Like many of you, some of us on the NVFS Team just completed our third week of working remotely, while many of our staff continue to work directly with families in need of shelter, food and legal services.
We shifted schedules, became at-home teachers, introduced our children and pets on Zoom, and worked to find a new balance. Focusing on what we can do as individuals and as an agency has helped uplift us during these uncertain times. As COVID-19 continues to upend every aspect of our lives, NVFS continues to serve our community in every way possible. Some updates from this past week:
- In response to the governor’s stay at home order, we received a waiver to continue providing critical services, including food and supply distribution, emergency shelter operations, foster care, legal consults, mental health counseling, and virtual support for parents with infants and children.
- Our legal team once again opened their doors (virtually) for new cases and a portion of our family reunification services resumed. For many in our community, COVID-19 is not the only crisis they are facing, and we are committed to helping them however we can.
- Rent and mortgage payments were due for the first time since work slowed down or was eliminated for many in our community. Just before the first of the month, we received nearly 300 applications for emergency assistance for rent, co-pays, and medications.
Thank you to those who have generously donated in the past few weeks—it has made a big difference. We see the long road ahead and we are committed to being here for our community and for our neighbors today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes to recover from this crisis. If you haven’t given yet and are able to, please consider donating now to our COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund. As more and more of our neighbors slip into an emergency situation, every gift of any size is critical. There are also ways to support local families if you cannot donate funds. This week, ABC 7 visited our Hunger Resource Center to spotlight the escalating situation in Northern Virginia and how NVFS is responding. Visit our COVID-19 Resource Page for the latest updates and ways you can help from home as we battle this pandemic together. As each week passes and the impact on our lives and community increases, we are reminded of how connected we truly are. You are an important part of our community and we are grateful for everything you do to support and uplift local families and children. Please stay safe and healthy.
Stephanie Berkowitz
President and CEO
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DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP? We stand ready to assist through our COVID-19 Emergency Assistance resource lines and email. If you know of someone who has been directly impacted by COVID-19 and is in need of food or emergency financial assistance, please have them complete an online application (English) (Spanish) for assistance or call our emergency resource line at 571-748-2552. Food Assistance
Right now, we are seeing a critical need for shelf-stable food.
You can drop off at our SERVE campus in Manassas, or send grocery gift cards to NVFS Headquarters, 10455 White Granite Drive #100, Oakton, VA 22124. Your support helps fuel our COVID-19 emergency response, as well as ensures our staff can continue to serve our most vulnerable neighbors during this crisis.
A donation today is an investment in the health and welfare of our community in the challenging weeks to come—and beyond. Thank you! |
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