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


Northern Virginia Family Service Wins Grant for New Head Start Program
Organization prepares to work with community to provide quality child development services

Oakton, VA, September 18, 2007- Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), an organization deeply dedicated to serving families and children, announced the successful award of the Head Start program in Arlington, VA – granted by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The new program will take on a different approach to its already existing Early Head Start (EHS) program, which graduates children 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.

“Research has shown that the early years are the most important in the development of a child’s life,” said Sherrie Lookner, VP of the Early Childhood Department. “We are eager to be able to provide continuity to the children who are already in the EHS program. We are excited to be able to work with parents in these most important years”, she added.

NVFS plans to stabilize the current operational program already in place and looks forward to working with the community to provide the Head Start services. “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,” said Mary Agee, President & CEO. NVFS will officially run the center starting October 15.

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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