WISH LIST $100: 2 full days of preschool for 1 child; $500: lending library books for 2 classrooms; $2,500: 1 year of school supplies for an entire classroom; $9,200: 1 year of full-day preschool for 1 child and supporting services for his/her family

In 1984, a group of young mothers living in public housing watched their children fail kindergarten and decided to do something about it. The result was the Child and Family Network Center--recognized by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Virginia Governor Mark Warner for the outstanding service it provides to nearly 200 children and their families. CFNC families are on public assistance, and most parents are immigrants who have, on average, a ninth-grade education. To make sure their children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, the Center provides free preschool education and developmental screenings. Speech and occupational therapy, psychological assessments, and individual therapy are offered as needed. A nurse practitioner screens clients, refers them to medical resources, and advises them about insurance. Three full-time social workers provide counseling, case management, job training, and ESL to parents who need the services. Since 2004, when CFNC was first featured in the catalogue, it has expanded its reach to address the needs of a growing population of young children at risk of school failure - from Arlandria, to the West End of Alexandria, and then to its East End, where over a third to nearly half the population is LEP ("limited English proficient") and makes about $16,00 a year. The comprehensive care is what really addresses the problem--and you can be part of the solution.

Barbara Fox Mason, Executive Director 3701-A Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22305 703-836-0214 www.cfnc-online.org