Woodley House

01/25/2026

We didn't know Carol Sauer. But we know her story all too well: A loved one descending further and further into mental illness, their family exhausting all avenues for helping them.

At Woodley House, our staff does everything we can to build rapport with individuals (and their families) who are suffering serious mental illness and sometimes coming out of a period of homelessness. Over 68 years, our housing programs have supported tens of thousands of Washingtonians on their recovery journeys.

But we know that, sadly, sometimes the illness is too hard to overcome. Thank you to Carol's family for sharing her story and helping to break the stigma. No family is alone in this.

Carol Sauer, 66, spent more than two decades homeless in Northern Virginia and was a well-recognized figure at a bus stop in Arlington.

01/21/2026

We’re pleased to announce that Woodley House recently promoted Anne Loiret to Revenue Cycle Management and Compliance Officer. Congrats, Anne!

Anne leads compliance initiatives, process and quality improvement, and data-driven performance efforts that support our financial stability and mission. She also oversees the revenue cycle to ensure accurate billing across programs. In short, Anne makes sure that Woodley House is doing the best we can to help our residents achieve stability in their lives.

Anne says: “I very much enjoy collaborating with our dedicated team and programs, and I value working in a mission-driven organization that supports DC residents with mental health needs. Woodley House aligns with my interests in social justice, equity, housing access, and improving health outcomes. It helps me feel more connected to my community and more engaged in local and national issues.”

01/15/2026

We are proud to formally introduce Nieshia Kornegay as Woodley House's Senior Director of Program Services. Congrats to Nieshia on this well-deserved promotion!

Nieshia has been showcasing her talent, skill and compassion at Woodley House since joining our staff in 2013. In college at West Virginia State University, Nieshia worked in the school's disability services department, and realized she had a passion for helping people who needed a lot of support.

After graduating, she began as a residential counselor at our Holly House group home. Nieshia next became a residential specialist in our Supported Independent Living (SIL) program. Then she stepped up to be a program manager for both SIL and Permanent Supportive Housing.

"I'm glad that Woodley House acknowledged me and continued to give me promotions and see my growth," Nieshia says.

A native of DC's Ward 7, Nieshia continues to reside in the District with her family. She's also relishing her new role and the opportunity to continue learning, growing and supporting more people.

"I love Woodley House," she says. "We go above and beyond for our clients, for the people we serve."

Our residents and staff are very fortunate to have Nieshia as a leader of Woodley House!

01/13/2026

Woodley House is pleased to share that Candace Crooks recently joined our Board of Directors. And our Finance Committee is already benefiting from her skills and experience.

Candace is a seasoned accounting and finance professional with experience in corporate accounting, financial analysis, and compliance. Over the course of her career, she's partnered with leadership to enhance financial controls, optimize processes, and provide strategic financial insights across organizations.

Candace is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. Outside of her professional life, Candace enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family.

“I believe that stable housing, compassion, and mental health support are cornerstones of human dignity. Woodley House does more than provide services — it creates pathways for people to rebuild their lives with respect and hope," Candace says. "Being part of this mission allows me to use my skills to help strengthen a community where every person has the opportunity to recover, grow, and thrive.”

Welcome, Candace! We hope your Woodley House experience is as thrilling as a zipline adventure.

01/08/2026

Woodley House has occupied our group home in Woodley Park for 68 years! After all that time, any building will show signs of wear and tear.

Thanks to the generosity of two anonymous donors, we were able to give our group home, known as Valenti House, a much-needed facelift over the holidays. With a fresh coat of paint and some fixes to the building's facade, Valenti House has a fresh look to start the new year.

Woodley House owns and operates five standalone properties across Northwest D.C. We maintain our buildings as best we can, with tremendous pride. Because providing beautiful, dignified housing for vulnerable neighbors is what we do.

01/05/2026

Last month, we were honored to host a visit from Lamont Carey, director of DC Mayor's Office of Community Affairs, at our residential programs in Woodley Park.

DC MOCA is a key link between the DC government and distinct community groups, helping to expand relationships, amplify cultural initiatives, and coordinate outreach. Under MOCA's oversight are the Mayor's offices of veteran affairs, returning citizen affairs, African American affairs, LGBTQ affairs, and many others.

At Woodley House, we're always seeking new partnerships to connect us with individuals who could benefit from our homes and services. Thanks again to Director Carey and his MOCA colleagues for helping us strengthen these bonds across the District. We look forward to working together even more in 2026.

12/19/2025

From all your friends at Woodley House, we wish you a holiday season filled with joy and good mental health!

Posted here are some highlights of our Beethoven's Birthday celebration earlier this week. Our residents and staff had a great time, as always.

12/16/2025

Did you know Woodley House has celebrated the birthday of composer Ludwig van Beethoven every December for more than 60 years? And we'll do so again today, December 16.

The Beethoven's Birthday tradition is our inclusive way of enjoying the holiday season, inviting residents, staff and friends to share their diverse musical talents.

And tradition is incredibly important at Woodley House. When you make a donation, you're supporting our 67-year tradition of providing dignified housing and critical support to men and women who face severe mental illness.

If you haven't yet made your 2025 contribution, you can do so here: https://woodleyhouse.org/ways-to-give/

Thanks for being part of this tradition!

12/09/2025

Did you know that federal tax rules are changing in 2026? These changes will affect how charitable deductions work, including capping the tax benefits of itemized deductions for many donors.

Supporters of Woodley House may choose to give more before the end of 2025, both to maximize the benefits available under current law and to ensure more Washingtonians can access the housing and mental health support they need. We encourage you to talk to your financial advisor to learn more about the implications.

When you make a tax-deductible gift to Woodley House, you can be confident that you’re having a direct impact on the lives of DC neighbors who face mental illness and housing instability. Once again in 2025, Woodley House is recognized as a top nonprofit by Candid, Charity Navigator and Spur Local.

Support a neighbor with a year-end gift to Woodley House: https://woodleyhouse.org/ways-to-give/

12/04/2025

At our 29th Annual Movie Benefit last month, we were honored to host emerging filmmaker Aiden Keltner, who introduced a screening of his short film CRANE. Aiden has a unique and empathetic vision for portraying mental illness on screen, especially how it can devastate families.

At Woodley House, we see these types of stories play out all the time. Your support allows us to work with hundreds of families each year, ensuring that their loved ones receive compassionate care and dignified housing.

Thank you for standing alongside us and the families we serve. If you haven't made a gift to Woodley House yet this year, you can do so here: https://woodleyhouse.org/ways-to-give/

12/01/2025

We are excited to officially introduce Joanie Clement Rodrick as Woodley House’s new Chief Financial Officer!

Joanie brings to Woodley House deep experience working with health providers and stakeholders in the District of Columbia and 23 states. She’s held leadership roles at peer organizations including La Clínica del Pueblo and Community Connections DC, and has been a healthcare consultant. Joanie’s work reflects a deep commitment to improving access to quality care for underserved populations.

Joanie says that “working in mental health care has been eye-opening experience.” She wants Woodley House clients to have equitable access to health care and housing, and for the rest of the world to see that “they’re loved just like we are.”

Outside of her professional life, Joanie is a devoted dog mom to her beloved Roux. She’s a proud Louisiana native, and a passionate supporter of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. Joanie also is an avid traveler and hopes to see the Northern Lights soon.

Welcome to Woodley House, Joanie!

11/25/2025

This Thanksgiving week, we're grateful to all of our partners, friends and neighbors who have stepped up for the Woodley House Food Pantry this fall. Thanks to the donations of fresh foods, groceries, toiletries and household supplies, our pantry shelves and freezers are fuller than they've been in years!

With gratitude to: Aidan Montessori School, All Souls Episcopal Church, Cannabis Karma, Cleveland Park Community Garden, DCCSOSA, the Gentlemen of Drew Social Club, Girls on the Run - DC, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maret School, Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, Peoples Bank, Troop 100 DC, Wegmans, and our neighbors at 2701 Connecticut Ave.

These donations come at a critical time for our pantry and community, as we continue the fight against food and housing insecurity in DC. We're proud and thankful to stand alongside you all. Happy Thanksgiving!