If you are looking to get more involved in your community, look no further! There are several great non-profit organizations in and around Burke. Here are our picks for the week.
1. ECHO
The Ecumenical Community Helping Others, often known simply as ECHO, is an organization operating out of Springfield. ECHO works to provide charitable services to individuals and families in need in the Burke / Springfield area, along with specific areas in Lorton and Fairfax Station. They offer counseling, assistance with bills, food, housewares, and clothing. ECHO relies solely on the help of volunteers and donations. If you are interested in volunteering, you can visit their website at www.echo-inc.org or call them at 703-569-9160, though their phone lines are often busy.
2. CASE
CASE, which stands for the Center for Adoption Support and Education, acts as a support center for adoptive families. It started in May of 1988, and provides counseling and educational services for families post-adoption. CASE has a branch in Burke and their services are open to anyone in the DC / Northern VA / MD area. If you would like to learn more about what they do and who they are, their website is www.adoptionsupport.org.
3. SPARC
The SPecially Adapted Resource Club, is an organization that was set up to help young adults with life-long disabilities socialize with each other by creating a fun, caring environment. SPARC is a fairly new organization, and was an idea that came out of Long Term Care Coordination Council (LTCCC). It operates out of Burke, and they currently have 14 members. They also have a wait-list for members, and are hoping to open a new clubhouse in the near future. For more information on SPARC, you can look them up on the internet at www.sparcontheweb.org. If you are interested in learning more about the LTCCC, you can go their site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/ltcc.
4. Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation
Chris4Life was set up in honor of a courageous woman, Christine Sapienza, who battled with colon cancer for two and a half years. The Burke-based organization's mission is to find a cure, along with raising awareness and offering hope and inspiration. They are open to donations, and need volunteers for administrative tasks, event staff, website support, and help with fundraising. If you would like to donate or volunteer with Chris4Life, you can contact them through the website at www.chris4life.org, or call them at 773-551-5434.
5. The Duffy House
The Duffy House was founded by Christina Eads to act as a safe haven to women and children that have survived sexual assault and domestic abuse. The organization has been around for 13 years now, and is going as strong as ever. Their mantra, as stated on the website, is "protection, healing, love, and empowerment." Duffy House offers shelter, a crisis hotline, self-defense classes, legal counseling, and so much more! They are always in need of volunteers and donations, so if you would like to learn more, please visit www.theduffyhouse.org.
