Dear Family PASS Supporters,

I am pleased to transition into my new role as Family PASS’s new Executive Director. I have been fortunate to have such a warm welcome from board members, staff, and supporters since my journey with Family PASS began in January. Beginning with Family PASS just as a pandemic started has been interesting, to say the least! Pat Kearns has been a fantastic mentor and I wish her all the best on her well-deserved retirement!!

I was immediately drawn to the mission of Family PASS. Coming from a child welfare background, I understand the impact that traumatic childhood experiences, such as homelessness, can have on children’s health and development. Experiencing homelessness increases the likelihood of mental health concerns, lack of quality health care, and academic struggles.

My vision for Family PASS is to carry out case management services with the highest degree of compassion and integrity, and to equip every family we touch with the skills and resources they need to be successful. We will continue to support the families in our program towards achieving job skills and educational pursuits that lead to a higher wage. We are focused on helping families to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. We are driven to make a difference in our community and to help provide better outcomes and opportunities for children and families.

I look forward to furthering our work to help prevent homelessness in Fairfax County, one family at a time.

Thank you for your support

We recognize the needs of each of our clients are different. Our case managers work with each family to identify and support their goals. While COVID-19 has presented some significant challenges in the lives of our families, we have also seen some successes.

We’ve mentioned before that Family PASS received some funds through the CARES Act, in order to help families needing housing support due to the impacts of COVID-19. These funds are a pass-through and support families for multiple months of rent, with the county determining who gets the funds and how much. Since the CARES funds became available in late May, Family PASS has assisted 50 families with this funding. The total amount of CARES funds that Family PASS was given is almost exhausted and was supposed to last until the end of the year.

From January through August, Family PASS has assisted 134 families referred by the county for emergency rental assistance. This is a drastic increase compared to prior years. The county is receiving over 4,000 calls per week from families needing emergency assistance.

There is now an eviction moratorium in place issued by the CDC, which is expected to last through the end of the year. It outlines that families may not be evicted due to non-payment of rent, as long as tenants submit a declaration that they are unable to pay due to income loss and that they would become homeless or need to double up with someone should they be evicted. However, it remains unclear at this time whether this CDC eviction moratorium will be upheld in court. Landlords are asked to accept partial payments as tenants are able, but they are not prohibited from adding on late fees.

More work needs to be done to ensure families do not lose their homes during this COVID-19 crisis.

Vienna Vintner will host a virtual wine tasting for Family PASS on Thursday, October 22 at 6:00 pm.  Taste the delicious wines of The Prisoner Winery. Call Vienna Vintner at 703-242-9463 to RVSP and order. Click here for more information.

The Westfields golf tournament has been postponed until next year. Save the Date for October 4, 2021!!

We extend a grateful heart to the many people who have donated to Family PASS, supported our food pantry, assisted with food deliveries, and contributed backpacks and school supplies for our Back to School drive!

August Donors and Supporters: Darlene Williamson, Eleanor McCann, Johanna Joslin, Kate & Dick Crawford, Lori Clarke, Marguerite Choate, Marie Tummarello, Melanie Putch, Patrick Kinlan, Patti Cooksey, Susan & Bruce McKenzie, Ann Marquis, Gail & Tom Magnani, Lauri Rustand, Lindsey Iacovino, Maria & Tom Barba, Nicole Shelton, Ray McGraw & Julie Griscom, Sonny & Lee Ellis, Trecia Buster, Usma Johnson, Christina Van Winkle, Nancy Socher, Ed Baranoski & Jill Crisman, Jane Miscavage, John & Betsy Zolper, Mary & Bill Farrell, Mary Romagnoli, Nancy Nolting, Steve Winkler, Joe and Barb Cielo, Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Mark Catholic Church, and the Vienna Business Association.

We are proud to start a new partnership with BRAWS, a wonderful organization in Vienna that provides feminine hygiene supplies and undergarments to girls and women in under-served communities. Click here for more Information about their organization.

Thank you, BRAWS!