Meredith McKeen Updates NBC4 on Impact of Youth Initiatives Grant

Meredith McKeen, NVFS' Vice President of Programs, was recently interviewed by NBC's Pat Lawson Muse to share the impact of the NBC Project Innovation grant that we received last spring. The grant supported our Youth Initiatives program, which provides teenagers the skills and resources needed to build brighter futures for themselves, their family, and their community. Click here to watch!

February is African American History Month

February is African American History Month, also known as Black History Month. During this month and throughout the year, it is important to reflect on the more than 400 years of Black history and heritage. This event was first celebrated during a week in Feburary 1926. In 1976 the education and celebration was expanded to a month. And during these unprecedented times, resources, events, and connections are possible in a virtual environment.

Resources:
African American History Month (Library of Congress)
National Museum of African American History & Culture　
African American History Month Resources (National Archives)
Association for the Study of African American Life and History

Events:　
NMAAHC Upcoming Events
Black History Month Virtual Festival (Association for the Study of African American Life and History)
10 Events to Attend Around NoVA to Celebrate Black History Month (Northern Virginia Magazine)

Congratulations to Our Newest Healthy Families Graduates!

After three years of participation in NVFS' Healthy Families we got to celebrate the graduation of a group of families from Alexandria. This home visiting program provides the tools, guidance and support that families need to build a healthy successful life for them, and their children. NVFS staff, the graduates, and Justin Wilson, the Mayor of the City of Alexandria, joined together on Zoom to recognize this significant achievement.

This year and graduation was extra special - overcoming the hurdles presented by the pandemic, NVFS staff rose to the occasion and continued promoting postive nurturing, responsible parenting, child health and development, school readiness and the prevention of child neglect and abuse. Home visits continued virtually by phone and online. It's a testament to the dedication of our graduates, and the NVFS staff to ensuring these families have the support they need.

This year, and these graduates, will truly be remembered!

Update Your Calendars with New Strides for Stronger Families Date

This time of year plans are normally under way for our Strikes for Stronger Families Bowl-a-thon, benefitting NVFS’ SERVE campus. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to remain flexible. So, please mark your calendars with our updated dates for the Strides for Stronger Families virtual event - April 9 through April 15.

We invite all teams and individuals to participate in a walk/run/cycle-a-thon, led at your own pace. Registration begins April 9.

Ways You Can Help: Sponsor; Register as a team/individual; Donate. Contact Jessica Warren for more info at [email protected].

We look forward to get moving together to build a stronger Greater Prince William Community!

NVFS's Malinda Langford Interviewed on Women's Foundation #AskHer Series  

Malinda Langford, Senior Vice President of Programs at NVFS, was recently interviewed by the Washington Area Women's Foundation for their #AskHer series. This series features prominent women leaders who work tirelessly for women and girls on our region, our country, and our world.

In the interview Malinda shares how she got her start at NVFS, the vital programs she now supervises, and the impact of NVFS' response to the pandemic for families and our staff that support them. She also shares the strength and resiliency of families and the lessons she's learned during this difficult time:

"I've learned the real value of communication and inclusion... I've learned the necessity of engaging everyone who will be affected by any decision that will be in the decision making process. When everybody is offered and opportunity to be part of a group conversation, we can problem solve..."

NVFS' Cliff Yee and Luanne Gutermuth Appointed to Bring Economic Success to Fairfax County

We are very happy to congratulate Cliff Yee, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Luanne Gutermuth, our NVFS Board Member, on their recent appointment to Fairfax County's Economic Advisory Commission. The purpose of this commission is to provide policy level recommendations on matters related to the development and growth of the county's economy and economic success.

We know that with their unparelleled dedication to the Northern Virginia region that they'll serve Fairfax County well!