For many families in the Fairfax County, Virginia, area, finding resources to get necessities can be difficult. Whether they face financial hardships, hunger, or other needs, FACETS provides services to help.

FACETS, a Maximus Foundation grantee partner, is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services to the county's most disproportionately affected population, according to Jerry Caruso, Maximus' Senior Vice President of Tax Management and FACETS Treasurer and board member.

Caruso said some common services FACETS provides include hot meals, shelter, housing assistance, medical outreach, education services, and access to food pantries. The organization, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2023, also has a hypothermia program, a much-needed service during Virginia's cold winters.

"FACETS is on the front lines to make sure that people who are less privileged have the opportunity to get things that they need and services to help improve their situations," said Caruso, who has served on the organization's board for the past four years.

While Fairfax is one of the state's wealthiest counties, many people need help, Caruso said. He added that he learned about the program a few years ago when a friend took him to a FACETS event.

"I was impressed by their outreach services," he said. "Maximus is spread throughout the U.S. While it's difficult to support every community in which we operate, the Maximus Foundation does a great amount of work to identify and partner with some amazing organizations like FACETS."

Maximus supports government organizations in helping under-resourced communities, and FACETS often provides services to those same people, Caruso explained. 

"Giving back and serving your community is an important thing, and it's something that I know Maximus leadership supports and encourages us to do," he said. "Be an advocate; look for opportunities to help others as we go through this journey. Life can be short, and we've got to make an impact in any way we can."

Looking to get more involved and create positive change? Visit the FACETS website to learn about opportunities to participate in upcoming donation drives and volunteering.

Giving back to the communities we serve

The Maximus Foundation is one of the ways Maximus employees are doing something greater together. Established by the Maximus Board of Directors in 2000, the Maximus Foundation is an independent, employee-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Employee donors pool their contributions together through the Foundation, increasing their community impact by supporting nonprofits that serve the same communities we do. Employee donors double their impact through Maximus' dollar-for-dollar matching pledge and make their voices heard by nominating and voting for future grantee partners. Learn more at maximus.com/foundation.