Family Preservation Andstrengthening Services

Each family that comes to Family PASS for assistance has their own unique story. There is no one reason for homelessness and our recent economic downturn has not helped families who are struggling to survive. In Fairfax County, VA there are over 1500 people in families that face homelessness. 950 of these are children. At Family PASS, we work intensiveley with each family and help launch them on the road to self-sufficency.

The Abrahamsen family

Imagine having to leave your native country because a war is being waged within its borders and you know that you and your family are no longer safe. Imagine coming to a new and strange country with your legal documents, a few possessions and the knowledge that you must begin all over again in every imaginable way. You had a livelihood in your country, but will it be possible to do the same thing here? In addition, you know a little English, but must have a better mastery of it or it will be impossible to find a decent job. Your wife was raised to care for the children and the household and speaks no English. Your daughters did not have access to education in your country, but here they must enter the school system and learn many academic skills as well as English. You have no place to live and nothing to put in it if you did. What would you do?

The Abrahamsen family of 8 squeezed into a small but adequate townhouse and began the process of starting a new life in the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Abrahamsen had enrolled in ESOL classes, their children entered the Fairfax Country School system. But their rent was 83% of their income! Without Family PASS rental assistance and intensive case management services, this family soon find themselves homeless.

We have worked with the Abrahamsen family for a little over a year. In that time, Mr. Abrahamsen has become a valuable full-time employee in a profession similar to the one he had in his country. He started out as a part-time employee, but the company soon rewarded his polite and professional demeanor as well as his work ethic and attendance with full-time work. He is also is the first called when overtime is needed.

Mrs. Abrahamsen, who never expected to be working outside of her home, was able to obtain a position in a paid work training program. She is improving her English speaking skills and gaining retail experience. The program was to last three months but her employer did not want to lose her and her program was extended to six months. Family PASS will be working with her to find further employment once her training program has ended. She will leave that program with excellent references, job skills, and a very good grasp of the English language.

This is just a small part of this family’s accomplishments and the services they needed to succeed. They have mastered so many of the life skills needed for living in Fairfax County. They have learned to ride the bus, the Metro and the older daughters have learned to drive and have part-time jobs. They have never been content to hide in their townhouse, too scared to forge a new life in the United States. They have been willing to take each and every step on the road to self-sufficiency.

At Family PASS, we help our clients discover the steps they must take for self-sufficiency. We assist them with education and training and link them to other services that are available to them in Fairfax County. We are often the only support system a family has. Your dontaion will not only help Family PASS continue its important work in the community, you will become a part of our support system that is powerful for for change for the families receiving Family PASS services.