 Alternative House
December 2013
41 years of providing a better tomorrow for today's youth.
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Our offices are beginning to look like Santa's workshop! A big thank you to all of you who are dropping off toys, books, clothing and other gifts for the children and youth in our programs.
The young people in our Community Based programs for disadvantaged children and youth are looking forward to toys and soccer balls and art supplies. Their parents are grateful for the warm clothing their children will be receiving. The same is true for the homeless teens and young adults in our other programs. They are really looking forward to the "fun" gifts but they will also truly appreciate the clothing, shoes and household necessities we see entering our office. And in our Assisting Young Mothers program, I don't know who is more excited, the toddlers or the grown-ups when seeing holiday magic shine in the little one's eyes.
We provide shelter for more than 300 young people each year and our Community Based programs reach more than 1,500. We could never help that many young people and their families without your generosity. Thank you!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and a peaceful and joyous year ahead.
- Judith Dittman
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"Kiera" came to Alternative House's new Transitional Living Program last spring  when her job coach told her about our program. Kiera had moved to the DC metro area with hopes of going to college, but when housing for school fell through, she found herself homeless and unable to attend school. She tried to work part-time jobs, but had difficulty maintaining employment without stable housing and spent time living in her car. She found housing briefly with a boyfriend, but this living situation quickly became very dangerous; Kiera was forced to leave when he fired a gun in front of her. After the trauma she experienced she alternated between staying with church members and living out of her car. Kiera told her job coach about her housing issues and was referred to our Transitional Living program. Kiera worked with our counselors and found safe, affordable, stable housing with the assistance of a rental subsidy. Once housed Kiera was able to gain full-time employment, earn a cosmetology certificate, and create a budget that allows her to begin saving money as well as pay off her debts. Kiera has now managed to save some money and is on her way to a financially successful future!
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 "Like" our page and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Alternative House! You will find information about volunteer opportunities, donation needs, events, and learn how others are partnering up with us to make a difference in the lives of young people. |
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New Townhouse for the
Assisting Young Mothers Program
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Two young moms and their toddlers from our Assisting Young Mothers (AYM) program will be receiving a wonderful gift this holiday season - a beautifully renovated townhouse that will help them get back on their feet and protect the safety of their children.
The nonprofit organization HomeAid recruited M/I Homes to lead the renovation of our new townhouse. Other building industry trade partners volunteered their time and resources to help with the effort. The property needed a lot of repairs and layout changes to make it a more functional space for the new residents. The crew added an extra full bathroom upstairs, so that each mother could have their own place to bathe and take care of their child. They also tore up old carpet and repaired the floors and stairs, created a donation storage room, blew extra insulation into the attic, and child-proofed the deck. This project cost just over $32,000, and the amount was covered in its entirety by all those involved.
An incredible group of people are making this holiday season very special for the four new townhouse residents, and they will be able to ring in the new year with hope, joy and gratitude.
Happy Holidays.
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Ambassadors are short-term volunteers who help invite ten people to our Open Door Information Sessions within a three-month time frame. These sessions are held every second Tuesday of the month at 10 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm, and provide a great opportunity to tour Alternative House's Emergency Shelter for Teenagers, learn about our programs, and hear about the successes of our young people.
Next two Open Door Information Session dates:
January 14th
February 11th
For more information, please contact Jade Leedham at
jade_leedham@thealternativehouse.org or (703) 506-9191 x 2008.
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| Staff Spotlight - Meghan Huebner |
 We would like to introduce you to Meghan Huebner, our Director of Residential Services. Meghan has been with Alternative House since 2001. She started as an overnight counselor, was promoted to a resident counselor, then returned to school to get her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in New York. She then returned to us as the Program Coordinator for the Assisting Young Mothers Program. In 2007, Meghan was promoted to Director of Residential Services and continues in that position today overseeing our Emergency Shelter for Teenagers, Assisting Young Mothers Program, our Homeless Youth Initiative and Transitional Living Program. Meghan is also proficient in Spanish and has a BA from Haverford College with a major in Spanish and minors in education, Latin American and Iberian Studies.
Meghan's hobbies include her family, Yankees Baseball and baking.
Meghan is such a bright spot here at Alternative House and is always a positive influence to those around her.
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| Volunteer Spotlight - Ronald Giusti |
Committed to helping those in need and preventing and ending homelessness, Ronald Giusti wanted to give back to the community after his retirement. In April 2013, Ronald began volunteering at Alternative House's Teen Center for 7th through 12th graders in the Culmore neighborhood of Fairfax County, and he has been an asset to the program ever since.
Program Coordinator, Soraya Borja, refers to Ronald as "compassionate, open-minded and sensitive to other cultures." While volunteering, Ronald enrolled in a Spanish course at Northern Virginia Community College to better communicate with and tutor the young people at the Teen Center, and he intends to re-enroll next semester. What does Ronald like most about volunteering at the Teen Center? "I love twisting their arms to let me help them with their homework and reading," Ronald jokes. "I'm kidding. These are very nice kids and they welcome a lot of help that they're getting." He also enjoys taking breaks to shoot pool and engage informally with the teenagers. During his time away from the Teen Center, Ronald enjoys playing racquetball with friends and spending time with his son and wife.
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Our Wish List
We gratefully accept in-kind donations for all our programs. Learn more.
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Ways to Donate
There are many ways to support Alternative House. Learn more.
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Alternative House is always looking for a variety of volunteers. Learn more.
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Open Door Information Session
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2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182 * 703.506.9191 * 1.800.SAY.TEEN
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