Neighborhood Advisory Board

HISTORY AND MISSION

           The Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB) for the New Horizons Treatment Center was formed in August 2007 during the planning for a new residential program to be operated by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), to provide for ongoing, proactive exchange of information and education among the New Horizons staff and the neighbors in the surrounding community and to ensure mutual understanding, support and respect.   Since that time, and throughout the design and construction of the facility, the New Horizons NAB has taken a proactive role in bringing the concerns of community residents and business owners to the table by addressing such issues as appropriate architecture, traffic mitigation, security, and community education.

             Opening in the summer of 2010, the New Horizons Treatment Center stands as a testament to the dedication of Fairfax County and its citizens to Health and Human Services that meet critical needs.  The result of a citizen-approved bond referendum in 2004 and also—after a series of public meetings to address issues related to location, architecture, security and size—citizen support for the proposed program, it can truly be said that the resulting new facility was citizen-driven and supported.  Early in the public meeting process, it became evident that citizens in the surrounding area desired to have a conduit by which they could communicate effectively with the County regarding concerns that may arise and be assured of the continual flow of important and relevant information.  Community leaders representing the surrounding neighborhoods from Lee and Mount Vernon Districts came together to advocate for a Neighborhood Advisory Board that was made a part of the Project 2232 Application and approved by the Planning Commission.
 
            The New Horizons NAB is charged with the development of long-term mutually supportive relationships that promote safe and livable communities.  In fulfillment of this mission, the NAB advocates for an ongoing, proactive exchange of information and education among providers of residential services and community members, to ensure mutual understanding, support and respect.

             Operating under by-laws adopted by the Board, the Board provides a forum for residents of the community and individuals receiving services to review and comment on policies and procedures that may assist in the productive operation of New Horizons. Duties include the following:

          Tasked with achieving a balanced board of no more than 12 members that is reflective of the community it serves, the current NAB is composed of members from the surrounding communities in Lee and Mount Vernon Districts and from local groups that advocate for effective human services, citizens appointed to the Community Services Board, and staff from CSB and related County agencies.  All NAB meetings are open to the public, and the Board welcomes guests and interested parties from all Districts. 

         The NAB currently meets quarterly, but please review NAB announcements for scheduled dates and or updates.

           

For more information on the New Horizons Neighborhood Advisory Board, or to find information on volunteer opportunities or express interest in attending a meeting,  please e-mail the NAB directly from the link at the top of the left menu. 

              Thank you for visiting the New Horizons NAB Webpage.