Social Concerns

Mary of Nazareth works closely with A Wider Circle, a Silver Spring -based organization dedicated to ending poverty. Among other things, AWC runs a “Neighbor-to-Neighbor” program, which aims to help families transition out of shelters into homes “with dignity and hope.” Additionally, AWC runs a Center for Professional Development, which assists individuals in their efforts to obtain jobs. In February 2014, CNN named Mark Bergel, A Wider Circle's founder and Executive Director, a 2014 CNN Hero: Every Day People Changing the World.

Mary of Nazareth School is proud to partner with A Wider Circle in raising awareness around and bringing an end to poverty in our surrounding communities. The school has sponsored numerous activities and fundraisers to benefit A Wider Circle. Past projects have included a week-long event, Sleep in Solidarity: Donate for a Dream, in which students gave up their beds and slept on the floor in solidarity with those who do not have access to decent mattresses. Students have also held fundraisers, collecting $1 donations to help A Wider Circle purchase new mattresses for individuals and families living in poverty. In addition, students have organized drives collecting food and canned goods, professional attire, household items and toiletries to support A Wider Circle’s mission. Mary of Nazareth families come together for a day of service at A Wider Circle, assembling and moved furniture, sorting clothes and linens, organizing books and toys, babysitting small children whose mothers were attending class.