Herndon-Reston FISH
Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help
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.
​
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.
​
Food Baskets and Holiday Gifts
In December, FISH provides food and gifts to hundreds of people in need during the holiday season. This last December we resumed giving out food and gift cards in person. We aided 247 families. This is a great opportunity for community contributions and volunteer work.
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.
​
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.
​
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.
As with FY2021, FY 2022 was an unusual year because so much of our activity was financed by County money flowing from federal funds authorized to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic.
FISH Staff
Mary Saunders, Executive Director
Lilia Jiménez-Siuhengalu, Emergency
Assistance Manager
Manager, Bargain Loft (position open)
Lynn Warner, Assistant Manager, Bargain Loft
Linda Bracewell, Bookkeeper
​
Board Officers
Elliot Wicks, President
Janet Hyman, Vice President
David Mandel, Vice President
Jack Gazlay, Treasurer
Peggy LeReche, Secretary
Board Directors
Robert Averne
Kathy Jones
Roy Miller
Robert Reed
Susan Sather
Grant Administrators
Mary Saunders
Renette Oklewicz
David Mandel
​
​
Board President
Board and Staff at Work
Did you know?
-
FISH is celebrating its 53rd birthday this year.
-
This is The Bargain Loft's 41st year offering affordable shopping.
-
FISH is an independent, separately funded entity.
-
FISH works cooperatively with other agencies, like Cornerstones, to serve low-income individuals and families in Herndon and Reston.
-
FISH depends primarily on volunteers—more than 500 in total who provide more than18,000 hours of their time.