Birth Parents

Volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles to help us get them back out in the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

**NEW EVENT!!!** Please be sure to RSVP on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987977724890?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest list. Pink Poodle Club is Spark's weekly Yappy Hour — every Monday on the back patio from 5–7pm. $1 Scooby Snacks for hoomans and $1 pup cups for the doggos. Come join us for a fun and **dog-friendly** gathering! It’s the perfect chance to meet new people, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the **LGBTQ+ community**. Whether you're looking to make friends or just hang out, everyone’s welcome. Grab your favorite drink and let’s make some great memories together! This event is free to attend. We hope to see you there. In addition to coffee selections, the venue offers a good food and drinks [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). We encourage you to register your attendance in advance. We hope to see you there. When you arrive with your dog, order on your own from the [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). Then meet and mingle with LGBTQ+ folk and their dogs on the back patio. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. U Street Metro (Yellow/Green line) is only a few blocks away. Take the 13th Street Exit. The venue is adjacent to Crush Bar. This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow. Please feel free to invite all your friends to join you there! This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**, Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) . Go Gay DC's founder is **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies Two-Spirit

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Family Constellations is a powerful experiential process that allows you to externally map an issue you’re facing, creating a kind of three-dimensional image of the underlying dynamics. What is often felt only internally becomes visible and tangible, revealing hidden patterns that are not accessible through thinking alone. In this work, we acknowledge what is—without judgment—and begin to restore order where there has been disorder. Unconscious burdens, often carried across generations, can be seen and gently released. As these dynamics shift, the system reorganizes, allowing for a deeper sense of clarity, movement, and belonging. $65 1-5pm Randy Goldberg, LMT is a graduate of the DC Hellinger Institute, and of advanced studies in Family Constellation with Heinz Stark of Germany. He is a former Yoga monk, Craniosacral therapist, and a world-renowned astrologer (both Western and Vedic) interviewed by the Washington Post, NPR, and CNN. He has facilitated Family Constellation therapy for individuals and groups for more than 20 years. More information at www.randygoldberg.org ; 202-380-6850 or randygoldberg.org@gmail.com May 3rd Sunday 1-5pm at the TEAL Center in Arlington VA $65 4001 9th Street North, Suite 230 Arlington, VA 22203 To register, go to https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/event/teal_center?k_class=870820&fbclid=IwY2xjawRbgP1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCa3hYcmhqY3JjOFE1dGpSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHujfjVkUzyudZkIl4cNVcI1Q_8XZyjCjwaB8jTeErrcRS3PMIm_2x5ZfpzF7_aem_cqe5ENreKtLZkKGNrsvCEw

***Starting Saturday, May 2nd NextGen will be hosting monthly bird outings on the first Saturday of the month!*** Locations and guides will vary per month. For our first monthly walk, we will visit Jones Point Park in Old Town, Alexandria for a spring bird walk. In early May, it's common to see the following at Jones Point: * **Migratory Songbirds (Warblers/Swallows):** Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Prothonotary Warbler, Black and white warbler, and early spring migrants like Gray Catbirds and Baltimore Orioles. * **Raptors:** Osprey (frequently fishing in the river), Bald Eagle, and the resident Peregrine Falcon. * **Waterbirds & Shorebirds:** Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gull, and various sandpipers (e.g., Least Sandpiper). * **Year-Round Residents:** Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, and Downy Woodpecker. Quick Navigation Tips * **Park Location:** The park is tucked directly **underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge**. * **Entrance:** The main pedestrian and vehicle entrance is at the end of **South Royal Street**. To get to **[Jones Point Park](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/03hk_s&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIAhAC)** via the DC Metro, your best route involves taking the **Blue** or **Yellow** lines to Alexandria and then completing the trip by bus or a scenic walk. 1\. Take the Metro to Alexandria * **Primary Station:** [King St-Old Town Metrorail Station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/king-st-old-town.cfm) (Blue/Yellow Lines). * **Secondary Station:** [Huntington Station](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/1tf71tz3&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBBAG) (Yellow Line). 2\. Connect to the Park Since the park is about 1.5 to 2 miles from the nearest Metro stations, you have several transfer options: * **By Bus (Recommended):** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAF)**, take the **DASH Bus Line 34**. It runs along South Royal Street and drops you near the southern edge of Old Town, which is a short walk to the park entrance. * The **Metrobus 11Y (Mt Vernon Express)** stops at Washington Street and South Street, only a two-minute walk from the park entrance. * **By Free Trolley:** * Take the [Free King Street Trolley](https://visitalexandria.com/plan/king-street-trolley/) from the King St-Old Town station to the **Waterfront** (at Union Street). From there, it is a scenic \~15-minute walk south along the waterfront to reach the park. * **By Walking or Biking:** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAS)**, it is roughly a **25-minute walk** to the waterfront and nearly **60 minutes** (approx. 2.7 miles) to the park itself. * The **Mount Vernon Trail** passes directly through the park, making it a popular destination for cyclists starting from Old Town.

Family Constellations is a powerful experiential process that allows you to externally map an issue you’re facing, creating a kind of three-dimensional image of the underlying dynamics. What is often felt only internally becomes visible and tangible, revealing hidden patterns that are not accessible through thinking alone. In this work, we acknowledge what is—without judgment—and begin to restore order where there has been disorder. Unconscious burdens, often carried across generations, can be seen and gently released. As these dynamics shift, the system reorganizes, allowing for a deeper sense of clarity, movement, and belonging. $65 1-5pm Randy Goldberg, LMT is a graduate of the DC Hellinger Institute, and of advanced studies in Family Constellation with Heinz Stark of Germany. He is a former Yoga monk, Craniosacral therapist, and a world-renowned astrologer (both Western and Vedic) interviewed by the Washington Post, NPR, and CNN. He has facilitated Family Constellation therapy for individuals and groups for more than 20 years. More information at www.randygoldberg.org ; 202-380-6850 or randygoldberg.org@gmail.com May 3rd Sunday 1-5pm at the TEAL Center in Arlington VA $65 4001 9th Street North, Suite 230 Arlington, VA 22203 To register, go to https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/event/teal_center?k_class=870820&fbclid=IwY2xjawRbgP1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCa3hYcmhqY3JjOFE1dGpSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHujfjVkUzyudZkIl4cNVcI1Q_8XZyjCjwaB8jTeErrcRS3PMIm_2x5ZfpzF7_aem_cqe5ENreKtLZkKGNrsvCEw

Spring has sprung! Let's celebrate Earth Month by watching a documentary about our amazing planet. You voted! And we're watching.... * King Coal (2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RilYEH6BsIw Available on Kanopy (free with a library card) and Amazon Prime ***Make sure to watch the film ahead of time*** and come prepared to discuss. All films are available for free on Kanopy. We will not be screening the film at the meeting! What to expect the day of: * Please try to arrive on time * Meet new friends over some drinks & snacks (feel free to bring something to share!) * The host will lay some group rules and facilitate our discussion * Leave with some new insights and new friends! FYI - the free version of MeetUp limits me to 10 RSVPS, but if you're #1-5 on the waitlist please feel free to join us anyway.

*Tickets free for Constellations members. Must sign-up on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-for-adults-with-idd-20s-and-30s-tickets-1986401466258?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl&keep_tld=true).* *Sometimes we invite Neurodivergent District members to join a virtual event from our Constellations community. We’re glad you’re here.* *Just to clarify, attending this event doesn’t include access to the Constellations member portal or membership. If you’d like ongoing access to events like this, along with curated member introductions for friendship or dating, you’re welcome to explore joining [Constellations](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership).* Join us in Bethesda, Maryland for a facilitated Speed Dating event designed to support adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in meeting potential friends and romantic partners in a respectful, low-pressure environment. This event is hosted by[ Harrington Matchmaking](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/ "https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com"). Remember: You do not have to be perfect. You just have to show up. Connection begins with showing up! *Tickets free for Constellations members. Must sign-up on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-for-adults-with-idd-20s-and-30s-tickets-1986401466258?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl&keep_tld=true).*

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.