| From | Northern Virginia Family Service <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Your March NVFS Insider |
| Date | March 19, 2021 7:07 PM |
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International Women’s Day, the Digital Divide, NVFS Escala and Small Business Entrepreneurs, Register for Strides for Stronger Families, National Nutrition Month, and more!
<[link removed]>
Monthly Newsletter of Northern Virginia Family Service
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[image: Twitter] <[link removed]>
[image: LinkedIn] <[link removed]>
Volunteer <[link removed]>
Donate <[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
From Challenge Comes Change: NVFS' Women Leaders
Elevating, celebrating, and amplifying the visibility and achievements of women in the workplace is more important than ever. On March 8th, International Women's Day 2021 <[link removed]>, we highlighted the women on our Leadership Team and Board whose contributions to NVFS and dedication to our neighbors on their journey towards self-sufficiency ensures not only a better NVFS, but a better Northern Virginia.
During the past year it has often felt like we've been moving from one challenge to the next. As such it seems very appropriate that the theme for International Women's Day in 2021 is: "A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change." Guided by its leadership, these women, and the steadfast support of our partners and donors, NVFS has met these challenges to not just survive, but to thrive so that we can help our Northern Virginia neighbors do the same.
Special thanks to Stephanie Berkowitz, Jacqueline Dendievel, Andrea Eck, Kathleen McMahon, Malinda Langford, Glenda Blake, Ondrea McIntyre-Hall, Meredith McKeen, Jennifer Lindsey, M.D., Barbara Rudin, Ph.D., Jennifer Aument, Lynda Boggs, El Brown, Ph.D., Angie Casper, Jessica Clark, Carrie Dooher, Xenia Garofalo, J.D., Luanne Gutermuth, Sonia McCormick, My-Chau Nguyen, and Lauren Peterson.
Learn more about our leaders here <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
NVFS Tapped by Arlington County to Help Bridge the Digital Divide
Although the pandemic completely upended life for everyone, perhaps one of the most unique elements of this "new normal" is how much our lives now rely on technology. The digital divide exacerbated equity issues in our community.
The divide is different for every household but usually falls into the categories of access, affordability, and skills <[link removed]>. For students in Virginia one in five (K-college) lack a computer or high-speed internet while Black and LatinX students are twice as likely as the rest of the population to not have a computer at home.
NVFS had the unique opportunity to assist 76 of our clients through the Arlington COVID Technology Program. Eligible households were provided with a tech kit to keep which includes a laptop, carrying case, hot spot, and a permanent Microsoft Office license. NVFS staff Elvis Aponte provides ongoing tech support to these families.
Not only does Elvis set up the kits and troubleshoot as needed, he also helps clients learn to use the technology to meet individual goals ranging from how to attend Zoom calls to learning to navigate the internet. Ensuring that these families have the support to learn to use what may be their first household computer is vital. Afterall, technology is only as useful as one's ability to use it.
"This particular project makes a huge difference in people's life, in the nature of people's world," explained Nanci Pedulla, Director of NVFS' Healthy Families Program <[link removed]>. "Because there's so much we have to do remotely now - schooling, work opportunities - these [marginalized] people would be left even further behind without it."
In the end this isn’t just a matter of technology, it’s a matter of equity.
<[link removed]>
NVFS Escala Celebrates Aspiring Small Business Entrepreneurs
Since October 2020 NVFS' Escala Small Business Program, in partnership with La Cocina VA, has been providing aspiring food entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop the plans and skills small business owners need to succeed.
Chef Ewa <[link removed]> Fraszcyk, a native of Poland now residing in Arlington, is one of our most recent successful business entrepreneurs. When she had to leave her job in the restaurant industry in the Spring of 2020 she looked at it as an opportunity. Guided by the one-on-one counseling sessions with an NVFS Escalla Small Business Counselor and La Cocina VA's Small Business Curriculum Chef Ewa gained the knowledge and skills she would need to not only launch her business but help it thrive long-term.
Now, one year later Chef Ewa is bringing her love of cooking into the homes of her clients. "I want to give the gift of time to families, so they can spend it with their loved ones," she says.
To learn more about NVFS Escala please contact Liga Brige <mailto:[email protected]>.
<[link removed]>
Strides for Stronger Families Registration is Open!
We invite all teams and individuals from near and far to participate in a walk/run/cycle/move-a-thon, led at your own pace to help our Prince William County neighbors in need. This is a perfect opportunity to move for a cause, bond with friends and family from around the country, and have some friendly challenges allong the way.
Check out our Strides for Stronger Families <[link removed]>registration and sponsorship options.
For more information contact Jessica Warren <mailto:[email protected]>.
We look forward to moving together to build a stronger Greater Prince William Community!
<[link removed]>
Celebrate National Nutrition Month with Our NVFS Dietician
March is National Nutrition Month and Jenny Dang, our NVFS Registered Dietician (RD), shared some advice not only on her work and role at NVFS, but also three things we can all emphasize in our eating to be more healthful.
"Nutrition is a key component of the comprehensive services provided to children and families in the (NVFS) program," Jenny explained. "Nutrition education in the early stages of life can influence eating habits and health in the future."
Jenny's role extends beyond our Head Start/Early Head Start programs where she works with the parents of enrolled children, she also provides nutrition education to NVFS' Wellbeing Committee that supports NVFS employees. Additionally, she represents NVFS in the community through a variety of projects, presentations, cooking classes, and partnerships.
Some of her most popular topics are how to get kids to eat their vegetables or try more varieties of food; recommended nutrition to support grown and development; and how to handle food allergies and chronic conditions. This month her education classes ran the spectrum of nutrition: stress eating; kid friendly snacks; food to improve anemia; women's health and nutrition; tips on reducing sugar-sweetened beverages; SNAP-Ed program; and (of course) education about fruits and vegetables.
In considering the "Personalize Your Plate" nutrition theme, Jenny recommends three things:
1. Be cautious of what you read onine. If you are looking for advice, consult the experts <[link removed]>. They'll provide easy-to-follow, safe, and realistic nutrition advice.
2. A well-balanced eating pattern includes a variety of foods from the five food groups (vegetables, fruit, grains, protein, dairy) as well as room for your favorite foods. Rather than restricting that food, honor your body's cues and savor it.
3. Healthy eating looks different from person to person. Eating a variety of healthful foods that YOU enjoy can help meet your nutrition needs.
<[link removed]>
Top Needs
Volunteers
Hunger Resource Center <[link removed]> (contact Navara Cannon at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
* Food Recovery Driver volunteers make routine pick-ups to rescue food from grocery stores and restaurants to help over 650 families each month. Shifts are Monday-Friday 8am-12pm and volunteers are asked to commit to at least one day a week for at least six months or longer.
*
Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help to help get food to families in need. Volunteers will answer questions, in person and via phone, to assist staff in ensuring that Spanish speaking families have access to nutritious food for their families. Volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age, able to speak fluent Spanish and English, be able to commit to at least one shift per week for at least six months. Shifts are Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 12:45-3:15pm
Donations
Head Start (contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
*
Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help to help get food to families in need. Volunteers will answer questions, in person and via phone, to assist staff in ensuring that Spanish speaking families have access to nutritious food for their families. Volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age, able to speak fluent Spanish and English, be able to commit to at least one shift per week for at least six months. Shifts are Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 12:45-3:15pm
*
NEW toddler-size socks & underwear.
Hunger Resource Center (contact Navara Cannon at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
*
Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help to help get food to families in need. Volunteers will answer questions, in person and via phone, to assist staff in ensuring that Spanish speaking families have access to nutritious food for their families. Volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age, able to speak fluent Spanish and English, be able to commit to at least one shift per week for at least six months. Shifts are Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 12:45-3:15pm
*
NEW toddler-size socks & underwear.
*
Sugar, Flour, Cooking Oil/Spray, Salt, Pepper
* Low-sodium Canned Goods
* Gluten Free Food
Clocktower Thrift Shop <[link removed]> (contact Leyla Alijani at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
* Gluten Free Food
* Gently loved small pieces of furniture (may be able to arrange for pickup!): console tables, storage spaces, dining room sets, outdoor furniture, etc
SERVE Family Shelter (contact Julie Martinez at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
* Gluten Free Food
* Gently loved small pieces of furniture (may be able to arrange for pickup!): console tables, storage spaces, dining room sets, outdoor furniture, etc
* Toilet Paper. Paper Towels. Disposable Plates. Disposable Bowls. Disposable Utensils. Disposable Large Cups. Paper Napkins.
* Disinfecting Spray. Disinfecting Wipes. Concentrated Cleaners.
* Baby Wipes. Sippy Cups. Baby Bottles. NEW strollers (singles or doubles.)
* Flip Flops (variety of sizes.) Plastic Travel Soap Containers.
* New or Gently Used Microwave.
* New or Gently Used Toaster.
Did you enjoy this edition of the Insider? Have a suggestion? Email us <mailto:[email protected]?subject=Suggestion for the NVFS Insider> and let us know what you liked or didn't like. We love hearing from our readers and are continually striving to provide relevant content.
Privacy Policy <[link removed]>
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Unsubscribe <[link removed]>
Northern Virginia Family Service <[link removed]>
10455 White Granite Dr., Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124
<[link removed]>
Monthly Newsletter of Northern Virginia Family Service
[image: Facebook] <[link removed]>
[image: Twitter] <[link removed]>
[image: LinkedIn] <[link removed]>
Volunteer <[link removed]>
Donate <[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
From Challenge Comes Change: NVFS' Women Leaders
Elevating, celebrating, and amplifying the visibility and achievements of women in the workplace is more important than ever. On March 8th, International Women's Day 2021 <[link removed]>, we highlighted the women on our Leadership Team and Board whose contributions to NVFS and dedication to our neighbors on their journey towards self-sufficiency ensures not only a better NVFS, but a better Northern Virginia.
During the past year it has often felt like we've been moving from one challenge to the next. As such it seems very appropriate that the theme for International Women's Day in 2021 is: "A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change." Guided by its leadership, these women, and the steadfast support of our partners and donors, NVFS has met these challenges to not just survive, but to thrive so that we can help our Northern Virginia neighbors do the same.
Special thanks to Stephanie Berkowitz, Jacqueline Dendievel, Andrea Eck, Kathleen McMahon, Malinda Langford, Glenda Blake, Ondrea McIntyre-Hall, Meredith McKeen, Jennifer Lindsey, M.D., Barbara Rudin, Ph.D., Jennifer Aument, Lynda Boggs, El Brown, Ph.D., Angie Casper, Jessica Clark, Carrie Dooher, Xenia Garofalo, J.D., Luanne Gutermuth, Sonia McCormick, My-Chau Nguyen, and Lauren Peterson.
Learn more about our leaders here <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
NVFS Tapped by Arlington County to Help Bridge the Digital Divide
Although the pandemic completely upended life for everyone, perhaps one of the most unique elements of this "new normal" is how much our lives now rely on technology. The digital divide exacerbated equity issues in our community.
The divide is different for every household but usually falls into the categories of access, affordability, and skills <[link removed]>. For students in Virginia one in five (K-college) lack a computer or high-speed internet while Black and LatinX students are twice as likely as the rest of the population to not have a computer at home.
NVFS had the unique opportunity to assist 76 of our clients through the Arlington COVID Technology Program. Eligible households were provided with a tech kit to keep which includes a laptop, carrying case, hot spot, and a permanent Microsoft Office license. NVFS staff Elvis Aponte provides ongoing tech support to these families.
Not only does Elvis set up the kits and troubleshoot as needed, he also helps clients learn to use the technology to meet individual goals ranging from how to attend Zoom calls to learning to navigate the internet. Ensuring that these families have the support to learn to use what may be their first household computer is vital. Afterall, technology is only as useful as one's ability to use it.
"This particular project makes a huge difference in people's life, in the nature of people's world," explained Nanci Pedulla, Director of NVFS' Healthy Families Program <[link removed]>. "Because there's so much we have to do remotely now - schooling, work opportunities - these [marginalized] people would be left even further behind without it."
In the end this isn’t just a matter of technology, it’s a matter of equity.
<[link removed]>
NVFS Escala Celebrates Aspiring Small Business Entrepreneurs
Since October 2020 NVFS' Escala Small Business Program, in partnership with La Cocina VA, has been providing aspiring food entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop the plans and skills small business owners need to succeed.
Chef Ewa <[link removed]> Fraszcyk, a native of Poland now residing in Arlington, is one of our most recent successful business entrepreneurs. When she had to leave her job in the restaurant industry in the Spring of 2020 she looked at it as an opportunity. Guided by the one-on-one counseling sessions with an NVFS Escalla Small Business Counselor and La Cocina VA's Small Business Curriculum Chef Ewa gained the knowledge and skills she would need to not only launch her business but help it thrive long-term.
Now, one year later Chef Ewa is bringing her love of cooking into the homes of her clients. "I want to give the gift of time to families, so they can spend it with their loved ones," she says.
To learn more about NVFS Escala please contact Liga Brige <mailto:[email protected]>.
<[link removed]>
Strides for Stronger Families Registration is Open!
We invite all teams and individuals from near and far to participate in a walk/run/cycle/move-a-thon, led at your own pace to help our Prince William County neighbors in need. This is a perfect opportunity to move for a cause, bond with friends and family from around the country, and have some friendly challenges allong the way.
Check out our Strides for Stronger Families <[link removed]>registration and sponsorship options.
For more information contact Jessica Warren <mailto:[email protected]>.
We look forward to moving together to build a stronger Greater Prince William Community!
<[link removed]>
Celebrate National Nutrition Month with Our NVFS Dietician
March is National Nutrition Month and Jenny Dang, our NVFS Registered Dietician (RD), shared some advice not only on her work and role at NVFS, but also three things we can all emphasize in our eating to be more healthful.
"Nutrition is a key component of the comprehensive services provided to children and families in the (NVFS) program," Jenny explained. "Nutrition education in the early stages of life can influence eating habits and health in the future."
Jenny's role extends beyond our Head Start/Early Head Start programs where she works with the parents of enrolled children, she also provides nutrition education to NVFS' Wellbeing Committee that supports NVFS employees. Additionally, she represents NVFS in the community through a variety of projects, presentations, cooking classes, and partnerships.
Some of her most popular topics are how to get kids to eat their vegetables or try more varieties of food; recommended nutrition to support grown and development; and how to handle food allergies and chronic conditions. This month her education classes ran the spectrum of nutrition: stress eating; kid friendly snacks; food to improve anemia; women's health and nutrition; tips on reducing sugar-sweetened beverages; SNAP-Ed program; and (of course) education about fruits and vegetables.
In considering the "Personalize Your Plate" nutrition theme, Jenny recommends three things:
1. Be cautious of what you read onine. If you are looking for advice, consult the experts <[link removed]>. They'll provide easy-to-follow, safe, and realistic nutrition advice.
2. A well-balanced eating pattern includes a variety of foods from the five food groups (vegetables, fruit, grains, protein, dairy) as well as room for your favorite foods. Rather than restricting that food, honor your body's cues and savor it.
3. Healthy eating looks different from person to person. Eating a variety of healthful foods that YOU enjoy can help meet your nutrition needs.
<[link removed]>
Top Needs
Volunteers
Hunger Resource Center <[link removed]> (contact Navara Cannon at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
* Food Recovery Driver volunteers make routine pick-ups to rescue food from grocery stores and restaurants to help over 650 families each month. Shifts are Monday-Friday 8am-12pm and volunteers are asked to commit to at least one day a week for at least six months or longer.
*
Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help to help get food to families in need. Volunteers will answer questions, in person and via phone, to assist staff in ensuring that Spanish speaking families have access to nutritious food for their families. Volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age, able to speak fluent Spanish and English, be able to commit to at least one shift per week for at least six months. Shifts are Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 12:45-3:15pm
Donations
Head Start (contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
*
Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help to help get food to families in need. Volunteers will answer questions, in person and via phone, to assist staff in ensuring that Spanish speaking families have access to nutritious food for their families. Volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age, able to speak fluent Spanish and English, be able to commit to at least one shift per week for at least six months. Shifts are Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 12:45-3:15pm
*
NEW toddler-size socks & underwear.
Hunger Resource Center (contact Navara Cannon at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
*
Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help to help get food to families in need. Volunteers will answer questions, in person and via phone, to assist staff in ensuring that Spanish speaking families have access to nutritious food for their families. Volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age, able to speak fluent Spanish and English, be able to commit to at least one shift per week for at least six months. Shifts are Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 12:45-3:15pm
*
NEW toddler-size socks & underwear.
*
Sugar, Flour, Cooking Oil/Spray, Salt, Pepper
* Low-sodium Canned Goods
* Gluten Free Food
Clocktower Thrift Shop <[link removed]> (contact Leyla Alijani at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
* Gluten Free Food
* Gently loved small pieces of furniture (may be able to arrange for pickup!): console tables, storage spaces, dining room sets, outdoor furniture, etc
SERVE Family Shelter (contact Julie Martinez at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
* Gluten Free Food
* Gently loved small pieces of furniture (may be able to arrange for pickup!): console tables, storage spaces, dining room sets, outdoor furniture, etc
* Toilet Paper. Paper Towels. Disposable Plates. Disposable Bowls. Disposable Utensils. Disposable Large Cups. Paper Napkins.
* Disinfecting Spray. Disinfecting Wipes. Concentrated Cleaners.
* Baby Wipes. Sippy Cups. Baby Bottles. NEW strollers (singles or doubles.)
* Flip Flops (variety of sizes.) Plastic Travel Soap Containers.
* New or Gently Used Microwave.
* New or Gently Used Toaster.
Did you enjoy this edition of the Insider? Have a suggestion? Email us <mailto:[email protected]?subject=Suggestion for the NVFS Insider> and let us know what you liked or didn't like. We love hearing from our readers and are continually striving to provide relevant content.
Privacy Policy <[link removed]>
|
Unsubscribe <[link removed]>
Northern Virginia Family Service <[link removed]>
10455 White Granite Dr., Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124
Message Analysis
- Sender: Northern Virginia Family Service
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- Country: United States
- State/Locality: Virginia
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