Feeling really under the weather today– my tonsils feel a bit like tennis balls.  I’d like to ask for your help for two important causes based in the D.C. area.

First is WEAVE (Women Empowered Against Violence), a group dedicated to helping women and teen girls get out of abusive relationships.  They offer a comprehensive program of services including economic empowerment, mental health assessments, safety, legal counsel, etc.  They also work with any woman, regardless of her income.  DC, like so many other places, has seen a surge in domestic violence along with the economic troubles.  20% of homicides in DC are dv-related.  WEAVE needs to raise $85,000 by the end of the month in order to stay open.  If they don’t reach their goal your donation is returned; lets hope you don’t get it back.

Second, I’m taking part in the DC AIDS walk next Saturday, October 3.  DC has the highest AIDS rate in the United States and one that is higher than many countries in Africa.  A Washington Post article estimated that about 1 in 20 DC residents lives with HIV or AIDS.  Many DC residents depend on the services of the Whitman-Walker Clinic.   Please sponsor me if you want to help this great organization help DC residents manage their treatment, receive addiction counseling, mental health services, group support, etc.

Obviously, I don’t expect you to donate to both of these causes but I hope you will consider a small donation to one.  DC has a lot of problems, to say the least, and the budget/financial stuff isn’t helping.  I really like DC and think that both these organizations are doing a lot to help some of its most vulnerable residents.