FALL NEWSLETTER

As we move closer to the winter season and experience our first round of colder temperatures, the needs of our neighbors facing homelessness and poverty becomes more apparent. Having to sleep outside in the brutal temperatures is truly unimaginable--yet over 1,000 of our community members face this everyday. 

I remain motivated that through the county-wide efforts and that of our caring community-we will continue moving closer to a day when no one has to face the danger of the harsh winter months.
 
Since our founding, FACETS has had the ability to remain in-tune with the needs of our community and adapt. This has led to more individuals being offered a helping hand and greater opportunities for individuals like you and I to directly have a positive impact in someone's life. We are creating a stronger community-collectively our impact is tremendous! 
  • 386 individuals were brought in from the cold last year-receiving services during our Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program.
  • Over 240 families were supported in securing their dreams of economic stability--equating to 530 children and 340 adults. 
  • Every youth participant of our College Access Program went on to higher forms of education-many the first in their family.
FACETS remains effective because of individuals like you. We all have a care and concern for our neighbors-and it is this shared effort that has brought so many home. During this giving season, I ask that you remain generous. By making a gift today we can continue bringing our neighbors home for the holidays.
 
Thank you for serving as a partner!
 
Happy Holidays!
 
Margi Preston
Executive Director
IN THIS ISSUE
AASHELTER FROM THE COLD
Hypothermia Kick-off

Now in its 11th season, the Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program is a
collaborative 
effort between FACETS, Fairfax County and over 40 faith communities. This program ensures that during the winter months, hundreds of individuals suffering from homelessness in our community are provided a safe place to rest, a warm meal and the support they need to move from homelessness to housing. 

This year the program kicked off on November 27th with long-time supporter-Annandale United Methodist Church being the first faith community to open their doors. The program will conclude on April 1st and rotate between faith communities on a weekly basis.

For a snapshot of the program-including the contributions of our partners and how many individuals were served last year, click here. Want to get involved? Contact our Volunteer Manager, D'Ivonne Holman at   DHolman@FACETSCares.org.  
BBRE-CAP - NEXT STEPS OPEN HOUSE
One Year Anniversary Celebration 
 
In case you missed it!

On October 18th, we held an Open House
to celebrate our first year of ending homelessness for families through our Next Steps Family Program. Attendees toured the facility and networked with community leaders, staff and program participants.
 
During our first year of operating the Next Steps Family Program, over a 120 families were supported in their efforts to secure a brighter future. Here are some additional highlights:
  • 48 families were moved from homelessness to housing
  • 62 families were prevented from becoming homeless
For an article featuring the Open House, click here
CCA TASTE OF FALL WITH FACETS
Carnival of Cultures 

On November 5th, FACETS held its 17th Annual Taste of Fall with FACETS. Featuring a new theme-Carnival of Cultures and a fall inspired signature drink, this year's event was one to remember!  Hundreds of individuals attended showing their support for our work in the community. 

The excitement was felt throughout the room, as individuals participated in carnival games, enjoyed  great music from Katie and Logan-all while bidding on unique silent and live auction items, and partaking in decedent food tasting from various local restaurants. Attendees also got the chance to hear an amazing success story from one of our program participants now in grasp of a much brighter future.
 
The support received enabled us to surpass our goal-generating over $80,000 in support of our work in the community. Thank You!
 
Want to see a few highlights? Click here for a quick video, or here for photos from the event. 
DDVOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join our Team!  

Volunteering is simply starting where you are, using what you have, and doing what you can to make a change. Sign up with us today to be a part of a dynamic team working hard to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County. We have an array of volunteer opportunities-from assisting youth living in poverty with their homework, mentoring, driving program participants to appointments and serving as a front desk volunteer. 

Looking to volunteer this holiday season? Join us on December 20th from 11AM - 2PM and assist with sorting and assembling holiday gifts for children and individuals facing homelessness and poverty. A great opportunity for youth to gain their student service learning hours. Click here to sign-up. 

Not quite ready to start on the 20th? Our next volunteer orientation will be held on January 5th at our main office in Fairfax City. Be the change that you want to see.  

Click  here  to get involved, for more details and additional volunteer orientation dates. 
FFHOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE
Help bring smiles this season of giving 

Do you remember opening a gift on Christmas and the smile it brought to your face? How
about sharing that joy with someone else? This holiday season bring a smile to the face of a child who is suffering from homelessness and poverty by donating a new  unwrapped toy for our holiday toy drive. Gifts are now being accepted. 

For more information on how to get involved and on suggested items to donate, please click here  or contact Josh D'Antonio at  JDantonio@facetscares.org
GGFRIEND OF FACETS SPOTLIGHT
Q&A With Debbie Hoeg 

With a strong passion for helping families and individuals who are battling homelessness,
Debbie Hoeg on the far left at
A Taste of Fall with FACETS
Debbie Hoeg has been a treasured friend of FACETS since beginning to volunteer with us over 6 years ago. From volunteering at our front desk, to assisting with planning our fundraising events, Debbie's impact on our work in the community has been tremendous!

How did you learn about FACETS?
I learned about FACETS though a friend and we decided to collect money for FACETS through our women's group called "Circle of Friends".

Why are you supporting us as opposed to other groups working on the same cause?
I am supporting FACETS because I feel it does good work and is efficient! The people are good and caring at all levels and positions.

What is your fondest memory of working with a program participant?
My fondest moments are when I am able to assist an individual or family who may come in or call the office seeking assistance and I am able to direct them to someone within FACETS that will be able to help them get out of a terrible situation.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about supporting FACETS?
FACETS will put your time and donation to good use. Also, you will get a feeling of satisfaction from contributing your time to others or donating to others.

HH
Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness-  Alexandria Gazette Packet - August 25, 2016 



'We're Here Tonight Because We Care' - Fairfax Connection - November 17, 2016 

Educational program part of FACETS plan to prevent homelessness - Fairfax Connection - November 23, 2016