FACETS works in three community centers from Fairfax to Centreville – Ragan Oaks, Robinson Square and Barros Circle. People living in these affordable housing communities have limited financial resources, with the average income for a family of four at approximately $18,000.
Programs for youth take place after school and in the evenings and focus on academics, building self-esteem, substance abuse prevention, healthy relationships and college or career planning. In FY10, approximately 150 youth participated in FACETS’ community programs. Nearly 90% of children who received homework and tutoring help improved their GPAs or overall academic performance. During the summer of FY10, FACETS served 400 summer lunches and sent 20 children to camp in addition to providing ongoing programming – keeping kids engaged in safe activities.
Programs for adults include computer and financial literacy, career development and ESL. Residents in need can participate in individualized case management, focusing on eviction prevention and emergency food and financial assistance to keep them stable and in their homes. In FY10, nearly 190 adults participated in FACETS’ community programs. Of those who received case management, 27% became actively involved with life skills classes and 63% gained employment assistance, including resume development and increasing earning power.
