships, strategic planning and financial oversight, and fundraising. The training is facilitated by BoardSource, a recognized leader in nonprofit governance.

All JLW members in good standing—actives, new members, transfers and sustainers—are eligible to apply.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. EST, on Friday, Dec. 4. Interested participants must fill out a short online application form here. Applicants must be committed to attend all four sessions, which will be held at JLW headquarters from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on:

• Tuesday, January 26
• Tuesday, February 23*
• Tuesday, March 29
• Tuesday, April 26 

*This meeting will either be held at JLW HQ or Winston & Strawn LLP offices in Washington, D.C. 

JLW members interested in attending but not able to commit to all four sessions are asked to defer their applications to the next session, which will be offered twice in 2016-17; dates TBD.

JLW will accept approximately 40 students into the Get On Board class. Should more than 40 women apply, participants will be selected by the President, President-elect and Membership Development Council Director. Preference will be given to current JLW board members and chairs. There is no cost to attend—JLW cover the fees associated with this training.

Applicants will be notified of their status via email by 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact JLW Membership Council Director Courtney Mesmer at leadershipinstitute@jlw.org.