Value Your Power - Virginia Energy Sense

Virginia Energy Sense is the Commonwealth's statewide consumer education and outreach program under the guidance of the State Corporation Commission, created by the General Assembly to help Virginia residents understand how to save energy at home, work, and school in support of the state's goal to reduce energy consumption by 10%.  Virginia Energy Sense believes saving energy just makes good sense and encourages all Virginians to "value your power."  The program provides tools and information to help consumers understand their energy bill and take action to reduce it.  Consumers can turn to the Virginia Energy Sense website (www.virginiaenergysense.org) or follow on Twitter or Facebook to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy, find ideas that "make sense," and explore financial incentives that "save cents."

Helping Uninsured/Underinsured Access Pfizer Medicines in VA

"Pfizer Helpful Answers" is a family of prescription assistance programs that can provide eligible patients with their Pfizer prescriptions for free or at a savings, and in some cases, offer reimbursement support services.  Log on to www.PHAHelps.com or call toll-free at 1-866-706-2400.

Local Food Pantries in Need of Donations

Local nonprofits and shelters have been busy supplying residents in need with food, water, and other supplies that may have been lost during the June 29 derecho storm (and the resulting extended power loss) and recent heat wave.  Loss of power at the shelters and increased demand for assistance has depleted many of the shelters' reserves, and these food pantries are now turning to the community for help.  Fairfax County partner food pantries and nonprofits are accepting food and cash donations to help restock and spply our most vulnerable families with healthy meals.  Those interested in donating should contact a local food pantry directly for more information on how to contribute.

Fairfax Futures - Investing in Fairfax County Children

Many children in our community enter kindergarten without the experiences and skills they need to be successful.  That is why Fairfax Futures works with early childhood educators to ensure that all young children have quality early learning experiences that support school readiness.  Fairfax Futures delivers:

* Child Care Mentoring program - a curriculum-based training and mentoring program for family child care providers that has reached over 700 children with individual assessments and support so that children can thrive in childcare.

* Neighborhood School Readiness Teams - a community partnership led by Fairfax Futures, the Office for Children and Fairfax County Public Schools that reaches 500 families annually.  Teams of key staff from elementary schools, various agencies within Fairfax County, early childhood professionals and community members meet throughout the year so that children and their families experience a smooth transition to kindergarten and opportunities to be successful before and after they start school.

* School Readiness Symposium - a unique, day-long shared learning opportunity for more than 300 early childhood professionals that each year brings together the public school and child care professionals on topics such as literacy, science and math, the arts, play and diversity.  Learn more about Fairfax Futures, its work, and how you can help at www.fairfax-futures.org.