| From | Northern Virginia Family Services <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Your September NVFS Insider is Here |
| Date | September 18, 2025 6:36 PM |
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Season to Share, Fall Food Drive, Sponsor Spotlight: Evans, CASA on NBC, Healthy Families Picnic, Volunteer Spotlight, Shelter Revamp
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Monthly Newsletter of Northern Virginia Family Services
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Donate <[link removed]>
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Season to Share: Nourishing Families and Gifting Hope
As costs continue to rise, too many families in Northern Virginia are faced with impossible choices—putting food on the table, paying rent, or buying holiday gifts for their children. This year, Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) invites you to join Season to Share <[link removed]> , a community-wide effort to make sure no family feels left behind during this critical time of year.
Season to Share begins with the Fall Food Drive <[link removed]> , helping families stock their pantries with nutritious food to ease the burden of increased costs during the holidays. With your help, shelves can be filled and tables set with meals that not only nourish bodies but also lift spirits.
Season to Share ends with the Holiday Toy Drive <[link removed]> which provides children and parents with meaningful reminders that their community cares about them. From toys for the kids to gift cards for teens, these contributions bring joy to neighbors across Northern Virginia.
Whether you choose to sponsor <[link removed]>, host a food or gift drive, or share our mission with your network, every action adds light to the season. Together, we can create a ripple of compassion that stretches across Northern Virginia as we share hope, inspire generosity, and help families move into the new year with renewed strength.
<[link removed]>
Northern Virginia Needs Volunteer Advocates for Children
NBC Washington recently reported on the urgent need for more volunteer advocates to support children in Northern Virginia’s court system: Watch the story here <[link removed]>.
Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are volunteers who play a vital role by ensuring that children involved in custody, abuse, or neglect cases have a caring adult speaking up for their best interests. These volunteers don’t need a legal background—just compassion, commitment, and a willingness to stand beside a child during some of life’s hardest moments.
The shortage of volunteers means many children risk going unheard at critical points in their lives. NVFS is working to change that by training and supporting new CASAs to serve as trusted advocates for children.
Your time and voice can make all the difference for a child who needs someone in their corner. Learn more here <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
Healthy Families Hosts End-of-Summer Picnic
In September, NVFS' Healthy Families <[link removed]> Prince William brought together families, staff, and more than 20 volunteers for its annual summer picnic. With the season winding down, the event had a joyful “end-of-summer” feel as children ran outdoors, families connected, and laughter filled the air.
Families enjoyed a cookout-style meal together, complete with music and dancing. The water play station was a favorite for kids and adults alike, while other activities—face painting, bubbles, chalk play, building blocks, parachute games, a dance party, and an infant zone—kept the fun going. A raffle added excitement, sending four families home with baskets of toys and books, and every family received a goody bag.
This yearly tradition is more than a picnic—it’s a celebration of community. Families look forward to the chance to meet other parents, strengthen bonds, and enjoy positive interactions with their children. Volunteers from Apple Federal Credit Union and Micron, and NVFS board member Sam Hill with his wife Lillian made the evening possible, grilling, running activities, and engaging with families.
<[link removed]>
Congratulations to the 2025 CARE Award Winners!
For more than 30 years, NVFS has presented the CARE Awards to recognize companies that make our region a better place for everyone to work, live, and play. Winners are selected based on their outstanding culture and employee engagement strategies. Congratulations to the 2025 CARE Award winners <[link removed]> for creating thriving, exemplary workplaces for employees every day.
Join us on Thursday, November 20 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for the CARE Awards Reception. Meet this year’s award winners, learn about the best practices these companies employ, and connect with business leaders from across Northern Virginia. Sponsorship opportunities <[link removed]> are available as well – an excellent way to gain visibility while supporting NVFS’ mission.
To learn more about the CARE Awards reception and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit our website <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
Sponsor Spotlight: Evans
NVFS is thankful for Evans's <[link removed]> partnership during this year’s Back2School drive. Their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program reflects a deep commitment to service. With a focus on supporting women, children, and families, and expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities, Evans’ values align closely with the NVFS mission.
Evans employees support NVFS in many ways—from volunteering at our thrift store to preparing students for a successful school year, to sponsoring donation drives. In the broader community, they participate in charity walks, and transform March into “March Charity Madness,” where a nonprofit selected by employees receives a grant, and more. Their CSR program succeeds because it offers flexible opportunities, ensuring employees can give in ways that fit their lives—whether through time, talent, or financial support.
This summer, Evans was a key partner in our Back2School drive. Employees donated supplies, shopped for teammates who couldn’t attend in person, and packed backpacks with family and friends. As one Evans leader reflected:
“This year’s Back2School Drive with NVFS was more than a sponsorship; it was a chance to come together as a community to make a real impact. What I love most is how this effort shows that every action counts.”
Thank you, Evans, for strengthening our community while building authentic connections within your team.
<[link removed]>
<mailto:[email protected]>
<[link removed]>
September is Hunger Action Month
Across the country, September is recognized as Hunger Action Month, a national campaign to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire people to take action. Millions of families struggle with the rising cost of groceries, leaving them to make difficult choices between food, housing, and other essentials. Hunger Action Month shines a light on these challenges and calls communities together to help ensure no one goes hungry.
Here in Northern Virginia, NVFS joins this effort by mobilizing neighbors to donate, host food drives, and advocate for families facing food insecurity. Every action—big or small—contributes to change. Together, we can fill tables, ease burdens, and bring hope to families in our community. Hunger Action Month is more than awareness—it’s about action.
Learn more <[link removed]> about the ways you can give to support families through our Fall Food Drive this year and mark your calendars for our donation drop-off dates at the Hunger Resource Center: Mon, Oct 27; Wed, Oct 29; Wed, Nov 5; Fri, Nov 7 (2025 ). You can also read our blog <[link removed]> to learn how you can host you can fight hunger by hosting your own drive with your workplace, school, faith community, club, or neighborhood.
<[link removed]>
Whiting-Turner Gives Family Shelter a Fresh Look
Northern Virginia Family Services’s Family Shelter <[link removed]> was recently the grateful recipient of Whiting-Turner’s generosity. Over the course of three days, Kay Kent and her team of more than 20 skilled professionals, including some of their contractors, transformed the shelter’s dining areas and staff conference room.
The work included painting walls and doors, replacing baseboards and blinds, refacing cabinets, updating weather stripping, and installing new wainscoting. Each detail was thoughtfully completed to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and dignified for the families we serve.
Partnering with Whiting-Turner was a true pleasure. The team was personable, engaging, and always kept our clients’ experience at the heart of their work. Their dedication went beyond construction—it reflected a deep commitment to ensuring that shelter guests feel cared for and respected in their home away from home.
<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
Top NVFS Family Shelter <[link removed]> Needs
* Adult incontinence briefs (men's and women's sizes large and extra large)
* Baby wipes
* Laudry detergent
* Baby bottles
* Paper plates
* Plastic utensils
Top Hunger Resource Center <[link removed]> Needs
* Canned and dry goods
* Meat
* Canned meats (chicken, tuna, etc.)
* Rice
* Hot and cold cereal
* Bottled Water
* Kids Snacks (granola bars, fruit cups, etc.)
* Milk
* Fresh produce (fruits and vegetables)
* Juice
* Diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6)
Top Healthy Families <[link removed]> Needs (drop off at the SERVE Campus <[link removed]>, attn. Navara Cannon)
* Children's diapers (all sizes)
* Craft supplies
* Baby wipes
Top Early Childhood Education <[link removed]> Needs (drop off at the SERVE Campus <[link removed]>, attn. Navara Cannon)
* Art supplies
* Costumes for pretends play
* Light table and accessories
* Diapers
* Board books for seasons (fall, winter, spring, summer)
Top Multicultural Center <[link removed]> Needs
* Baby wipes
* Diapers (sizes larger than 2)
* Feminine hygeine products (all sizes of sanitary pads)
* New, unused travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap)
* Cleaning supplies
* Canned tuna
* Canned pasta (SpaghettiOs, ravioli, etc.)
* Cereal
* Lentils (canned and dry)
Top Volunteer Needs
* Food Recovery Driver <[link removed]> (Contact Navara Cannon <mailto:[email protected] > for more information)
* Vision Program Assistant (Contact Navara Cannon <mailto:[email protected]> for more information)
* Shelter Kitchen Assistant <[link removed]> (Contact Vicky Bonilla <mailto:[email protected]> for more information)
Did you enjoy this edition of the Insider? Have a suggestion? Send us an email. <mailto:[email protected]?subject=Insider suggestion> We love hearing from our readers and are continually striving to provide relevant content.
Some NVFS programs are partially funded with federal dollars. View our Public Funding Acknowledgements <[link removed]> for details.
Some NVFS programs participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). View the anti-discrimination notice <[link removed]> for details.
<[link removed]>
Privacy Policy <[link removed]>
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Unsubscribe <[link removed]>
Northern Virginia Family Services <[link removed]>
3110 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042
<[link removed]>
Monthly Newsletter of Northern Virginia Family Services
[image: Facebook] <[link removed]>
[image: YouTube] <[link removed]>
[image: Follow us on Instagram] <[link removed]>
[image: LinkedIn] <[link removed]>
Volunteer <[link removed]>
Donate <[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
Season to Share: Nourishing Families and Gifting Hope
As costs continue to rise, too many families in Northern Virginia are faced with impossible choices—putting food on the table, paying rent, or buying holiday gifts for their children. This year, Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) invites you to join Season to Share <[link removed]> , a community-wide effort to make sure no family feels left behind during this critical time of year.
Season to Share begins with the Fall Food Drive <[link removed]> , helping families stock their pantries with nutritious food to ease the burden of increased costs during the holidays. With your help, shelves can be filled and tables set with meals that not only nourish bodies but also lift spirits.
Season to Share ends with the Holiday Toy Drive <[link removed]> which provides children and parents with meaningful reminders that their community cares about them. From toys for the kids to gift cards for teens, these contributions bring joy to neighbors across Northern Virginia.
Whether you choose to sponsor <[link removed]>, host a food or gift drive, or share our mission with your network, every action adds light to the season. Together, we can create a ripple of compassion that stretches across Northern Virginia as we share hope, inspire generosity, and help families move into the new year with renewed strength.
<[link removed]>
Northern Virginia Needs Volunteer Advocates for Children
NBC Washington recently reported on the urgent need for more volunteer advocates to support children in Northern Virginia’s court system: Watch the story here <[link removed]>.
Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are volunteers who play a vital role by ensuring that children involved in custody, abuse, or neglect cases have a caring adult speaking up for their best interests. These volunteers don’t need a legal background—just compassion, commitment, and a willingness to stand beside a child during some of life’s hardest moments.
The shortage of volunteers means many children risk going unheard at critical points in their lives. NVFS is working to change that by training and supporting new CASAs to serve as trusted advocates for children.
Your time and voice can make all the difference for a child who needs someone in their corner. Learn more here <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
Healthy Families Hosts End-of-Summer Picnic
In September, NVFS' Healthy Families <[link removed]> Prince William brought together families, staff, and more than 20 volunteers for its annual summer picnic. With the season winding down, the event had a joyful “end-of-summer” feel as children ran outdoors, families connected, and laughter filled the air.
Families enjoyed a cookout-style meal together, complete with music and dancing. The water play station was a favorite for kids and adults alike, while other activities—face painting, bubbles, chalk play, building blocks, parachute games, a dance party, and an infant zone—kept the fun going. A raffle added excitement, sending four families home with baskets of toys and books, and every family received a goody bag.
This yearly tradition is more than a picnic—it’s a celebration of community. Families look forward to the chance to meet other parents, strengthen bonds, and enjoy positive interactions with their children. Volunteers from Apple Federal Credit Union and Micron, and NVFS board member Sam Hill with his wife Lillian made the evening possible, grilling, running activities, and engaging with families.
<[link removed]>
Congratulations to the 2025 CARE Award Winners!
For more than 30 years, NVFS has presented the CARE Awards to recognize companies that make our region a better place for everyone to work, live, and play. Winners are selected based on their outstanding culture and employee engagement strategies. Congratulations to the 2025 CARE Award winners <[link removed]> for creating thriving, exemplary workplaces for employees every day.
Join us on Thursday, November 20 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for the CARE Awards Reception. Meet this year’s award winners, learn about the best practices these companies employ, and connect with business leaders from across Northern Virginia. Sponsorship opportunities <[link removed]> are available as well – an excellent way to gain visibility while supporting NVFS’ mission.
To learn more about the CARE Awards reception and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit our website <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
Sponsor Spotlight: Evans
NVFS is thankful for Evans's <[link removed]> partnership during this year’s Back2School drive. Their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program reflects a deep commitment to service. With a focus on supporting women, children, and families, and expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities, Evans’ values align closely with the NVFS mission.
Evans employees support NVFS in many ways—from volunteering at our thrift store to preparing students for a successful school year, to sponsoring donation drives. In the broader community, they participate in charity walks, and transform March into “March Charity Madness,” where a nonprofit selected by employees receives a grant, and more. Their CSR program succeeds because it offers flexible opportunities, ensuring employees can give in ways that fit their lives—whether through time, talent, or financial support.
This summer, Evans was a key partner in our Back2School drive. Employees donated supplies, shopped for teammates who couldn’t attend in person, and packed backpacks with family and friends. As one Evans leader reflected:
“This year’s Back2School Drive with NVFS was more than a sponsorship; it was a chance to come together as a community to make a real impact. What I love most is how this effort shows that every action counts.”
Thank you, Evans, for strengthening our community while building authentic connections within your team.
<[link removed]>
<mailto:[email protected]>
<[link removed]>
September is Hunger Action Month
Across the country, September is recognized as Hunger Action Month, a national campaign to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire people to take action. Millions of families struggle with the rising cost of groceries, leaving them to make difficult choices between food, housing, and other essentials. Hunger Action Month shines a light on these challenges and calls communities together to help ensure no one goes hungry.
Here in Northern Virginia, NVFS joins this effort by mobilizing neighbors to donate, host food drives, and advocate for families facing food insecurity. Every action—big or small—contributes to change. Together, we can fill tables, ease burdens, and bring hope to families in our community. Hunger Action Month is more than awareness—it’s about action.
Learn more <[link removed]> about the ways you can give to support families through our Fall Food Drive this year and mark your calendars for our donation drop-off dates at the Hunger Resource Center: Mon, Oct 27; Wed, Oct 29; Wed, Nov 5; Fri, Nov 7 (2025 ). You can also read our blog <[link removed]> to learn how you can host you can fight hunger by hosting your own drive with your workplace, school, faith community, club, or neighborhood.
<[link removed]>
Whiting-Turner Gives Family Shelter a Fresh Look
Northern Virginia Family Services’s Family Shelter <[link removed]> was recently the grateful recipient of Whiting-Turner’s generosity. Over the course of three days, Kay Kent and her team of more than 20 skilled professionals, including some of their contractors, transformed the shelter’s dining areas and staff conference room.
The work included painting walls and doors, replacing baseboards and blinds, refacing cabinets, updating weather stripping, and installing new wainscoting. Each detail was thoughtfully completed to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and dignified for the families we serve.
Partnering with Whiting-Turner was a true pleasure. The team was personable, engaging, and always kept our clients’ experience at the heart of their work. Their dedication went beyond construction—it reflected a deep commitment to ensuring that shelter guests feel cared for and respected in their home away from home.
<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
Top NVFS Family Shelter <[link removed]> Needs
* Adult incontinence briefs (men's and women's sizes large and extra large)
* Baby wipes
* Laudry detergent
* Baby bottles
* Paper plates
* Plastic utensils
Top Hunger Resource Center <[link removed]> Needs
* Canned and dry goods
* Meat
* Canned meats (chicken, tuna, etc.)
* Rice
* Hot and cold cereal
* Bottled Water
* Kids Snacks (granola bars, fruit cups, etc.)
* Milk
* Fresh produce (fruits and vegetables)
* Juice
* Diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6)
Top Healthy Families <[link removed]> Needs (drop off at the SERVE Campus <[link removed]>, attn. Navara Cannon)
* Children's diapers (all sizes)
* Craft supplies
* Baby wipes
Top Early Childhood Education <[link removed]> Needs (drop off at the SERVE Campus <[link removed]>, attn. Navara Cannon)
* Art supplies
* Costumes for pretends play
* Light table and accessories
* Diapers
* Board books for seasons (fall, winter, spring, summer)
Top Multicultural Center <[link removed]> Needs
* Baby wipes
* Diapers (sizes larger than 2)
* Feminine hygeine products (all sizes of sanitary pads)
* New, unused travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap)
* Cleaning supplies
* Canned tuna
* Canned pasta (SpaghettiOs, ravioli, etc.)
* Cereal
* Lentils (canned and dry)
Top Volunteer Needs
* Food Recovery Driver <[link removed]> (Contact Navara Cannon <mailto:[email protected] > for more information)
* Vision Program Assistant (Contact Navara Cannon <mailto:[email protected]> for more information)
* Shelter Kitchen Assistant <[link removed]> (Contact Vicky Bonilla <mailto:[email protected]> for more information)
Did you enjoy this edition of the Insider? Have a suggestion? Send us an email. <mailto:[email protected]?subject=Insider suggestion> We love hearing from our readers and are continually striving to provide relevant content.
Some NVFS programs are partially funded with federal dollars. View our Public Funding Acknowledgements <[link removed]> for details.
Some NVFS programs participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). View the anti-discrimination notice <[link removed]> for details.
<[link removed]>
Privacy Policy <[link removed]>
|
Unsubscribe <[link removed]>
Northern Virginia Family Services <[link removed]>
3110 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042
Message Analysis
- Sender: Northern Virginia Family Service
- Political Party: n/a
- Country: United States
- State/Locality: Virginia
- Office: n/a