Fairfax County was announced as one of four national recipients of a partnership grant aimed at developing some of the nation’s first Outcomes Rate Cards—an innovative “pay-for-performance” approach to social contracting and financing which incentivizes the achievement of desired outcomes. As a recipient of this unique partnership opportunity, the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services will work closely with the organization at the forefront of this new approach, Social Finance, in the implementation of this new funding model for social programs. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to work with and benefit from the expertise of Social Finance in developing and implementing this new financing model for programs funded through the Partners in Prevention Fund,” said Jesse Ellis, Prevention Manager with the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. “By creating and implementing Outcomes Rate Cards to incentivize desired outcomes, we expect not only to see enhanced efficiency in our funding of these programs, but also improved outcomes in the lives of whom these programs affect.” The Partners in Prevention Fund provides seed funding to non-government organizations to provide 11 specifically-defined social programs designed to meet existing needs throughout the county.  The partnership will initially focus on the development of Outcomes Rate Cards for two of these programs – Strengthening Families: For Parents and Youth 10-14 and Families Reunite. Strengthening Families is an evidence-based program aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect, improving parent-child relationships, and preventing risky behavior (such as substance use) among children. Families Reunite serves reunifying families, who are at increased risk for academic problems, gang involvement, substance use, and mental health problems. The Outcomes Rate Card Development Competition is supported by a 2016 award from the Social Innovation Fund (SIF) – a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Social Finance was awarded funding as part of SIF’s Round 2 Pay for Success Grants Competition, which seeks to build the pipeline of Pay for Success projects for local governments.   ### About Social Finance Social Finance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing capital to drive social progress. Social Finance is committed to using Pay for Success to tackle complex social challenges, facilitate greater access to services for vulnerable populations, and direct capital to evidence-based social programs – all with the goal of measurably improving the lives of people most in need. Social Finance has deep experience in the design and implementation of Pay for Success projects, from early-stage feasibility assessment, to project development and capital formation, to post-launch performance management and investment support. Social Finance’s sister organization, Social Finance UK, pioneered the first social impact bond in the world.   About the Corporation for National and Community Service The Corporation for National and Community Service is the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. The agency engages millions of Americans in citizen service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the nation's volunteering and service efforts. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

It’s no fun being sick. Through years of experience, most adults understand that dealing with pain, discomfort, fatigue, frailties and fear can be among life’s most daunting challenges. When it comes to children, those challenges can be compounded with limited understanding and a difficulty to express the thoughts and emotions that are, no doubt, swirling inside. For more than two decades, a group of volunteer older adults at the Lincolnia Senior Center have made it their mission to bring smiles to the faces and comfort to the hearts of thousands of young patients at local hospitals by using their talents to create handcrafted dolls. Far from being just another toy in the toy box, the dolls serve as a valuable tool to teach young patients about their medical procedures, communicate how they feel, engage their creativity and provide a reassuring cuddle when things get a little overwhelming. “In the more than 20 years that this group has been active, they have created and donated more than 40,000 dolls to local hospitals,” said Karen Albers, Director of the Lincolnia Senior Center. “It is truly a wonder to be able to witness the loving generosity and care that goes into each doll as well as the smiles that, for however brief or long a moment, provide a break from the discomfort and fear they may be experiencing.” The Lincolnia Dollmakers have been enthusiastically supported by the Annandale Women’s Club and the Lincolnia Advisory Council – providing materials, work and storage space, sewing machines and financial support. The support has enabled older adults from across the county to participate, sometimes remotely, in whatever capacity they are able – whether it is crocheting hair strands to be assembled later or crafting the handmade clothing that goes on each doll. “Projects and programs such as this one are what Fairfax County Senior Centers are all about,” said Albers. “They bring older adults of all ages, abilities and backgrounds together to engage with each other; to utilize, enhance and pass along their knowledge and talents; and to have meaningful and fulfilling experiences as they touch the lives of those around them in the communities they know and love.” How can you help? The Lincolnia Dollmakers are always looking for new dollmakers or community organizations who wish to participate in supporting this effort for years to come. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned sewer or a beginner – learning is half the fun! If you are interested in participating or supporting the Lincolnia Dollmakers, please contact the Lincolnia Senior Center at 703-914-0330, TTY 711.