FAIRFAX COUNTY
Disability Info
Park’s PACT Program Concludes Successful Summer
Children living in homeless shelters and transitional housing have little to look forward to each summer. The Fairfax County Park Authority gives these children free summer camp opportunities. Since 1997, PACT (Parks and Community Together), in partnership with the county’s homeless shelters and generous private sector sponsors, has provided summer fun and education for almost 400 children, ages 3 to 15. In the summer of 2008, PACT successfully integrated 36 children from local shelters into Park Authority camp programs. Partners include Alexandria’s Mondloch House, Falls Church’s Shelter House, Fairfax’s Bethany Home, Lutheran Social Services serving local area shelters, Northern Virginia’s Nova Family Services, New Hope Housing, and Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, both of Alexandria. These organizations have come to depend on this program during the summer months for their children and their parents. The benefits of this camp experience go beyond the wonderful adventures and nurturing times the children receive. This camp also provides an opportunity for parents to seek employment or learn valuable skills without having to worry about childcare. PACT is fully funded through contributions from local businesses, foundations and individual donors. In 2008, over $36,763 was raised to help homeless children enjoy a more normal summertime experience. PACT 2008 was made possible through generous contributions from: BB&T Branch Banking & Trust Co. of Virginia, Booz Allen Hamilton, Cox Communications, Epiphany United Methodist Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Hilltop Construction Demolition Landfill, Mars, ManTech International, New Hope Housing, Noblis, Northern Virginia Ethical Society, Middleridge Women's Club, Reed Smith LLP, USA Mobility, VSE Corporation, Wegmans Food Markets, West*Group and The George Preston Marshall Foundation. The number of donors directly impacts the number of children that can participate. If you or your company wishes to help support PACT 2009, please contact Sousan Frankeberger at 703-324-8566. |
