December 2007

Thank you for your support in making this past year  an incredible success for CFLS. Throughout the year CFLS has provided housing and supportive services for 124 individuals and families.  Of the adults living in our transitional housing units, we have been able to place 60% in stable jobs and notably increased their income. Proudly, almost 90% of the children in our afterschool and summer programs have significantly raised their academic performance.

 At the same time, we know our services will be in even greater need this coming year. We anticipate over 1000 of our DC neighbors will need financial assistance, food and clothing, employability development services; and other emergency services.

The holiday season is already upon us and as you reminisce about the past years journey and rewarding accomplishments please take a moment and think of those in our area who desire to change their futures. Many people look to the New Year as a new beginning, a chance to make a difference in themselves or others. You can help someone receive the services they need in order to change their quality of life forever. Please help CFLS provide the helping hand so many in our area are desperately searching for by  donating today.

 Happy Holidays from CFLS !

DECEMBER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 

Give-A-Gift   Every year Community Family Life Services collects gifts and distributes them to families throughout the DC area with a demonstrated need for assistance.  Beginning in the middle of November, area schools, business, and churches coordinate toy drives to supply the event; volunteers register families for the Christmas list and sort through the gift donations and organize them into categories based on age and gender.  Finally, all the activities culminate on December 19^th here at CFLS where we set up a Christmas store in our gym and invite the registered participants to shop for free!  Thanks to the assistance of numerable donors and wonderful volunteers we gave out gifts to over 230 families!

 Adopt-A-Family For families living in our transitional housing or actively engaged in our programs CFLS solicits donors to adopt our families and help to fulfill a wish list for Christmas.  With the generosity and help of many donors CFLS was able to fulfill wish lists for over 60 families this year!

Youth Soccer Team Season Wrap-UP Community Family Life Services' girl's youth soccer team had a wonderful year learning and developing through the sport of soccer.  The team comprised of ten U-10 girls and two volunteer coaches who dedicated two nights a week to practice and team building workshops.  The team's primary mission was to build self-esteem through sport, sportsmanship, and individual skill development.

This was the first year the girls had played, so our first weeks were focused on learning the history and rules. The team was so impressed by their ability to quickly apply the acquired skills; they named themselves Beatifically Gifted (BG).  The girls had a slow start to the season, but picked it up at the end winning two of their last games!