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


Applications for NVFS' 2007 CARE Awards Now Available
Awards Recognize Companies that Create Family Friendly Workplaces

Oakton, VA, May 18, 2007- Northern Virginia Family Service, an organization dedicated to serving families and children, announced that the application for the 2007 CARE (Companies As Responsive Employers) Awards are now available. Applications must be submitted by June 29. The format for the 2007 awards has changed so companies are not judged based on size, and therefore, it does not create a limit on how many winners will be awarded.

"I encourage businesses in Northern Virginia to apply for this esteemed award and be a part of the movement to develop family-friendly workplaces. Together we can continue to make this community a place in which we are proud to live and work,” said NVFS President and CEO, Mary Agee.”

The CARE Awards recognizes businesses located (not necessarily headquartered) in Northern Virginia that are leaders in promoting a positive work-life balance for employees through company policies and benefits. Since 1992, the CARE Awards have identified the best places to work in Northern Virginia. It was developed by Northern Virginia Family Service and area business leaders, all of whom had a desire to effect positive change in the workplaces of Northern Virginia. The Award was created not only to give much-deserved recognition to family-friendly companies, but also to encourage and challenge other companies to examine their policies and programs, and commit themselves to helping employees meet the challenges of balancing work and life.

George Lane, Chair of the 2006 – 2007 CARE Awards Advisory Committee added, “This celebration is in honor of those who have established themselves in the area of work/life initiatives in ways that are unique or significant enough to warrant the special recognition the CARE Award bestows.”

The application can be downloaded from the Northern Virginia Family Service website at www.nvfs.org/care_app.htm.

Applicants are evaluated by a committee comprised of human resource professionals, and previous CARE Award winners. CARE Award winners are recognized at an awards breakfast to be held on Nov. 14 at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, VA.

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 23,000 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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