Season to Share: Bring Joy Through Our Annual Toy Drive

The holidays are on the horizon, and Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) is already preparing to make the season brighter for local children and families through Season to Share: Holiday Giving. Each year, community generosity helps us distribute toys to more than 2,000 kids across Northern Virginia — and we can’t do it without you.

🎁 Toy Drop-off Dates
Monday, December 8 | 1–6 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

NVFS Headquarters, Main Level Conference Room
3110 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042

Can’t make it in person? You can still bring holiday joy:

• Donate funds
• Send gift cards to NVFS HQ Attn. Gifting for Families. Gift cards in $25 increments from Target, Walmart, Amazon, or Visa make great gift options, especially for teenagers.
• Shop our Amazon Wish List through December 8. All items will ship directly to NVFS' Toy Closet.

💛 Rally Your Team for Greater Impact
Workplaces, clubs, and friend groups can create their own Season to Share team fundraising page. It's a simple way to multiply your impact and help ensure every child receives the holiday gifts they’re hoping for. Set a team goal, invite others to join, and watch your collective giving grow in real time as teammates contribute and share the page across their networks. You may even be able to double your impact — check to see if your employer matches employee donations.

Thank you to our generous 2025 Season to Share sponsors for helping families celebrate with dignity and joy. Sponsorships are still available. Visit our website to learn more.

Congratulations to the Newest group of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

On Monday, November 10, eleven dedicated volunteers were officially sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) at the Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court by a panel of three judges. After completing 39 hours of pre-service training, these extraordinary individuals have committed themselves to serving as impartial advocates, Friends of the Court who stand up for the best interests of children.

CASA volunteers play a vital role in cases involving abuse, neglect, custody, Child-in-Need-of-Services, and similar circumstances. They investigate each child’s situation, submit written reports to the court, make recommendations that are in the best interest of the child, and monitor progress toward a safe and stable resolution. As the judges shared during the ceremony, the CASA report is the first document they read when reviewing a case — CASA volunteers are truly the eyes and ears of the court.

Congratulations, and thank you for making a profound difference in the lives of children across our community.

Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? There is a waitlist of children who need caring, impartial adults to be their advocates! Learn more about training, requirements, and upcoming opportunities at nvfs.org/CASA.

NVFS President & CEO Stephanie Berkowitz Named to WBJ’s “Power 100”

We’re proud to share that Stephanie Berkowitz, President and CEO of Northern Virginia Family Services, has been named one of the Washington Business Journal’s Power 100—a list recognizing the most influential leaders shaping the Greater Washington region.

This year’s Power 100 highlights leaders who are deeply rooted in the local community and committed to strengthening the region’s economy, workforce, and overall wellbeing. Stephanie’s inclusion reflects her steadfast leadership of one of Greater Washington’s largest regionally focused nonprofits and her dedication to ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive. In a year of rising community needs, Stephanie’s steady leadership keeps NVFS responsive, resilient, and firmly focused on building a stronger, more equitable Northern Virginia.

Please join us in congratulating Stephanie on this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership continues to inspire our staff, partners, and the communities we serve.

Season to Share: Community Rallies for Fall Food Drive

Because of your incredible generosity, we collected more than 24,000 pounds of food to stock the shelves at our Hunger Resource Center (HRC) this holiday season. This achievement — the first increase in food donations in several years — belongs to every person, family, workplace, and group who stepped up to give. You made this possible.

Even though the Fall Food Drive has wrapped up, the need continues year-round. Hunger doesn’t take a break — but neither does the compassion of this community.

You can continue to make an impact:

• Participate in the Hylton Performing Arts Center's food drive going on now through 12/23 in support of NVFS' HRC
• Donate food to the HRC year-round
• Contribute funds
• Volunteer
• Organize your own food drive. Our toolkit can help!

Thank you for showing up, sharing what you can, and reminding our neighbors that they’re not alone.

Reston's New Neighborhood Ambassadors Graduate

A new cohort of Reston’s Opportunity Neighborhood Ambassadors has completed NVFS’ Community Influencer Academy. The Academy is a six-week, cohort-based program that equips residents to advocate for their community.

Neighborhood Ambassadors serve as bridges between their neighbors and local schools, government, faith groups, and community organizations. Through the Academy, participants learn how to identify community needs, elevate local voices, and build capacity within their neighborhoods, while also receiving leadership coaching and professional development.

One participant shared, “I’m really happy to be part of the Community Influencer Academy. I learned so much about leadership and how to make a difference in my community. I also met amazing and inspiring people. This experience gave me more confidence and motivation to keep helping others. Thank you to the whole team for your support and encouragement.”

NVFS’ Marvin Quintero, Director of Community In Reach, trained the cohort, and Hunter Mill Board Supervisor Walter Alcorn joined the graduation to congratulate these new resident-leaders. Their commitment helps strengthen Reston for children, youth, and families.

Volunteer Spotlight: Thank You 10Pearls!

10Pearls recently partnered with NVFS in two meaningful ways — each supporting a different stage of learning and growth in our community.

First, their team conducted mock interviews with Training Futures trainees, helping participants build confidence, practice professional communication, and prepare for the next step in their career journeys. Experiences like these are invaluable; they give trainees real-world feedback, encouragement, and the tools to step into the workforce ready to succeed.

Later, 10Pearls returned to visit the NVFS Head Start Child Development Center, where volunteers read The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and helped little learners decorate owls, scarecrows, and turkeys with stickers.

Thank you, 10Pearls, for supporting our community’s future and bringing joy and inspiration to learners of all ages!