November 2007

 A Holiday Message from CFLS
For thirty-nine years, CFLS has worked diligently to help individuals,  children and families leave homelessness and poverty behind. During that time, we have come to count on you as our most faithful supporters. We are very grateful for all that you have done this year on behalf of our neighbors in greatest need. We continue to need your help, and in order for us to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are not left behind, we are asking you to please give as generously as you can. The holiday season is quickly approaching and we are all very busy preparing for dinners with families and friends or searching for that perfect gift. Please take a moment and think of those who are unable to provide gifts for their children or even food for a holiday dinner. You can help make this holiday season a memorable one for someone struggling in DC.

Thank you to everyone who supported Community Family Life Services in the 20th annual Help the Homeless Walkathon!

Thanks to CFLS staff, volunteers,  local schools,  corporations and churches, in making this year the most successful walkathon to date!  On November 1st 2007 CFLS led 5 miniwalks in order to help commemorate the start of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.  CFLS staff members led educational presentations and joined the students as they walked around their local neighbor s helping raise awareness for homelessness. CFLS recruited a total of six local businesses and churches to register with Fannie Mae as a help the homeless partner.  Their donations are integral in helping to lift low-income and homeless families and individuals out of poverty.  On November 17th numerous staff members, board members, clients and volunteers all came together to walk on the National Mall and demonstrate their support for CFLS' mission.

Milestone Success:   Dora Wattly is middle age woman with a sordid history of repeated incarceration and almost twenty years of substance abuse.  In 2002, Dora was referred to Milestone Place and shortly after, settled into her new home. While at Milestone Place, case workers were able to help Dora find a job as a home health aide for the mentally challenged; simultaneously she completed a culinary class with D.C Central Kitchen and realized her true passion for cooking.  After a year, Dora left her job and worked for a short period in Vienna Virginia in a deli/restaurant before setting out to start her own business.  With the regular support of weekly case management meetings which provided both emotional support and financial planning, Dora was able to purchase an old van and start her own catering company. She catered her first event and had great success. Eventually, Dora was able to purchase a newer model car, expand her business, and move out into apartment of her own.  Dora continues to stay in touch and she is doing well.

            *Personal details have been altered to protect the client's identity.