NVFS is known for its long history of serving the community, so it’s no surprise that history is how Xenia Garofalo discovered NVFS. Learn how she has been inspired by NVFS’ work and why others should get involved.

Sylvia and Ken Wright have been longstanding NVFS supporters, donating both time and resources to the SERVE Family Shelter and Hunger Resource Center (HRC). Driven by a desire to help those in need in our community, especially children, they have helped out where needed, whether picking up or donating food to the HRC or providing arts & crafts activities for the children in the shelter each Tuesday.

After helping with two of her company’s corporate volunteering events, Debbie Fitzpatrick decided she wanted to invest even more time to helping her neighbors. She’s now a weekly volunteer at NVFS’ Hunger Resource Center.

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.

NVFS’ corporate engagement opportunities offer team-building and community stewardship benefits for local companies. But they can also be a source of celebration in and of themselves, as ShorePoint Inc. recently showcased in celebrating its one-year anniversary with a service project at NVFS’ SERVE Campus.

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.

Through our partnership with HealthWorks, we were able to assist one of our neighbors and transform not only his health and outlook, but allow him to care for his family as well.

As Ranjit’s situation seemed to become bleaker, a small ray of hope shone through. At just the right time, Ranjit heard about NVFS’ Early Head Start program.

Deloitte has brought a wide spectrum of support – from skills-based volunteering opportunities with NVFS staff and clients to painting and landscaping NVFS’ SERVE Campus – to engage employees in the local community.

When Teresa and Joel Kaplan retired, they knew they wanted to continue giving back to their community and improving their neighbors’ lives, especially the lives of children.

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.

Mike Henry, an avid supporter of NVFS and longtime community volunteer, has hosted evenings of music at SERVE shelter alongside fellow local musicians.

During her morning commute, Halmon witnessed men, women and children experiencing homelessness and in an effort to show them that, despite their present challenges, they are our valued neighbors, she decided to dedicate a portion of her life to providing meals for those in need.

Temple Rodef Shalom’s commitment to NVFS spans multiple programs and activities, including in-kind support of our homeless shelters, Healthy Families program, Hunger Resource Center and Back-to-School Drive.

NVFS offers many opportunities to get involved with our local community, including our special events. Tina Yalen has been a driving force behind our gala’s incredible silent auction for years.

When Stephanie Whittle contemplated diving back into the professional workforce after her twins went off to college, she knew volunteering was a great start to brush up on her skills before re-entering the workforce.

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.

Rani was searching for volunteer opportunities in Northern Virginia to give back to her community, as well as gain valuable and professional experience to assist her in the job hunt down the line. Rani now volunteers with NVFS in multiple capacities.

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.

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) has helped NVFS shelter guests with a wide range of life skills workshops, from nutrition to finances to parenting.

Children at SERVE Family Shelter were so excited for ShounBach volunteers’ Halloween event that they were lined up at the door before the party, watching the volunteers set up!

When Faustina began looking for ways to fill her free time after school, she knew she wanted to make an impact in her community, and that’s when she found NVFS.

Since 2011, the Boy Scouts of America’s Scouting for Food drive has helped to provide thousands of dollars’ worth of food each year to NVFS.

When Amy found herself with a little extra free time, she immediately knew that she wanted to use it to make a difference and giving back to her community.

Like many couples who choose to foster, the Sotos felt as though fostering is their calling, and they’re dedicated to ensuring each child they foster receives the necessary services to meet his or her needs.

After Blake and Elana Natker became parents to their daughter and son, they were immediately made aware of the importance of giving children a good start in life. “Not all families are as fortunate as we are, and there are kids in our area who need some help.”

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.

Since April 2017, William Schuppert has been spending one hour a week assisting children at the SERVE Family Shelter with their homework through the Homework Club.

“Owing to the exceptional client services I received since becoming a resident at Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter, I am compelled to respond with a letter of gratitude and appreciation.”

Samantha Fenn and “The Mad Scientists” have been volunteering with the HRC for nearly a year and always arrive eager and ready to serve.

The U.S. Marine Corp crew from the Marine Corps University – Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy gave their time to revamp a crowded closet at the Hilda Barg shelter.

Occoquan Bible Church worked tirelessly in the heat to clean out the Hilda Barg shelter’s shed.

Volunteers from Rolls Royce made a huge impact at SERVE’s Hunger Resource Center.

Thank you to the volunteers from Audi who have given their time to the Hunger Resource Center.

F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical donated not only 550 new backpacks and cash to the 2017 Back-to-School Drive but their time as well. Learn more about their perspective on giving back to their local community.

“On our visits to the [Hilda Barg] shelter, children explored the area around them with new eyes, actively learning how birds see or how nearly everything we depend on for survival comes from plants.  We guided them through fishing activities, hikes, races, pond discovery, and crafts that they could take home with them.

Thank you, Quest Diagnostics, for giving the SERVE administrative conference room a much-needed paint job!

WBB Consulting tidied the BCCS grounds and spruced up the gardens, which enhanced the shelter’s outdoor atmosphere and provided a nice sanctuary for guests to enjoy.

Thank you, Clark Concrete, for installing a flagpole at Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter (BCCS) and tidying the shelter grounds! The guests are loving the new addition. Another Clark team used its construction skills to build a new picnic table so that shelter guests now have a shady spot to relax outside.

“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.”

Liz Fenning is a volunteer at the Hilda Barg homeless shelter, dedicating her efforts to the children’s activities department and pioneering several summer camp activities for the children at the shelter.

Thank you to the Bel-Air Woman’s Club who sponsored a day out for Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center guest families to attend a showing of the musical Hairspray!

Temple Rodef Shalom’s Till & Tend team came out to Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter to plant their annual summer produce garden.

At NVFS, we are always impressed with the creativity and enthusiasm our volunteers bring to their experiences through our programs. Parties 2 Inspire is no exception, with its energetic dance parties, engaging children’s activities and all around family fun.

Sage Communications volunteers brought their A-game to Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter for a spring cleaning and celebration.

For the eighth year, our SERVE campus welcomed AOL staff members for their annual Monster Help Day.

A huge thank you to Real Women on the Move who held a “Project Butterfly” event for the female guests of Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center to go to the Sugar Baby salon for a “Day of Beauty.” Our clients had a fantastic time getting pampered!

Through their Flint Hill Cares program, Flint Hill students brought fun and festivities to our Head Start children.

CJM Wealth Advisers brought Field Day to our Head Start center. Volunteer activities included blowing bubbles, coloring with stickers, and playing musical chairs and Duck-Duck-Goose.

CEB Global Impact Week brought circus-like festivities to our Head Start center, to the thrill of our three to five year olds.

Turner Construction returned to our Head Start center this year for its Paint the Town Blue volunteer event.

We were the very grateful beneficiary of the Fannie Mae “7 Days to SERVE” again in 2017.

For the past several years, Lockheed Martin’s Manassas branch has supported NVFS’ SERVE Campus with a food and donation drive at its annual Chili Cook-Off. Company employees also volunteer their time at the Hunger Resource Center, and support NVFS’ holiday and back-to-school drives.

Acknowledging the severe drop in food donations, Exostar LLC hosted a food drive for the SERVE Hunger Resource Center as part of its multiple days of service.

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.

“NVFS will always hold a special place in our hearts, not only because they united us with our daughters, but because they played such a special role in the first year we had with them.”

Janet and Richard entered into foster parenting after they compared their blessings against the unfortunate circumstances of many children. With children in need of a temporary family, they believed they could help a child and contribute to the community as foster parents.

The Coffies are an extraordinary family that have been serving as foster parents to children with special needs for more than 20 years. For Dave and Bev Coffie, who have adopted nine children and fostered countless more, the house is always full of kids.

Aaron and Jennifer are a young urban couple who are the epitome of what you would like to see in a foster parent, but who are also the last ones you would expect to sign up for the training course.

Opening up your home just the first step in becoming a foster parent. Along the way, Boo has also learned to be flexible and the importance of establishing a connection, even if that child is only with her and her family for a brief time.

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.

Alvaro explains his work in youth programs, how he’s grown within the agency, and what makes NVFS unique.

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.

Apple Federal Credit Union (AFCU) has served as a paradigm for corporate investment in NVFS for nearly a decade. Employees have donated thousands of hours by volunteering at NVFS’ Hunger Resource Center, preparing meals at NVFS shelters, providing life skills and financial management classes and supporting NVFS’ Training Futures workforce development program.

Administrative support is essential to helping us operate as efficiently as possible. As a volunteer, Tom provides support to Human Resources and NVFS special events to help us achieve maximize our operations and success.

The Huheey family has been volunteering at the SERVE campus since 2001. Amy Sue and Rob became volunteers because they felt called to the work and liked how SERVE helps the community, especially families and children.

Dan has spent countless hours with homeless clients helping them write cover letters and resumes, improving their interviewing skills and assisting them with job searches.

Greg and Lucy wanted to do their part to help youth get the care and support they need to succeed. One weekend a month, the couple has opened their home to a young special needs child so the child’s elderly grandmother can have a much-needed respite.

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

Rashanda began her career at NVFS as a youth outreach coordinator and has transitioned to new roles within early childhood development, most recently as health and nutrition coordinator for NVFS’ Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

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.