Herndon-Reston FISH
Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help
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The FISH Mission
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To help Herndon and Reston residents cope with short-term financial crises by providing Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help.
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We help stabilize lives by preventing an eviction, keeping utilities from being turned off, and helping to finance immediate medical needs.
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Elliot Wicks
President, Board of Directors
Mary Saunders
Executive Director
Join Us for the FISH Fling!
Soon it will be time for the FISH FLING (June 9), our annual celebration to commemorate the year's activities and for the chance to meet with and share an evening of fun and food with people who have supported FISH over the years. This will be a celebration of FISH's 55 years of serving people in need in the Reston and Herndon community. As in the past, a major focus of the evening will be a silent auction of valuable and varied items provided by businesses and members of the community. There are always things to bid on that people find very attractive and valuable. We will also recognize the contributions of various individuals to the FISH mission by rewarding then with “starfish” designation.
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a short video documentary about FISH prepared by students at George Mason University.
The FLNG is an occasion to celebrate, but it is also an important source of funding for FISH. In addition to receipts from the sale of auction items, we receive revenue when organizations and individuals become sponsors.
We look forward to seeing you at the FLING!
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Elliot K. Wicks
President
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Mary Saunders
Executive Director
Food Insecurity
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According to the Fairfax County Food Council, nearly 75,000 county residents are food insecure, with nearly 60,000 children qualifying for free and reduced-price meals in Fairfax County Public Schools. Many of these residents and children live in the Herndon-Reston community. The 60,000 figure might not include all who qualify, because their parents or guardians may not have applied for the assistance. This is due primarily to lack of awareness of the program and application process, a lack of trust in the system, a concern for privacy, or a language barrier.
Food insecurity can have long-lasting effects on children, affecting their memory, social and learning skills, and energy levels. Another factor is the stress students feel, knowing their families can’t afford the food needed to feed them.
Food insecurity is not just being hungry; it is an economic condition that is exacerbated by recent high inflation and job losses and employment reductions due to Covid. Someone who is food insecure doesn’t have the means to access enough nutritious food on a regular basis.
For the past year, with funding from a Fairfax County Food Assistance Program grant and the help of social workers/parent liaisons from the local Reston and Herndon elementary schools and from other human service organizations, FISH has been providing food insecure families with $100 to $150 in Safeway or Giant grocery gift cards. Additionally, through our primary Emergency Assistance program, we respond to requests for rent, utilities, medical prescriptions and other critical needs bills, so that families in need don’t have to choose between food or medicines or housing. If you would like to help support our neighbors in crises, please consider donating to FISH to help us continue our vital programming. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Elliot Wicks,
President, Board of Directors
Mary Saunders,
Executive Director
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