Tag: social services
Fairfax County supervisors to consider proposal to expand women’s shelter
A yard sign broadcasts the resident’s opposition to a shelter for abuse victims. A proposal to expand a shelter for victims of domestic abuse in the Barcroft Hills neighborhood has generated some opposition among the immediate neighbors, although others who live near the 1950s-era house support the project. Bethany House of Northern Virginia is requesting … Continued
Volunteers, sponsors needed for Annandale Pyramid Resource Fair
People started lining up for the 2013 Annandale Pyramid Resource Fair two hours early. By the time the doors opened at 2 p.m., more than 1,000 people were waiting to get in. School just let out for the summer, but it’s not too early to start thinking about helping families get ready for the start … Continued
Woodburn mental health programs moving to Merrifield
The Merrifield Center building nears completion. The new Merrifield Center under construction on Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, off Route 50, has been designed to offer a comforting environment to clients served by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), many of whom are affected by mental illness or substance abuse. The new building will … Continued
Bethany House offers a safe haven to women escaping domestic abuse
Bethany House Executive Director Catherine Hassinger (left) and Gayan Peart, family assistance program manager. When Alexandra [not her real name] decided she could no longer live with her abusive boyfriend after he beat her and threatened her with a gun, she landed in a shelter. But after her time there was up, she had nowhere … Continued
Community garden project planned for site owned by Dar Al-Hijrah mosque
Left to right: Ipsita Salim, Safiya Taoufix, and Hauwa Santuraki in the site of the future Green Eden Community Garden. The Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Seven Corners owns a large vacant lot across the street, and a group of young women are hoping to transform it into the Green Eden Community Garden. They have … Continued
Support groups forming in Annandale for domestic abuse survivors
The Fairfax County Office for Women and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is forming free, confidential support groups in the Annandale area for women who’ve experienced abuse. A group for women who have been or are continuing to be subjected to domestic abuse—physical, emotional, or verbal—will meet for eight sessions on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The … Continued
RSU committee explores different models for affordable housing
The Gosnold Apartments for the formerly homeless in Hampton Roads was developed by Virginia Supportive Housing in a repurposed RC Cola bottling warehouse. There are all kinds of projects going on to provide affordable housing to the homeless and the working poor that Fairfax County could support—without having to create a new zoning designation for … Continued
Woodson students come together at Cav Strong rally tonight
The public is invited to join W.T. Woodson High School students and families at a Cav Strong Community Event this evening at 8:30 in the school’s stadium to “celebrate the Cavalier Spirit while coming together to support each other.” The school has been rocked by two student suicides in February—and possibly as many as six … Continued
Annandale farmhouse offers a haven to the bereaved
For people grieving over the death of a family member or friend, there’s a safe, comforting place in Annandale to share one’s feelings and begin to heal. Haven of Northern Virginia provides free group sessions, workshops, and one-on-one counseling, all led by volunteers in a 100-year-old farmhouse on Ravensworth Road. Haven is tucked away behind … Continued
Nominations sought for award honoring Annandale HS student volunteers
Do you know a senior at Annandale High School who’s making a difference in the community through volunteer service? The Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) is seeking nominations for its Making a Difference Award. The winning student will be recognized at Annandale High School’s 2014 Awards Day and will be given a cash prize … Continued
Space available at after-school, senior programs at Bailey’s Center
The Bailey’s Community Center has slots available in its free after-school program for elementary and middle school students. The center, 5920 Summers Lane, Bailey’s Crossroads, provides educational, cultural, and recreational activities in a safe, nurturing environment. It’s open 1-6 p.m. on Mondays and 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays and is open to to everyone … Continued
Woodson community comes together to focus on suicide prevention
A poster on a Woodson High School hallway has photos of Woodson alumni holding signs showing their support for the school and current students. Following the presumed suicide of two Woodson High School students in recent days, hundreds of parents, students, and educators packed the school’s auditorium last night to comfort one another and learn … Continued
Seven Corners mosque offers assistance to needy community members
Dar Al-Hijrah is at 3159 Row Street, close to Leesburg Pike, in Seven Corners. The Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Seven Corners is way more than just a place for prayers. The mosque has an active social services agenda that serves those in need throughout the community. Tahani Jabarin of the mosque’s social services department … Continued
Just World Festival brings cultural awareness to Annandale community
Peter Ter urges Annandale HS students to give back. Students and community members gathered at Annandale High School Friday afternoon to share cultural experiences and showcase organizations and projects aimed at creating a better world. The highlight of the school’s Just World Festival was an inspiring talk by Peter Ter, one of the Lost Boys … Continued
Support the needy at Our Daily Bread’s Empty Bowls event
Sheriff Stacey Kincaid and Greg Kincaid. Enjoy a fun evening while helping to raise money for needy families at Our Daily Bread’s Empty Bowls event. It’s Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. This is Our Daily Bread’s 30th anniversary. The nonprofit organization provides food, financial … Continued