Child Abuse Prevention, Pink Space for Kids, Students Fundraise for NVFS, Save the Date for the Gala and CARE-ing Community Conversation, and more!

























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Monthly Newsletter of Northern Virginia Family Service



























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Pink Space Theory's STEAM Education Inspires Toddlers in Prince William

Longtime NVFS supporter PNC Bank recently funded an exciting partnership between NVFS and Pink Space Theory <[link removed]>, a volunteer-run nonprofit led by Monica Nichols. Pink Space Theory focuses on "training and transforming today's underrepresented and underserved youth -- especially girls -- to become the next generation of leaders in STEAM."

For the specially designed project, NVFS 119 Early Head Start <[link removed]> and Healthy Families <[link removed]> program participants between the ages of 18 months and three-years-old became "Little Scientists" and investigated the rainforest. Led by NVFS staff in our early childhood classrooms or with families during home visits, the burgeoning scientists were introduced to the life, ecology, and benefits of the rainforest. Through crafts, books, drawing, stickers, conversation and questions, the children were introduced to concepts related to science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and vocabulary skills in a fun, creative, and active environment.

"This rainforest learning kit shows parents what their child is capable of learning and that learning is fun overall," said Ana Ventura, NVFS Family Specialist. "A mother who did the activity with her child enjoyed seeing how creative her daughter was."






























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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

In April we wear blue to honor the children who have been affected by abuse and neglect, and bring awareness to the problem. Our Reston Healthy Familes team recently showed dedication to building healthier families, promoting healthy child development, and preventing child abuse and neglect by wearing blue during a virtual meeting. The blue pinwheels, shown in the photo, are the symbol of Child Abuse Prevention month, representing innocence and the bright future all children deserve.

Our Healthy Families program promotes healthy child development and break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. The program serves 1300 families each year with great success. Recently, we were excited to learn that our state evaluators confirmed that all of our Alexandria and Arlington Healthy Families participants had no founded cases of child abuse or neglect during 2020, demonstrating that the program is working and helps families improve their wellbeing! We celebrate this achievement by our families and dedicated staff.

To learn more about NVFS helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and youth visit our Early Childhood <[link removed]> and Youth Initiatives <[link removed]> program pages.












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High School Students' Small Business Supports NVFS

South Lakes High Schoool students in the Junior Achievement <[link removed]> Company Program recently started a small business called BaBa Blankets <[link removed]> under the mentorship of Cliff Yee, NVFS' Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. BaBa Blankets has dedicated itself to the community, previously supporting The South Lakes Food Pantry and Ashby Ponds Senior Living Center, in the past.

Currently, BaBa Blankets is running a 92-Day Campaign <[link removed]> to support NVFS' SERVE Family Shelter <[link removed]>. The shelter is a 92-bed facility where guests stay, on average, 36 days before exiting into permanent housing. Typically, nearly half of SERVE's guests are children. To help the shelter's guests feel more welcome, the high school students set the lofty goal of providing a new blanket for each of the 92 beds in addition to a monetary donation to NVFS.

"Blankets are an ordinary product," BaBa Blanket's CEO, and senior at South Lakes High School, Sydney Revels explains, "but it's something people love. We give an experience, not just a product. We package it personally with custom tissue paper, boxes, and handwritten letters so the folks that receive it can feel the love."









































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Save the Date for a CARE-ing Community Conversation

Join us on Thursday, May 20th at 10am for our virtual CARE-ing Community Conversation <[link removed]>, an NVFS hosted forum that will provide a space for collaboration and idea-sharing among our business community. Forum topics will range from equity, diversity, and inclusion and employee mental health to community engagement and the virtual work environment.

For nearly 30 years, NVFS' CARE Awards has recognized outstanding companies that proactively make our region a better place for everyone to work, live, and play. Initiative, dedication, care, and collaboration within the business community is needed now more than ever as companies have had to respond to simultaneous health and racial crises during these unprecedented and tumultuous times to help ensure the wellbeing of their staff and the community.

Registration <[link removed]> is open and individual tickets are free.

Sponsorship <[link removed]> opportunities are also available.






















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Top Needs

Volunteers

Clock Tower Thrift Shop <[link removed]> ( Visit here for more info or to register <[link removed]>)

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Thrift Shop Ambasadors help sort and organize donations, replenish items on the sales floor, process incoming donations, and greet customers, among other tasks. The Clock Tower Thrift Shop is a vital source of revenue for NVFS and our Ambassadors work helps us ensure we get those additional funds to help our neighbors in need.

Hunger Resource Center <[link removed]> (contact Navara Cannon at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)

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Thrift Shop Ambasadors help sort and organize donations, replenish items on the sales floor, process incoming donations, and greet customers, among other tasks. The Clock Tower Thrift Shop is a vital source of revenue for NVFS and our Ambassadors work helps us ensure we get those additional funds to help our neighbors in need.


* 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.
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Spanish speaking volunteers are needed 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

SERVE Family Shelter <[link removed]> (contact Julie Martinez at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)

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Spanish speaking volunteers are needed 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


* Shelter Support Services volunteers are needed weekdays to process, sort, organize, and store donations. Volunteers also welcome residents and visitors, answer calls, assist residents with questions and supply needs, and provide administrative support. This is a great introduction to homeless services and a fantastic position for someone who enjoys helping people and keeping things organized.

Vehicles for Change <[link removed]> (contact Julie Martinez at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)

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Spanish speaking volunteers are needed 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


* Shelter Support Services volunteers are needed weekdays to process, sort, organize, and store donations. Volunteers also welcome residents and visitors, answer calls, assist residents with questions and supply needs, and provide administrative support. This is a great introduction to homeless services and a fantastic position for someone who enjoys helping people and keeping things organized.
* Client Enrollment volunteers work remotely to connect qualifying families with the vital, reliable transportation they need to access job and school opportunities. The volunteer will contact clients to obtain critical documents, return general inquiry phone calls, update record management systems, and complete other administrative tasks. To ensure the best service to clients volunteers should be available for 2 shifts per week, from 2:30-5:00pm. Equipment will be provided.

Donations

Head Start (contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)

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Spanish speaking volunteers are needed 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


* Shelter Support Services volunteers are needed weekdays to process, sort, organize, and store donations. Volunteers also welcome residents and visitors, answer calls, assist residents with questions and supply needs, and provide administrative support. This is a great introduction to homeless services and a fantastic position for someone who enjoys helping people and keeping things organized.
* Client Enrollment volunteers work remotely to connect qualifying families with the vital, reliable transportation they need to access job and school opportunities. The volunteer will contact clients to obtain critical documents, return general inquiry phone calls, update record management systems, and complete other administrative tasks. To ensure the best service to clients volunteers should be available for 2 shifts per week, from 2:30-5:00pm. Equipment will be provided.
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NEW toddler-size socks & underwear.

Hunger Resource Center (contact Navara Cannon at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)

*
Spanish speaking volunteers are needed 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


* Shelter Support Services volunteers are needed weekdays to process, sort, organize, and store donations. Volunteers also welcome residents and visitors, answer calls, assist residents with questions and supply needs, and provide administrative support. This is a great introduction to homeless services and a fantastic position for someone who enjoys helping people and keeping things organized.
* Client Enrollment volunteers work remotely to connect qualifying families with the vital, reliable transportation they need to access job and school opportunities. The volunteer will contact clients to obtain critical documents, return general inquiry phone calls, update record management systems, and complete other administrative tasks. To ensure the best service to clients volunteers should be available for 2 shifts per week, from 2:30-5:00pm. Equipment will be provided.
*
NEW toddler-size socks & underwear.


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Sugar, Flour, Cooking Oil/Spray
* Cereal
* Low-sodium Canned Goods
* Gluten Free Food

Clocktower Thrift Shop (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. Aluminum Foil.
* Disinfecting Spray. Disinfecting Wipes. Concentrated Cleaners.
* Baby Formula (sensitive and with iron.) Pedialyte/PediaSure. Baby Wipes. Sippy Cups. Baby Bottles. NEW strollers (singles or doubles.)
* Flip Flops (variety of sizes.) Plastic Travel Soap Containers.





















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10455 White Granite Dr., Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124