(Posted 2022 September)
Volunteer and Partner Services is shining the spotlight on a partnership with a local resident who has a unique talent and vision for supporting children and families in the Fairfax County community through restoring and donating used furniture.
Ariane explained that her inspiration comes from her humble beginnings, stating that “Many in my family were undereducated and/or didn't make the best life choices for stability.” She spent a brief time in foster care as a child and considers herself fortunate enough to have had an aunt and uncle adopt her at age 5. She is grateful to have had a permanent family that taught her how to make it with very little and continue to strive for more.
Ariane understood that her family didn't have money for a lot of extras or new things. Her mother thrifted for many of their home furnishings and clothing. She taught Ariane how to find the good things among all the deals and freebies, and how to see the potential of items if they just had a bit of elbow grease and attention. She watched and learned as her parents bettered themselves professionally and made life choices that benefited their family and brought them into the middle class.
Now, as a working professional, Ariane lives comfortably with her own family, but she hasn’t forgotten where she came from. In addition to seeking out treasures for her own home, she was inspired to find and restore pieces to their former beauty as a way to help others fill their own living spaces with what they need.
She started out with the intention to help those aging out of foster care furnish their first apartment or room. While she has been able to furnish a room for one young man, she has since discovered that there are even more Fairfax County families in transition who need refurbished furniture.
When a family is barely making ends meet, it doesn't leave anything for furniture. Ariane is often able to find inexpensive furnishings that are being discarded or donated due to redecorating, downsizing, or relocation.
She speaks with the family, understands their style and their needs, and makes those sometimes-mismatched furnishings come together cohesively. Some pieces are perfect when she picks them up, and ready to be rehomed. For others, a bit of sanding, wood glue, nails, screws, updated paint and/or knobs give them a whole new look.
The result is not only a home with the basics, but a beautiful home in the family’s style that they are proud to bring others into. On behalf of these families, VPS would like to thank Ariane for her creative support of families in our community. Check out some of her refreshed pieces.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).