Recognizing the 100th Year Anniversary of Northern Virginia Family Service

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th Year Anniversary of Northern Virginia Family Service.

Originally established in 1924 by volunteers in Alexandria, Virginia, Northern Virginia Family Service has been a staple in Northern Virginia communities to help people in need. Those first volunteers in 1924 in Alexandria noticed that poor children in their community had no coats, and their families had no coal to heat their homes. Northern Virginia Family Service addressed those basic and critical needs.

The needs of vulnerable individuals and families in our nation will likely continue to be part of the same challenges we face in our Northern Virginia region. Northern Virginia Family Service has built a steadfast legacy of support and service that they've provided through their mission--``to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of life, and to promote community cooperation and support in responding to family needs.'' With the continued commitment of partners and supporters, many enjoy the benefits that come with that promise.

This work continues today with major initiatives to address the issues of secure affordable housing in a challenging economy, provide access to necessary health care and medications for children and adults, offer job training that improves quality of life and provides adequate support for families, provide a safe, stimulating place for growing preschool children to learn and play.

More than 100 years later, Northern Virginia Family Service continues to address our local communities' needs with a wide range of programs designed to deal with the current problems of today. Northern Virginia Family Service partners with Northern Virginia Community College through the ``Training Futures'' program, to provide the only community-based workforce development program in the region that affords students the opportunity to earn college credits.

Mr. Speaker, Northern Virginia Family Service has grown to help more than 35,000 families and individuals every year. As needs emerge and change over time, Northern Virginia Family Service programs also adapt to respond to what is needed when it is required. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending their President and CEO, Stephanie Berkowitz, their Board of Directors, leadership team, members, and volunteers in the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Northern Virginia Family Service.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source