2013_02_16 Grand Opening: Center for Professional Development (CPD), A Wider Circle (AWC)

Grand Opening:  Center for Professional Development (CPD)

Saturday, February 16, 2013, 1-2pm

A Wider Circle (AWC)

9159-C Brookville Road 
Silver Spring, MD 20910  

Driving Directions to the Center

Mailing Address: 
4808 Moorland Lane, Ste. 802
Bethesda, MD 20814 

Phone: 301-608-3504
Fax: 301-608-3508

Email: contact@awidercircle.org
Questions about donating furniture? furnish@awidercircle.org

A Wider Circle (AWC) has taken the next step in its effort to help people rise out of poverty:  The creation of our new Center for Professional Development (CPD).  The Center is located in our newest addition, a 4,000 square-foot space just fifty yards from our Center for Community Service.  The grand opening will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16. Please RSVP if you would like to attend!

We have already begun to take donations of items for this center so send or bring 'em over - the items that are in great condition, that is. Business attire of all types - suits, ties, scarves, shoes (we will distribute only new shoes), dress shirts, dress pants, briefcases, handbags, and a wide range of business accessories - will be available, free of charge, at our Center for Professional Development. Click here for donation guidelines.

We will provide these items to anyone who is seeking to enter the workforce and does not have the funds to make that journey. So many of those we currently serve are in that situation, and we have had requests from many shelters and other social service agencies.  We will soon be able to say YES to all these requests.

This new addition is part of our vow to do whatever it takes to help our fellow citizens rise out of poverty. We know that adults cannot get out of poverty unless they can gain and sustain employment.  That is why in this past year we expanded all of our educational offerings, especially the job skills curriculum, and this center is another step in providing wrap-around support.

There are a lot of people to help get ready for work.  Please email any time with questions on how you can volunteer at this new center, help collect items, or help us build relationships in the community to make sure that we bring the highest quality items to those in need of support as they pursue employment.

How do I donate professional attire and accessories?

When it comes to professional attire and accessories, we find that the best guide is, “Will these items best help an individual to look polished and professional in his or her job interview?”

That said, business suits and suit separates are the main focus, as noted below.

Attire:

  • Suits
  • Suit Separates
  • Dress shirts and blouses
  • Ties
  • Simple Dresses

Please note that all items should be clean and on hangers.  Our volunteers send their thanks in advance!

Accessories:

  • Purses
  • Briefcases
  • Belts
  • New Shoes (new only is the goal with shoes, unless you have a pair you purchased and never wore.)

Items can all be dropped off at our existing center, 9159 Brookville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910.  If you are doing a large drive and need a pick-up, simply call us at 301-608-3504.