27-02-2025
From beer to theatre: How the DC area is supporting fired federal workers
WASHINGTON () — It's been tough to fully comprehend all of the federal worker layoffs.
Many small businesses are looking for little ways to help, with different ways to show their support or just spread some cheer.
'We want to be a gathering place for the community,' said Leah Cheston, the owner of Right Proper Brewing Company in Northwest D.C.
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Communities are struggling as federal workforce layoffs are turning lives upside down. That's why Cheston started a program called 'Executive Order Me a Beer,' where patrons can add $8 to their tabs, and the next fired federal worker to come in will get a drink for free.
'Our guests and our employees were getting laid off from their jobs,' Cheston said.
One of the newest employees, Alexandra Tontisakis, was hired at the brewery after she lost her job of one-and-a-half years at USAID.
'I don't think there's been a point in my career where I've been this stressed ever,' Tontisakis said.
While she navigates her post-USAID career, Tontisakis said there is a sense of camaraderie through the chaos at the bar, where she is serving free beers to other laid-off federal workers.
'It's comforting to know that we're all in the same boat,' she said. 'The boat might be leaking and we might be sinking, but we're sinking together.'
Cheston said strangers have purchased about 150 beers for fired federal workers, but only 30 have been claimed. She's hoping more come in, especially as she hopes to organize networking events.
Meanwhile, Theatre Washington is also helping those workers who lost their jobs stay entertained and keep their minds off the stresses of the job search.
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The theatre announced several opportunities for those workers to receive free or discounted tickets to some productions in the D.C. area.
'It was a way to say, 'We are here,'' said Amy Austin, the president and CEO of Theatre Washington. 'Going to the theatre is such a nice catharsis. It's just such a great way to be watching a story with other people feeling the same feelings that you feel. And just letting your mind go to other places.'
Those offers can be found here.
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