When my dad died, I was unable to join a grief support group because the timing was off. I found…read moreHaven of Northern VA and participated on one-on-one counseling and then joined a support group later. I got more out of the one-on-one counseling. It was tremendously helpful. I decided to become one of their volunteers (it's an all volunteer group except the Exec Dir) . I went through training Jan-March 2020, and just as I was ready to start, COVID hit. They are still offering counseling through Zoom and calls.

This is a bona fide non-profit group whose mission is to help individuals with grief…read more I participated in the six-week session at Hope Lutheran Church (annex building) in Annandale with two terrific counselors, Lorna and a gentleman whose name I forget but whose demeanor and people skills were excellent. This helped greatly in working through the grief associated with the death of my 80-year old father. In their words, "Haven is a non-profit, nonsectarian community organization of trained volunteers that offers emotional support to the bereaved, the seriously ill, the dying and to their families and friends. Haven provides education to the community about the needs of those who are grieving." - from the web site. This group teaches the mourner how to cope and confront, not mask, the grief. There is education and support. And although donations are welcome, there are no standard fees. Yes, the person who has had the loss will need to attend the 6 weekly sessions and give the process the respect it deserves. But you will grow as a person. If you are newly bereaved or even if your loss happened a while ago and you cannot 'get over' your grief of a loved one, then please consult Haven and their volunteer staff. You will not be sorry. Here is their web site so you may read for yourself to see if their program is for you: http://www.havenofnova.org/ Haven has special targeted bereavement support groups such as survivors of suicide. Suicide Loss Support Group, Saturday 11:00am to 12:30pm Meets the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month No reservation necessary

They were very kind and helpful when I dropped off food and a brand new unopened box of diapers…read moremonths ago. They weighed it and gave me a tax receipt. I plan on bringing more canned food to them this holiday season, to help others in need. Thanks for all that you do here.

Lending a helping hand…read more.. I had the pleasure of doing some charity work while I was in Washington, DC. The Capital Area food bank offers an invaluable service to the area providing food for families in need. With the tough economics times the country finds itself in, it was encouraging to be part of good works. It also brought an awareness of the circumstances that people end up in a blink of an eye. It is great to know that their are everyday angels out their making a difference.....

I loved finding a place to donate my work clothes that I no longer need. I called ahead to confirm…read morea large drop off and Savannah was nice enough to come downstairs with a cart to get it. best wishes to everyone who's able to use donated clothes to take the next step in their Journey.

I've donated women's business clothes to this organization, so that women looking for a job can…read morearrive in business attire.

I am a research assistant here at this center and they are great. Students like myself, that go to…read moreGeorge Mason University assist with patients needs who are not eligible for a health insurance. Great resource to have.

Great place, very caring and knowledgable staff- ask for Leah the Director she is great! If they…read moredo not have the resources they will help you get them. The volunteers really go out of their way to help you- and helped me in every way possible through my crisis pregnancy.

12/14/22 This past Sunday on 12/11/22 we (my wife and I)…read moretook a trip back to The Journey Church. I like how laid back they are on the dress code for Church. Dressing up to go to Sunday School/Church rubbed me the wrong way. If I wasn't comfortable in what I wore, my attention to church was nonexistent. This is when I was much younger. Still today I am glad to see Church goers wearing everyday clothing and not necessarily the monkey suit. Anyhow, after talking with the pastor for the second time, I find him very laid back and cool to talk to. In the back of my mind i wondered what could be today's lesson in church? Today's Lesson: The Storm Have you ever had a personal storm in your life? Well today's lesson. Started out with how weather people...no,...meteorologist decided to name storms after women. This was later changed to men an women's name. Some of the names of selected storms have a deeper meaning than others. The lesson in short was to keep hope in what you do, because without hope, you might be battling a storm physically, mentally or both for a long time. I don't go to Church very often, but this place gives off good vibes even if I still don't know many of the people there. My wife says the main reason for being there is God. Anything else is an added bonus. I am not as into the Lord as she is, but I will say this. The music, how I feel then I am there and the history of lessons learned keep me coming back for more. I find it fascinating how things I learned in school, specifically Western/Eastern Civilization and American History had bites and peices of things I am now hearing from The Bible. I am moving at a snail's pace come paired to my wife. Yet I don't believe there is a set speed for religion. If there is, my God will have to have patience. Still, I am on a Journey of self discovery. Who knows what I will discover next week.

This church is NOT all that it's meant out to be. I Went there twice. Then entered at the Young…read moreAdult group. Hung with a member for dinner. then she snitched on me. About something I still DON"T know anything about. Then one of the church leaders said I have pour boundaries and recommend that I have an escort to escort and be with me while "I'm there. at the same time. the leader that asked me for my case managers personal information. I then told her no. Then she asked if she could speak to my mom about counseling services that they provide. I was kicked out of the group on top if it all. This church is NOT supportive and Extremely hypocritical. the church is a FAKE. Don't let the leaders mislead and play you.They sure played me. plus mislead me as well. I will not even give this church a single star. The leader that did this to me was a British member... named Tamin. She is the damn reason why I have stated all this. Tamin go straight to hell.

When you speak at immigration conferences advocating for more liberal national immigration policies…read more(translation: you need more cheap labor), don't presume to speak for all of your residents. It presumes too much, even though in your mind you think you have a captive audience. This place is a huge beehive. The common rooms look lovely. At $5 K a month, they should. Everything else is college dormitory quality. It's basically storage for old people, stacked on top of one another. Look for a nursing home further out from urban cesspools -- further, smaller, more people oriented. This is just a business. NEXT !!

Plus two stars for the administration's response to the pandemic. They've done a commendable job…read moreand I'm grateful that my mom and her friends and neighbors are safe and well.

Carpenter's Shelter is a place of transformation for families and individuals experiencing…read morehomelessness. I've seen firsthand how the staff, volunteers, and donors work together to help people move from crisis to stability with dignity and support. The comment below about "unneeded buildings" couldn't be further from the truth. The new facility was part of the New Heights Campaign--a visionary project with Housing Alexandria that created a purpose-built shelter and affordable housing in one location. It includes David's Place (Alexandria's only day shelter for unsheltered adults), a modern kitchen to ensure residents receive nutritious meals, dedicated play areas to support healthy child development, and more. Carpenter's Shelter also operates a second shelter location serving single adults, and it provides Alexandria's Winter Hypothermia Shelter, ensuring no one is left outside in dangerous weather. With rapid rehousing, education scholarships, and wraparound services, this organization is so much more than a shelter--it's a lifeline. If you're unsure about the impact, take a tour. You'll see it for yourself.

I used to frequently donate to this shelter, and then from the things I've seen there in person…read morehave decided my time and money would be best spent somewhere else as the money is really going into the pockets of the employees and for brand new unneeded buildings and not where it needs to be. They will then call and hound you via mail for more and more and more donations even after asking nicely to be removed off their mailing lists multiple times. No matter how hard you try you won't be able to ever be free of this place. I wish I never got involved with them. I've learned my lesson on "charity."