A New School Year Begins!

On Tuesday, September 6, CFNC opened its doors and welcomed -
students and teachers to its 28th school year! This year CFNC has 10 classrooms in six neighborhood locations--two in Arlington and four in Alexandria- serving nearly 200 children and their families. As it has been throughout CFNC's history, our mission is to provide caring, high-quality, free education and related services to at-risk children and their families in their own neighborhoods in order to prepare them for success in school and life.

In addition to an exemplary teaching staff and administrators, CFNC fulfills its mission with the generous support of our community. As we start a new year, we hope you'll consider becoming involved. Check out our website, our wish list, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and support us through our
newest initiative Tix4Cause. Learn more about how you can become involved (and help families like Alfredo's and Nancy's), how others are making a difference and the impact of our work in the stories below.

We are thrilled to start a new school year. Come by and join in the excitement!

A CFNC Success Story: Nancy and Alfredo

Success stories at CFNC abound. This month we'd like to share with you Nancy and Alfredo's story. Currently, the couple's twins are enrolled in CFNC's
preschool and in 2009 one of their older daughters was enrolled. It has been a joy to watch their progress.

When CFNC Social Worker, Glymaris Lugo, first met Nancy and Alfredo in 2009, their finances were unstable and the family was struggling. Nancy was unemployed and Alfredo's work hours were reduced. Glymaris was able to offer assistance through CFNC's Fund for Basic Needs Program and connected them with CFNC's on-site Job Placement Coach (a service that has since been cut, unfortunately). Nancy and Alfredo learned interview skills, how to build a resume and how to apply for jobs online. While applying for jobs as a preschool teacher--Nancy's dream--she was selected through CFNC's Paid Parent Program to be an assistant teacher in a CFNC classroom. With this experience added to her resume, Nancy was soon hired as a Teacher's Assistant at Bright Start Preschool where she remains employed today and has made great gains. Bright Start paid for her to take preliminary credits towards her Childhood Development Associate's Degree (CDA) for which she received certifications.

On a recent visit to their home, Alfredo proudly showed Glymaris his wife's certifications as well as a recently earned license for food management at Bright Start. He reported that Nancy received a raise this year and hopes to complete her CDA. Alfredo continues to work at the same job, and now feels at ease with his hours because it allows him flexibility to be able to pick up his daughters from school. Once the twins are in Kindergarten, he will look for a morning job. With CFNC's assistance, the family now receives temporary help from the city and has made adjustments in their expenses and budget.

CFNC shares Alfredo's pride for his family's hard work and achievements and expects more growth and success in the years to come.

CFNC and McKinley Marketing Partners in the News!

On Friday, September 9, Alexandria's McKinley Marketing Partners donated a total of 30 boxes - filled with folders, calendars, loose paper, note pads, note cards and envelopes, letter-size envelopes and brochure-size envelopes - to CFNC's classrooms at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center.

McKinley recently rebranded with a fresh logo and an updated website. The circular design of its new logo underscores McKinley's mission - to provide complete, well-rounded marketing solutions for its clients' interim or direct-hire needs.
As for the 30 boxes of paper items with the old logo, those will be used to help CFNC fulfill its mission by providing children with supplies to encourage writing and drawing; creativity and design; and inspire lessons such as "how to mail a letter."

The donation caught the eye of WUSA9.com who featured an article and great photos on September 15. You can enjoy the article here.

CFNC extends a huge thanks to McKinley's President and CEO, Michelle Boggs, and her generous staff who made the huge delivery in the pouring rain! We look forward to seeing them all at CFNC again during the holiday season when McKinley coordinates a holiday party for our Cora Kelly students.

The Del Ray Business Association Provides Winter Coats for CFNC

The Del Ray Business Association (DRBA) and its members have graciously committed to purchasing a new winter coat for each CFNC student this year--an amazing gift for children in need. The partnership was announced at the DRBA's September membership luncheon where Congressman Jim Moran kicked-off the spirit of generosity by announcing that he'd purchase coats for ten of CFNC's children. DRBA members followed his lead and CFNC children will be warm this winter. Read more here or contact DRBA's Pat Miller at
pmiller1806@comcast.net for information on how you can help, too!

Thank you, DRBA, for the support you provide to our community!

CFNC Participates in the Wilson Bridge Half Marathon

On Sunday, October 2, CFNC participated in the 2nd Annual Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. CFNC staff passed out water along the course, provided information about CFNC at the Finish Line Festival and ran the race, too!

CFNC was one of six Charity Partners to benefit from the race.
Great big thanks to the race organizers for another
successful year. We can't wait for 2012!

Turn unused tickets into cash for CFNC

CFNC is now participating in tix4cause!

Tix4Cause is an e-marketplace service that turns unused tickets, experiences and events into cash donations for CFNC. This partnership provides a unique opportunity for us to raise funds. It also is a FUN way for you to support our cause!
Donate...your unused sports and theatre tickets and 90% of the ticket sale price will go to CFNC. Your donation is 100% tax deductible.
Purchase...every day, all year long you can go to sports, theatre or concert events and support CFNC while doing so.
Spread the word...tell everyone you know about CFNC's membership with tix4cause. 

Make tix4cause the first place you go for tickets!

Additional Ways to Stay Engaged

Did you know that there are many quick and easy ways to stay engaged with CFNC throughout this school year while benefiting our students? Here are a few:

(1) Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to CFNC for a portion of the price of participating items to benefit CFNC. Register your card online here and link to CFNC's "Together in Education" number: 6467. You must link your card each year, so if you did so last year, please re-link!

(2) Link your Safeway Club Card to CFNC for a portion of the price of participating items to benefit CFNC. Register your card online here and search for CFNC's Group Number: 500004246. You must link your card each year, so if you did so last year, please re-link!

(3) Shop all year at iGive.com and up to 26% of purchases at participating stores (like Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, William Sonoma, DSW, Gap, Eddie Bauer, J.Crew-- 823 in total!) will go to your charity of choice. Join iGive.com and select The Child & Family Network Centers.

4) Purchase and donate tickets to support CFNC at tix4cause.

And don't forget...

"Like" us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter @CFNCpreschool

And support us through workplace giving campaigns: CFNC's United Way # is 8401 and CFC# is 86801.

Thank you for your support!

In Summer's Final Month, A Lot Happening at CFNC

Welcome to the August edition of The Network News! The final full month of summer brought exciting visitors, new affiliations and the press to CFNC-each showcasing CFNC's good work to make a positive change in our community. CFNC's summer program was a hit, with nearly 50 students in attendance and, as we gear up for the new school year, wait lists are up to 96. To meet the stunning need of so many, we rely on your generosity. This fall, look for even more ways to connect and support us and scroll down to read about some. Better yet, stop by for a tour. We guarantee you'll be moved.

Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

CFNC on GuideStar

CFNC is thrilled to now be a part of GuideStar.org! GuideStar is a "one stop shop" for donors, funders, researchers, educators, professional service providers, governing agencies, and the media to gain quality information on nonprofit organizations.

You can access CFNC's information on GuideStar here. You may notice that CFNC's page includes the GuideStar Exchange seal. This indicates that CFNC has provided GuideStar with the most up to date reports and has shared information to the fullest-including documentation, photos, and video. This makes CFNC even more visible to GuideStar's vast on-line audience of grantmakers and individual donors.

CFNC in the News

CFNC's Executive Director, Margaret Patterson, was the subject of an article in the Thursday, August 4 edition of the . Margaret was interviewed by the Gazette's Edison Russ on what challenges she faces, the needs of the preschool and her visionAlexandria Gazette Packet for CFNC's future.

"I think working with kids is fulfilling," Patterson said. "A lot of kids don't have a voice, and with the Child Abuse [Prevention] Center, I was able to give a voice to a lot of kids, and I feel I'm going to have that sort of path [at CFNC]." Read the full article, and other CFNC news stories, here.

CFNC greatly appreciates Mr. Russ for the time he spent learning about CFNC by meeting our students and speaking with our staff.

The DreamDog Foundation Visits CFNC, Empowering Children to Believe in Their Dreams

CFNC summer school children enjoyed an exciting visit from The DreamDog Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering kids to believe in themselves and their dreams.

The DreamDog Foundation's founder Rainey (aka Lorraine Friedman, JD) brought campers from her "Do the Write Right Thing" Summer Camp, "Jazz" the DreamDog as well as a host of songs, dances and children's books-all of which she wrote and produced for the DreamDog program. Their positive energy and enthusiasm inspired both CFNC preschool students and teachers to get up and dance, sing and play along with the DreamDog visitors.

With songs like "You can do anything" and the motto "the magic is in you!" the DreamDog team taught our preschoolers living in poverty how much potential they have to solve problems and succeed in school and beyond. "It was just great," noted Sharon Shackelford, CFNC's Director of Education. "I was thrilled that our students had the opportunity to meet The DreamDog Foundation and learn the important lesson that they teach. It was evident from the children's faces just how much fun they were having, too. We welcome the opportunity to see Rainey and Jazz at CFNC again."

The Alexandria News ran the story of DreamDog's visit to CFNC. Check it (and other stories) out here.

CFNC Joins The Del Ray Business Association

This month, CFNC joined the Del Ray Business
Association (DRBA)! The DRBA is an organization of business owners and professionals that strive for growth, visibility and members success.

As a new member, we were excited to participate in the DRBA's August First Thursday neighborhood festival on Thursday, August 4. CFNC staff members set up a booth on Mount Vernon Avenue, outside of The Dairy Godmother and in the heart of the First Thursday action. We distributed information on our programs and hosted an exciting raffle for two tricycles. Passersby signed-up for our monthly e-newsletter to learn more. We made many connections with community members and other organizations and enjoyed the festivities.
,

The highlight of the evening was the raffle drawing for the pink tricycle. It was won by a little girl who had been eyeing it all evening. When her name was called the joy on her face was priceless. Her mother was very grateful and told us that she has not experienced such kindness since moving to the United States not long ago. It was a moment to remember for CFNC staff.

Join us for September's First Thursday --the last one of the summer--on Thursday, September 1 from 6PM to 9PM on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray.

Additional Ways to Stay Engaged with CFNC

Did you know that there are many quick and easy ways to stay engaged with CFNC throughout school year while benefiting our students? Here are a few:

(1) Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to CFNC for a portion of the price of participating items to benefit CFNC. Register your card online here and link to CFNC's "Together in Education" number: 6467. You must link your card each year, so if you did so last year, please re-link!

(2) Link your Safeway Club Card to CFNC for a portion of the price of participating items to benefit CFNC. Register your card online here and search for CFNC's Group Number: 500004246. You must link your card each year, so if you did so last year, please re-link!

(3) Shop all year at iGive.com and up to 26% of purchases at participating stores (like Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, William Sonoma, DSW, Gap, Eddie Bauer, J.Crew-- 823 in total!) will go to your charity of choice. Join iGive.com and select The Child & Family Network Centers.

And don't forget...

"Like" us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter @CFNCpreschool

And support us through workplace giving campaigns: CFNC's United Way # is 8401 and CFC# is 86801.

Thank you for your support!

CFNC Opens Its Doors for a Summer Program

For the first time in nearly ten years, CFNC has opened its doors for a Summer School Program!

The program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM-3 PM with extended aftercare until 5PM and serves children ages three to five years old. Two classrooms are operating at CFNC's Birchmere location in Alexandria and one classroom is operating at CFNC's Virginia Gardens location in Arlington, with a total of 46 children enrolled. The great response from the community for our Summer Program indicates the stunning need for quality activities for preschool age children during the summer months.

Assistant Teacher Brittany Jones face paints a CFNC Summer Program student.

Our Summer Program is carefully designed to blend a summer of fun and excitement with rich learning experiences. The activities include arts and crafts, music, dramatic play, stories, physical fitness, expressive art, and games. Every Wednesday is "water day"-a crowd favorite.

CFNC is thrilled to offer its high-quality, award winning program to children this summer and is excited by the success of the program. Staff have commented on how much fun it has been to see and hear CFNC students over the summer months, months that are typically very quiet in the administrative offices, as classrooms have been closed.

Children enjoy a nutritious breakfast at CFNC's Summer Program.

And students share our excitement: One of our students is so thrilled to be in the program that every time his mother comes to pick him up at the end of the day, he runs and hides.

We hope that your summer is just as fun-filled and we invite you to join us anytime!

GTS Group Donates Truckloads

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the GTS Group, CFNC was the recipient of two truckloads of donated items.

All new and unopened, the donated items include: strollers, bikes, patio furniture, baby monitors, bottle warmers, and a variety of household items. Items will be used to support CFNC's children and families.

Eileen Williams, Director of Operations Support at the GTS Group; Jacob Nguyen, GTS Operations; and Mr. B.K. Nehme, who drove the delivery truck, worked together to coordinate the delivery of goods to CFNC's Birchmere site and we greatly appreciate their kindness!


GTS Group and CFNC staff unload items from the trucks.

Wanted: Social Media Guru

CFNC is looking to increase its visibility and presence on the web through Facebook and Twitter and we're seeking the help of a Social Media Intern.


The ideal candidate would be a recent high school graduate or current college student who is looking to put his or her social media skills and interests to work for an award-winning non-profit organization serving at-risk children and their families in Northern Virginia. The social media intern at CFNC will be instrumental in increasing CFNC's social media presence and gaining visibility for our brand. Please click here to see the full job description.

If you or someone you know may be interested or if you simply have questions about the position, please contact Anna Berke with questions at 703.836.0214 ext. 238 or via email.

We look forward to hearing from you!

HAIRSPRAY Tickets Selling Out Fast!

ONLY 40 TICKETS REMAIN FOR THE RUNNINGBROOKE EXCLUSIVE SHOWING OF HAIRSPAY!

Brooke Curran, Alexandria resident, runner extraordinaire and founder of the RunningBrooke Fund, invites you hang up your sneakers & get our your hairspray! Brooke has bought out the The Little Theatre of Alexandria on August 2, 2011 for an 8 PM showing of Hairspray to support the RunningBrooke Fund which helps local Alexandria charities, including CFNC! This event is not open to the public. With back stage tours, photo ops with the cast and a pre-show soiree, it is an event you will not want to miss! Learn more and purchase tickets here.


Brooke runs marathons around the world (7 continents, 50 states + DC too + the 5 world marathon majors) -- a marathon a month -- to raise awareness and raise money for 5 vital Alexandria-based charities serving the at-risk kids and families in Alexandria/Arlington (including CFNC). Brooke pays all travel expenses and associated fees so every dollar she raises, goes to those who need it. Since May of 2009, Brooke's raised over $65K for Alexandria. Learn more about Brooke by visiting runningbrooke.com and don't forget to purchase your Hairspray tickets today!

Bittersweet Goodbyes

Tuesday, June 21 was CFNC's last day of school. This school year CFNC graduated nearly 200 students, students who will enter kindergarten prepared to succeed! Our
send-offs are always bittersweet. They are sweet because we know we've nurtured, stimulated, excited and inspired our students to go on to become curious and engaged lifelong learners. And we are proud of their success and progress. They are bitter because CFNC typically has only one school year with our students; friendships and connections are made; and goodbyes aren't easy. Of course our doors are never closed to former students and their families and we welcome them back with open arms.

Despite the pending bittersweet goodbyes, June was jam-packed with seminars, workshops, events and activities for our children and their families. From beautiful graduation celebrations to a Tea Party and a Job Training Seminar, CFNC finished the school year as it had started it: by offering high-quality, culturally sensitive, appropriate and caring services to children and families in need. We hope you enjoy the stories below and help us in wishing our June 2011 graduates much future success!

Happy Summer to all!

Graduations and Celebrations

CFNC is so proud of its nearly 200 preschoolers who graduated this month. Starting with the Charles Houston graduation on June 8 and ending with Virginia Gardens on
June 21, there were a total of 10 graduations at CFNC's six different locations throughout Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia.

Every class put together a music program of songs and a skit, followed by a formal graduation ceremony. Each child received their preschool diploma and a goody bag filled with treats, a special t-shirt designed with the handprints and names of their classmates, and education materials to practice lessons learned over the summer months. During some graduations, parents were moved to speak. One mother noted: "I want to thank you all for having this program. I feel that my child has learned throughout this year, but that also I have learned as a mother. This means a lot to us, especially because we have a language barrier. I feel more confident about my child's future."

Children graduated with new skills, experiences and friendships, as well as memories of an exciting and action- packed school year. Highlights include a field trip to
the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum to see "One World, One Sky" (made possible by PNC Bank); the annual Family Science Day; a Reading Railroad hosted by Kappa Kappa Gamma; multiple visits from students at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes who read to CFNC preschoolers and performed a puppet show; and a Multicultural Celebration to honor our diversity.

A special thanks to Steve and Linda Weitz, longtime CFNC supporters, Loretta Britten, former Board Member, Bill Marino and his three year old daughter, and Annie Burns and her team from GMMB for coming out to share in the joy of our graduation ceremonies!

To enjoy additional photos, please visit our Photo Gallery.

Enrollment for the 2011/2012 school year is now taking place. To inquire, please call 703.836.0214 and ask to speak with CFNC's Enrollment Coordinator, Maria Carron. Or email Maria.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

Margaret Bush Teaches Flower Arranging to Mother's Group

On Thursday, June 9, 2011, the CFNC Mother's Group had the unique opportunity to learn flower arranging from longtime CFNC supporter and friend Margaret Bush, owner
of Artful Arrangements. Margaret brought all of the items needed, including fresh flowers and containers and worked with each participant to create her own lovely arrangement.

The Mother's Group, consisting of 14 mothers from a variety of countries, meets weekly at CFNC with Social Worker Ansley Shackelford to develop friendships, learn parenting skills, and discuss life issues in confidence.

Ansley, who has worked with this year's Mother's Group (all mothers of CFNC students) since September, said: "This was a wonderful opportunity for our mothers
to learn a new skill-something that they can take home and share with their friends and family. We are very grateful to Margaret Bush for sharing her time and her talents with us."

Margaret and her husband Marvin Bush have been long time supporters of CFNC. In the past they have served on host committees for fundraisers and have even hosted CFNC events in their home.