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Hartwood Makes A House A Home

Improving Quality of Life Matters Most

Summer is coming to a close,

 it was a great one!

What a great summer we had! We were blessed to hold our 22nd Annual Hartwood Open and we set a record in donations. Simply put, THANK YOU! It was scorcher of a day and yet, we packed a field of golfers that in turn bid up our auction items and made our event a tremendous success!


It goes without saying A special THANK YOU for their hard work in running our event: Patrick McVean and has adorable family, Tommy and Michael McVean, Andy McVean, Kevin Warhurst, Paul Barbieri, Shannon Sieff, and Chrissy Smith. Additionally, a very special shout out to our favorite emcee, Steve Buckhantz and longtime tournament host, Billy Kilmer!


Separately, our residents enjoyed a fun summer filled with events and trips. We will share some of their adventures in our next newsletter. The close of summer is a bittersweet one, but rest assured it was an amazing one.


Thank you for your continued support of our residents and our mission

at Hartwood Foundation!

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A Note from our CEO/Executive Director, Sean McGinnis

As the CEO/Executive Director of Hartwood I have enjoyed the good fortune of serving as a co-facilitator of the Northern Virginia Coalition of Service Providers (the Coalition) for the past seven years. The Coalition consists of agencies and organizations across the northern Virginia region which provide services and supports to individuals - and families of individuals - with behavioral health needs, brain injury, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities. Three years ago the Coalition rolled out its newly developed DSPY awards (think ESPYs for you sports fans, but for direct care workers) to recognize, celebrate and reward the hard work and dedication of our incredible direct support professionals. There are six categories, including one for immediate DSP supervisors since they all work as DSPs fairly regularly. Nominations come from senior management staff, co-workers, support coordinators, individuals in service and their families. I could not be more proud to say that we had 30 nominations this year with two of our staff members having been chosen as TOP 5 in one of the six categories. Winners are not announced until the night of the DSPYs (Sep 11th) where our nominees and their colleagues will enjoy dinner, fellowship, music and dancing, and the awards ceremony.

 

A special thanks to those family members who nominated Hartwood staff.

 

Sean McGinnis

Executive Director

Hartwood Foundation, Inc.

Sean.McGinnis@HartwoodFoundation.com


THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING WORK!

Become a Hartwood Team Member


Are you a people-person?

Do you enjoy helping others and playing an important role in their personal growth?

Are you patient, like challenges and adjust well to change?

Become a Hartwood Direct Support Professional and support individuals with developmental disabilities to become more independent and live meaningful lives in their local communities.

Learn more here:

Careers | Hartwood Foundation

Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris Announces Ticket Price Reductions for Disabled Fans and Families Facing Hardship

In a bold and compassionate move that has sent ripples across the NFL, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has unveiled a new initiative aimed at making the thrill of live football accessible to all fans. The Commanders organization announced significant reductions in ticket prices for disabled fans and families facing financial hardships, ensuring that every member of Commanders nation has the chance to experience the excitement of game day in person.

As costs for attending NFL games continue to rise, many loyal fans have struggled to afford the full game-day experience, from tickets to parking and concessions. Recognizing this challenge, Harris emphasized the importance of inclusivity and community in the world of professional football.

ā€œFootball is for everyone,ā€ Harris said in a heartfelt statement. ā€œNo fan should ever feel left out because of financial or personal challenges. That’s why we’re reducing ticket prices for people with disabilities and families facing hardship. Commanders nation is a family, and everyone deserves the chance to be part of the excitement on the field.ā€

The announcement comes at a time when financial pressures have increasingly prevented fans from attending live games. By offering discounted tickets for those in need, the Commanders are breaking down barriers and making it clear that football is a sport for everyone, not just those who can afford premium pricing.

Harris also highlighted that this initiative is about more than just ticket prices—it’s a message of solidarity and community. Football is an integral part of Washington, D.C.’s culture, and Harris stressed that every fan, regardless of their financial situation, should have the opportunity to be part of the game-day atmosphere at Northwest Stadium.

While many NFL teams have engaged in charitable initiatives, the Washington Commanders’ decision to focus specifically on accessibility for disabled fans and financially challenged families sets this move apart. It underscores the team’s commitment to their supporters and to creating an inclusive environment for all.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the announcement has already been met with praise from fans, local advocacy groups, and community organizations. The initiative strengthens the bond between the Commanders and their loyal fan base, reaffirming that Commanders nation is more than just a team—it’s a community built on passion, loyalty, and unity.

Through this forward-thinking approach, Josh Harris and the Washington Commanders are setting a powerful example for the league, showing how sports organizations can make a tangible impact on their communities. By ensuring no fan is left behind, the Commanders prove that football is about more than just the game—it’s about connection, inclusivity, and giving every fan a chance to feel the energy and excitement of being part of something bigger.


This article was published in FEJI on August 27, 2025.

As always, we greatly appreciate any support that our subscribers can provide as these donations directly impact our residents every day!

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Thank you for being a part of the Hartwood Family!

Hartwood Foundation, Inc

3701 Pender Dr. Suite 540

Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703-273-0939

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