Making a Difference:
One Family at a Time
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Summer is here, yet, in many ways it doesn’t quite feel like summer. There are no summer camps or enrichment programs for the kids. Many local pools have been closed. Vacations and trips have been scaled back. Typical summer gatherings and celebrations are limited. And while gradual re-openings have occurred and we are entering Phase 3, we hope Fairfax County will not see the spike in Covid19 cases that other cities that relaxed social-distancing have experienced.
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The Latest Numbers
The County’s Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) continues to see high call volume for emergency relief. In early June, the average weekly call volume was over 4,000
first-time
callers, an increase of 196% from FY2019. By mid-June, call volume was about 3,000 per week. This week, volume shot up to 2200 calls for Monday and Tuesday alone.
Fifty-five of those callers needing rent and utilities assistance in May and June were referred to Family PASS and almost half of the County CARES Covid19 Relief funds Family PASS received for these families is gone. Recognizing initial relief funds would not be sufficient, Virginia Governor Northam just announced additional relief funds will be available soon.
Going back to School
: Fairfax County has announced options for students to return to school. Details are not clear on what safety measures are in place and what options parents have for after school care or childcare programs. Without childcare, many of our parents will not be able to return to work.
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Our Impact
Family PASS is here to help families move through these particularly difficult times. The good news is that some of our families who lost work due to COVID-19 continue to return to work, although some have not yet seen a return to full-time hours. In the meantime, our case managers and volunteers have been working tirelessly to help supplement our clients’ food supply from our food pantry, to help stretch their already stressed budgets.
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A Ray of Sunshine
Lorraine, came to us last fall after losing her job of 12 years, unable to continue working during a difficult pregnancy. She was bedridden for almost nine months. She was unable to meet her rent and was faced with a domestic violence situation. She had to flee. Family PASS was able to help her with emergency rent and utility assistance. Her case manager connected to her counseling and domestic violence resources, and assisted her with budget counseling. With some encouragement and determination, she is getting back on her feet. She recently started a new full-time salaried job with benefits where she is able to telework. Congratulations and we wish her – and her beautiful baby - all the best!
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We Got Another Grant!
We are pleased to announce that Family PASS was once again awarded a grant from Fairfax County’s Consolidated Community Funding Pool for the next two years. This award reaffirms the important role we play focusing on education, job skills and a living wage for our clients as key tools in the fight against homelessness. The CCFP funds are almost entirely dedicated to direct client spending, that is, meeting the rent, utilities, transportation, education and childcare needs of our families as they work with our case managers to achieve their goals.
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Thank You to our Supporters!
Grant support is always “iffy.” We never know whether we will receive a grant. However, our community’s support has never been in doubt and is critical to our mission. Family PASS would like to gratefully acknowledge the following people and organizations for their support:
Our June Donors
Kate & Dick Crawford, Deborah Dicks, Anna Grimsely, David Ingemie, Cathy & Davis Johnson, Caroline & Stephen Long, Diane & Tim Naughton, Mark & Rita Perre-Davis, Maria Raggambi, Ariana Raines, Richard Roberts, Louis & Suzanne Schmuckler, James Snow, Lori & Steven Trumble, Kathleen & Michael Zichi, and thanks to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Episcopal Church Women of Holy Comforter St Luke Catholic Church, and Shoreshim, Inc.
We would like to acknowledge our special thanks to our monthly donors whose ongoing support is so greatly appreciated: Charles Allen, Ed & Jill Baranoski, Janine Doran, Mary Farrell, Jane Miscavage, Nancy Nolting, Mary Romagnoli, Steve Winkler, and Betsy Zolper.
Pantry Posse
Shout outs to those who have donated food, stocked the pantry and/or delivered packages to our clients: Nancy & Ellie Socher, Betsy Zolper, Linda Karanakis, Elisse Brunori, Dee Kase, Patti & Cliff Cooksey, Mary Crespy, and Lee & Sonny Ellis.
Computers
Computers are essential in these “study at home” days and the Vale Club, Susie & Lou Schmuckler, and Nancy Socher have made life so much easier for our clients by donating several computers to support their educational pursuits.
Additional Support
Donations from Christy Litrelle’s
I Support the Girls
, were secured by Patti Cooksey with help from Ellie Socher who sorted almost 100 bras for our clients; Christine Kenny’s
Fairfax Diapers
donated 25 packs of diapers and a double stroller;
Alice’s Kids
supported one of our families in need with a Target gift card, and
Cakes4Kids
donated a beautiful birthday cake for one special 5-year old.
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Upcoming Events: Stay Tuned!
As you know, we were not able to host our annual Spring Breakfast this year. Discussions are in the works for a potential Virtual Breakfast in early 2021. Our Golf Tournament, scheduled for October 5, is still under discussion. It’s difficult to know what lies ahead, and our first priority is to keep everyone safe. We will keep you updated about plans for both the Breakfast and the Golf event.
Visit our Facebook page on our website:
www.familypassfairfax.org
for up-to-date information on clients, donors, articles of interest, and upcoming events.
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Have a Happy and Safe 4TH of July!
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Family PASS
2740 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 123
Vienna, VA 22181
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Don't for get to like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter!
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