Neighbors helping Neighbors

After nine years with a small national non-profit, I had hit the advocacy wall.


Still I was left with the desire to continue working in the non-profit arena but more on a local level. Saw an ad for a position with AMEN, applied and lucky for me, I was hired! Although here only a little over two months, I absolutely LOVE the mission and heart of this organization.



With only 3 part-time employees, a huge part of the daily work is done by tireless volunteers. Donations are generated through grants and generous folks who mostly live in Arlington; neighbors helping neighbors!

Knowing AMEN funds are helping Arlingtonians with such essentials as housing expenses, medical needs, transportation, etc., makes coming to work a feel good experience because I know that each day someone in my county is being helped during their time of need. Now that is what I call instant gratification!


Thanks, neighbors, for helping to keep families together, lights on, and prescriptions filled!

Filling Prescriptions

For the month of March, AMEN working through Safeway Pharmacies, contributed over $5,500 to help 43 individuals and/or families in Arlington fill their prescription needs.

There are many critical needs out there but being able to help with obtaining necessary medications is vital. Rather the medications are needed to recover from a short term illness or ongoing health problems, providing this service is an extremely important one.

We would like thank Safeway Pharmacies for working with AMEN to help our neighbors in their time of need and also give a sincere thank you to our donors that make these provisions possible.

Dealing with illness is stressful enough; not being able to afford necessary medications for one's self or child must be overwhelming. If you would like to donate on line, please go to http://www.emergencyneeds.org/.

Eileen Wettroth

At April's board meeting, Eileen Wettroth, was recognized and thanked for all her years as a dedicated volunteer and AMEN Board member. Although she has retired from the board, Eileen continues as a daily volunteer.

At left, AMEN Board President, Steve Telkins, presents Eileen a certificate of appreciation.

Thanks again, Eileen. Your commitment to serving others is a standard we all appreciate and applaud.

Good times at the Front Page!

May 1st, AMEN held a fundraiser at The Front Page Restaurant. For a $10 donation, donors received half-priced appetizers and special half-priced drinks. Many of the AMEN board members, family, and friends came out to support our efforts and a good time was had by all.

AMEN would especially like to thank The Front Page manager, Dave Garry, who made our first time fundraiser at The Front Page an easy and enjoyable evening for staff and volunteers.

I would also like to give a plug for readers to dine at this restaurant at some point. The owner, Mr. Jorge Fernandez, is a great supporter of Arlington non-profits and local sport activities. Visit http://www.frontpagearlington.com/ for more information.

Thanks so much, Front Page, for you commitment to the Arlington neighborhood!

Volunteer Thank You luncheon pictures

AMEN held a thank you luncheon April 27th at First Presbyterian Church as a small token of appreciation for the wonderful volunteers and Arlington County staff that help to keep this organization running so smoothly.


There was a good turnout and a great time to put names with faces. It also gave us the opportunity to personally thank this wonderful group of tireless workers.


Arlington County Chairwoman, Barbara Favola, attended and thanked AMEN and volunteers for the longtime support and nessecary help that is provided through AMEN to Arlington residents in their time of need.

Left to right:

AMEN Board President, Steve Telkins,

Chairwoman, Barbara Favola, AMEN Executive Director, Gerry Shannon.

It is astounding that 97% of the workforce at AMEN in done through dedicated volunteers; many of whom have been doing this for 10 years or more.

If you are interested in volunteering at AMEN, please email amen@emergencyneeds.org or call 703-558-0035.

Local Fundraiser

The staff and Board of Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs (AMEN) would like to thank Front Page restaurant for hosting a fundraiser on Friday, May 1st.

A big thank you to all who came out to support AMEN by donating $10 (in return they received 1/2 on appetizers as well as $2 beers and half off on wine).

AMEN raised over $700 Friday evening and we are looking forward to the next fun-raiser that once again will be hosted by a local Arlington business.