Wagner donated a new roof to Friends Unlimited, which offers day care for sick children and their siblings, counseling for parents and children, and a wide array of other non-medical support services. Renovation of the center, a Shaw-area row house, was completed with donated funds and services. Wagner Roofing is just one of many area contractors who helped in the project.

"We couldn't be happier to be a part of this home, which offers important support to children with AIDS and their families," said Wagner Roofing President Chuck Wagner.

The center is run by Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, Inc., a private, non-profit group that conceived of the home and directed the project. The organization began giving counseling and support services to families of children with AIDS eight years ago. The new center has allowed Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care to greatly expand its programs and services.

Friends Unlimited provides day care for up to 15 children, support groups for parents and teens, individual counseling, art and play therapy for children, and case management.

The row house was donated to the group by a mother who lost both her sons to the AIDS virus. The house belonged to Mercedes Arnold's oldest son, Daniel Wright, who lived there until the early 1980s when he died at age 37.

"This is an effort about love and caring," Arnold said. "I want this to come out of being a loving mother. I've spent most of my life taking care of ill people, and I known what it means."

For more information about the Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care program, call 202-347-5366.

The Young Marines, along with a number of other youth groups, were walking to raise money for the Homeless Services Unit of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations. That project employs three full time Outreach Workers who provide referrals for food, clothing, shelter and health care to over 1,000 homeless persons each year. The project also connects the homeless with benefits, housing, treatment, and training to help end the homeless cycle. Fannie Mae matched the contribution from the Wagner Company; all together the event raised over $50,000 for the homeless programs of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations, and over $4 million for homeless programs in the region.

The new headquarters building advances the programs growth and provides an important symbol of permanence and commitment to neighborhood revitalization. The organization will be able to meet the expanding needs of the growing affiliate network, maximize the use of volunteers and interns, increase the effectiveness of national staff, expand partnerships, and build recognition of Christmas in April * USA as the leading national home rehabilitation initiative in America.

Architects ($10,000 - $24,999)
J. S. Wagner Company, Inc.