A LETTER FROM THE CEO
CEO Letter area
THIS MONTH IN IW NEWS
You may notice that this month's newsletter looks a little different—and that's intentional. We've introduced a new format designed to make our content more accessible, especially for readers who use screen readers and other assistive technologies.
This is just the beginning. Over the coming months, we'll continue improving our digital communications and website to help ensure everyone can easily access the information and resources we share. We believe accessibility is an important part of creating a welcoming community, and we're committed to making our online presence work for everyone.
If you use assistive technology or other accessibility tools, we'd love to hear from you. Are these changes making a difference? Is there anything we can do better? Email us at development@iworksmc.org.
Your feedback will help guide us as we continue this important work.
IW PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Every day, families turn to the Interfaith Works Essential Needs Center for nutritious food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, and connections to resources that help them meet their needs during difficult times.
As the new school year approaches, many parents face the added expense of school supplies. Through our back-to-school campaign, we're helping ensure students have the backpacks and supplies they need to start the year ready to learn.
Your gift helps provide students and their families with the essentials they need today while giving children the confidence to succeed tomorrow. Donate today to support the Essential Needs Center programs and help every child start the school year strong.
Meet Emmanuel Kakraba, an IW Program Support Staff member at Progress Place. He also works for the Silver Spring Urban District Clean and Safe Team, better known as the Red Shirts. Emmanuel was honored at the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards — and was the only Red Shirt among the 78 awardees. Since Red Shirts aren't public safety employees, that's a big deal! He sometimes acts as our eyes and ears on the street, carrying the Progress Place message with him on the streets of Downtown Silver Spring restoring humanity to our community members he interacts with!
Congratulations Emmanuel, thank you for all you do for our Silver Spring neighbors!
IW IN THE COMMUNITY
Earlier this month our CEO Lauren Puryear and Board Member Lynne Harris shared testimony before Rockville City Council. Both Lauren and Lynne thanked the Council for their commitment to expanding affordable housing and launching pilot programs that help prevent eviction before neighbors and their families lose their homes.
These efforts align with our mission and create more pathways for neighbors to stay safely and stably housed. Thank you, City of Rockville, for your continued partnership and leadership in building a stronger community.
At the beginning of July, the Essential Needs Center was closed to clients for our bi-annual cleaning. During this time our volunteers are hard at work making sure the center will be fully stocked and ready for our clients! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to support our clients. We could not do this work without all of you!
In FY26 over
2,500
Students received school supplies
BY THE NUMBERS
In FY26 2,565 students received backpacks filled with essential school supplies and 1,082 families were connected to additional services through the programs offered at our Essential Needs Center.
Join Interfaith Works for the 2nd Annual Harmony of Hearts: Night of Shared Purpose — a benefit concert that brings together performers from faith and non-faith communities for a night of music, celebration, and giving.
Interested performers should register on behalf of their group! Religious and non-religious groups welcome!
Questions? email us at faithcommunitypartnerships@iworksmc.org
The annual Potomac Lifestyle Ice Cream Social benefitting IW’s Back to School will be held on Saturday August 22, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm! REGISTER HERE
EVENT LOCATION: Park Potomac Place 12500 Park Potomac Ave, Potomac, MD 20854
UPCOMING EVENTS
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Your support makes our work possible—and your time can make an even greater impact. Every day, volunteers help welcome community members at our Essential Needs Center, prepare and serve meals to clients at our shelters and homes, organize donation drives, and bring hope to neighbors on their path to stability. Whether you have a few hours each month on your own or want to volunteer with a group, there's a meaningful way to get involved.
Join fellow volunteers and help create brighter futures for Montgomery County neighbors.
DONATE NOW
Every child deserves a strong start to the school year.
When a family's basic needs are met, children can focus on learning instead of carrying the weight of hunger, housing instability, or financial stress with them into the classroom.
A gift today helps provide backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and other essentials so local students can walk into the classroom ready to learn—and ready to succeed.
Donate today and join us in giving every child the strong start they deserve.
