Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith)
Reston Interfaith helps those that are homeless and struggling in Northern Virginia to build more stable lives by connecting them to vital resources that solve their needs for housing, child care, food or financial assistance. Programs and services include the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia Prevention Program and the Thanksgiving Food Drive. 571-323-9555 or www.cornerstonesva.org/.
Council for the Arts of Herndon
The Council for the Arts of Herndon is the Town of Herndon’s officially designated local arts agency. CAH is a private, not-for-profit charitable organization supported by citizens, businesses and the public sector including the Town of Herndon and the Arts Council of Fairfax County. www.herndonarts.org.
Herndon-Reston FISH
FISH stands for “Friendly Immediate Sympathetic Help.” The volunteer, non-sectarian non-profit is dedicated to helping local residents through short-term crises. Currently FISH is eeking general volunteers or monetary donations. http://herndonrestonfish.org.
Touching Heart
Touching Heart is an organization that encourages children to help others by creating a wishlist for a child in one of the orphanages or foster care center affiliated with the organization and asking friends and family to donate to the wish list. The children who receive the gift respond with a letter or sometimes a painting or handmade gift and the two learn about each other and the joy of sharing this way. Teenagers and children that volunteer and help run the organization participate in leadership programs. 703-901-7355 or http://www.touchingheart.com/.
The Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic
Last year, 139 community volunteers—nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians gave more than 1,300 hours of their time to see patients. jsfreeclinic.org.
Shelter House
Shelter House was formed in 1981 when several ecumenical groups came together to better serve Fairfax County's low-income population; Shelter House follows the Housing First model, with the main priority to re-house every family that begins one of their six unique housing programs. Currently Shelter House is seeking monetary, item and time donations. http://www.shelterhouse.org/.
LINK: Link Against Hunger
LINK provides emergency food assistance by request on a daily basis and hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas programs. The organization is comprised of 14 member churches serving Herndon, Sterling and Ashburn. LINK needs contributions of food, coats and holiday toys for children, plus volunteers. More than 4,000 adults and children have signed up for help with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. 703-437-1776 or www.linkagainsthunger.org.
Northern Virginia Technology Council
A not-for-profit that functions similarly to a chamber of commerce for tech companies, providing resources and networking opportunities for tech businesses; offices are in Herndon, Reston, Chantilly and Centreville. www.nvtc.org.