Inside a Project That Truly Moved Me

featured on
NBC4 Washington
May 2025

It’s been a busy and meaningful month—and I’m so excited to finally share one of the most rewarding projects I’ve had the honor of working on.

A Project Close to My Heart

I recently teamed up with Kate Ballou of Hendrick Interiors to participate in A Wider Circle’s Home Reimagined Initiative—a one-day event that transforms an unfurnished or sparsely furnished apartment into a fully designed, functional home for neighbors in need. This year, 35 homes were completely reimagined in just one week, and we had the privilege of creating a new space for a family of 11 in Montgomery County, Maryland.

This project felt like the perfect blend of my past career as a social worker and my current path as a designer. With nearly 15 years of social work experience behind me, I deeply understand the importance of creating a home that feels safe, secure, and welcoming—a place that fosters a true sense of belonging. We should never underestimate the power of a warm, welcoming space—especially for families experiencing poverty or homelessness.

Spreading the Word

I was grateful to speak with NBC4 Washington about this project and the importance of giving back through design. A Wider Circle hopes to grow this initiative from 35 families this year to over 50 next year. That kind of impact will take all of us—whether it's donating furniture, giving financially, volunteering a day, or purchasing just one item from a wishlist.

Creating a Space for 11

Before the transformation, the children were sleeping on shared air mattresses. By the end of the day, we had installed three bunk beds, one Twin XL bed, and one toddler bed—meaning each child had their very own place to sleep at night.

We also created a gallery wall of family photos in the living room. The moment the family walked in, they gathered around the images, smiling and sharing memories. It was such a beautiful reminder of what makes a house feel like home.

That night, I went to bed smiling, knowing every family member now had a space that was designed just for them—with a bed, storage, color, and pattern—creating a joyful sanctuary.

It Took a Village

This transformation couldn’t have happened without the power of community. For this home alone, we had a team of 10 volunteers. Three movers spent hours unloading a full-size moving truck filled with furniture and décor from our shopping days at A Wider Circle’s warehouse. Four amazing individuals from Terps Sys generously gave their entire day to help us install everything. We also had the support of Ellen, a local realtor, and Lindsey, one of our reps from Stark Carpet, who jumped in to help wherever needed. We worked nonstop for eight hours—it was exhausting, energizing, and absolutely worth it.

Let’s Keep This Going

I'll gladly step up on my soapbox for this: giving back to our community matters. We're all in this together, and when we show up for our neighbors in need, we build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community. There's no “us” and “them”—just one community where we lift each other up.

If this project speaks to you, there are so many ways you can make a difference. You can donate gently used furniture to A Wider Circle year-round, helping ensure families have the essentials to build a safe and functional home. Financial contributions help expand the reach and resources of initiatives like Home Reimagined Initiative. You can also donate your time next year during the install day—we’re always in need of helping hands. And even small acts, like purchasing one item from a wishlist, go a long way in transforming a space.

If you’d like to learn more about A Wider Circle—the largest furniture hub in the Mid-Atlantic—you can visit their website to explore the services they offer, find ways to get involved, and learn more about the needs in our community.