Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Haven of Northern Virginia reopens for in-person grief counseling

Haven is based in a former farmhouse that is more than 100 years old. Haven of Northern Virginia, a nonprofit based in Annandale that helps people deal with grief, has reopened for in-person counseling.   Haven offers emotional support to the bereaved and their families and friends through one-on-one counseling and support groups led by well-trained … Continued

Families invited to ‘Costumes for Kids’ volunteer festival

Kids make cards for first responders at a Kids Give Back event. Kids Give Back, a nonprofit that encourages elementary-age students to carry out community service projects, invites families to take part in the “Costumes for Kids” fall volunteer festival.  The event is Saturday, Oct. 16, noon-3 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 8922 Little River … Continued

Soccer camp brings families together in Annandale’s Opportunity Neighborhoods

The kids vs. parents game at Ossian Hall Park. [FACETS] The Opportunity Neighborhoods-Annandale (ON-Annandale) initiative hosted a soccer camp for families earlier this month as part of its strategy to provide more activities for youths. Annandale High School varsity soccer coaches and players taught the children soccer skills and rules of the game. The soccer camp culminated on … Continued

Here’s how to help Afghan refugees

Afghan refugees arrive at Dulles International Airport. [Washington Post] As hundreds of refugees from Afghanistan pour into Dulles Airport, local aid organizations are providing basic supplies and accepting donations from the public.  Those able to catch a U.S. military flight as the Taliban took over their country left with little more than the clothes on … Continued

‘Opportunity Neighborhoods’ formed in Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads

The Opportunity Neighborhoods concept is coming to Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads.  Fairfax County is contracting with a nonprofit in each of those areas to bring community members together to determine what services are available to low-income families, assess which needs are not being met, and collaborate on a plan to fill those gaps.  Opportunity Neighborhoods … Continued

Kids Give Back hosts family volunteer activities

A Kids Give Back event in August. Families interested in teaching children about the importance of helping their community are encouraged to join an upcoming Family Volunteer Day hosted by Kids Give Back. The program was founded by Denise Gavilan, a resident of the Mantua neighborhood just west of Annandale. The next event, on Oct. … Continued

New Virginia grant program to help small businesses struggling during the pandemic

Restaurants that had to ban indoor dining due to the pandemic might want to consider applying for a new state grant program. A new state program, Rebuild VA, offers $70 million to help small businesses stay in operation as the coronavirus pandemic rages on.  The application period opens Aug. 10.  Business owners can apply for … Continued