Tag: social services
‘It just sort of crept up on us,’ says Annandale cat hoarder
“It just sort of crept up on us. It’s what we lived for,” says Annandale cat hoarder Eleanor Kaufer about the rescue operation she ran with roommate Paula Burns that eventually led to a house filled with about 180 cats. Fairfax County Animal Control removed the cats (including the one pictured here) from the house at … Continued
Grant will benefit Annandale Safe Youth Project
The Giving Circle of Hope, a Reston-based charity, has selected the Alternative House as one of its 2010 grant recipients. Alternative House will use its $5,000 grant to support the Annandale Safe Youth Project, which provides an after-school program to disadvantaged fourth and fifth-graders—along with homework help, community service opportunities, counseling, food, and enrichment activities—at … Continued
American Legion post is key part of Annandale community
More than shops and neighborhoods, it’s the service organizations that bring people together for friendship and good works that truly make Annandale a truly special community. Take the Annandale American Legion post, for example. “We’re very much connected to the community,” says Marv Rodney, former post commander and chair of the Americanism and public relations committees … Continued
Fairfax County gearing up to protect the homeless this winter
With cold weather on the way, Fairfax County is making an effort to protect the homeless from hypothermia this winter, said Dean Klein, director of the county’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, at an online chat session this afternoon. In addition to the winter capacity available at the county’s year-round homeless shelters, there are … Continued
Flu shots available at several Annandale locations
Know anyone with the flu yet this fall? Get yourself a flu shot before it’s too late. In a recent online discussion, Dr. Peter Troell of the Fairfax County Health Department recommends everyone over six months old get the flu vaccine “as soon as possible, before influenza starts spreading through the community.” Fairfax County Health Clinics offer … Continued
Biggest hardship for Annandale’s day laborers: isolation from families
Like many of the men gathered around Annandale street corners waiting for people to give them a job, Humberto Contrera, is having a hard time making ends meet while struggling to survive in a sometimes hostile environment where he can’t speak the language. The slowdown in the real estate has had a devastating impact on … Continued
Kids ‘in crisis’ from entire region come to the Phillips School in Annandale
As students head back to school this week, about 180 children with special needs from all over the region will be heading to the Phillips School in Annandale. Phillips, at the intersection of Backlick and Braddock roads, serves children ages 6-22 with a range of conditions, including autism, Asperger’s syndrome, developmental disabilities, cognitive disabilities, attention … Continued
Annandale Safe Youth Project: a haven for children
For children with family, behavior, or school issues, the Annandale Safe Youth Project offers a life line. When C. came to the Annandale Safe Youth Project five years ago, his mother had moved out of town, he was adjusting to life with his dad, and was struggling in school, says staff member Antonia Arias. “He … Continued
Volunteers needed for Annandale Neighborhood Food Progam
The Annandale Neighborhood Food Program needs more volunteers to help distribute food to the needy. The food program is open every Thursday evening at the Immanuel United Methodist Church, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale, near the H Mart. The program is not a church program, however; it is open to everyone in the community who needs … Continued
Bring a bear to Annandale High School
The DECA organization at Annandale High School is holding a teddy bear drive for the Childhelp® Children’s Center of Virginia through Dec. 15. The teddy bears will go to abused and neglected children as they are moved from their current living situations. DECA students are learning about business and marketing. For more information, contact Lindsay … Continued
Annandale remains hub of region’s Korean-American community
Other neighborhoods, such as Burke and Oakton, have many more Korean-Americans than Annandale, yet Annandale remains the regional hub for Korean restaurants, clubs, businesses, and culture. It’s also the home of the Korean-American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which represents dozens of Korean-American social service, cultural, advocacy, and business groups based in Virginia, Maryland, … Continued
ACCA helps people in crisis
A single mother with four children lost her job and couldn’t afford her utility bills. A man who supports his elderly parents and three siblings needed help with the rent. A senior single with kidney failure had trouble making ends meet. These are just some of the hundreds of needy people who received emergency assistance … Continued
Troubled teens find sanctuary at Alternative House
When local teens flee an abusive home life, get kicked out by their parents, or find life on the streets too tough, they can find a welcoming sanctuary at the Alternative House. The emergency shelter, on Gallows Road in the Tysons Corner area, served more than 200 in crisis teens last year. Among them were … Continued