Selecting the Non-Profit Care Provider of the Year is never an easy task, with six nominees vying for the 2011 award, which recognizes an organization that has made a deeper impact on the community and on the lives of the clients it serves because of their partnership with HomeAid. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) emerged the winner, thanks to its longtime association with HomeAid.

In presenting the award to NVFS, Renette Oklewicz, senior manager, Freddie Mac Foundation, pointed out that in working with NVFS in 2011, “HomeAid built a child care classroom, family library, and a toddler playground at the SERVE Shelter in Manassas. In partnership with Builder Captain Miller & Smith,” she continued, “NVFS now has a Head Start classroom where parents from the shelter can bring their children for high quality education in a stimulating environment. Without HomeAid, the building of this unique and inviting classroom would not have been possible.”

“We truly appreciate HomeAid’s recognition of our strong partnership,” said Karen Allen, vice president, early childhood division, for Northern Virginia Family Service. “The classroom, playground and library all contribute not only to the well-being of the children, but also to the self-esteem of their parents. Low-income parents whose lives are in upheaval can bring their children to a beautiful, joyous place where they know that they will be nurtured and educated while their parents work, job hunt or attend school.”

“Having HomeAid as a partner creates trust in donors that the project will be completed well and that the money will be used wisely,” she added.