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

Photos are available at www.nvfs.org/care_photos.htm

 

NVFS Announces Winners of 13th Annual CARE Awards

Oakton, Va., Nov. 21, 2005-Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) is pleased to announce the winners of the 13th Annual CARE (Companies As Responsive Employers) Awards, which recognize outstanding local companies that provide family friendly workplace policies and benefits. The awards were held on Nov. 17 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

"Congratulations to all of the CARE winners and finalists. This year we had an exceptional group of companies that place a high priority on making meaningful efforts to listen to and understand the work/life needs of their employees. Thank you for all that you do for your employees and the community. You truly make Northern Virginia a better place to live and work," said NVFS President and CEO Mary Agee.

The 2005 CARE Award winners are:

Small Company: West*Group

West*Group is a full-service real estate development, construction, brokerage and management organization with over four decades of experience in the D.C. metropolitan area. West*Group maintains an atmosphere of flexibility and generosity toward employees. For example, the CEO owns a ranch and allows employees to takes turns vacationing there. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, an employee who volunteered to help victims was given 8-weeks leave with pay. Additionally, the company announces surprise days off to show their appreciation for their hard work.

Mid-Size Company: The CNA Corporation

The CNA Corporation (CNAC) is a nonprofit organization that provides in-depth, independent research and analysis to inform the important work of public sector leaders. CNAC's vacation and sick leave are especially generous. Vacation is offered to full-time and part-time eligible employees. Each full-time employee accrues three weeks of vacation upon hire and after three years the accrual increases to four weeks per year.

Large Size Company: George Mason University and Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae is the nation's leading provider of education funding with nearly 10,000 employees in locations throughout the United States. Adoption financial assistance reimburses employees for expenses associated with adoption. Sallie Mae also offers up to two consecutive weeks of subsidized, back-up child care at a state-licensed child care center is available when an employee's usual arrangements break down. Additionally, a child care referral service helps employees establish regular child care.

With three locations in the Washington, D.C., area, George Mason University has emerged in the last decade as a major university in the nation. Recognition and reward are critical components of the relationship between employees and their employers. George Mason University is fortunate to have an extensive and diverse recognition program that is centrally funded by the university. Examples of other work-life benefits include an on-site child development center, on-site fitness center and pool, and time off for volunteering.

Pacesetter Award: Military Officers Association of America
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the United States' largest association for active duty, Reserve and retired military officers and their families. A very unique benefit that MOAA offers is a paid 6-week sabbatical for employees who have worked there for seven years.

MOAA has implemented flextime, job sharing and flexible work arrangements, which are key industry trends.

Torchbearer Citation (for previous CARE winners): Inova Health System
Since winning the CARE Awards, Inova Health System added long-term care insurance that picks up where most traditional medical plans leave off. Inova now offers concierge services featuring onsite oil changes, car washes, film developing, laundry and dry cleaning and massage.

Since 1992, the CARE Awards have identified the best places to work in Northern Virginia. The program was established to recognize companies that are leaders in providing family-friendly benefits for employees and that are committed to helping employees maintain a healthy work and life balance.

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 24,000 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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