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, 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 and Healthy Families 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."

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 and Youth Initiatives program pages.

High School Students' Small Business Supports NVFS

South Lakes High Schoool students in the Junior Achievement Company Program recently started a small business called BaBa Blankets 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 to support NVFS' SERVE Family Shelter. 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."

Save the Date for a CARE-ing Community Conversation

Join us on Thursday, May 20th at 10am for our virtual CARE-ing Community Conversation, 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 is open and individual tickets are free.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.