The LSSNCA Resource Center provides essential items to neighbors in need because community members show up — with time, talent, compassion, and partnership. One of the strongest examples of that commitment is our long-standing partnership with Starbucks Coffee Company and the National Refugee & Immigrant Alliance Chapter Engagement team, led locally by Jodi Hanaity, a regional support manager.
For more than five years, this partnership has shown what’s possible when organizations, volunteers, and communities work together to meet real needs with dignity.
A partnership built on trust and shared values
As a member of Starbucks National Refugee & Immigrant Alliance Chapter Engagement team, Jodi was searching for a reputable, trustworthy organization to support. That search led her to the LSSNCA. What began as a professional connection quickly grew into a meaningful, sustaining partnership that benefits Starbucks, LSSNCA, and broader community.
“Once you get people in the Resource Center, they want to come back again,” Jodi shared. Seeing the mission in action — where donations go, who is served, and how lives are impacted — transforms support into long-term commitment.
From the Resource Center’s earliest days, that commitment was clear.
“When we were opening the Resource Center, Jodi was excited to learn we were just five minutes from the store,” said Alyssa Clifford, Resource Center Manager. “She immediately said, ‘Let us know how we can continue to support.’ And she’s meant that ever since.”
Powered by volunteers
The Resource Center relies heavily on volunteers, and Starbucks volunteers have been there every step of the way. Through days of service and ongoing volunteer efforts, Jodi has organized hundreds of volunteer hours at the Resource Center, engaging team members across her district.
Volunteers have supported the Resource Center by sorting and organizing donations, restocking shelves, providing warehouse support, assisting collecting items for LSSNCA program participants, and supporting back-to-school and toy drives.
“Our support is really based on the Resource Center’s needs,” Jodi explained. “Sometimes it’s collecting items, sometimes it’s hands-on service.”
“For us, volunteers are essential,” Alyssa added. “They help keep this space functioning so we can focus on what matters most — serving our community with dignity.”
Jodi’s commitment to the Resource Center goes beyond organizing volunteer days with her colleagues at Starbucks. Through the Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program, LSSNCA’s Resource Center has received multiple quarterly grants. These grants are employee-nominated and employee-voted, and LSSNCA is grateful for the support, which has had a profound impact on our ability to serve neighbors in need.
“Those funds go directly to meeting urgent needs,” Alyssa said, “such as car seats, essential household supplies, and items that ensure safety, stability, and dignity for new neighbors.”
This level of impact is only possible because individuals, like Jodi, advocate, vote, and encourage others to care about LSSNCA’s mission.
“One person can ignite passion in others,” Jodi said. “When you have the voice and the privilege to help, it should be your privilege to give back.”
Human connection built on support
Beyond funding and volunteer hours, this partnership is rooted in genuine human connection. Jodi has shown up since day one — organizing clothing drives, raffles, and donations, but also checking in personally with staff.
From bringing personalized drinks on high-stress days to simply taking the time to sit, listen, and ask how the team is doing, Jodi’s presence reflects what community care truly looks like.
“She doesn’t just support the work — she supports the people,” Alyssa shared. “That kind of consistency and care means more than we can put into words.”
Starbucks has also partnered with LSSNCA beyond the Resource Center walls — supporting foster care recruitment through in-store tabling, volunteering at community events, and providing culturally meaningful hospitality. Even small gestures, like offering green tea — which holds cultural significance for many program participants — help create a welcoming, respectful space.
Why this matters, and how you can help
The Resource Center serves refugees, immigrants, foster youth, survivors of domestic violence, and community members who self-identify a need across the greater Washington, D.C. region. It is a safe, dignified space where people can meet their most basic needs during difficult seasons of life.
But we can’t do this alone.
We are seeking support from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and volunteers. We are also launching Dignity Thrift for the public, allowing us to continue providing free essential items and services to neighbors most in need.
You can support LSSNCA and the Resource Center by:
- Shopping Dignity Thrift through our Poshmark shop
- Donating new and gently used items
- Shopping Amazon Wish List
- Hosting a collection drive
- Volunteering your time
- Contacting us to become a corporate or community partner
“Every partnership helps us keep this space open,” Alyssa said, “so we can continue meeting fundamental needs of our community in a way that honors dignity and humanity.”
Every volunteer hour, every donation, and every purchase makes a difference.
If you know someone, are someone, or want to become someone who gives back — this is your invitation.
