APRIL 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
Reflecting on Impact:
2023 Annual Report
Appreciation Reception–
Celebrate Our Success!
KCSC's REACH program
Christy's Corner
Resident Life-Earth Month
Summer Internships Available
Meet New Director of Fundraising — Zach Cummings
2023 ANNUAL REPORT: CELEBRATING
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Take a look at all we were able to accomplish this past year! 

Scroll through our 2023 Annual Report to see heartwarming photos and inspiring program descriptions that showcase the resilience and hope that define our organization. As you peruse these pages, know that your partnership has been instrumental in fueling our success. Thank you for your unwavering support—we couldn't do it without YOU!
FEELING LUCKY? WIN A RAFFLE PRIZE ON MAY 18
RSVP Today and Join the Celebration!
Saturday May 18, 2024 | 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm

Free Event — Registration Required
Will we see you on Saturday, May 18 for the

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, champagne, wine, craft beers, and meeting fellow supporters. Additionally, you won’t want to miss a chance at winning one of our valuable raffle prizes.

Below are just a few of the prizes you could win:

  • Two tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game at Nationals Park
  • At-home Pilates gift basket to keep up with your wellness goals
  • Win Big with Gift Cards: Treat Yourself to a Shopping Spree or Delicious Dinner Date!
  • Pamper Your Pup Prize Pack - A Tail-Wagging Treat for Dog Lovers
 
Who doesn’t love a free gift?!?! So, RSVP by May 9 and try your luck! 
The Appreciation Reception is our way of thanking the many volunteers, donors, community partners, and other supporters for their dedication and commitment to our mission!
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
woman standing behind a podium giving a presentation with a screen and a banner to her right
A New Collaboration to
Benefit Our Residents
The Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington (KCSCGW) is proud to announce its partnership with Fellowship Square, a collaboration made possible by a grant from the CDC's REACH Program funds. This partnership will bring vital health initiatives to the residents of Hunters Woods Fellowship House, benefiting the local community in Reston, Virginia.

Fellowship Square staff attended KCSC’s 50th anniversary gala in McLean, VA where they had an opportunity to meet board, staff and all those that participate in the organization’s mission. We appreciate their partnership and look forward to working together in improving the quality of life for our residents.
From left to right: Binbin Ying, Community Health Specialist, Fairfax Health Department; Katherine Alexander, Director of Resident Services; Brenda Martinez, Communications & Development Coordinator; Jane Kung, Service Coordinator, Hunters Woods.
CHRISTY'S CORNER
Three older ladies clasping hands
You Help Our Seniors Live Better
Next month we’re hosting “A Petal of Thanks” Appreciation Reception to honor and celebrate the many donors, volunteers, community partners and other supporters that make our mission come to life at each of our Fellowship House properties.

There’s no question that Fellowship Square could never deliver all the great programs, services, activities and the feeling of value and belonging that our residents have without the hundreds of volunteers and partners that show up to help weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly. We cannot say “Thank You” enough to these wonderful people, companies and organizations. This event is in their honor and we will uplift and celebrate all that they do.

In fact, a recent study from the University of Chicago found that older adults living in senior living properties actually live longer because of the wonderful resident life experience provided to them in a congregate living setting.

We’re so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish with the help of so many! I hope you will join us May 18 in celebration of all of our generous supporters!


With gratitude,
Christy Zeitz
CEO
VISION BEYOND THE PRESENT:
2024 BOARD AND STAFF MEETING
group of adults posing together
group of people posing together in a hotel room
group of adults posing in a bar
At our recent three-day retreat, both staff and Fellowship Board members came together for a transformative experience focused on building stronger relationships and deepening our shared vision. Through engaging discussions and learning sessions, we gained valuable insights into our industry and mission, fostering a stronger, more unified team. This retreat was a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving our community with passion and purpose.
one person making a presentation to a seated group
two women making a presentation
RESIDENT LIFE
Celebrating Earth Day with Creativity
Lake Ridge
Fellowship House

Residents painted clay pots and planted basil plants with members from Sentara Hospital. Thank you for bonding with our residents and helping them learn about Medicare's benefits! See all the creativity on Flickr.
J. Omine sharing her artistic skills!
Hunters Woods
Fellowship House

April is Earth Month! Residents participated in a creative art workshop to color some beautiful drawings and learn ways to help care for our earth. There was a great turnout, and the event helped foster good mental health for our residents. Thank you Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington (KCSCGW) for putting this event together for our residents! View all the beautiful work from our talented residents.
Pictured from left to right: C. Yi, C. Choi, T. Oh, Y. Yim, and Y. Cho
Residents and staff celebrated Earth Day by participating in a community clean-up day, armed with trash bags and picker pins. Their efforts in giving back to the community are truly appreciated! Take a look at their efforts and what they accomplished.
Largo Landing
Fellowship House

Residents will joyfully welcome the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority to mark Earth Day. The Sorority will graciously host this event, during which they will plant perennials and annuals, revitalizing the patio's planters. We look forward to beautifying the property's patio together.
close up of hands wearing gardening gloves planing a bright pink flower
WELCOME!
Meet New Director of Fundraising –
Zach Cummings
headshot of Zach Cummings
Zach Cummings, an experienced fundraiser with nearly 20 years of experience, currently serves as the Director of Fundraising for Fellowship Square.  
 
His passion lies in making a positive impact on the lives of his neighbors, particularly through his skills as a fundraiser for non-profit and community organizations. Zach’s tireless efforts have helped bridge gaps and create opportunities for those in need. Before coming to Fellowship Square, he worked as a residential real estate agent, as well as founding and operating his own fundraising consulting company.  
 
Originally from Ohio, Zach brings a Midwestern work ethic and values to his endeavors. He pursued higher education at Otterbein University, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of community dynamics. Zach lives in Leesburg, Virginia. Currently, he serves as a Leesburg Town Councilman. His efforts focus on raising up Leesburg’s small businesses, creating affordable housing, and helping make Leesburg a great place to live, work, and raise a family. His wife, Jeanette, son, Jackson, and their Australian Shepherd, Taylor Sniffs, form the heart of their home. Beyond his role as a councilman, Zach actively contributes to the community as the president of the PTA. His commitment to education and his family well-being shines through in this role.
 
Zach Cummings exemplifies dedication, compassion, and a relentless drive to make a difference. 
two women at a display table
DMV Summit

Christy Zeitz, CEO, and Brenda Martinez, Communications & Development Coordinator, represented Fellowship Square at this year's DMV Affordable Housing Summit in Washington, DC. They exhibited at the event, engaging with various professionals in the affordable housing sector. The summit emphasized innovative development approaches, investment opportunities, and policy changes shaping affordable housing in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including initiatives like Amazon's Housing Equity Fund projects. Attendees networked and explored solutions for accessible and sustainable housing challenges.
Did You Know with a large question mark
The first Earth Day in 1970 led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, and, two years later, the Clean Water Act.

WITNESSING SOLAR ECLIPSE
2 people viewing the eclipse
Fellowship Square staff took a break from their daily routines to witness the spectacular solar eclipse. They stepped out of the office to marvel at this awe-inspiring event, enjoying a unique bonding experience and the chance to witness the wonders of the universe.
Participation in Thrivent Choice® &
Thrivent Action Teams makes a difference!

Thrivent clients with membership have a unique opportunity to help us provide affordable housing and services to older adults who struggle to make ends meet. Consider making a personal donation, leading a Thrivent Action Team or directing Thrivent Choice Dollars®. Go to Thrivent.com/generosity to learn more.