Goodbye Winter, Your Donation Dollars, Investment Grant Awardee

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The Koinonia Foundation, Inc.

Finally saying good-bye to winter!

IN THIS ISSUE

DONATION DOLLARS

KOINONIA SELECTED FOR INVESTMENT GRANT

DINE-OUT FOR KOINONIA

VOLUNTEERING

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Greetings!
The sound of melting snow running down the gutter is providing us the assurance that warmer weather, a season without snow, is just around the corner. Welcome Spring!

2010 started with a firestorm of activity at Koinonia. But we continue to press on and trust that God is in control of our days. A burglary in January didn't break our spirit or cause us to stumble, and closing our office for 5 days in February because of snow proved that with proper planning we can make it through just about anything. Only God knows what March holds, and to that I say let's continue preparing ourselves.

May the arrival of Spring bring new life to your garden and joy to your hearts.

I also hope the arrival of Spring brings a renewing of the spirit of giving, and that Koinonia may be the recipient of your gifts. Thank you for your continued support.

Happy Spring!

Amy C. Lopez

"YOUR DONATION DOLLARS HARD AT WORK"

Melissa learned about Koinonia weeks before the holidays, after her husband of 17 years left her and her two teenage children. Melissa woke up one day to find that the life she had once known was painfully over, and she was left feeling scared, sad and terribly hurt.

Melissa came to Koinonia because she had nowhere else to turn. Quickly becoming a single-parent, providing for the kids and household on a single income, she needed help with her rent, food, support through the holidays, and most importantly a shoulder to cry on.

When Melissa sat with our Social Worker, she worked hard to maintain her composure, making certain the pain and her feeling of abandomment did not shine through. But with just a few caring words spoken during her counseling session, she let her walls come down! When she finally spoke after the tears subsided, all she could whisper was, "I keep thinking...17 years, 2 kids, why did he leave?" Then, "Thank you letting me cry with you!"

Melissa and her teenage children were adopted for Christmas througho ur Christmas Wishes program. Her children received gifts, Melissa received a gift card for herself, and they received a surprise gift of $200 to help with her utility bills. Melissa received food for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and continues to come to Koinonia for regular monthly food, and clothing.

Melissa says, "It's not easy. And each day I wonder 'Why me?', but I am so thankful that I can come to Koinonia. You are my friends!"

* * * * * * * * * *

In 2009, Koinonia....

Helped nearly 1,900 households
Gave away over 77,000 lbs of food
Served 566 children throughout our school-aged programs
Provided $34,000 in financial assistance for rent, utilities and prescription drugs.

Your donation dollars and in-kind goods have worked hard to meet the various needs of our community. Thank you!

KOINONIA SELECTED FOR COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANT

We are pleased to announce that Koinonia has been selected for a Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Community Investment Grant, of $7,500. Monies will be used for Emergency Relief Services which includes client assistance with rent and utilities. Community Foundation for Northern Virginia's Director of Grants, Lesley MacDonald, stated in his award letter, "We were very impressed with your application and with the work you are doing to benefit the community."

Koinonia has been fully supported by the community for over 40 years! Because of you, we have been thriving as a community agency, providing much needed help to those who need it most. However, our community has been hard-hit with job loss, increased medical needs, and increased demands on the family support system; Koinonia has been experiencing an increase in demand for services.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Community Investment Grant will enable us to continue our Emergency Relief Services for people in our community who need it most.

If you have any questions about this grant, or have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact Amy C. Lopez, Executive Director.

DINE-OUT FOR KOINONIA