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All about ACCA

Click above to view the students' slide show about ACCA.

We are so proud of the Power Point presentation about ACCA prepared by three Annandale High School students:  Trieu Tran, Yanwei Li, and Cinita Herbas. View the students' presentation and let us know what you think of their work and how best to use it for telling the ACCA story.

Revenue from this year's Challenge Grant Campaign totaled almost $150,000, beginning with the largest contribution of $15,000 from the Washington Forrest Foundation and $15,000 from five anonymous donors. As in prior years, most donations came from more than 350 individuals, supplemented by contributions from nine churches and three businesses. 

A difference this year was that some donations came electronically through the Catalogue for Philanthropy, the Give to the Max campaign, and the Network for Good website. 

Our annual Challenge Grant Campaign generates almost 50% of ACCA's budget for human services (excluding the Child Development Center).  Many, many thanks to our generous and faithful supporters in "Doing what Jesus would do" for our needy neighbors.

Two local houses have been selected for renovation, and the supplies have been ordered. However, additional volunteers are needed. If you can help, call Marie Monsen at 703-354-9408.  

ACCA Pantry volunteers made 47 deliveries in March, which supported 138 persons. Thanks to continuing donations of food and other essentials from churches and individuals, the Pantry is well stocked at this time.

During the March ACCA Board meeting at Immanuel United Methodist Church, we learned of a three-year collaboration with Food for Others to distribute food every Thursday evening to 60-70 needy families. Betsy Clevenger of Immanuel and Ann Woodle of St. Barnabas' Episcopal manage the program, with assistance from other volunteers, including students from the Hispanic Leadership organization at Annandale High School. 

Volunteers for Meals on Wheels delivered 846 meals (lunch and dinner) to shut-ins' homes during March.

Most of ACCA's funds go to preventing homelessness by providing assistance with rent. During April, 22 households, including 50 men, women and children, received such support to prevent evictions or facilitate moving from shelters to affordable housing. In addition, 11 families received assistance with utility bills and three with purchase of prescriptions. ACCA also paid car repairs to enable a single mother to get to work.

Here's What's Happening
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:  

NOVA Career Pathways Program - April 19, 11a.m. - 1 p.m., Mott Community Center, 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.       

Coming to America: The Jewish, Christian and Muslim Experience - April 24, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Registration 6:30 p.m.) John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 6531 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. 

In recent years, the number of volunteers providing rides to and from medical appointments has declined steadily.  Currently only 12 of the 26 ACCA churches participate, as drivers have retired because of age, health issues or moving from the area. If you can help by providing a ride once a month (or less as a substitute driver), call Madelyn Crytzer at 703-256-2342 to discuss the details of service.

Child Development Center News

Click above to download the flyer.

Eat at Fuddruckers in Annandale on April 24 from 4 - 8 p.m. and support the CDC. Click here for a flyer with additional information and a coupon, which you must present when you dine.

For news about programs and people at the CDC, read the
CDC monthly newsletter here.     

Hypothermia Program 2011/2012     

In spite of a warm winter, 372 men and women were housed and fed at the Baileys Community Shelter and participating churches or mosques from December 1 through March 31. Of these, 32 were veterans and one-fifth were women. 

Guests were housed at Lincolnia United Methodist, Annandale United Methodist, Mt. Pleasant Baptist, St. Barnabas' Episcopal, St. Alban's Episcopal,  St. Patrick's Episcopal and Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center. 

Other groups provided sack lunches for during the day or delicious evening meals served at the Shelter. Volunteers from St. Katherine Greek Orthodox, Immanuel United Methodist, Providence Presbyterian, John Calvin Presbyterian, First Baptist Springfield, Mt. Pleasant Baptist, Ravensworth Baptist, Peace Lutheran, Church of Jesus Christ LDS, and North Star Baptist  provided the food.

Staff from Volunteers of America at the Bailey's Shelter provided transportation to the overnight sites, supervision, cots/bedding, and breakfast. All in all, a blessed collaboration to support the homeless and prevent deaths from hypothermia.

All It Takes Is a Shoe Box   

For the most vulnerable members of our community, a simple shoebox filled with personal care or emergency preparedness items can make a big difference. That's why United Way of the National Capital Area has launched its Shoebox Project.

Participate now by creating your own personal care package or purchase a pre-filled shoebox now. Visit the United Way website for more information about this way to help the homeless year around.

Concert at Peace Lutheran

On March 25, attendees were treated to a virtuoso performance by Pamela Whitman of haunting melodies played on rare flutes from around the world, integrated with other media and the non-violent messages of Ghandi and King. We are grateful for the offering, which was split between ACCA and the Music Ministry of Peace. 

Help Wanted: Journalism Students

Anyone with an interest in journalism, communications, and/or photography is invited to join ACCA's communications team to help with our monthly e-newsletter.  If you are interested, contact Martha Romans to learn more.