ACT for Alexandria

We are pleased to welcome Ellen K. as ACT for Alexandria's new Development Associate. Ellen joined ACT in September 2024 to support the development team's expansion. As a development associate, Ellen focuses on assisting donors and donor-advised fund holders, identifying prospective givers, and supporting programmatic initiatives. Prior to joining ACT, Ellen worked for various public policy firms in D.C., and think tanks in Philadelphia. Ellen has a B.A. in Political Science from Temple University, and is currently working towards her Ph.D. in Political Science at American University. Her work focuses on racial, ethnic, and religious equity and thinking of creative ways to foster cohesion and deeper understanding amongst individuals. Her favorite part of her work is engaging with students and the broader community to discover what motivates and inspires them. In her free time, Ellen enjoys snuggling up with her cats and exploring local coffee shops for the best cup of joe! Please join us in welcoming Ellen to the team! #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria

We’re looking forward to more exciting Welcoming Week events! As we continue to celebrate inclusivity and community connection, we invite you to join us in fostering greater understanding and unity. From cultural festivities to resource-sharing, let’s keep building a stronger, more vibrant Alexandria together. Let us know in the comments which Welcoming Week events you’re attending! #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria #ACT20forALX #WelcomingWeek

What does financial security mean to you? For many in Alexandria, it’s about freedom—the freedom to live without stress, afford necessities, and chase dreams. Heather Peeler shares insights from our community’s journey towards economic security. From conducting pulse checks with residents to joining the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Cohort, ACT is at the forefront of crafting strategies to ensure everyone can thrive. Dive into Heather’s article to discover how collective action and community wisdom are paving the way for financial stability and prosperity in Alexandria. Let's discuss how we can all contribute to this vital cause. Read the full article and join the conversation! https://lnkd.in/eUBw5axu #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria

Our beloved Operations Manager, Sally Bolger Gardner , has retired from ACT. From Sally..."It has been a privilege to end my career serving the community I call home. Thank you ACT for a joyful and loving seven years that ends my working career in service to the Alexandria community." Sally, thank you for your years of dedication and the indelible mark you've left on our community. We wish you joy and relaxation in your well-deserved retirement! #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA

Today, as we honor and remember the lives lost on 9/11, we reflect on the profound legacy that grew from such an immense tragedy. After losing his wife, Norma, on 9/11, ACT founder Gene Steuerle and his family received monetary compensation. Wanting to honor Norma’s life, they used the funds to create ACT — an organization rooted in the values of unity and service to the community. Now, two decades later, ACT stands as a testament to Norma’s memory. Together, we are creating a vibrant, just, equitable, community where everyone feels connected and a greater sense of belonging. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e_nREZ6S #NeverForget #911Remembrance #ACTforAlexandria #LegacyOfHope

Welcoming Week is almost here! We're thrilled to unveil our calendar full of events designed to celebrate and foster inclusivity in our vibrant community. From cultural celebrations to sharing community resources, each event is a step toward deeper understanding and connection. We can't wait to see you there! Stay tuned as we share more details about each unique event in the upcoming days. Let’s come together to make Welcoming Week unforgettable! #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria #ACT20forALX #WelcomingWeek

We’re pleased to announce that ACT is joining CFLeads Economic Mobility Action Network (EMAN) for their 2024-2025 Advanced cohort! As an EMAN participant, ACT will expand our community leadership practices, engage in peer learning for problem-solving and collaborative action, and develop an Economic Mobility Action Plan. We are thrilled to join CFLeads in this action network and look forward to continuing our economic mobility work! #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria

Thomas Park, Executive Director of Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA), has seen firsthand the transformative impact of partnering with ACT. From executive leadership training to community collaboration during COVID, ASA and ACT have worked together to create lasting change. Discover how this partnership has shaped ASA's growth and strengthened their mission over the past 13 years. Read more about their journey. https://lnkd.in/desPPBRf #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria #ACT20forALX

ACT in the News! We’re excited to share that ACT for Alexandria is featured in The Zebra Press for distributing $20,000 in grants to celebrate Welcoming Week and our 20th anniversary! These grants will support local projects that build inclusivity and belonging across our community. Check out the article to learn more about how we’re making Alexandria a more welcoming place for all! https://lnkd.in/eG86xCst #WelcomingWeek #CommunityGrants #ACTForAlexandria #InclusiveAlexandria #Belonging #ZebraPress

Wrapping Up Summer with the ACT Youth Council! The ACT Youth Council recently celebrated the end of an amazing summer at Vola’s —big thanks to Alexandria Restaurant Partners, LLC for hosting us! They’ve been hard at work planning for the new school year, and we can’t wait to share more about the upcoming application and information session. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we kick off another year of empowering our future leaders! #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria