 Staff Spotlight
Josh D'Antonio
Josh D'Antonio,
FACETS' Community Engagement Coordinator, has been involved in
 |
|
|
Josh D'Antonio Community Engagement Coordinator |
community service since a child growing up in Virginia Beach. While pursuing a
Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a minor in Nonprofit Studies at George Mason University, Josh began volunteering for FACETS. His involvement with the children and youth served through our Education and Community Development Program had a tremendous impact on him and once graduating, Josh joined the FACETS staff. Josh leads all in-kind drives and works to engage the community in our work to open doors for people in need.
What is the best part of working as the community Engagement Coordinator?
As the Community Engagement Coordinator, I frequently go to community events. From church services to staff meetings and everything in-between. I have the privilege of meeting many wonderful people around the county. These events usually keep me busy during nights, weekends, and early mornings, but I absolutely love it. Knowing that I am a small piece of the puzzle to end homelessness is what keeps me going. Also, having the opportunity to meet the amazing volunteers and supporters who make this work possible.
What do you find most challenging about your position?
The most challenging thing about my position is the education portion. Many people hold views about homelessness that do not match what is happening on the streets and in our shelters, and people can believe many things that actually harm our program participants. Educating people about the realities of the homeless crisis in Fairfax County is as rewarding as it is difficult.
What excites you most about the Back To School Drive?
The Back To School Drive is a way for the whole community to support the most vulnerable students in Fairfax County. Everyone remembers their first day of school, nervously fumbling with your class schedules, just hoping to fit in and make a few friends. Our students experience all those emotions, plus the added stress of not having the correct supplies or having to use worn out items. The Back to School drive takes the extra worries away, so our students only have to worry about learning, growing, and making friends! This drive goes beyond just the supplies, it gives our students confidence and coupled with the after school programs we provide at the community centers, they truly are on the path to success. Last year, 100% of our high- school seniors graduated and went on to higher education; this would not be possible without the support of our community members and this drive.
Is there still time to support Back To School Drive 2016?
Of course!
Click here
to see the back to school flyer. The easiest way to support is to pick up some supplies next time you go to the store and drop them off at our main office. Remember to ask for me when you get here because I would love to say hi! You can also purchase items from our Amazon wishlist
here
or contact me on how to host a fundraiser with your friends, teammates, or coworkers in support of the drive.
What are other upcoming drives that everyone can support?
We need things like hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and food all year long. We accept donations at our main office Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM. The next drives are the Thanksgiving Food Drive starting in October and the Holiday Gifts Drive starting shortly after. For information on these drives, please
click here
, and thank you for your support!
|
|
A Taste of Fall with FACETS - Carnival of Cultures
Are you creative and looking for an opportunity to support our upcoming event? If that sounds like you, consider donating self-designed gift baskets or one-of-a-kind experiences for our silent and live auction.
|
Hightlights of the month
July In Review
|
|
|
Nathaniel, Youth Volunteer
|
Let's give a round of applause to one of our youth volunteers, Nathaniel. On a hot summer Saturday, Nathaniel helped wash two of FACETS big vans with the assistance of his parents. We truly appreciate his kind heart and enthusiasm. He freshened our vans and made them sparkle!
You can make a difference just like Nathaniel by signing up for upcoming youth volunteer events. Bring your friends as well!
We are so excited that
TD Bank
will be supporting FACETS'
Education and Community Development
Program with their
WOW! Zone
. The WOW! Zone is a great way for our youth to learn about money and the best ways to manage their finances. With a vision to break the cycle of poverty for future generations, this helps our program participants make wise financial decisions as they approach adulthood. Thank you TD Bank for your support!
|
Get Involved
Upcoming Needs
ROCK THE BLOCK!
Have fun w
hile giving back!
Sign up to serve
at the
Rock the Block
concert series in Fairfax City on August 26th where your service will directly benefit FACETS.
Enjoy the music of
The Rockets
- A 7 Piece High Energy Band from Northeast Phi
ladelphia. We are in need of volunteers to sell tickets, check IDs, serve drinks and take photos.
PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED
Help us capture the meaningful memories of our various community enrichment events. Volunteer photographers are needed on the following dates:
August 26 - 7 pm - 9 pm
October 28 - 5 pm - 7 pm
October 31 - 5 pm - 7 pm
November 5 - 6 pm - 9 pm
NEXT STEPS FAMILY SHELTER (ALEXANDRIA)
Our newest program located in the Route 1 Corridor of Alexandria is in GREAT need of volunteers to serve in various roles. Click on the links here to find out more about those roles.
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
FACETS is calling for volunteers or groups with a get-it-done attitude to help FACETS wash our agency vans that are used to transport individuals to doctor's appointments, educational college tours, and fun field trips. The next date is Saturday, September 17th from 11 am to 2 pm. Click here to sign up.
HOST A HALLOWEEN PARTY
Trick or Treat! Have fun and host a Halloween Party for youth living in poverty on October 28th or 31st. Your faith community, group or business could help with the following:
- Food and candy for trick or treating at the community center
- Decorations for the community center with a Halloween theme (great opportunity to build a haunted house)
- The scare factor. Dress up in your favorite costume
- Engage the youth in other activities such as face painting, balloon making, pumpkin carving, etc.
If you would like to secure your spot for an upcoming event or have questions, contact our Volunteer and Events Manager, D'Ivonne Holman, at
DHolman@FacetsCares.org for more information.
|
Join Our Team
Upcoming Volunteer Orientation
Looking to be and feel a part of our generous community of volunteers working to end homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County? Join us at FACETS' Fairfax or Alexandria office for our volunteer orientation. You will learn about FACETS' history, the work being done in our community and be provided with the tools necessary to get started as a volunteer.
Orientation Dates:
- Thursday September 1st6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Alexandria)
- Thursday October 6th 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Fairfax)
Follow this link to sign up for a Volunteer Orientation. We look forward to meeting you there!
|
|
|
