About Us

Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. (Friendly, Instant, Sympathetic Help) is a volunteer, non-sectarian, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping people meet emergencies and short-term needs. FISH has assisted Herndon-Reston residents since 1969.

FISH responds to requests for rent, transportation to medical appointments, furniture, utilities, medical items (including prescriptions) and other short term emergency needs. Our goal is to prevent an eviction, keep utilities from being turned off and help people pay for their prescriptions. We work closely with social workers from Fairfax County, local hospitals and other nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. operates an Information and Referral Service, funded by a grant from Fairfax County, which provides all callers with information about sources of long and short-term assistance available in Fairfax County through public and private agencies. This service also arranges rides for Herndon and Reston residents to get to medical appointments. Volunteers provide the transportation service. FISH recently implemented a Financial Workshop to help families with financial literacy.

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2010

Board of Directors

Community Directors

President Janet Hyman
Vice-President Suzanne Rudiselle
Vice-President Ellen Graves
Secretary Karen Stevens
Treasurer Diane Hardcastle
Assistance Liaison Inga Marler
Board Member Mary Jo Baedecker
Board Member Marcia Di Trapani
Board Member Katherine Downey
Board Member Susan Gerstel
Board Member Elizabeth Glennon
Board Member Karen Schneckenburger

Corporate Directors

Cindy Hamil, Hamill Capital Management, LLC
Carl Larsen, M&T Bank
Peggy LeReche, Dominion VA Power
Jay Bhalla, Crowne Plaza Dulles Hotel
Mitch Chambliss, Uniglobe Herndon Sterling Travel

Executive Director

Sherri Longhill

FISH Committees

Finance Committee

Chaired by our treasurer Diane Hardcastle. Members are: Mitch Chambliss, Janet Hyman, Sherri Longhill, Karen Schneckenburger, Karen Stevens and Tony Di Trapani.

ByLaws Committee

Chaired by Bep Glennon. Members are: Mitch Chambliss, Janet Hyman and Kip Downey.

Community Development Committee

Chaired by Marcia Di Trapani. Members are: Mary Jo Baedecker, Ellen Graves, Susan Gerstel, Carl Larson, Sherri Longhill and Jay Bhalla.

Outreach Committee

Chaired by Ellen Graves & Suzanne Rudiselle. Members are: Jay Bhalla, Ellen Graves, Cindy Hamill and
Janet Hyman.

Personnel and Operations Committee

Chaired by Suzanne Rudiselle. Members are: Ellen Graves, Janet Hyman, & Kip Downey. This committee works closely with The Bargain Loft manager.

Publicity Committee

Chaired by Mary Jo Baedecker. Members are: Mary Delaney (Facebook), Heather Zelensky (Website), Cheryl Bredehoeft, Marcia Di Trapani, Diane Hardcastle and Sherri Longhill.

Financial Workshops

Chaired by Peggy LeReche. Instructors are: Don Owens and Viveka Fuenzalida

Executive Committee

Chaired by Janet Hyman, President. members are Ellen Graves VP, Suzanne Rudiselle VP, Karen Stevens Secretary and Diane Hardcastle Treasurer.

Volunteers are always welcome. You can donate one hour or more a month or even work seasonally during the winter holidays or summer holidays. Learn More

We also accept monetary donations, as well as donations of goods and services.