Celebration of Service, Volunteer Spotlight, Did You Know, Sharing Warmth, Top Needs, Volunteers Needed
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Monthly Newsletter of Northern Virginia Family Services
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Celebration of Service: A Night Centered on Community and Impact
On May 1, supporters, partners, staff, and community members came together at The Barns at Wolf Trap for NVFS’ Celebration of Service, an evening that celebrated the power of community and our collective impact.
Together, we raised more than $ 670,000 to help ensure families across our region can access the support they need to build stability, opportunity, and stronger futures. Watch the video <[link removed]> featuring the Molina family and see how our Intervention, Prevention & Education program is helping young people and families thrive through early intervention, mentorship, and family-centered support.
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors and auction donors whose generosity helped make the evening possible.
View our full list of Celebration of Service sponsors here <[link removed]> and auction donors here <[link removed]>.
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Training Futures Graduation Opens Doors to New Opportunities
Last week, NVFS celebrated the graduation of Training Futures Cycle T46, recognizing 12 professionals who completed the nationally recognized workforce development program. Through hands-on training, career coaching, and professional skill-building, graduates will take the next step toward stronger careers and long-term economic stability.
One graduate shared how the program helped them to rebuild confidence, strengthen professional skills, and pursue new career opportunities for themselves. “I found hope again that I felt like I'd lost for such a long time,” said Training Futures graduate Bradley Osario Quintanilla. “One of the things I took away so much was honestly that you can never do it alone, that sometimes you need other people to be able to help you and support you.”
Training Futures has helped more than 2,500 individuals across our region build pathways to meaningful employment and brighter futures. Visit here <[link removed]> to learn more about the program.
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Back2School and Beyond: Help Students Start Strong This School Year
Every child deserves to walk into the classroom prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Now through July 24, support the Back2School and Beyond campaign and help more than 1,500 students across Northern Virginia access the school supplies they need to start the school year strong.
Donate school supplies, make a financial gift, become a sponsor, or organize a community drive. Together, we can help students build confidence, succeed in the classroom, and move forward this school year and beyond.
Learn more about the Back2School and Beyond campaign here <[link removed]> and how your organization can become a sponsor here <[link removed]>.
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NVFS Leaders Highlight Rising Need for CASA Volunteers in Alexandria and Arlington
Two recent Patch articles highlighted the surge of need for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers in Alexandria and Arlington and the impact advocates can have on children navigating difficult circumstances.
The NVFS CASA program has served 149 children so far this year and, as of May 2026, there are 31 children on the waitlist.
“This surge in need isn’t occurring in a vacuum,” said Amy Wilker, NVFS Child and Family Wellbeing Services Director. “Kids are ending up in the welfare and justice systems because the prevention and diversion services intended to break patterns before a crisis can’t meet the current need.”
“Not having a CASA as a child navigates the legal system means that judges are less informed when considering their cases,” shared Corina Solorzano, director of NVFS Alexandria and Arlington CASA Program Director. “[For a child, their] CASA is the only person in that system who is paying attention solely to them or their families,” Corina explained.
Read the Patch articles here <[link removed]> and here <[link removed]>.
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A New Cohort of Community Leaders Steps Forward
Last month, NVFS recognized the graduation of the Centreville cohort of the Community Influencers Academy, part of the broader Community in Reach program. The six-week Academy helps residents build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become trusted leaders and advocates within their neighborhoods. The graduation, held at the Sully Government Center, brought together local leaders and partners, including Kathy Smith, Sully District Supervisor for Fairfax County.
Since launching in 2025, the Community Influencers Academy has graduated more than 60 community leaders across the region, helping strengthen connections between families, resources, and local support systems.
For more information about the program, please reach out to Marvin Quintero at
[email protected] <mailto:
[email protected]>.
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Encore Stage & Studio Brings Theater and Imagination to NVFS Head Start Families
Children and families at the NVFS Head Start Child Development Center recently enjoyed a special bilingual performance of “A Sidewalk Stroll” from Encore Stage & Studio. The interactive show brought nature and friendly animal characters to life, sparking the children’s imaginations and inspiring them to continue acting out scenes long after the show ended.
The performance was made possible through a grant supporting theater arts education outreach in South Arlington. NVFS is grateful to Encore Stage & Studio for bringing hands-on arts experiences to Head Start.
Learn more about group volunteer opportunities with NVFS here <[link removed]>.
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Top NVFS Family Shelter <[link removed]> Needs
* New pillows
* Laundry detergent
* Cleaning supplies (multi-purpose cleaners and disinfectants)
* Body lotion
* Baby wipes
* Toilet papers
* Paper towels
Top Hunger Resource Center <[link removed]> Needs
* Canned meat
* Cereal
* Shelf stable milk
* Pasta
* Pasta sauce
* Beans (dry and canned)
* Low-sodium vegetables
Top Healthy Families <[link removed]> Needs (drop off at the SERVE Campus <[link removed]>, attn. Navara Cannon or the NVFS HQ office <[link removed]>, attn. Samara Weinstein)
* Board books (English and Spanish)
* Wipes
* Diapers
Top Early Childhood Education <[link removed]> Needs (drop off at the SERVE Campus <[link removed]>, attn. Navara Cannon)
* Diapers and pull-ups
* Wipes
* Light table ( this one <[link removed]> or something similar)
Top Multicultural Center <[link removed]> Needs
* Diapers & wipes
* Female hygiene products (pads preferred)
* Help restock the MC food pantry with shelf stable food such as: canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned meat & fish, canned beans (all types), soup, pasta sauce, pasta, and rice
Top Volunteer Needs
* Food Recovery Driver <[link removed]> (Contact Navara Cannon <mailto:
[email protected] > for more information)
* Food Assistance Specialist <[link removed]> (Contact Vicky Bonilla <mailto:
[email protected]> for more information)
* Shelter Kitchen Assistant <[link removed]> (Contact Vicky Bonilla <mailto:
[email protected]> for more information)
* Court Appointed Special Advocate <[link removed]> (CASA), a trained volunteer who advocates for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect (Contact Laura Jameson <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.
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3110 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042
