FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristin Derlunas
Northern Virginia Family Service
Community & Media Relations
703-219-2123, kderlunas@nvfs.org


Northern Virginia Family Service Wins Bank of America “Neighborhood Excellence Initiative” Grant
Organization prepares to improve overall communication throughout agency

Oakton, VA, October 9, 2007- Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), an organization deeply dedicated to serving families and children, announced receipt of the Neighborhood Builder’s Award presented by Bank of America. “We feel honored and privileged to receive this grant, particularly in light of the fact that only two organizations were chosen in the DC metro area to be recipients of the award”, said Mary Agee, President and CEO of NVFS. “The competitive selection was made by an independent group of business leaders who were greatly impressed at our accomplishments and the broad impact we have made in this region”, she added.

NVFS will receive $200,000 - $100,000 annually – to build a much needed intranet system. “This grant is fantastic news”, said Tracy Young, IT Director for NVFS. “Faced with an increasing demand for services and diminishing resources, we have reached a point where we are strategically identifying new ways to build capacity”, he added.

The grant will help build a system that will increase staff effectiveness and improve efficiency of operations with quick access to uniform and relevant data and applications. This means that NVFS will not only be able to improve its overall communication throughout its eight regional offices, three childcare centers and two thrift shops, but it ensures that clients will receive information and effective service with more ease.

In addition to the annual award, Bank of America will provide training on topics such as strategic thinking, business planning and leadership development, among others for two senior leaders over the next two years.

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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