[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 154 (Tuesday, November 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING FACETS AND ``A TASTE OF FALL''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise 
today to recognize FACETS, a Northern Virginia non-profit that is a 
leader in providing dynamic and responsive service to those suffering 
from poverty and homelessness. Tonight we are here for the ``Taste of 
Fall'' in support of this organization.
  Founded in 1988 by Ms. Linda D. Wimpey and three Episcopalian 
churches, FACETS works to address the needs of those living on the 
brink of homelessness. To successfully work towards this goal, FACETS 
has grown its partnerships in the community, drawing in faith 
organizations, businesses, individuals, and local government. In the 
past year, nightly meals and Sunday morning breakfasts were served by a 
core group of 35 faith partners and 1000 volunteers who cooked and 
delivered more than 42,000 meals to men, women, children who are 
homeless in Fairfax. With the help of an additional 400 volunteers, 
FACETS also provides social work services, housing, and supportive 
programs for individuals and families that are homeless or living in 
government-subsidized housing sites in Fairfax County.
  FACETS approach to its quality service is in its guiding values of 
dignity, commitment, and integrity.
  The homeless suffer from the stigmas and biases, making it difficult 
to navigate the challenges they face. Recognizing this shortcoming, 
FACETS has committed itself to treating clients with dignity and 
respect. Understanding without judging is important to promoting the 
self esteem necessary to self improvement.
  Through a strong commitment to its volunteers, staff, partners, 
donors and clients, FACETS works to foster an atmosphere of camaraderie 
and teamwork in achieving their goal of ending homelessness and 
poverty. The caliber of work FACETS performs is a testament to the 
people involved in this mission.
  Integrity of operations and transparency in management is critical to 
FACETS' ability to maintain high quality services. FACETS holds the 
communities trust in its stewardship of resources, and its discipline 
in providing the best quality service possible.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking FACETS for 
its work to end homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County. It is the 
collaboration of volunteers, donors, government, and businesses that 
enable FACETS to carry out its mission. You have the appreciation of 
the Northern Virginia community, and my personal thanks for your 
important service.

                          ____________________