FACETS - Opening Doors for People in Need  

VOLUNTEER E-NEWSLETTER

Jacob Berenbroick

Staff Spotlight 

 

Jacob Berenbroick has worked at FACETS for 4 years and started his career at FACETS as the volunteer coordinator before transitioning to his current role as a Community Development Advocate (CDA)/Program Coordinator with FACETS' Education and Community Development Team (ECD). As a CDA, Jacob has the privilege to support families and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty and live in low-income housing at the Wedgewood Community Center located in Annandale, VA.  As a source of support to the residents of Wedgewood, Jacob oversees all aspects of the programs offered at the Wedgewood Community Center, which include Homework Help, ESOL, Life Skills, Boys & Girls Groups, Job Assistance plus additional programs promoting the residents' growth in education, career and life skills etc... to end the cycle of poverty. 

 

 
Jacob Berenbroick  Community Advocate, Wedgewood

What is the best part of working as a Community Advocate at Wedgewood?

 

I enjoy getting to know the residents and becoming a part of their support system by providing opportunities through programs and case management that many people take for granted until it's gone. No matter the obstacles a family, individual or child faces, there is nothing like seeing a smile on a child's face when he/she is able to pick out a new book, or sharing the sincere accomplishment an adult or student has made when they can realize their dream of going to or finishing college. To know you were able to help a resident realize their dreams, overcome a difficult situation, or make their day a little better is the best part of my job. 

  

 

 

What do you find most challenging about your position? 

 

The most challenging part of the job is realizing sometimes things are out of your control.  No matter how hard you work you will never be able to help every resident transition out of poverty. It is something you can't do alone.  It requires a community effort, and that is bigger than FACETS or even Fairfax County.  However, I am lucky to work at FACETS with coworkers and volunteers who are relentless in their pursuit to accomplish our goal and mission and in a county where preventing and ending homelessness and breaking the cycle of poverty is a strategic priority.  

How have volunteers impacted the ECD programs and the residents of Wedgewood?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Wedgewood and all ECD programs. Without volunteers, I would not be able to provide quality programs that deliver educational opportunities, advances of life skills, job resources, career assistance, or experiential learning opportunities to children and adults. When volunteers arrive at the center, you can feel the gratitude and joyfulness from the residents that someone is there to help. Volunteers make our programs and centers better by bringing their passions, interest and desire to serve through sharing their unique cultures or skills. From Homework Help to teaching music and dance, giving guided tours of D.C., teaching English, or mentoring a family, volunteers at FACETS makes a difference in the lives of our residents.

Is there anything you wish everyone knew about FACETS and the work we do?


I wish people knew more about the wide scope of services we provide to residents in Fairfax County who suffer the effects of poverty. Because FACETS provides services in various areas, many people only know our staff or our organization through one particular program and don't see all we do at FACETS. I also wish people knew more about the lack of affordable housing and the effects it has on their neighbors, coworkers and the community at large. Without adequate affordable housing and services like the ones ECD provides, ending the cycle of poverty will remain elusive. Furthermore, FACETS' ECD community center based programs make a real and positive impact in the lives of our residents and is vital to ending the cycle of poverty. 

Highlights of the Month

August in Review

 

School is now back in session and August was spent preparing for the start of a successful new school year.  There was so much activity this month and you were part of a significant impact in our community, and for that, we thank you!

 


August
 Stats

Number of Volunteers:  Over 150

Hours Served:  Over 2,210

Backpacks filled with school supplies delivered: 224

 

Even if it's a little thing, do something for those who have need of a man's help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.  For, remember, you don't live in a world all your own.  Your brothers are here too.  

 

-Albert Shweitzer

Revamping the Pantry

VolunteerFest Event

 

On October 25th this year, hundreds of volunteers will participate in VolunteerFest, hosted by Volunteer Fairfax.  This is a region-wide day of community service that helps nonprofits and government agencies in the area accomplish amazing things.  FACETS is proud to be part of this great event and we encourage you to sign up and help us give the pantry a face lift.

You can visit Volunteer Fairfax's website to begin signing up on September 22nd by following this link here

Ways to Make a Difference

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

 

Now that school is back in session, many students will be looking for valuable internships and volunteer opportunities. Our Fall programs have already started and we still have a great need for interns and volunteers.  Visit FACETS' Intern page here to learn more about available Fall Internships.  We look forward to having you join our team! Not only do we have many internship opportunities, but we need many volunteers this Fall to make our program successful.  Want to find out how to become involved this Fall?  Click on this link to view descriptions of our available Fall opportunities.

 

  

Listed below are our upcoming opportunities that still have open spaces.  Want to fill a spot?  Contact D'Ivonne at 703-865-4251 or [email protected]

  •  Homework Hotspot - Starting at 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday shifts available
  •  Tutors - all subjects
  •  Help disabled residents pack for upcoming moves
  •  Translators (Spanish) - ongoing
  •  Youth Volunteer Night - Wash the agency vans or create decorations for our fundraising event
Be a part of our Community
Upcoming Volunteer Orientations

Looking to be and feel a part of our generous community of volunteers working to end homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County?  Join us at FACETS' main office for our volunteer orientation.  You will learn about FACETS' history, the work being done in the community and be provided with the tools necessary to get started as a volunteer.  See below for upcoming orientation dates and times for August and September.

  • September 11th 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  • September 17th 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  • September 25th 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

All orientations are held at 10640 Page Ave, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030. 

 

Follow this link to sign up for a volunteer orientation.  We look forward to meeting you there!

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Thank You to Our Sustaining Partner Sponsor

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FACETS
10640 Page Avenue, Suite 300
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-352-5090
www.FacetsCares.org 
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