A Determined Dad Finds a New Way to Provide For His Family
George and Jeannette came to the SERVE family shelter with 3 children under the age of 4. Their income at the time could not keep up with the rising costs of housing and utilities. Once in the shelter, however, George was able to secure a full-time waste management position in Manassas.
Although there were many challenges to the job – hazardous conditions, long hours and lack of transportation – George found the work rewarding and wanted to continue. Because of his drive and determination to better provide for his family, SERVE donated a bicycle to enable George’s successful travel to and from work.
Within a short period of time, George and Jeannette were able to save enough money to move out of the shelter and into a place not far from George’s employer. Several weeks after their departure, George visited the shelter to share news both proud and grateful. He was now being considered for a supervisory position at work.
With George’s determination, along with a little help from NVFS, the family became self-sufficient and was able to integrate back into their community with pride and dignity.
For all that dads do, all day and all year, to give their children a better life: Happy Father’s Day!
Training Futures: 1,700+ Graduates and Growing
Congratulations to our 38 Training Futures graduates who celebrated the completion of their six-month professional administrative training on Friday, June 3. In those six months, they learned the computer, business math and business etiquette skills to be eligible for living-wage, administrative office positions. Thanks to host Booz Allen Hamilton and breakfast sponsor Eggspectation for a great event!
In 20 years, Training Futures – a program of NVFS – has served more than 1,700 graduates. It has been nationally recognized as a high-performing workforce development program, with 89 percent of trainees securing full-time employment in an office environment within six months of graduation.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in applying for Training Futures, enrollment for the next cycle is ongoing through Friday, June 24. Click here for more information.
Training Futures also has many volunteer and staffing opportunities. Click here to learn more!
Help Local Kids Start the School Year Strong
School may still be in session, but it’s never too early to start helping students in need for next year. Students whose parents can’t afford everything on their school supply list start the year at a serious disadvantage. The depth of this need is reflected in the fact that in Northern Virginia counties, the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch ranges from 17 percent (in Loudoun County) to 59 percent (in the City of Alexandria).
Donate supplies: Help us fill 1,800 backpacks with much-needed school supplies for low-income students in Northern Virginia. New school supplies and new backpacks can be donated at 13926 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151 on Friday, July 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Donate funds: We gratefully accept monetary donations throughout the drive; however, those received by July 27 will allow us to take full advantage of below-retail purchasing agreements that increase the impact of your contribution. Click here to make a donation online!
For more information, including a full supply list, click here. Questions? Contact Pam Boyle.
Celebrating 25 Years of Helping Families in Woodbridge Find Pathways Out of Poverty
Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center, one of three homeless shelters operated by NVFS, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday, June 11. Prince William County honored Hilda Barg, the shelter’s namesake, for her vision and the 25 years of service the shelter has provided to create permanent pathways out of poverty.
Give Kids a Vacation From Hunger, and Other Ways to Help Your Community
Discover 7 urgent needs of children and families in your community, ranging from food to baby wipes to language interpreters for high-priority situations like housing, mental health and legal appointments.
Thank you for investing in families and strengthening communities.
Northern Virginia Family Service 3110 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042
“I’ve sincerely enjoyed the time you’ve spent during the past couple of weeks. I know it’s not always easy or convenient to personally come to my home and work with me on various strategies to assist me in my time of need. Yet you gave so generously your time, knowledge, patience and expertise to assist and speak on my behalf at such a critical time in my life. Your dedication to devote so much time, and keep me informed of a plan of action, has truly helped ease a lot of my concerns as to how I was going to continue paying such high rent. For nearly two years, it had taken a toll on me – being so stressed and many sleepless nights. I am truly grateful for your support to overcome obstacles that I alone could not have done, to rebuild my dreams to find affordable housing and have stability in my life once again.”