NVFS Expands Oral Healthcare and SNAP Outreach in Prince William County Through Potomac Health Foundation Grant

Northern Virginia Family Service has received two grants, totaling more than $260,000, from the Potomac Health Foundation to support the agency’s Health Link and Anti-Hunger Programs. 

(Oakton, Va. – July 21, 2016) Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) is expanding outreach in Prince William County for its Health Link and Anti-Hunger programs through two grants, totaling more than $260,000, from the Potomac Health Foundation. Both programs will target specific populations within eastern Prince William County.

Funds from Potomac Health Foundation will provide dental care education to new clients in the Health Link program, with an emphasis on preventing disease and promoting lasting general health versus providing emergency intervention. Objectives include increasing the number of clients served in eastern Prince William County and their knowledge about safe, inexpensive oral health practices, as well as reducing fear among clients about oral health.

The Anti-Hunger program grant will serve two purposes: increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach and promoting nutritional education. SNAP outreach will include strategic activities aimed toward reaching the maximum number of eligible families to ensure they understand the benefits for which they may be eligible. Nutritional education activities will be provided to 210 day-care children and 300 summer-camp children at Hylton & Heiser Boys and Girls Clubs, with a goal to ensure all participants acquire the knowledge necessary to make healthier choices that will reduce the likelihood of obesity and diabetes.

Potomac Health Foundation awards grants for up to three years on an annual basis; the Anti-Hunger and Health Link programs are Year 2 and Year 3 grants, respectively.

“We are ecstatic about these programs,” said Dr. Carol Shapiro, Chair of the Foundation’s Grant and Solicitation Approval Committee, in a press release. “Our returning grantees will continue to greatly impact the health of the community through their proven dedication and efforts.”