"It helps them start the school year with dignity..."
We asked long-time school social worker Jean Wyman to give her thoughts on what it will mean to the kids whose families are struggling when they receive school supplies through our Collect for Kids Back to School Program, and how supporting this effort can make such a meaningful difference.
She said, "I think kids starting off the school year right and having the things that they need -- it helps them start the school year with dignity, and feeling good about the school year and feeling organized. It puts them in a place where they're ready to learn, and I think it's important to have people all over the community support this too."
Jean recently retired from a long career helping students in need with Fairfax County Public Schools. She was instrumental in the founding of our Food4Thought program, and we will be sharing more of our recent conversation with her soon.
The new school year is just a month away! After all we've been through, the first day of school will certainly be one to remember, so let's make sure all students feel good about what's ahead. Our Back to School campaign set a goal to ensure that 4,000+ local students in need walk into those school doors with a sense of dignity, organization and readiness to learn. We need to raise $40,000 to make that happen. We're halfway there. If you can, please give today!
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Britepaths has 4 job opportunities. Please share with anyone you know who might be interested.
- Computer-Tech Instructor in Alexandria
- Outreach Manager in Fairfax
- Programs Manager in Fairfax
- Workforce Development Manager in Alexandria
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NOTE NEW DATE: Oct. 22!
We can't wait to reconnect!
Artful Living: Connected
Friday, October 22, 2021
7 pm to 10 pm
Country Club of Fairfax
5110 Ox Road, Fairfax, VA
We're Seeking:
Art Submissions, Event Sponsors and Planning Committee Volunteers!
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Pantry Reopening: Help Us Stock Up! |
Due to the pandemic, we closed down our Food Pantry in March 2020, and eventually sent all the food and supplies that were left to other organizations. With Virginia opening up again, we're ready to reopen. Your donations will help us feed more families in crisis at a time when the need is so great.
We need everyone's help to restock the Pantry! We accept donations at our office in Fairfax Mon.-Fri., 10a-2p or by appointment. Please Call Ahead! Contact 703.273.8829 or info@britepaths.org.
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Our friends in the Old Lee Hills neighborhood of Fairfax City have been collecting food at "Hugo the Gargoyle's" Little Free Library. Thanks to the Jaworski and McCarthy families for spearheading this effort and matching donations, the Old Town Fairfax Business Association for sponsoring this week, and to all who are donating! Click Here to learn more.
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Filling Our Calendar -- And Empty Fridges |
Two recent grants to our Food Bridge program are helping us feed hungry families in our community at a time when the need is so great.
Thank you to Rustic Love Vienna for donating $3,500 from sales of their adorable heart signs to help our families. We're using the funds to send grocery store gift cards to 35 of our families this week for our July 25 food delivery, filling a hole in our Delivery Calendar.
We are also honored to have been selected once again to receive a Shepherd's Gate Grant from Good Shepherd Catholic Church. They donated $3,000 for food gift cards. This grant was made possible through proceeds from their annual International Festival, which is taking place on Labor Day weekend, September 4-6. Click Here to learn more.
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The staff from Britepaths and the Financial Empowerment Center at South County got together for lunch at Kutner Park in Fairfax City on July 7.
While we're starting to get back to the office more, this was the first time we all gathered in person since March 2020. It was so fun to catch up.
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Shop for Good This Summer |
There are many great ways to support Britepaths while you shop at these local businesses this summer!
MyWalgreens Rewards: You can donate your Walgreens Cash Rewards to Britepaths through August 31.
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Thank You, Mara Hair and Mode Studio!
A big Thank You to Mara Hair and Mode Studio in Fairfax City for donating $2,257 from raffle ticket sales for their 6th Anniversary celebration on July 10. And thanks to all who bought tickets!
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Virtual Financial Literacy and Workforce Development Coaching and Classes |
Britepaths and the Financial Empowerment Center at South County continue to offer a variety of free services and classes via the internet. Services include free and confidential Financial Coaching, Workforce/Job Readiness Consulting, Small Business Consulting and Tax Preparation Consulting. Please share our Virtual Services page with anyone you know who might benefit. Join our LinkedIn Group to receive updates on offerings and services.
NEW and Coming Soon at FECSoCo:
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Avenues to Career Training Healthcare: New virtual session Sept. 13-Nov. 5, Mon.-Fri., 1-3p. Virtual Info sessions on Aug. 10, 17 & 24 at 1p (attend 1 session). In partnership with Fairfax County Department of Housing. Click Here for flyer.
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NEW Food Entrepreneur Consultatations: Virtual, beginning in August, by appointment only. Schedule a consultation on Monday or Wednesday evenings. Available in English and Spanish. Flyers: English; Spanish
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Coming Soon: Avenues to Career Training IT: Stay tuned!
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Eviction Prevention Resources |
If you know someone who is struggling to pay their rent or mortgage due to the pandemic, please pass on these resources.
Read Article by Britepaths' Martha Borowski on first steps you can take to advocate for yourself.
Click Here for Fairfax County resources and information.
Click Here for guidance about the CDC's National Eviction Moratorium.
Click Here for Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance's Eviction Prevention and Housing Stability Toolkit
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Free Financial Coaching via NOVA Housing Expo |
The Expo offers a variety of resources for Northern Virginia residents seeking to rent or buy a home. Their web site offers virtual exhibits and free monthly workshops, in addition to a link to register for our Financial Coaching sessions. Learn More
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Fairfax County Area Services |
Fairfax County staff are working hard across multiple agencies to assist County residents (including residents of the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and towns of Clifton, Herndon and Vienna) who are experiencing difficulties during COVID-19. Below are some resources to utilize and share with anyone you know who may need help. Fairfax County residents may call 703.222.0880 for information and referrals to services. Virginia residents outside Fairfax County may dial 211 to be connected with services in their community.
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Britepaths
Our Mission is to provide our neighbors in need with short-term safety-net services and empower them to work toward long-term self-sufficiency.
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