> Northern Virginia Family Service Wins Head Start Grant
> Save the Date: 15th Annual CARE Awards
> Getting Involved with NVFS

The fall brought good news to Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS)! The agency was pronounced the recipient of a competitive grant that was awarded by the US Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Head Start program in Arlington, VA. Mary Agee, President and CEO of NVFS said, “We are excited to partner with parents, the community, the schools and other resources in Arlington so we can positively impact the long-term success of children in school.”

The new program will take a different approach to its already existing Early Head Start (EHS) program, which children complete at the age of three. The Head Start program will serve over 200 children ages 3-5 in a full day, full year center-based program.

NVFS hopes to develop a strong working relationship not only with parents whose children are enrolled in the Head Start program, but all of Arlington County to ensure there is an interaction between the school and the community, which will ultimately provide a partnership philosophy. Staff running the Head Start program will continue the program by evaluating child outcomes, and developing a creative curriculum.

NVFS officially took over the center starting October 15, and is preparing for staff additions; negotiations are progressing positively for a fully equipped and strategically located site.

NVFS is proud to showcase companies in our community that offer exceptional family friendly benefits. We would be pleased to have your presence at our 15th Annual Care Awards breakfast!

The CARE (Companies As Response Employers) Awards recognize businesses located in Northern Virginia that promote a positive work-life balance for employees through company policies and benefits. The award was created not only to give much-deserved recognition to family-friendly companies, but also to encourage other companies to examine their policies and programs, and commit themselves to helping employees meet the challenges of balancing work and life.

This year, the awards will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Reston, VA on November 14 from 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM. For more information on the event or for sponsorship opportunities, click here.

NVFS once again extends an invitation to those in the community to be a part of the agency’s activities during the upcoming months. Below are just two ways that you can be involved.

Help the Homeless Walkathon
Fannie Mae chose NVFS to be one of the beneficiary organizations for the nation’s largest fundraising campaign to end homelessness. Join the NVFS team on Saturday, November 17, 2007 on the National Mall to help raise funds and awareness for the BEST program, a transitional housing program for single, homeless mothers. Good participation from the community will help strengthen NVFS’ initiative to end homelessness in Northern Virginia.

For more information on the walkathon or for a step-by-step registration guide, go to http://www.nvfs.org/walkathon.htm.

Gifting for Families
Another way to support families in need is through NVFS’ annual Gifting for Families initiative. This program includes a gift card drive for groceries and other much-needed items, as well as a traditional toy drive for families that cannot otherwise afford it.

Gifting for Families will allow donors and families to each experience the joys of the holiday season. Families benefit from the program by being able to purchase and prepare specialty food for holiday meals, and to select appropriate gifts and clothing for their children. In this multi-cultural population, choosing the right clothing, shoes, toys and food is a delicate issue. Donors benefit by saving time and not worrying about clothing size, color preference or style.

Check our website for specific details or contact Ann Granger at 703.219.2193 or volunteer@nvfs.org for more information.

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Established in 1924, Northern Virginia Family Service is a private, non-profit community service resource dedicated to helping individuals and families find new paths to self-reliance and brighter futures. Each year, NVFS helps more than 22,000 people find affordable housing, counseling and child care; access to low-cost medical and dental services; foster and respite care, job training; trauma recovery; and much more. For more information, visit www.nvfs.org.
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