(Oakton, VA—June 10, 2009) Northern Virginia Family Service is proud to recognize the Intervention Prevention Education (IPE) program and its recent soccer tournament for at-risk youth in the region. Counselors in the IPE program work throughout the region on gang involvement in cooperation with the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force.
On April 25, NVFS hosted a soccer tournament featuring ten teams comprised of local at-risk youth. The youth involved were aged 12-21 and represented several local jurisdictions. Volunteers served lunch, catered by Macaroni Grill, and assisted in refereeing the competitive tournament. The youth from Arlington won the championship. NVFS plans to make this soccer tournament an annual event in order to encourage regular participation among local youth and to invigorate the partnership between the agency and local law enforcement.
The unique partnership promotes the integration of interventions across many systems and services including employment, mentoring programs, recreation, mental health, court services, schools and other community agencies. Individual and family services under this program may last up to 90 days with the possibility of extension based on the unique needs of each youth and his/her family. Services are offered free of charge to at-risk youth and their families.