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

NVFS Named One of Lead Agencies to Assist Hurricane Katrina Victims

Oakton, Va., Oct. 3, 2005-Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) began offering assistance last week to displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina who are currently living in Fairfax County. Partnering with Fairfax County, Reston Interfaith and United Community Ministries, NVFS is providing case management to help families meet their short- and long-term needs.

"Northern Virginia Family Service is recognized as an expert in providing long-term case management for families that have gone through disasters. Through our Survivors' Fund Project, which assists victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the Pentagon, the agency has demonstrated its ability to work with families that have suffered trauma in order to help them get back on their feet. Likewise, we believe that our experienced case managers will assist victims of Hurricane Katrina to begin to rebuild their lives," said NVFS President and CEO Mary Agee.

More than 1,000 families displaced from Hurricane Katrina are currently living in Fairfax County. While many of these families require assistance, the population is extremely diverse in background and need.

NVFS, Reston Interfaith and United Community Ministries each has hired a full-time case manager dedicated to helping the hurricane victims. Additionally, NVFS has employed a coordinator to oversee the program. Through case management, NVFS will help families understand their choices so they can make informed decisions about their futures. The agency will help them become stabilized for the short-term, which includes securing safe housing, access to medical care and mental health services, obtaining home furnishings and clothes, and finding a job or job training. Long-term support may include aid such as ongoing housing assistance.

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 27,000 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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