[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E422-E423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA FAMILY 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th Year 
Anniversary of Northern Virginia Family Service.

[[Page E423]]

  Originally established in 1924 by volunteers in Alexandria, Virginia, 
Northern Virginia Family Service has been a staple in Northern Virginia 
communities to help people in need. Those first volunteers in 1924 in 
Alexandria noticed that poor children in their community had no coats, 
and their families had no coal to heat their homes. Northern Virginia 
Family Service addressed those basic and critical needs.
  The needs of vulnerable individuals and families in our nation will 
likely continue to be part of the same challenges we face in our 
Northern Virginia region. Northern Virginia Family Service has built a 
steadfast legacy of support and service that they've provided through 
their mission--``to empower individuals and families to improve their 
quality of life, and to promote community cooperation and support in 
responding to family needs.'' With the continued commitment of partners 
and supporters, many enjoy the benefits that come with that promise.
  This work continues today with major initiatives to address the 
issues of secure affordable housing in a challenging economy, provide 
access to necessary health care and medications for children and 
adults, offer job training that improves quality of life and provides 
adequate support for families, provide a safe, stimulating place for 
growing preschool children to learn and play.
  More than 100 years later, Northern Virginia Family Service continues 
to address our local communities' needs with a wide range of programs 
designed to deal with the current problems of today. Northern Virginia 
Family Service partners with Northern Virginia Community College 
through the ``Training Futures'' program, to provide the only 
community-based workforce development program in the region that 
affords students the opportunity to earn college credits.
  Mr. Speaker, Northern Virginia Family Service has grown to help more 
than 35,000 families and individuals every year. As needs emerge and 
change over time, Northern Virginia Family Service programs also adapt 
to respond to what is needed when it is required. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in commending their President and CEO, Stephanie Berkowitz, 
their Board of Directors, leadership team, members, and volunteers in 
the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Northern Virginia Family 
Service.

                          ____________________