LifeStyles of Maryland Foundation presents the Southern Crossing project, a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the critical needs of vulnerable populations in Southern Maryland. This project aligns seamlessly with Chick-fil-A’s core priorities of Caring for People, Caring through Food, Caring for Communities, and Caring for our Planet by providing comprehensive support to individuals and families facing housing insecurity and economic challenges.

The Southern Crossing project includes individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, particularly those with limited incomes ranging from 30% to 80% of the area median income. These individuals often face multifaceted challenges, including housing insecurity, economic instability, and lack of access to essential services. The primary needs of this target group include access to safe and affordable housing, supportive services such as case management and job training, and opportunities for economic empowerment and self sufficiency.

Many individuals within this group also require mental health support, childcare services, and assistance in navigating social service systems. The Southern Crossing project aims to address these needs through a holistic approach that combines transitional housing, supportive services, and community partnerships. Key components of the project include providing safe and stable housing options, offering comprehensive case management and support services, facilitating access to job training and employment opportunities, and promoting community integration and social support networks.

For more information visit:
www.lifestylesofmd.org

The Child and Family Network Center (CFNC) was started in 1984 by a group of moms living in the Charles Houston community of Alexandria after they learned that 17 of their kids failed kindergarten. They hired their first teacher, Barbara Mason; who led the organization until 2011. This organization aligns with Chick-fil-A’s core priorities of Caring for People and Caring for Communities, through their efforts in supporting children and families within the local communities of Alexandria.

Today, CFNC serves 139 three and four year old children, as well as their families, in 8 preschool classrooms across the City of Alexandria. Within these classrooms, CFNC supports children by focusing on the needs of English Language Learners and developing Social, Emotional and Independence Skills.

Additionally, in their efforts to educate children, they provide support for the entire family, through open communication and home visits. Ultimately, through these strategies, CFNC is dedicated to preparing children for success in Kindergarten and beyond.

For more information visit:

www.cfnc-online.org

Out Teach is a national educational nonprofit dedicated to providing hands-on science learning experiences for both students and teachers. Our vision is to build an education system that not only inspires but also prepares today’s elementary students for the future workforce. We believe that every child, regardless of their background or resources, deserves the opportunity to become the innovators, leaders, and dreamers that our world needs. We believe that this journey begins with early science education, and we’ve found that the best early science learning happens outdoors. We do two things: we partner with schools to transform outdoor spaces into real-world labs, and we coach and support teachers to bring more real-world, outdoor science learning into the school day.

For more information visit:
www.out-teach.org