Unemployed because of lack of reliable and affordable childcare, a woman came with her two young children looking for emergency shelter assistance through NVFS. Feeling overwhelmed, isolated and hopeless, she had trouble moving past her fears to accomplish the next step.

Vanessa was doing her best to provide for her three young children, but was quickly running out of options. By the time she walked into the Hunger Resource Center (HRC) on NVFS’ SERVE Campus, Vanessa had been living in her car for some time.

Respite care provides critical support for a traumatized young boy and his family, and works to reunite him with his father.

NVFS youth groups offer more than psycho-education and a supportive network. They offer teens experiences and opportunities that they may not have had otherwise, whether it’s the opportunity to foster friendships or to have an adult male role model whom they can finally count on.

For 8-year-old Annie, the world no longer felt like a safe place. At her school, the social worker noticed Annie’s changing demeanor and personality. It was clear Annie needed help. Her social worker turned to NVFS.

When Cesar was 14 years old, he came to the United States hoping for a brighter future and the opportunity to pursue his dreams. But he immediately came head-to-head with various obstacles, such as a language barrier, adjusting to a new climate and becoming acquainted with a new community.

Richard Moya was unemployed and studying part time at Northern Virginia Community College before he found Training Futures. Like most trainees, Richard lacked experience in office environments, customer service and belief in himself to overcome adversity.

Despite having a Master’s degree from her home country, Simitha lacked the confidence and work experience to work in the U.S. Following her separation from her husband, she was desperate to find a way to provide for herself and utilize her skills in the workforce.

Moving from Madagascar to the United States and leaving behind a 15-year career as a lawyer, Ony and her husband’s decision to give their daughters better opportunities in the U.S. came with a price. It took longer than anticipated to begin working in law and Ony was desperate to provide for her family.

After becoming homeless in another state, Meridith moved to Virginia with her children with no financial assistance. After landing a job at K-Mart, Meridith still needed to supplement her income with food stamps and Medicaid. That’s when she found NVFS’ Training Futures.

Kamina discovered NVFS’ Training Futures while working at Home Depot and raising her newborn daughter and longing to be more financially stable to provide for her growing family. Kamina shared: “Since Training Futures simulated an office environment, they helped me understand what it meant to be on time and manage time effectively.”

Before Ilshat found Training Futures, he was working two jobs to make ends meet. He was looking for an opportunity to streamline his career while gaining knowledge in business culture in the States, as well as sharpen his English language skills. When he found Training Futures, he immediately immersed himself in learning.

Hana Tsige moved from Ethiopia to the United States in 2015 in hopes of having a better life and career, but her experience and leadership in the hospitality industry wasn’t enough to equip her with a stable career. It wasn’t until a social worker mentioned Training Futures that Hana had a glimmer of hope in utilizing her skills in the workplace again.

After leaving her home country of Morocco, where she obtained her Master’s Degree, Fatine found herself working minimum wage jobs in the U.S. because she lacked a U.S. Diploma. NVFS’ Training Futures provided Fatine with job training that helped to kick off her career in the U.S.

Angelique Jones, a 50-year-old resident of Northern Virginia, was diagnosed as legally blind and, because she needed to see to perform her job, was on the verge of losing her home. Without income or health benefits, Angelique couldn’t afford both housing and her medical bills.

Diana was coping with her new role as a single parent after leaving her children’s abusive father, learning how to advocate for herself and children, and even learning how to speak English more fluently.

First-time parents J and Anna receive the help and encouragement they need to create a safe, healthy home for their son.

“I spent 30 days at the Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter. During my first day in the shelter, I was not familiar with the process, as I had never been homeless before. Upon intake, the staff helped ease my transition and make me feel welcome in the program.”

“Because of [Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter], I have not only maintained my job, but have since went from seasonal workhouse associate to full-time IT equipment coordinator for my entire building.”

Lidia’s determination to see that her children have the opportunity for a good life and good education colors all of her life, and it is enabled by the advice, support and connection Healthy Families provides for Lidia and her husband.

Ada received the support and resources she needed to become “a better mom, better co-worker and a better human being” through NVFS.

With services from Early Head Start and social interactions with their peers at daycare, both of Sezounde’s children are hitting all the right milestones — and she now has the tools with which to build them a brighter future.

Healthy Families gave Glenda the tools to work through her postpartum depression and help her become a stable, independent mom.

When Anatolia became pregnant at 19, she wasn’t sure where to turn. She knew she needed help to prepare for her new role as a mom and found support through NVFS to ensure her success as a parent, and in creating a brighter future for herself and her daughter.

Mario was struggling with school and getting into trouble in his neighborhood. His mother wasn’t sure where to turn, so his school counselor contacted NVFS’ Intervention, Prevention & Education (IPE) program.

How Nuria received the peace of mind she needed to flourish by placing her son in Head Start.

Lydia came to the United States to reconnect with her mother after being apart for five years. Through NVFS’ family reunification program, she was able to not only rebuild that relationship, but prepare herself for a brighter future.

With Escala’s assistance, Octavio completed his business plan for a full-service electrical contracting company and had the guidance he needed to successfully move forward. His salary has increased by 50 percent, and he has been able to successfully send two of his children to college.

NVFS’ Hunger Resource Center provided more than food for M.P.’s family — it offered hope and compassion to people in need, and ensured they had what they needed to make it through difficult situations.

Bringing home a new baby, especially her first, is often the happiest moment of a mother’s life. However, this was not the case for Abby. Learn how NVFS helped her receive the parenting support she needed, as well as housing and transportation, to improve her circumstances.

Crystal needed a car to help her get to work and transport her family. But what she received from NVFS was much more than a vehicle; she was connected to NVFS’ Training Futures program and gained both the skills and confidence she needed to build a brighter future.

Frances is a fighter. Her family suffered financial hardship, job loss, and then eviction. In spite of this, Frances kept her family together. Frances submitted job applications every day, and eventually NVFS’ SERVE team identified an affordable home for her family.