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Hello, Graduates

Youth Education Program

Meet Gem and Amber

Young Leaders Making A Difference

Honoring the Life and Legacy

of Helen Lewis

Zebra

Article on Under the Stars by Judith Fogel

Community Lodgings' Annual Fundraiser - Under the Stars

Presenting Sponsor Virtue Feed & Grain

Thank You!

Many Thanks & Gratitude

Many Hands, Burke & Herbert Bank Foundation, Inova Community Health Opportunities, Rotary Club of Alexandria, Herb Block Foundation

The Chamber ALX '40 Over 40'

Congratulations, Shelli

We proudly congratulate our Youth Education Program (YEP) students who have been accepted to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and into the National Guard!

Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and we are excited to see them take this important next step in their educational journey. We wish them continued success as they pursue their goals and build bright futures.

When Gem arrived in the United States from the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru, everything felt bigger.

Back home, Gem can drive around the entire island in just 30 minutes. “You can literally walk around the whole country in one day,” she shared with a laugh. So arriving in the U.S. for the first time was more than just travel — it was a major cultural shift.

She and her friend Amber are participating in the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) program through Cultural Vistas, an international exchange initiative that connects emerging leaders from Pacific Island nations with organizations across the United States. This year, Community Lodgings had the privilege of welcoming them into our community.

Gem’s work back home centers on empowering young people who are no longer in school. Through arts, culture, and entrepreneurship, she teaches youth how to reconnect with their identity while building practical life skills. Young people learn to express their culture through painting and creative projects — and even sell their artwork to generate income.

“Our goal is to help youth learn about who they are,” Gem explained. “They can put their identity into paintings, sell that work, and make money from it.”

The YPL program is designed to help participants strengthen projects they plan to implement in their home countries. Each participant is matched with an organization that aligns with their work and goals. For Gem, Community Lodgings became a place to learn new approaches to youth engagement, community building, and educational support.

Working with children at Community Lodgings has been especially meaningful for her.

“I think this has been an eye-opener for me,” she said. “The kids I’ve met are all from different cultures as well, so it’s been really eye-opening to explore that.”

While Gem is used to working with older youth, her experience here introduced her to younger students and new ways of supporting children and families across cultures.

The exchange doesn’t end when participants return home. Through the program, leaders like Gem and Amber can invite collaborators from the U.S. to visit their home countries and support projects there as well — creating lasting global partnerships rooted in learning, service, and shared purpose.

Before ending the conversation, Gem expressed gratitude for the experience and the welcome she and Amber received during their time here.

“We’re really grateful to be here,” she said. “Grateful to YPL Cultural Vistas, and also to Community Lodgings for having me and my friend Amber.”

At Community Lodgings, we believe powerful change happens when communities connect across borders, cultures, and experiences. Gem and Amber’s story is a reminder that leadership, creativity, and hope can grow anywhere in the world — especially when people are given the opportunity to learn from one another.

"We are saddened by the passing of our founding Co-Executive Director, Helen Lewis. Her vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for everything our organization has become.

As Executive Director, I am honored to carry forward the mission she championed with such passion. Her leadership transformed an idea into a lasting source of hope and opportunity for countless individuals and families. While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life dedicated to service and community. Helen's legacy will continue to inspire our work and guide our mission for generations to come.

On behalf of our staff, board, volunteers, and all those whose lives were touched by her dedication, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones." - Lynn Thomas, Executive Director of Community Lodgings

Thank you for making Under the Stars a stellar experience!

The generous support of our collective community of sponsors, partners, donors, and volunteers helped us soar past our goal, break records, and raise more than $91,084.94!!

We are grateful to "Marcy", a Transitional Housing Program client, for courageously sharing her heartfelt testimonial about previously experiencing violence, housing instability, and limited opportunities for work, Today, she is employed, has paid off debt, her children are thriving, and they are living in a safe, stable environment free from constant fear and threat.

Marcy is living proof that our housing model, range of programs and supportive services, and budget mentorship work.

You make good things happen and have a profound positive effect on families when you advocate, volunteer, and contribute to our mission. Thank You!

A Special Thank You to

Tom Gale & Virtue Feed & Grain, Presenting Sponsor!

We are beyond grateful to Tom for bringing the energy and excitement to Under the Stars, leading the live appeal, and generously donating two rare bottles of bourbon from his private collection as unique gifts.

Tom regaled the audience with his amazing talents, and his generosity kicked the live appeal into high gear and generated tremendous interest, helping raise thousands of dollars in support of Community Lodgings' programs and services.

The direct impact of all funds raised advance our mission to lift families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency through Transitional Housing, Affordable Housing, and Youth Education Programs. The kindness and generosity expressed by all donors and contributors allows us to continue serving families with the equitable housing, education, and resources they deserve and need to build stable, productive futures.

Thank you, Tom, for making such a meaningful impact on the children and families we serve!

Image credit: Sarah B.

Thank you to all who contributed and supported this amazing fundraiser with your sponsorships, in-kind partnerships, general and live appeal donations, and volunteerism.

You helped us raise $91,084.94!

Presenting Sponsor

Hi-Rise Sponsors

Developer Sponsors

Builder Sponsors

Interior Designer Sponsor

Project Manager Sponsors

In-Kind Partners

We're excited to share we've received a $5,000 grant from Burke & Herbert Bank Foundation in support of our general operations and programs!

This flexible funding helps sustain all aspects of our work—from affordable housing and family support services to youth education programs—ensuring we can continue meeting the needs of the families we serve.

We're grateful for the Burke & Herbert Bank Foundation's partnership and investment in our mission to build stability, opportunity, and brighter futures throughout our community.

We're honored to have been awarded a $25,000 grant through the 2026 Inova Community Health Opportunities program in support of our NextUp Career Readiness Track.

This 30-week program supports teens in our Youth Education Program through career exploration, workforce readiness training, and individualized career planning led by an experienced vocational coach. Students will engage in group sessions, one-on-one coaching, industry exposure, and a final capstone presentation showcasing their career goals and pathways.

Through partnerships with organizations including Inova, the Electricians Union, Dreams2Degrees, and local colleges, students gain meaningful exposure to healthcare, trades, and post-secondary pathways.

Thank you Inova for investing in opportunities that help young people build confidence, clarity, and readiness for life after high school.

Herb Block Foundation Grant Supports Youth Success

Thanks to funding from the Herb Block Foundation, we will continue providing mentoring, academic support, tutoring, and counseling through our Youth Education Program.

The grant also strengthens our NextUp track, helping teens access vocational coaching, scholarships, and apprenticeship opportunities as they prepare for college or career pathways.

Stay tuned as additional grant funding will be announced soon!!!

Your Gift of Support

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Community Lodgings' Mission

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Deep Community Impact

Give a Monthly or Single Gift Today

*Give your best gift today and invest in the educational future of students while helping hardworking families live with dignity in Alexandria.*

Consider your impact with the Monthly Sustainer gift option.

How many times do we purchase a breakfast sandwich, full breakfast, and/or coffee each month? Each time we do that, it could total $15+.

Make a positive impact on families every month.

For $15/month ($180/year) - supports after-school education for 1 student.

For $25/month ($300/year), you can address food insecurity by providing 100 Weekender Food Bags for one week

Interested in learning how your contributions make an impact on our mission?



Call/email Shelli Vasser Gilliam.

703-549-4407 or svgilliam@community-lodgings.org.

The IMPACT of your gift:



1. Amplifies and supports the growth and development of our 1st through 12th grade students in the program
2. Plays a crucial role in their academic success and the holistic approach we take to address students' educational, experiential, social and emotional well-being
3. Bolsters our mission to lift families from instability to independence
4. Will be put to immediate use

Gift-Giving Options

Online

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

Personal Check

Qualifying Charitable Distribution (QCD)

Stock Transfer

Please mail DAFs, personal checks, QCDs to:

Community Lodgings, Attn: Shelli Vasser Gilliam

3912 Elbert Avenue, Suite #108, Alexandria, VA 22305

*Community Lodgings accepts stock transfers in cash or securities.* 



Email Shelli Vasser Gilliam, Director of Development 

at svgilliam@community-lodgings.org or call 703-549-4407 to receive more information for you and your Financial Advisor or Wealth Management Company. 

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