When the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center opened five years ago, the halls were empty its first month. Today, the center is spotted with people eager to take advantage of the health and educational services.
"The school is a good magnet," said Fermina Rochac, office manager. "Then, once they're here, they see all the services we have."
Open Monday through Saturday, the town facility accommodates a range of programs, with everything from WIC (Women, Infants and Children) to ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. The center was so well-received when it opened that a similar one opened on Route 1, said Elizabeth Hagg, the center's coordinator.
"It just worked the way we'd hoped it would," said Hagg.
HAGG SAID that the center is a community-based model of service delivery, rather than centralized. The rare partnership that the center has with the town makes the services accessible and convenient. There is something available for everyone.
Hagg explained that the center does not only serve one down-trodden sector of the community. In addition to programs like the free clinic and mental health counseling, organizations such as the homeowners' associations and Herndon Dogs use the location for meetings.
"It's a place where different folks can come together who might not otherwise," said Hagg.
Despite Herndon's ever-growing Hispanic population, Rochac said that English as a Second Language classes attract many more than just Spanish speakers.
"We have a diverse group," said Rochac.
Beginning at noon in the summer, the YMCA buses in children for the teen center. Sponsored by the county's recreation program, teens have the chance to beat the heat inside with a pool table.
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., a Fairfax County Public School teacher leads the ESL classes for adults. Rochac said most of the programs offered at the center are considered satellite offices, so those interested in joining a program must first register elsewhere.
Fairfax County Public Schools are affiliated with two more services offered at the center: GRANTS Alternative High School and student registration for children with exceptional needs. The alternative school is a GED program for FCPS students referred by a school counselor and who meet GRANTS requirements. The registration service is available to children whose first language is not English, who are foreign, who have a guardian or legal custodian and whose parents do not reside in Fairfax County, and/or who are in foster care.
"AT NIGHTTIME it's a total different world," said Rochac. "It's more adults, more ESL and a lot of volunteers."
In the evenings, adults can find help with basic reading, writing, math and preparation for high-school completion. On Tuesdays there are intermediate English classes. On the second Thursday of every month La Leche League is available to teach the benefits of breast feeding.
Twice a month pro bono legal services are available through the Fairfax Bar Pro Bono program. As part of the association's neighborhood outreach program, a group of lawyers, along with a bilingual paralegal, provide legal counseling and advice.
"Probably, the greatest need is family law," said Arlene Beckerman, director of the Fairfax Bar Pro Bono program.
As for the future, Hagg said the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center is always looking at new programs to oblige the community's shifting needs. For now, the center will remain strong with its current programs.
For more information on services, programs and volunteer opportunities, call 703-435-6830, or visit the center on the Web at www.town.herndon.va.us/NEIGHBOR.html.