Archive for the ‘Who We Help’ Category

Healthy Families Alexandria (HFA) has been selected as one of two (out of 38) sites in Virginia to go to scale – this means tremendous resources will be focused on securing the state and local money needed for HFA to be in a position to serve ANY family in Alexandria that qualifies for the program. Healthy Families Alexandria could serve an additional 238 first time parents each year and give them the resources they need to raise children who are healthy, happy and ready to learn.

Carol Freeman, Program Manager for HFA, commented that “We are extremely grateful to the Giving Circle for their strong, unwavering support of the program for the past four years … Strong community support is one of the major reasons we were chosen.” She further noted that The Giving Circle gift has brought the program additional publicity and financial support.

There is a big caveat – the state and local money is not secured yet. Healthy Families  needs our advocacy help in the months ahead to make sure this happens. Find out how you can help.

To learn more about Healthy Families Alexandria, visit  its parent organization on the web, Northern Virginia Family Services.

1200 Alexandria residents joined in on the fun at The Center for Alexandria’s Children’s (CAC) first ever community-wide Family Fun Day  Saturday, September 20, 2008 at John Adams Elementary School.

While the CAC spread its message “Protecting Children and Strengthening Families,” Giving Circle volunteers spread their energy helping out at the moonbounces, petting zoo, face painting and arts and crafts stations.

Thanks to all the Giving Circle members who supported this great community event!

In June, Giving Circle Kids and the Old Presbyterian Meeting House teamed up on a Food Drive for ALIVE!’s Family Emergency Program. Kids donated and sorted 540 items from ALIVE’s shopping list, including canned tuna and meat, peanut butter, cereals and oatmeals, dried fruits, and other pantry staples. Participating kids were treated to a hands-on healthy cooking demonstration and snack with nutritionist Catherine Sumner.

In July, several Giving Circle members supported the ALIVE House summer camp initiative. Each year, children connected to ALIVE! House have the opportunity to attend a week-long camp in Virginia’s Northern Neck. Giving Circle members stepped in to help secure camp supplies for the children.

Members from the Community Service Committee worked to plan and manage the “Resource Family Barbecue and Magical Fun for All Ages.” This annual picnic supports local foster care families and foster children. The Giving Circle plans to be part of this event again next Summer – with member Gwen Cloutier taking the lead – and we are seeking help with implementation and sponsorship.