Alternative House Newsletter
 Alternative House: 40 years serving our community
May 2012
In This Issue
Wish List
Volunteer Spotlight
Graduation Celebration
Take a Shelter Tour
Volunteer
New Development Director
Wish List

We are in need of the following items. Donations may be delivered to our Teen Shelter on Gallows Road in Vienna any day between 9am-8pm. Thank you.

 

Bathroom Tissue

Paper Towels

Facial Tissue

Tall Kitchen Trash Bags

New sponges

Gift cards to Staples

Reams of Copy paper 

 

See our full 

Wish List

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The AH Story
Help us share the Alternative House story and mission. By telling others about why you support Alternative House, you can help us share our story.

Invite one of our Directors to speak to your Faith, Civic, Community or Professional group. We will be happy to attend.

Invite a friend to attend an Open Door Tour at the Teen Shelter.

Invite your friends to join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter.

Contact
for more information.
Delicious Donations
We would like to thank the following individuals, businesses and groups for dinners and food donations. We truly appreciate your support. 

Ra Chan

Mark and  Betsy DeWeese

Carlos Estin

Philip Jaffa

Amee Vermilye

 

Auntie Anne's - Tysons

Chipotle - Tysons

Drink More Water

Food for Others

Lewinsville Presbyterian Church

Kentucky Fried Chicken-Annandale

Kentucky Fried Chicken-Bailey's Cross Road

Marvelous Market

Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild

Rotary Club of McLean

Rotary Club of Tysons Corner

St. Stephen's United Methodist Church

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Vale United Methodist Church

Vienna Inn

 

 AH Sign

This month marks 40 years since Alternative House officially opened its doors.  What better way to celebrate the many lives we have touched than to thank all of you -- individuals, organizations, and businesses that have contributed both time and treasure to make it possible.  You have helped us deliver critically needed support to children, teens, young adults and families who might otherwise slip through the cracks. 

 

It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the number of young people and their families whose lives have been touched over all these years.  Last year alone our staff helped more than 2,000 children, youth and families.  Over the past 40 years, just at the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers, there have been more than 8,000 young people who received safe shelter and counseling.  Of course, our mission here is not about numbers.  It is about helping young people in crisis on an individual basis.  But each life we help touches others and multiplies the effect. 

 

In that same way, our generous volunteers and donors make it possible for us to multiply the effect of our dedicated staff.  During this special 40th anniversary year, I also want to express a special thanks to our current and past employees for their incredible commitment and compassionate care for the young people in our community.  Together we can make the next 40 years even better. -- Judith Dittman Executive Director

Volunteer Spotlight:  Anthony Arnolie
Anthony

 

Anthony helps Alterative House in some unusual ways.  He picks up donations, connects with young people, and he's currently leading us in the implementation of a new software package.  This software will allow us to better measure the effectiveness of our programs. 

 

Anthony has dedicated many hours to providing support and guidance to ensure this important project will be successfully implemented.  We will go "live" with this software in June thanks to Anthony!  

 

Anthony recently left the National Science Foundation as Director  & Chief Human Capital Officer to spend more time with his family.  He is a true community leader, active in many organizations and committed to making life better for others. Anthony lives in Vienna, Virginia with his wife and three children.

Graduation Celebration!!!!
 

We are happy and proud to announce the expected graduation of seven high school seniors from our Homeless Youth Initiative program! Last year, thanks to our supporter's enormous response we were able to provide all seniors with basic necessities they needed to ensure success in the next chapter of their lives. Please consider supporting this years seven graduating seniors by providing them with items needed to ensure the their continued success.  Please contact Chris Bartell for a list of requested items.

 

Learn about Alternative House
AH dorm room
    

Here's a great way to learn about Alternative House and introduce family, friends, and co-workers to our mission.

 

Please come for a 1 hour Open Door tour...seriously, no more then one hour, to learn how Alternative House helps:

  • Children and teens steer clear of gangs
  • Shelter homeless teens and young adults
  • Provide housing and support for young mothers

The tours are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month: at 10am, 3pm, or 6pm.  Upcoming dates include June 12th, July 10th, August 14th. 

 

You will not be asked to give financially or otherwise.

 

To RSVP please contact Chris Maggio at chris_maggio@thealternativehouse.org

or 703-506-9191 ext 115.

Volunteer

A volunteer is described in the Websters dictionary as:

volˇunˇteer  noun
  1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service.
  2. person who performs a service willingly and without pay.
I am always in awe of the many volunteers that willingly take time out of their busy schedules to serve and support us here at Alternative House.  So many have crossed paths here and so many will never know the difference they have made; not just the lives of our youth, but also our staff.  Thank you to the many volunteers that have changed ALL our lives in one way or another.
 
For more information on volunteering contact Christine Bartell or visit our Volunteer page
Welcome our new Development Director
 

Please join us in welcoming Chris Maggio our new Development Director.  Chris brings over 20 years experience in sales, funding raising, and volunteering to Alternative House.  Chris is a native Washingtonian and has an MBA from George Washington University.  Chris enjoys fishing, gardening, and is an avid Orioles and Redskins fans.  He is excited about increasing Alternative House's funding base so we can offer more services to help those in need.