NVFS Supports the Health and Well-being of All Individuals and Families in Northern Virginia

We are moved by what is happening in Afghanistan and, in response, are actively working with our partners in the region. We are here for our Afghan staff, clients, and neighbors—those who have been a part of our community for many years and those who we have the opportunity to welcome into our community as a result of this crisis.

We also recognize that Veterans and their families, from all eras, are a vital part of our community. During this particular challenging time, we want you to kow that you are seen, valued, and supported. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis visit the Veterans Crisis Line for assistance. For national and local resources tailored to your experience as a veteran, check out VA: Resources Available Right Now and Virginia Veteran and Family Support.

NVFS' Escala, in Partnership with La Cocina VA, Congratulates Graduates

Eight chefs recently graduated from the Escala and La Cocina Small Business Incubator Signature program which uses the power of food to create socioeconomic change in low-income communities by assisting aspiring entrepreneurs in establishing a culinary business. This 9-week class covers aspects of starting and running a food business including concept development, writing a business plan, acquiring necessary financing, marketing, operations, and the actual business launch.

The classes and teachers were lauded by the chefs as being easy to understand while encouraging each student to "think big." Graduate Chef Zuleyka explained that "The program is designed according to what we need [as aspiring entrepreneurs.] I liked the flexibility of the [program’s] team, and the high level of professionalism. I learned that you can do anything with knowledge and adequate support."

Follow us on Facebook for updates as these chefs move beyond their entrepreneurship dreams into small business reality. With your support, these businesses, the chefs, and their families will thrive!

The next program starts in September. Visit http://lacocinava.org/ or call 703-596-1557 for more information or to register today.

September is Hunger Action Month

Through our Hunger Resource Center, NVFS works year-round NVFS to ensure that individuals and families have nutritious food. Each September, in conjunction with Hunger Action Month we take the opportunity to learn and reflect on hunger in our community, the Greater Washington Region, and across our nation.

We highly recommend reviewing the insights presented by our partner, the Capital Area Food Bank, and their 2021 Hunger Report. In it, they analyze the greatest barriers to food security, the utilization of social services, and the effects of the pandemic on food insecurity. Perhaps most importantly, they highlight how every sector – public, private, and nonprofit – can work to remove barriers to food security and create more opportunity for our neighbors.

Despite inequities growing over the course of 2020, our region has the unique opportunity to rebuild and create new pathways to financial stability and food security for our neighbors.

Going Back to School Safely for Students, Your Family, and Yourself

As summer wanes we turn our attention to fall and the start of school. In this time of heightened worry about health it’s important to remember that one’s overall wellness is just as important as getting a vaccine, wearing a mask, and washing hands regularly.

To help keep your family and yourself healthy we’ve put together a few resources to help understand and assess child, youth, and caregiver well-being.

• Vaccines.gov – Find a COVID-19 Vaccine
• VDH Healthy Back to School COVID-19 safety guide
• VDH Workforce Wellness
• Child Welfare – Promoting Child and Family Well-Being
• Virginia 211 – Finding Local Resources