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Greetings!
As we approach the start of a new school year that will culminate in our 25th Anniversary, I would like to express my gratitude for the countless number of individuals like you who have championed our cause over the years, making it possible for us to grow from an organization that once served 6 children to an organization today that serves nearly 200.
We have so much good news to share that we have decided to try something new this year. We will be sending out monthly e-newsletters with updates on our programs so that you can stay more informed on the difference your support makes in this community. Just so you know, each picture is linked to more pictures, stories, or information about us. Please feel free to explore.
Be on the lookout for next month's e-newsletter, which will include
some great pictures of the first day of school! I also encourage you
to share this newsletter with others who might be interested in our
mission by clicking on the link "Share with a friend" below.
Sincerely,
Barbara & the CFNC team
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A Story 25 Years in the Making
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In their September issue, Real Simple Magazine will highlight the story of Barbara Mason's 25 year journey helping thousands of children living in poverty and the one board member, Dagobert Soergel, who has been with her from the start. In fact, Dagobert not only has been a board member from day one, he also wrote the newspaper ad that Barbara answered 25 years ago that offered a chance to make a difference in the life of a child. The interview focuses on how together Barbara and Dagobert developed a nationally accredited organization that now provides nearly 200 children from low-income families with free preschool every year. It is quite a story. The magazine just hit newsstands, so check it out! What a great way to kick off our 25th Anniversary which begins officially this spring!
We are making it "real simple" to celebrate Barbara and Dagobert's good work on behalf of Northern Virginia's low-income families. Just click on their picture above and you will be taken to our website where you can make an on-line donation.
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| A Year to Celebrate
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In June, thanks to the support of countless people in our community, 176 children participated in our year-end celebration ceremonies. These events were the culmination of a year of high-quality, free preschool. Decorated classrooms were filled with proud parents and children wearing graduation caps. Each child's name was called out, and they came to the front of the class, often running, always smiling, to receive a certificate of achievement amid a room full of applause. And they have achieved quite a lot. This year, children showed developmental gains that nearly doubled the national average for their age group.
In addition to the most important achievement of helping children enter school prepared to learn, we are excited to share that this year:
- 135 families successfully achieved at least one goal that led to improved parenting skills, a stable living environment, English acquisition, and/or job readiness;
- 27 parents improved their English by one or more levels;
- Northern Virginia Magazine named CFNC one of the region's top preschools;
- Barbara Mason was named Alexandria's 2008 Nonprofit Leader of the Year, among other numerous honors.
Read more about our year. |
1,000s of Steps in the Right Direction
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by Donna Bain, FNP, Manager of Health Services
This past spring, CFNC experimented with a 6-week pilot program called Steps for Life for parents enrolled in our ESL classes. The program was funded by generous contributions from the Northern Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and Pfizer, Inc. During our pedometer program, 24 parents used a pedometer as a wellness tool and 16 consistently kept track of their steps per day, formulated personal fitness goals, and began making progress toward those goals over the course of the program.
Some amazing outcomes resulted from this pilot program. One parent, who'd been experiencing daily headaches, was found to have very high blood pressure, and was referred to a local clinic for further evaluation and treatment. Other parents began to lose weight, changed their eating habits, increased the amount of time they exercise weekly, and drank more water. All participants set new fitness & wellness goals for themselves and their children. It was very exciting to see these healthy changes. Our parents are very inspiring!
Read more about our Family Support and Health Services.
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Featured Video
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One of the great things about working at CFNC is that you routinely hear children's songs echoing down the halls. Their voices remind you why so many work so hard on their behalf. Many of our supporters are not able to visit our preschools to hear the children sing, so we decided that we would bring their songs to you. To watch the video click on the image above. Each month we will share a new video with you that I promise will never fail to bring a smile! Enjoy.
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| Featured Sponsors
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# 8401
See a full listing of our other generous corporate, foundation, and government supporters.
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