Helping Women and Children in Crisis by Distributing Clothing and Other Essentials at No Cost

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the courage of survivors and the importance of having a community ready to support them.

For many women and children escaping domestic violence, leaving means starting over with little more than the clothes on their backs. At WGB, we're proud to be one part of the network of organizations helping them rebuild, along with partners like LAWS and Silence No More Movement. Access to clothing, basic essentials, and community resources can help restore a sense of dignity, stability, and independence during an incredibly difficult transition.

This month, WGB attended the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors' Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation, where one speaker shared a message that particularly resonated with us:

“Stop asking survivors why they stayed. Ask what we as a community could have done to help you leave.”

It's an important reminder that supporting survivors isn't just about recognizing the bravery it takes to leave. It's about making sure the resources and support they need are there when they're ready.

We're grateful to stand alongside our community partners in helping women and children take those next steps toward safety and independence.

Referral Partner Open House

On October 2nd, WGB welcomed 202 attendees and 25 tabling organizations for our Referral Partner Open House! The event gave our community partners an opportunity to learn more about one another's services, tour our expanded facility, and make connections that will ultimately benefit the individuals and families they serve.

We made networking a little more fun with passports encouraging guests to visit each table, along with two rounds of raffles featuring more than a dozen prizes!

Attendees also heard from John Mead, who shared life-coaching insights on perseverance and personal growth. 

More than anything, we hope everyone walked away with new relationships and resources they can share with their clients. Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who joined us for helping build a stronger, more connected network of community support!

In celebration of National First Responders Day, WGB hosted our first-ever Shop with Valor event on October 27th and 28th, welcoming local firefighters, EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers and their families to shop our Boutique at no cost.

Those who attended were pleasantly surprised by both the quality of clothing available and just how much they were able to take home! It was wonderful to introduce new faces to WGB and give a little something back to the people who are there for our community during some of life's most difficult moments.

Much like our Military Family Shopping Days, which have grown over the years, we're excited to see this event become a new tradition and reach even more first responder families in the years ahead. And a special thank you to Great American Restaurants for providing food for all our hungry shoppers!

Our Empowerment Hub was a busy place this October, with 64 attendees participating in workshops and trainings throughout the month!

While some sessions focused on personal and professional development, others were designed specifically to support the organizations and professionals serving our community.

From supportive supervision techniques and recognizing burnout to mandated reporter training and child safety, these workshops gave participants practical tools and valuable resources.

By helping the people who support others, we're able to extend our impact well beyond the walls of WGB.

A big thank you to The Providencia Group, Loudoun County's Dept of Economic Development, Fairfax County DFS, NVFS, and Girls on the Run for helping make October's workshops possible!

An Out-of-This-World Halloween!

WGB made a close encounter at the 70th Annual Leesburg Kiwanis Halloween Parade this year!

Our team suited up as aliens and Men in Black, decked out the WGB van with some larger-than-life tentacles, and handed out Rice Krispies Treats to paradegoers along the way!

We had an absolute blast joining in on this beloved community tradition. A big thank you to the Leesburg Kiwanis Club for including us in the fun. We were honored to be part of such a

spook-tacular evening!

Bring Joy to Kids This Season

The holiday season is here - and it's the perfect time to spread joy! Now through December 7th, WGB is collecting new, unwrapped toys, gifts, and gift cards for our annual Santa's Workshop event. These donations help bring smiles, excited, and a little holiday magic to over 500 children whose families are facing tough times.

Want to make an even bigger impact? Host a toy drive with your workplace, community group, or friends! Email Alexis to get started.

Let's make this season truly special for the children we serve.

Since joining WGB in September 2024, Ilene has become an integral part of our volunteer family. Contributing nearly 500 hours of her time, she's one of our most consistent volunteers - always bringing a positive attitude and a willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. From sorting donations and preparing Bags-to-Go to working in the Boutique and helping with checkout, Ilene does a little bit of everything!

In June 2025, Ilene became a Sort Leader and has been helping new volunteers learn and grow ever since. She has a big heart for everyone around her and makes a point to ensure everyone feels included. She's even brought new volunteers to WGB who have since become regulars themselves, including her good friend, Lisa, who just hit 100 hours herself. 

We're so grateful for everything Ilene brings to WGB, from her hard work and dedication to the kindness she shows those around her. She'll likely hit her 500 milestone in the next couple weeks, and we hope she's up for 500 more!

Learn more about becoming an Annual Sponsor here.

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