County Executive Bryan Hill talks with Stephanie Berkowitz, CEO of Northern Virginia Family Services, about how community partnerships help stabilize families in crisis. Plus, Nancy Cordova from the Department of Family Services discusses her work to help community members connect with county programs that support independence.
When a family loses a job, faces a medical emergency or struggles with rising rent, it can quickly become overwhelming. But thanks to organizations like Northern Virginia Family Services, thousands of families get the help they need to stay on their feet. Berkowitz explains that NVFS works with Fairfax County to meet immediate needs — food, financial assistance, behavioral health, child care — while also helping people focus on long-term goals.
“…When a family is in crisis, they can’t really hear or think about anything but how am I going to get through today, how am I going to get through this week,” she explains. “So, we try to stabilize them first and then help them think about what their longer-term goals are.”
A Century of Support
NVFS has been serving local families for more than 100 years and now reaches about 40,000 people annually. Its services range from prevention to crisis intervention, with staff helping residents navigate everything from groceries and rent assistance to mental health counseling and job training.
Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges. Berkowitz points out that even full-time workers often struggle with high costs, and a single setback can push families into crisis.
Meeting People Where They Are
Northern Virginia Family Services provides food resources across Fairfax County, including a pantry at its Seven Corners Multicultural Center, distribution points at its Tysons site, and partnerships with local schools to reach families who might not know help exists.
“We’re able to bring that information back to the county and say, you know, we’re seeing this particular issue come up over and over again,” Berkowitz says. This feedback helps county leaders make better decisions about where to focus resources.
Healthy Families Fairfax, one of NVFS’s long-standing partnerships with the county, offers home-visit support for new parents, focusing on child development and early-years stability.
Removing Barriers, Building Skills
NVFS works to reduce stigma and connect people to assistance, while also offering career development, resume support, interview preparation and workplace readiness training. Mental health counseling remains a critical part of the support NVFS provides, helping residents regain stability and confidence.
“I think part of it is just continuing to do outreach and make sure people know we’re here,” Berkowitz says, noting that the organization wants to remove any barriers around asking for help and to see getting assistance as a smart step toward a better future.
Looking Ahead: More Needs, More Partnerships
The demand for services continues to rise as more families face financial strain and the cost of living climbs. Berkowitz notes that NVFS is constantly adapting to meet these needs and strengthen its programs.
“It’s important for us to keep working together and thinking creatively about how to meet people’s needs,” she says. Collaboration is essential — no single organization can address every challenge families face. Meaningful progress depends on partnerships among nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and community members.
Berkowitz says both time and financial contributions are essential for NVFS to carry out its mission. Volunteers staff food pantries, mentor families and assist with programs, while donations help provide direct aid to households in crisis.
Helping County Residents Access the Safety Net
The episode also features Nancy Cordova from the Department of Family Services’ Public Assistance and Employment Services division. As a human services outreach worker, her primary goal is helping community members learn about, enroll in and connect with essential county programs that support independence.
Cordova educates residents on critical "safety net" services, including Medicaid, which aids 150,000 residents, as well as SNAP, the Energy Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
To ensure these services reach those in need, Cordova uses a comprehensive outreach strategy that includes hosting information sessions to setting up tables at health fairs and farmers markets. She also conducts weekly visits to community partner locations to provide individual guidance, which helps families navigate the enrollment process without feeling intimidated. Beyond direct service, she acts as a strategic voice for the community, submitting regular reports to leadership that help improve the overall customer experience.
Cordova’s passion for her work is rooted in her own history with the county, having started her career through the Educating Youth through Employment, a six-week summer program that connects teens and young adults to professional workplace experiences. This personal connection fuels her professional development and dedication to local government.
Connect With County Leaders Podcast
“Connect with County Leaders” is a monthly podcast connecting county leaders with the community and offering a closer look at county priorities and programs.
Listen or watch past episodes on SoundCloud, on YouTube and on Channel 16’s podcast on demand page. Listen to or watch all county podcasts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. For additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio.
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