Northern Virginia Family Service aids in building stronger, more cohesive family units in order to create healthy communities. Its headquarters are in Oakton and it was established in 1924 by volunteers in Alexandria to help people in need who had no coats nor any coal to heat their homes. NVFS works on a multitude of social issues, such as secure and affordable housing in a challenging economy, providing access to necessary health care and medications for children and adults, offering job training that improves quality of life and provides adequate support for families, providing a safe, stimulating place for growing preschool children to learn and play and more. NVFS serves over 20,000 individuals and families each year with a varying range of programs designed to deal with current problems. NVFS was selected in 2001 by the Community Foundation of the National Capital Region to lead the Survivors' Fund Project, which provides direct assistance and long-term case management services to 9/11 victims, their families and first responders.