AWC's holistic approach focuses on neighborhood revitalization, the creation of stable homes, workforce development programming to move families to economic self-sufficiency, and the creation of greater awareness and engagement by the community. The Essential Support Program provides beds, furniture and other basic home goods to those leaving homelessness, fleeing domestic abuse, recovering from disaster, or simply living without the basics that make a home a home. The Workforce Development Program provides wraparound support to job seekers, and the Neighborhood Partnerships Program works within communities to help residents revitalize those communities from within. Employing on-the-ground programs and services, and developing large-scale solutions to root causes, AWC's mission is an ambitious one: to end poverty.

COVID-19 Update: AWC has continued to provide vital basic need items to thousands of children and adults in the region, adjusting its delivery model to ensure continuity of service in accordance with public health guidelines. It is now able to offer no-contact drop offs for donated items and to host clients for no-contact appointments that allow them to receive essential items for their homes. It has expanded the scope of its workforce development programming, providing support to job seekers as they face an increasingly challenging market.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Fairfax; Barry Farm, Southeast Washington, DC

Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+); All

Population(s) Served: All


  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   15,000
  • Number of clients we serve annually:   16,000
  • Number of homes we furnish annually:   4,400
  • Pounds of furniture we redistribute annually:   4,000,000

Awards & Recognition

The William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award, 2016

The Henry L. Dixon Award, 2016

SmartCEO Washington Cornerstone Award, 2016

The Paul Sarbanes Excellence in Community Service Award, 2015

CNN Hero, 2014

Washingtonian of the Year, 2014

Gazette of Politics and Business Exceptional 53, 2012

Andrea Jolly President's Award, 2010

People Magazine and Major League Baseball All Stars Among Us, 2010

Greater DC Cares Essence of Leadership Award, June 2010

Nonprofit of the Month! - Nonprofit Montgomery, 2009

Outstanding Service Award, Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, 2009

Outstanding Community Award, Ward Seven Education Council, 2008

Dick Price Small Business Award, 2008

Linowes Leadership Award, 2008

Washington Area Women's Foundation Leadership Award, 2008

Superior Court of the District of Columbia Certificate of Appreciation, 2007

Temple Sinai Social Action Award, 2006

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • The current budget for A Wider Circle is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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