ABOUT US
Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., is a nonsectarian, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help to Herndon and Reston residents in short-term financial crises. Work is performed by a small staff and many talented, enthusiastic volunteers. As a member of the Connections for Hope Partnership, FISH works closely with social workers from Fairfax County, local hospitals, and other non-profit organizations.
How We Help
Addressing Financial Crises
Every year, FISH helps thousands of predominantly very low-income families and individuals in all demographic categories by providing assistance in paying for rent, utilities, medical items and prescriptions, household items, and other short-term emergency needs.
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We help to keep people in their homes by helping pay for utilities and ensuring that they have necessary medicine when they get hurt or sick.
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Bargain Loft
FISH manages and operates the Bargain Loft – a thrift store providing affordable shopping to the community. Net store proceeds are used to support FISH assistance programs. By mid-Novermber, the Bargain Loft is transformed into a Holiday Shop with festive decor and unique gifts.
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Financial Literacy Training
Everyone we assist is encouraged to get Financial Literacy Training on basic budgeting and money management. We no longer offer in-person classes, but we encourage those we assist to take advantage of on-line classes that we have identified.
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Funding
We are supported by grants from Fairfax County, various business and organizations, and from individual and corporate donations. For a detailed picture of how FISH is financed and the purposes to which we put those funds, click HERE.
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FISH Staff
Carolyn Amacher, Executive Director
Lilia Jiménez-Siuhengalu, Emergency
Assistance Manager
Lynn Warner, Manager, Bargain Loft
Linda Bracewell, Finance Director
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Board Officers
Elliot Wicks, President
Janet Hyman, Vice President
David Mandel, Vice President
Jack Gazlay, Treasurer
Roy Miller, Secretary
Board Directors
Robert Averne
Ricarda Dowling
Peggy LeReche​
Robert Reed
Susan Sather
Grant Administrators
Carolyn Amacher
Mary Saunders
Renette Oklewicz
David Mandel
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Board President
Board and Staff at Work
Did you know?
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FISH is celebrating its 56th birthday this year.
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This is The Bargain Loft's 44th year offering affordable shopping.
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FISH is an independent, separately funded entity.
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FISH works cooperatively with other agencies, like Cornerstones, to serve low-income individuals and families in Herndon and Reston.
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FISH depends primarily on volunteers—more than 500 in total who provide more than18,000 hours of their time.