There is a free-form feeling to these days. Increasingly in conversations and on social media, people comment about how they can’t remember what day is it, and how time has moved so strangely over the last several weeks. Of course, this is not the story for all of our neighbors. Many know very well what day it is: it is six days from when the next rent payment is due, and they haven’t had steady work or worked at all in over a month. For me and the NVFS team, knowing about struggles like these gives us purpose and focuses us on what we need to do next. Our work continues and is needed maybe more than ever. Since my last update:
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We continue to move people out of our shelter into permanent housing. In fact, one of our clients became a first-time homeowner and will move into their new home next month.
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Our tele-mental health services are fully operable, opening critical lines of communication and support for those experiencing fear, depression and grief. With reports of domestic violence and substance abuse on the rise, our mental health services provide an essential lifeline.
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We are enlisting the help of volunteers for virtual service activities to support our families and staff, including making DIY masks, virtually reading stories to children in our early childhood programs, and assembling virtual summer camp kits for the kids in our shelter.
Earlier this week we launched the Road to Resilience Campaign, with a goal of replacing the revenue lost due to the cancellation of our annual Gala. We also celebrated National Volunteer Week, sharing stories on our social media channels and gathering together on Zoom for a volunteer appreciation event. I am heartened that the support of the community in both time and treasure is strong. For everything that has happened so far, the NVFS team--with the support of volunteers and supporters like you--has risen to meet the challenge. A donation of whatever you can afford or an hour of your time volunteering is significant and very much appreciated. Who knows when we can start easing back into a more normal way of living, and what that should even look like? There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss and debate. For now, I ground myself in what can be accomplished when a compassionate community from all walks of life commits to making what they can that much better. Any day of the week is a good day to make a difference in the lives of others.
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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