April 2025

FACETS Celebrates Community Champions at 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Event

FACETS proudly honored outstanding community members at its 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Event, held on April 5 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, VA. The annual celebration brought together nearly 60 volunteers, clients, faith partners, and community leaders to recognize the individuals and groups who make FACETS’ mission to end homelessness in Fairfax County possible.

Guests enjoyed a festive brunch while hearing inspiring remarks from FACETS staff, board members, and special guests. The highlight of the morning was the presentation of six awards, each spotlighting the extraordinary efforts of volunteers and partners over the past year.

2025 Volunteer Appreciation Award Winners:

  • Volunteer of the Year: Kevin Rockmann, Vice President of the FACETS Board of Directors, was honored for his hands-on service, leadership in hypothermia shelter coordination, and commitment to community engagement and strategic planning.

  • Volunteer Group of the Year: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints received recognition for its wide-ranging support—from food distributions and shelter operations to purchasing a much-needed passenger van.

  • Corporate Partner of the Year: Conceras, a longtime supporter, was celebrated for its continued contributions to food distributions, sponsorships, and production of high-impact media for grant opportunities.

  • First-Time Shelter Hosts of the Year: Antioch Baptist Church and Vienna Seventh-Day Adventist Church were acknowledged for their compassionate decision to host FACETS’ Hypothermia Shelter for the first time this winter.

  • Interns of the Year: Christine Kim (George Mason University) and Niajah Manley (Liberty University) were recognized for their dedication to clients in housing and outreach programs, embodying the spirit of social work in action.

This year’s event also marked the close of the 2024–2025 Hypothermia Season. Over the winter, FACETS and its faith-based partners provided life-saving shelter to 358 individuals—and helped 12 people transition into permanent housing.

“As one of the largest providers addressing homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County, FACETS depends on the compassion and commitment of volunteers,” said Katherine Young, a FACETS representative. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable community.”