Charlene is a single mother of 1 daughter. She was referred to us from one of our supporting churches for assistance. WFCM was able to place her in our Pathways to Success (PTS) program, a 12-month self-sufficiency program funded by a grant from Freddie Mac. It is designed to support families that are on the verge of homelessness with financial, basic needs and intense budgeting. Each family in the program is required to attend our Financial Peace University budgeting program and meet with a case manager monthly.

Charlene visited the program when behind on her rent, utilities and car payments. With the help of the case manager and the Financial Peace instructor, Charlene was able to get caught up on her past due payments and start a budget. Within 4 months she had built up $900 in her savings account that allowed her to repair her car when it stopped working. She continues to work within her budget and stay current on her payments.

She said that she wished she would have attended Financial Peace years ago and she realizes how important it is to have a savings account and invest in one's future.

We apologize. The initial edition of this newsletter was released inappropriately. The grant was not from Fannie Mae. It is from Freddie Mac. 

The Client Service and Food Pantry facility is now based at 13888 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly, VA near Papa John's and Kumon Learning Center.

Our operations hours have changed. They are now 9:00am - 3:00pm, Monday - Friday.  

We have resumed providing emergency food to our clients and will see a total of 300 clients in January alone. We also have 84 more clients booked for February. Regular monthly Food Pantry appointments will resume on Monday, February 4.  

Unfortunately, we cannot accept food donations until Monday, February 4. Please call our office first to ensure that we have ample space and staffing available. Our donation hours have changed, as well, and they will be Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 11:00am. Please contact Terri Kelly for alternate deliveries or questions.

We are excited to announce that we will have our Grand Re-opening on Saturday, February 16 at our new Thrift Store location. That address is 13939 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly, VA (near the Asian Lotte Market). Store hours will remain the same, but donations hours will be Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. We will be able to accept donations once the store has opened, but not beforehand.

We are pleased to announce that we received one award from the United Way and a second from Food Lion.

The $3,500 Food Lion award is designated to buy needed perishables and staples for clients who visit our Food Pantry.

(Above picture: Receiving Food Lion award. Pictured L to R: Rev. Dave Welch, Amy Bejtlich, Terri Kelly, Jan Welch, Tom Yuditsky, Matt Connor, Linda Emerick, Linda Preston & Jeanette Nagel)

The $7,500 United Way award will be distributed throughout the course of the year. This award was presented to 18 non-profits, and we will use ours for operating support in the Food Pantry.   

(Above picture: United Way grant recipients)   

• We pray for wisdom in planning new volunteer schedules, conducting orientation and sensitivity in carrying out these new plans. 
• We pray for clients' children, that they will be safe on the streets and diligent in their studies.
• We continue to pray for all who are suffering and have physical, emotional and/or financial concerns. 
• We pray for the continued health and strength of our clients, staff, Board and volunteers, as well as their walk with the Lord.    

• Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who support us with their time and effort. You rock! You are indeed a blessing. Praise God! 
• Praise God for the ongoing work of the local community to supply food and toiletries for our neighbors in need.
• Praise for the tremendous efforts that have been accomplished and the volunteers, Board of Directors, employees and vendor community who have provided great efforts towards client re-certifications and  re-establishing the new Client Services and Food Pantry facility as well as the new Thrift Store.
• A special thank you to Dynaelectric for their generous donation of in-kind electrical services. Our facility at 13888 Metrotech Drive is much improved as a result.  
• Praise for the faithful volunteers, employees, Fairfax Church of Christ and to J&K Moving Company that helped with our December 27 & 28 move. We are grateful to each of them for their teamwork in this transition.
• Praise for a successful Holiday Basket season. We were able to help 705 individuals/families this Christmas.