Community Resources
A family of five must earn 123% of the area median income of $94,500 to live comfortably in Fairfax County without any subsidies or assistance and without financing debt. The Herndon-Centreville area is a “hot spot” among neighborhoods experiencing high rates of foreclosure and our certified housing counselors and foreclosure specialists are helping to meet the most immediate needs. Child Care, Child Development, and School Readiness The most important investment we can make in our community is in ensuring the health and development of our children. For low-income and other vulnerable parents such as those who were abused or neglected themselves, or those with mental or physical illness, parenting can become a challenge and their children suffer. Studies show that mothers who receive recommended pre-natal care, and infants and children who receive regular health checkups, necessary vaccinations and a strong nurturing environment will enter school healthy and ready to learn, and have fewer problems associated with children in the same “at risk” homes who don’t have access to medical care or a nurturing environment.
Our role is to partner with our community to provide resources and referrals to prevent and manage hunger or financial crisis, support learning, job training and placement, facilitate social, cultural and recreational activities for adults and youth, and support family stability and normalcy.
A significant barrier to full employment for adults in Greater Washington is the lack of affordable child care. The cost of child care is not factored into the federal poverty formula; yet working parents must find a way to pay for it in order to stay employed. The cost of quality childcare costs working families more each year than the in-state tuition for Virginia college students. In Fairfax County, working families find support through the Office for Children’s Child Care Assistance Program which offers a subsidy based on ability to pay, but nearly 100 working families are on the waiting list for this help. These working adults contribute to our region’s economy but are forced with the choices of not working or leaving their children in care situations that are not necessarily safe and nurturing.
Our role is to provide quality childcare, parent education and support and child development and enrichment opportunities that support healthy development and stable families.
