30 Years of Giving Back |
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With the holiday season upon us, we would like to thank you for the great things you have helped us to accomplish this year. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we provided 175 families a festive holiday meal thanks to the generosity of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Since our opening we have provided Thanksgiving meals to more than 2,000 families.
The goodness doesn't stop there! In the past 30 years, we have given away more than 2,500 new winter coats. This year, with the help of the Del Ray Business Association, the American Hospital Association, Singhal & Company, and the Fairfax County Firefighters and Friends, we will give not only our students but also their parents new winter coats to keep them warm this cold winter. And, during this holiday season with the help of local businesses, churches and individuals, we will ensure that each of our families have presents to open over the holiday.
Thank you for ensuring that no child or family is left behind this holiday season. We couldn't do this without you!
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CFNC Welcomes New Executive Director
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CFNC is proud to welcome Lissette S. Bishins as its new Executive Director. Lissette is a prominent member of the community and has over a decade of experience serving as Executive Director for other notable organizations including most recently Carpenter's Shelter in Alexandria. She will join the CFNC team starting January 5, 2014. "I have a strong passion for CFNC's mission and I admire the organization's ability to change the trajectory of families for the better," Lissette explained. "I am excited for the opportunity to lead CFNC to achieve new, sustainable growth, as well as to help complete CFNC's current capital campaign." Read the full story here.
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Save the Date for #GivingTuesday
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Join CFNC tomorrow as we celebrate #GivingTuesday. With our 30th Anniversary this year, our goal is to raise $30,000 in 30 days. Will you join us? There are many ways to participate:
1. Make a donation online and share it on Facebook and Twitter using @cfncpreschool and #GivingTuesday.
2. Shop from our 2014 Holiday Wishbook. A donation of $100 helps to equip one of our 10 classrooms in Alexandria!
3. Post a photo sharing your support for CFNC on the ACT for Alexandria's #GivingTuesday photo challenge contest.
4. Share this status with your photo on your Facebook and Twitter: I support @CFNCpreschool because I believe in Alexandria's children and families. #GivingTuesday #Unselfie
Thank you for participating in this important movement through your support of CFNC!
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Keeping Our Kids Healthy
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Healthy life habits start early, that's why CFNC puts so much emphasis on our health services programs. This year, with the help of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, we are continuing to offer a wide range of health services for our children and families. We offer basic services such as vision, hearing and dental screenings, because we know that if a child is having trouble seeing or hearing in class, their concentration and learning retention goes way down.
We also offer a combatting obesity and healthy eating and nutrition program. CFNC children receive at least one hour of physical activity per day and weather permitting are out on the playground daily jumping and running with their friends. Vigorous outdoor play and exercise not only encourages children's movement, but also helps them to build self-esteem and confidence as they find new and imaginative ways to interact with other children.
Helping families and children create healthy habits and health awareness is just one of several programs CFNC offers those we serve. Thanks to all of our generous donors, like CareFirst, hundreds of Alexandria children will have the start they need to be successful in school and in life, a trend that we hope to continue for the next 30 years! Learn more about the impact we are making here.
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Farewell but Not Goodbye to Longtime CFNC Teacher
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Students, friends and co-workers said goodbye to longtime CFNC teacher Arnita Willis on November 21, 2014. Arnita served as head teacher for CFNC for the last 11 years and was most recently teaching students at our Charles Houston classroom location.
"I am grateful for Ms. Arnita's dedication to CFNC children, which is evident in all of our conversations. She constantly desires to see children achieve and continuously promotes their skills while in her presence. The effortless way she brings cheerfulness to people, young and old is breathtaking. I thank her for her initiative to always go above and beyond," said Jennifer Reynolds, Director of Education.
Arnita is advancing her career and taking a position as teacher and administrator with Hope Montessori School. Congratulations, Arnita, on your new position. You will be greatly missed by your CFNC family.
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Easy Ways to Support CFNC This Fall
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1: AmazonSmile
Making holiday purchases on Amazon.com? Be sure to support CFNC with each purchase. Just log-on to Amazon through the link above and and choose CFNC to receive 0.5% of your total purchases.
2: Amazon Holiday Wishlist
Check out our wishlist and help us out by purchasing our most needed items for our classrooms and offices.
3: Coat Drive
There are many CFNC kids that need a new coat --just contact [email protected] to get a child's name, size and even what color they prefer. All you will need to do is purchase and drop it off! This is a great way to give back with your friends and colleagues too!
4: Holiday Adopt a Family Program
CFNC works with families to create a wish list including household needs, school supplies, clothes, and more. Donors choose to sponsor one family and purchase gifts. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays and get the whole family involved in the community! Contact [email protected] for more information.
5: Host a Tacky Holiday Sweater Day at Work
Invite your co-workers to participate with a $5 donation to support CFNC.
6: Volunteer
Volunteer in our classrooms and in our offices. One-time opportunities also available.
7: Harris Teeter
Don't forget to mention the CFNC Together in Education number - 6467 - when you checkout at Harris Teeter. CFNC will receive a percentage from select Harris Teeter brands purchased.
8: United Way and CFC
You can donate to CFNC through workplace giving campaigns. Designate #8401 on your United Way pledge card and #86801 on your CFC pledge card.
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CFNC Experts in the Field |
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CFNC social worker Laura Molina was a session presenter at the Virginia Counselors Association's state convention on November 20, 2014 in Williamsburg, Virginia. She was asked to present her expertise on the topic of multiculturalism in counseling and minority stress and resilience. Culturally skilled counselors understand the life experiences, cultural heritage, and historical background of their culturally diverse clients. They understand how race and ethnicity influence the counseling process. Laura is highly regarded in this field and has been working for the past two years with culturally diverse families at CFNC who have hailed from more than 80 countries.
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