ReFraming The Issue: Food Insecurity and Children
Incredible, but true: In wealthy Fairfax County, one in four residents are food insecure. And 41% of Fairfax County households with children experience food insecurity. Britepaths’ second ReFraming The Issue event on November 15, 2023 focused on the pressing matter of food insecurity, its impact on children and families in our community, and our role in addressing this issue.
We featured a discussion panel that included Fairfax Food Council Project Manager Diane Charles, financial mentoring client Xena Guzman (right) and her volunteer financial mentor Enjoli Ramsey (left), and Britepaths’ Executive Director Lisa Whetzel and Development Director Abra Kurt.
“If I hadn’t been introduced to Britepaths and my planner Enjoli, I honestly think I would be homeless. This program literally saved me.” When Xena came to Britepaths, she was skipping meals to ensure that her son would have food and was worried that they would become homeless. Guidance from her volunteer financial mentor Enjoli, and supports from Britepaths’ programs and staff helped her stabilize, pay off debt and plan for the future. Xena and Enjoli discussed Xena’s journey and their work together. Read Xena and Enjoli’s story from our grantor, Foundation for Financial Planning
Diane provided an overview of food insecurity in Northern Virginia and Fairfax County, discussed some of the root causes and exacerbating conditions and highlighted the ways that collaboration in the community has made inroads in addressing hunger.
Lisa spoke about Britepaths’ approach to helping community members have food on the table while they address their financial crises through our stability and personal empowerment programs. Abra spoke about the ripple effects that occur when concerned community members invest in programs like Britepaths’.
Britepaths is grateful to ReFrame Wealth in Fairfax City for partnering with us to host the quarterly ReFraming The Issue series. Founding Partners Mitch Falter and Jessie Doll are both Britepaths Financial Empowerment volunteers, serving as financial mentors and instructors.
Our first ReFraming The Issue event in September 2023 examined the root causes and conditions that can lead to homelessness in Northern Virginia and the Fairfax County area, and Britepaths’ approach to helping prevent community members from becoming homeless through our stability and personal empowerment programs. Mentoring client Roshon Casey-Lee, whose mentor is Jessie Doll, discussed her family’s journey. Read Roshon’s and Jessie’s stories
If you would like to learn about future ReFraming The Issue events, contact: Harper Garcia at events@britepaths.org or 703.273.8829.
