It’s National Adoption Month: Q&A With Lucy, an NVFS Foster Parent
What do you think is most important for foster parents to do?
“Prepare them for life,” is Lucy’s quick reply. “I teach them independence. I love them. I mean, oh my do these children need love. I hug them and tell them how special they are and I teach them how to care for themselves. You never know, unfortunately, where these kids will go from your home. You’ve got to set them up for the best possible outcome by teaching them that they are strong and that they can do for themselves if need be.”
What is the hardest part about being a foster parent?
“The stigma folks attach to a foster child, and sometimes even to me as a foster parent, is hard to deal with. Watching children work through the difficult circumstances of their lives is tough.”
Why did you become a foster parent?
“The children. Plain and simple,” answers Lucy.
Want to learn more about being a foster parent with NVFS? Read more here, or sign up for our next training on Saturday, Nov. 19.
Spread Holiday Cheer in Your Community
Spreading holiday cheer can be one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. This Thanksgiving, provide hundreds of low-income families in the Greater Prince William community with a hearty meal. Food donations are being accepted today, Nov. 17, until 5 p.m. and tomorrow, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For suggested food items and drop-off location, please click here.
NVFS Receives $50,000 Grant from Bank of America to Provide Hunger Relief
One in 15 Northern Virginians is at risk of hunger, including thousands in the Greater Prince William community. Between 40 to 60 percent of students in the county’s three school districts receive free and reduced-price meals. NVFS supports these families in need through its Anti-Hunger programs, which recently received a $50,000 grant through Bank of America to help continue their critical services. Each year, NVFS’ Anti-Hunger programs collect and distribute 1.6 million pounds of food to more than 1,800 unique families, and provide 70,000 meals to residents of its SERVE Emergency Shelter.
“This grant will help our Anti-Hunger programs maintain crucial food-access services, help families increase their monthly food budgets through SNAP enrollment, and educate families on the importance of making healthier food choices to help prevent diabetes and obesity,” said Stephanie Berkowitz, president and CEO of NVFS. “We appreciate Bank of America’s generous support and look forward to our continued partnership in the fight against poverty.”
Support NVFS Clients at Our Upcoming Events
Village of Impact Day
Focus: Homelessness & Hunger Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. Please join us for our first Village of Impact Day at the SERVE campus in Manassas! The Village of Impact is a great opportunity for individuals and families of all ages (even the little ones!) to become more informed community advocates together. Please RSVP to Jen McCollum at jmccollum@nvfs.org by Friday, Dec. 2.
Music Makes Life Better Concert Benefiting NVFS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a MUSIC MAKES LIFE BETTER all-ages concert at Jammin Java, one of the DC Metro area’s premier music venues with full menu and table service. Proceeds of this show benefit NVFS. Concert-goers who donate much-needed paper and cleaning supplies for NVFS clients — including Lysol wipes, toilet paper, all-purpose liquid cleaner, dish soap, floor cleaner and bleach — will be entered into a drawing for some great prizes. Tickets >>
Training Futures Graduation Friday, Dec. 9 at 8:30 a.m. Training Futures, a nationally recognized workforce development program of NVFS, teaches administrative and professional skills so that graduates can attain living wages to provide for themselves and their families. Join us at this cycle’s graduation to congratulate them on this career milestone and network with new talent for administrative support positions! RSVP >>
Training Futures 20th Anniversary Celebration Save the date! In March 2017, Training Futures will be celebrating 20 years of providing motivated adults in Northern Virginia with the opportunity to earn administrative skills and experience.
Top Volunteer and Item Needs
Holiday Meals at SERVE
As you contemplate your holiday plans, please consider donating your time to provide, prepare and serve a meal for residents at NVFS’ 92-bed SERVE Emergency Shelter in Manassas. Contact Navara Cannon at ncannon@nvfs.org or 571.748.2536 to volunteer for any of the following meals:
• Christmas Day holiday meal at 12 p.m. • Christmas Day dinner at 5 p.m. • Day after Christmas dinner at 5 p.m.
See other top volunteer needs:
This month, our community’s top item needs include paper products for the kitchen at Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter and household cleaning items for all of our three shelters. Read more for details and dozens of further donation opportunities!
Thank you for investing in families and strengthening communities.
Northern Virginia Family Service 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100, Oakton VA 22124 571.748.2500
