Staff Spotlight, Hypothermia Season, Upcoming Opportunities, Holiday Closing

VOLUNTEER E-NEWSLETTER

In This Issue

Staff Spotlight

October & November in Review

Hypothermia Prevention Program

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Orientations

Barbara Schultheiss

Staff Spotlight

Barbara Schultheiss, MS

Program Director - Single Adult Housing

Stabilization Program

Barbara Schultheiss started at FACETS in August 2015. She holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Behavior Analysis. As the Program Director for FACETS' Single Adult Housing Stabilization Program, Barbara oversees its operations in addition to coordinating the Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program. Currently underway, the Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program runs between November 29th - March 31st, and is only possible because of the over 40 faith communities and 2,500 volunteers that assist in providing a warm welcome, hot meal and a safe place to sleep to our neighbors battling homelessness. The Single Adult Housing Stabilization Program also offers outreach and support for single adults who are homeless or living in poverty all year long. Case managers seek out and identify people who are living on the streets or in the woods with the goal of helping them stabilize and ultimately move into housing. These case managers also connect individuals with medical and dental resources

What is the best part of working as the Program Director for the Single Adult Housing Stabilization Program?

I have really enjoyed being part of a team that helps individuals end and prevent homelessness.

What do you find most challenging about your position?

The lack of affordable housing in Fairfax County makes it very challenging to find rooms to rent at a reasonable price.

How have volunteers impacted the Singles and Hypothermia Program?

Our volunteers are simply amazing. They help to provide these services that are greatly needed. Volunteers provide mentoring, food, shelter, housing and employment searches, and so much more all year long!

For me, it's also important for everyone to know the full scope of our services at FACETS. We try to provide the services to prevent and end someone's homelessness, not just place people into housing. It is our goal to have people stably remain in housing and be successful - they can through the collaborative effort of FACETS' Staff and Volunteers!

Highlights of the Month

October & November in Review

October and November were so full of fun events and many opportunities for our program participants to benefit from your incredible service. Thank you to Fannie Mae, Alpha Phi Omega, and St. John's Episcopal for hosting Halloween Parties at our Community Centers in October. This event is always fun each year. If you would like to get your corporation, service organization, or faith community involved next year, please contact D'Ivonne Holman, Volunteer & Events Manager to get started.

Additionally, November was bursting with activity. There were so many volunteers and Board Members who made A Taste of Fall with FACETS a successful event. We had over 20 volunteers who planned, set up, organized, networked, served food, and cleaned up. Our Board of Directors contributed many of the incredible items that were available for auction as well as provided sponsorships for the event. We can't say it enough how critical your role is in making our events a success. Thank you! We also want to say thank you to all of you who gave of your time and treasure during our Thanksgiving drive. We had an overwhelming outpouring of Thanksgiving food and all of our program participants were able to enjoy a great meal. Thank you for all of your support!

October & November Stats

Number of Volunteers: Over 200

Hours Served: Over 600

Volunteers Using VolunteerHub: 230

Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.

-Helen Keller

Hypothermia Prevention Program

November 29 - March 31

Each year, hundreds of individuals living on the streets, in cars, and abandoned buildings in Fairfax County search for shelter from the often bitter winter weather. Beginning on November 29th, FACETS partnered with 40 faith communities to offer safe places to sleep and nutritious meals to eat to men and women who are homeless through our Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program. This program is one of five operated across Fairfax and Falls Church in partnership with the Fairfax County government.

Over 2,500 volunteers come together during this season to make this a possibility for over 240 men and women who do not have a place to call their own. You too can take part in this incredible program this season by volunteering your time and services to transport individuals to the different shelter venues or checking in residents as they arrive at the shelter. To get involved in the critical program, contact Barbara Schultheiss to find out how.

Ways to Make a Difference

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for service opportunities, an ongoing volunteer commitment, or a way to make a difference in your community? Join FACETS' dynamic corps of volunteers for various opportunities to do just that.

There are many needs coming up this month and we are hoping you are available to help. Details of each opportunity are listed below.

Hypothermia Volunteers - Check in and track individuals as they arrive to the shelter as well as distribute blankets to patrons staying in the shelter. Other administrative duties as assigned. This role is active between 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Drivers - On call drivers needed to provide transportation in FACETS' vans for individuals seeking to stay at one of the hypothermia prevention shelters. This role is active between 4 pm - 10:30 pm.

Youth Volunteer Night - Come out on December 19th to assist with washing our fleet of vans.

Kendra Scott Gives Back Event - Enjoy Sips and Sweets with fellow FACETS supporters at the Mosaic District Kendra Scott store. 20% of sales that day benefit FACETS' programs. Mark your Calendar for January 19, 2016 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. We'll see you there!

Be a part of our Community

Upcoming Volunteer Orientations and Trainings

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 our community and be provided with the tools necessary to get started as a volunteer. See below for upcoming orientation dates and times.

January 7th 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
February 4th 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
March 3rd 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Mentor 101 Training

January 23rd 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

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

Follow this link to sign up for a volunteer orientation or Mentor 101 training. We look forward to meeting you there!

FACETS OFFICES AND PROGRAMS WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY BETWEEN DECEMBER 24 - JANUARY 3, 2016. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONNECTING WITH YOU AGAIN ON JANUARY 4TH! HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Connect with FACETS