Fredericksburg Continuum of Care: On January 22, 2024 the Fredericksburg Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) received funding in the amount of $21,000 to support the Community Based Eligibility Worker Program to provide outreach to individuals and families experiencing homeless to access Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) more easily.

hoThe CoC is the federally mandated coalition responsible for planning and implementing homeless services throughout Planning District 16, including the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, and the City of Fredericksburg.

The awarded grant from the Joe and Mary Wilson Community Benefit Fund will support access to critical benefits across Planning District 16 for vulnerable communities. The CoC partners with Micah Ecumenical Ministries to staff a full-time staff position who walks households through connecting to 2 community benefits.

This is the third year that Micah and the CoC have received this funding. In the last year, funds were used to connect more than 180 people with needed Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

Greetings, Prince William – Volunteer Prince William is on the move to a new office! We will be relocating to 8621 Breeden Avenue, Manassas, on Monday, March 4. We will be closed Monday, March 4, but plan to re-open at our new location on Tuesday, March 5. Our phone numbers and website address will remain the same. Questions? Please email [email protected].

• BEACON for Adult Literacy is recruiting teachers and subs for their Spring Session which begins March 18th. Their current needs are for in-person morning and evening volunteers, as well as substitutes for both online and in person morning and evening classes. No experience necessary, they will train you! Please visit https://bit.ly/4bOEUxw to sign up for an information session. Please email [email protected] for more information.
• The wonderful staff at Boxes of Basics reports they have a critical shortage of boys’ pants in sizes 6 & 12, girls’ tops in sizes 14 & 16, and girls’ size 8 pants. If you’re clearing out closets and have clean, gently used kids’ clothing in these sizes, they would welcome your donation! You can also purchase clothing from their Amazon Wish List or make an online donation and they’ll do the shopping! You’ll feel great knowing you’re helping disadvantaged children in the local community get the clothing they desperately need! Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• Do you love going fishing? Brain Injury Services (BIS) is searching for a volunteer to be a PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for a brain injury client who would like to go on occasional fishing trips. PALS is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. You’ll feel great as you enjoy a day at your favorite fishing hole while helping a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• Mark your calendars for the Bull Run Watershed Cleanup 2024 on March 9, 9am-12pm! Everyone’s welcome – individuals, families, groups, Scout troops, etc.! Volunteers will meet at the Walgreens parking lot, 10671 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas 20109. It’s a wonderful way to get in those service hours, spend time on a meaningful project with friends/family and beautify a piece of Prince William County! Please visit https://bit.ly/49AMZEm for more information and to sign up.
• Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas 20110, is holding their next session of ESL March 11-May 22. They need volunteers age 18+ to help as Classroom Aides on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings, 7pm-9pm. No experience necessary and you’ll enjoy working with students as they improve their English language skills! An orientation/training will be held March 3 at 12:30pm, light lunch will be provided. Please email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
• Play Bingo, Fight Hunger! Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is holding their Soup-er Bingo Fundraiser March 16, 3pm-5pm at Piney Branch Elementary School, 8301 Linton Hall Road in Bristow. You can’t beat the price – $1.00 per Bingo card or 1 non-perishable food donation for each card! Early Bird tickets are available through March 9. It’s a great fundraiser and will help to feed food-insecure families in our community! Please visit https://bit.ly/49fPzzP for more information and to purchase your cards.
• Keep Prince William Beautiful is holding a March Cleanup March 23, 10am-12pm! They’ll be picking up litter in an area along Sudley Road and Battleview Parkway. Volunteers should meet in the rear parking lot of Cracker Barrel, 10801 Battleview Parkway, Manassas 20109. Supplies provided, please bring a water bottle. Here’s another way to get those service hours and clean up litter in our community! Please visit https://bit.ly/49tRBMP to sign up, email [email protected] or call 571.285.3772 to learn more.
• Nature Lovers! Leopold’s Preserve is holding their next monthly Saturday Volunteer Day March 16, 8:30am-11:30am and 1pm-3pm. Volunteers age 13+ are welcome; volunteers age 13-17 must volunteer with a parent/guardian. Rotating activities include trail maintenance, invasive plant management, and brush clearing. It’s great for the whole family, and you’ll learn about the natural wonders of this facility! Please visit https://bit.ly/47E4u5n for more details, register at www.leopoldspreserve.com/calendar. Please email [email protected] or call 571.358.2098 to learn more.
• Save the Date and get a jump on spring cleaning! Prince William County Solid Waste Division will hold a Free Document Shredding Event March 30, 9am-1pm or until trucks reach capacity. The event is located at Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge. This is for residents only, unavailable for businesses and commercial patrons. Please visit www.pwcva.gov/events/free-paper-shredding-residents for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.
• Saved Hands Foundation is marking their 35th anniversary this year, and they have a busy schedule ahead! If you enjoy event planning, they need your skills to help them prepare for their upcoming Community Health Fair/Backpack Giveaway in August and their Gala to celebrate 35 years in October. Admin skills are a tremendous help and a desire to connect with the community will do much to make these events successful! Please call Pam at 571.406.5112 or email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
• StreetLight Community Ministries still needs volunteers who can provide a nourishing dinner for 30 people each night at the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge through March 31. Meals should be prepared at home and provided in disposable aluminum pans or serving trays; drop off is between 6:15pm-7pm only. Desserts and sides are also appreciated but not required. It’s a fantastic group project, and you’ll feel great knowing you are providing a delicious homecooked meal for our homeless neighbors! Please visit https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lowvd4/ to sign up. If you sign up to bring a meal and cannot honor your commitment/make it on time, please email [email protected] or call 571.677.2883.

—Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William

The annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia occurred on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.

Special Olympics Virginia spokeswoman Holly Claytor shared that the event saw participation from more than 280 plungers alongside approximately 400 spectators. In total, an impressive $140,000 was raised to support the cause.

Although adverse weather conditions prevented the scheduled 5K race, attendees still enjoyed various activities and amenities. A food truck offered sustenance, while Starbucks provided complimentary hot drinks and Wawa supplied snacks. Additionally, numerous exhibitors were present, offering diverse goods and services. Attendees could also indulge in the classic treat of s’mores.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporium emerged as the top partner for the event, demonstrating significant support for Special Olympics Virginia’s mission. Other notable contributors included Toyota of Woodbridge, Trade Reps, and Lightbridge Academy, all of whom made the event a success.

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Rappahannock Goodwill (RGI) has recently announced significant changes within its leadership structure. The organization welcomed Felicia Ainsa, Director of Economic Development for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, to its Board of Directors. Ainsa’s appointment reflects her alignment with RGI’s mission of community development and individual empowerment.

Additionally, RGI disclosed the election of new officers for the upcoming year. Brian Roinestad, Director of Purchasing at Atlantic Builders, secured the position of Board Chair. Andy Withers, Senior Vice President, Central CRE Region Group Leader at Atlantic Union Bank, transitioned into the role of Vice Chair, having previously served as Treasurer. John Rogers, Local Sales Manager at Effectv, a Comcast Company, retained his role as Treasurer, while Stephanie Lyles, Director of Marketing Outreach at Topside Federal Credit Union, remained as Board Secretary.

Expressing gratitude for these developments, Steve Cox, President and CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill, emphasized the organization’s strategic positioning to fulfill its mission of creating work opportunities, offering job search assistance, and providing employment skills training to individuals across the region.

Acknowledging Martha Hutzel, Executive Director of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, for her two-year tenure as Board Chair, the organization extends its appreciation for her continued service on the Board of Directors, it noted in a press release.

For further details regarding Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Inc. (RGI) and its dedication to community welfare, interested parties are encouraged to visit fredgoodwill.org.

Greetings, Prince William – StreetLight Community Ministries needs volunteers to provide a nourishing dinner for 30 people each night at the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge, through March 31.  Meals should be prepared at home and provided in disposable aluminum pans or serving trays; drop-off is between 6:15 pm and 7 pm only.  Desserts and sides are also appreciated but not required.  It’s a fantastic group project, and you’ll feel great knowing you are providing a delicious home-cooked meal for our homeless neighbors!  Please visit https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lowvd4/ to sign up.  If you sign up to bring a meal and cannot honor your commitment/make it on time, please email [email protected] or call 571.677.2883.

• Back by popular demand, BEACON is bringing back their Scrabble Scramble Fundraiser on February 24, 5 pm-8 pm!  The venue has changed; it’s now at Linton Hall School Gym, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow 20136.  Tickets for a team of 4 are $120 and include two rounds of competitive Scrabble, food, and drinks.  Raffle prizes and 50/50 add to a fun evening for a fantastic cause!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3SbALec to purchase tickets, and email [email protected] to learn more.
• You’re under 12 and need to do service hours for school, church, or club, but most agencies want youth volunteers to be at least 12 or older and volunteer with an adult.  The wonderful staff at Boxes of Basics has some great ideas on how you can help kids in urgent need of clothing!  Help out and feel great as you learn the joy of giving back and making a difference in the lives of kids your age!  Please visit www.boxesofbasics.org/young-volunteers for suggestions, email [email protected], or call 571.338.3369 for more information.
• Capital Caring Health is seeking certified dogs (with their owners) to provide friendly visits to their hospice patients and families. Dogs need to be certified by a dog certifying organization and must be current on shots and a dog license.  You’ll feel wonderful knowing your pet will bring much love, comfort, and great joy to those facing life-limiting illnesses.  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas 20110, is holding its next session of ESL from March 11 to May 22.  They need volunteers age 18+ to help as Classroom Aides on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings, 7 pm-9 pm.  No experience is necessary, and you’ll enjoy working with students as they improve their English language skills!  An orientation/training will be held on March 3 at 12:30 pm, and a light lunch will be provided.  Please email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
• It may be chilly outside, but Girls on The Run Northern Virginia is already preparing for their Spring season, March 4 to May 19!  Girls on the Run is more than a running program; it’s also a positive youth development program that teaches key life skills like confidence and teamwork through various activities.  They’re looking for volunteer Coaches to coach teams in greater Prince William County for the session.  No running experience is needed; just have a desire to support and encourage the next generation.  Must commit to 2-3 hours a week for the season, with a few additional hours required for Coach Training and the GOTR NOVA season-ending 5K celebration. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.  You’ll feel awesome as you help young girls gain confidence in themselves and their abilities!  Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3tD9md1.  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• The fun folks at Habitat for Humanity-Prince William County are holding a Cleanup at the Hylton Boys & Girls Club, 5070 Dale Boulevard, Woodbridge, on February 17, 9 am-3 pm.  Volunteers (including volunteers with muscles) are needed to help trim weeds, tear down a couple of sheds, assemble furniture, and stain benches.  It’s a terrific way to spend the Presidents Day weekend and the staff at the Boys & Girls Club will appreciate all your hard work!  Please visit www.habitatpwc.org and click on their Volunteer Calendar to sign up; email [email protected] to learn more.
• The Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center in Woodbridge needs volunteers aged 21+ to assist their residents in finding jobs, including jobs that allow for remote work.  Meetings would be held with shelter residents at Hilda Barg on any day and time that would fit the volunteer’s schedule.  Volunteers must successfully complete a background check; computer and job searching experience is a must.  You’ll feel great as you help a resident get back on their feet by helping them find steady employment and become independent again!  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• Attention Theatre Lovers!  Prince William Little Theatre needs volunteers to help build sets for their next play, “Stick Fly,” beginning this Saturday, February 3, 10 am-1 pm through March 2.  No experience is necessary.  It’s a fantastic way to get involved with a production; behind-the-scenes work like sets are just as important as the actors themselves!  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• Save the Date!  Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition is hosting the Neabsco Boardwalk Cleanup March 2, 9 am-12pm.  Two locations will be worked on:  Neabsco Regional Park and Neabsco Eagles Park.  All ages are welcome and it’s a beautiful chance to get out with the family and beautify these two spots in Prince William County!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3U7NlOi for more information and a link to register.  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• Saved Hands Foundation is marking its 35^th anniversary this year, and they have a busy schedule ahead!  If you enjoy event planning, they need your skills to help them prepare for their upcoming Community Health Fair/Backpack Giveaway in August and their Gala to celebrate 35 years in October.  Admin skills are a tremendous help, and a desire to connect with the community will do much to make these events successful!  Please call Pam at 571.406.5112 or email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
• If you enjoy helping in the kitchen, the staff at SERVE wants to meet you!  They’re looking for a volunteer Shelter Kitchen Assistant age 18+ to help the shelter cook on weekdays, 11 am-2 pm.  Duties include assisting with meal preparation, serving lunch/cleaning up after the meal, maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen, including countertops, dishes, etc., and more.  You’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to keep daily kitchen operations going smoothly and also serving a nutritious meal to those coping with homelessness!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3UpvFxD for details, and email [email protected] for more information.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292.  You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.  Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

— Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William

Despite being far from the Arctic Circle, Fredericksburg is quickly gaining national attention for its “coldest night of the year.”

Area churches and local supporters will gather on Feb. 24, 2024, for its annual fundraiser, “Coldest Night of the Year,” a family-friendly walk to benefit Micah ministries. Micah is a coalition of area churches dedicated to helping Fredericksburg city residents with unmet needs.

According to its website, city congregations have supported the homeless since the 1980s. They banded together in 2005 to establish a permanent location and organization to continue serving the community. Micah and its partnering churches address the community’s needs by offering a hospitality center, meals, job assistance, cold weather shelters, and housing options to residents in need.

The organization finds many opportunities each year where a need or a new way to offer support is identified. Meghan Cotter, Executive Servant Leader, noted, “Opportunity and vision take resources, and [Coldest Night of the Year] is a key source of funds for us to be responsive to critical needs,”

Cotter found the organization’s purpose aligned well with Micah’s mission of caring for the whole person: “[CNOY] came at a time in Micah’s life when we were looking for a core fundraiser to support our work. Given the nature of what we do, a black tie dinner, golf tournament, or traditional fundraiser isn’t very complimentary. A walk that both brings awareness and raises funds for those who sleep outside was perfect for us.”

CNOY’s website explains that it was launched in Canada in 2011 and began as a way to expand the fundraising power of charity walks. Two locations partnered, raising $111,800 with 440 participants. In 2023, 182 locations with 37,580 participants raised over $13 million.

CNOY expanded to the U.S. in 2022. Last year, 21 locations participated and raised over $675,000. CNOY provides a fundraising structure and marketing materials; participating charities receive a percentage of the donations and sponsorships generated.

In 2023, its first year participating, Fredericksburg had the top two fundraising teams in the U.S. They raised over $160,000 with 60 teams. Jill Clare, executive administrative and CNOY “Czar,” noted in an email that Fredericksburg was the most successful first-year CNOY region ever and shattered records nationally for both dollars raised and the number of participants. The leading fundraiser in Fredericksburg and the nation was a nine-year-old, Jane Murray, who raised just over $10,000.

Jane, now 10, is again leading the scoreboard for individual fundraisers. With over $6,000 in donations, her goal is $10,000. The Murray family, Clay, Jillian, and Jane, are active in Micah’s outreach. They lead efforts for monthly dinners and regular meal packing for Micah.

They were also active in delivering meals to neighbors throughout the coronavirus pandemic. In an interview, Clay shared his gratitude to friends and family who see the family’s ongoing volunteer activities and show their support through the fundraiser.

He noted Jane enjoys a slight sense of competition while knowing the funds will benefit neighbors. Jillian mentioned the fundraiser has helped them reconnect with friends and family, allowing them to share the impact of Micah and their personal experiences volunteering. Clay noted his experiences with Micah have “completely changed my definition of the term homeless. Being homeless is not lack of housing, but loss of relationships.” It reminds him of how vital having supportive friends and family is, and his family aims to be that support for those who may not have it.

He added, “That’s what loving your neighbor is all about.”

So far this year, 68 teams have registered: Fredericksburg United Methodist’s church team is leading, with over $13,500 donated. The six sponsors are all local Fredericksburg businesses: WBQB-Radio (B101.5), Pathway Realty, Inc., Italian Station, M&M Auto Parts, Atlantic Union Bank, and FXBG Technology.

Micah’s overall goal is $150,000, with over $65,000 raised so far. Clare said Fredericksburg is again leading the nation in donations, and the campaign’s success shows that “our Fredericksburg region truly cares about being a community where no one has to sleep outside.”

Funds raised by this campaign have allowed Micah to move forward with several projects. In 2023, a 14-room hotel opened in Fredericksburg to transition neighbors from the street into housing. A separate women’s shelter expanded the cold weather shelter’s capacity. A larger project, the Jeremiah Community, will create a supportive community to provide shelter, companionship, and development for the unhoused.

Registration will begin at 4 p.m. on February 24 at Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street. Attendees can choose to walk 2K or 5K, with routes in downtown.

Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

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OmniRide: “OmniRide will hold an Extended Season of Giving Food Drive January 16 – January 19 in an effort to be a good partner in service to the community. In addition to accepting non-perishable donations on the buses, the organization will be accepting non-perishables in-person at several local government locations, and monetary donations online at the organization’s website.”

“The food drive will help to replenish shelves at local food pantries – one on each side of Prince William County. ACTS is on the east end of the county in Dumfries, and in addition to providing food assistance, offers utility assistance, programs to address domestic and sexual abuse, suicide prevention, and more. SERVE is in Manassas and provides food, shelter, utility assistance, services in foster care and adoption, health and dental services, mental health services, and more.”

Habitat for Humanity Prince William County: “Habitat for Humanity PWC partnered with Ms. Katherine Howell to provide much-needed repairs on her Dale City [in the 5200 Block of Miles Court on December 7 and 8, 2023] home through our critical home repair program. Shingles, facia boards, soffit, guttering, and rotted trim boards on nine windows of Ms. Howell’s home had to be updated to combat the wear and tear her home has gone through.”

“Then it was time to move into the interior. The biggest project would be to blow insulation into the attic, but our volunteers handled this task with the greatest of ease. Dave Williams threw on his suit and got to work in the attic, while Bob Swenson kept the insulation machine fed. These two bring a whole new meaning to teamwork and showing what it takes to get the job done.”

“This concluded our last critical home repair for 2023, and special thanks to our volunteers for stepping in to give us a hand-up for Ms. Howell’s home repair.”

The total repair cost $5,500.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative: “Applications are being accepted through Feb. 16 for the 2024 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an annual all-expenses-paid, week-long event in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).”

“Applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors whose homes are served by Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC); eligibility extends to public, private, and home-schooled students.”

“NOVEC will sponsor up to four students for the event in June 2024. NOVEC’s representatives will join more than a thousand young men and women from electric co-ops across the country. Youth Tour participants will meet congressional representatives, tour museums, historic sites and memorials, and enjoy events and entertainment.”

“The students all come together for Youth Day, where they can interact and hear speakers who provide insight into the roles electric co-ops play in their communities. Youth Tour gives students the opportunity to see the nation’s capital up close, learn about the political process and interact with their elected officials.”

How to Apply:

“Download and complete the Youth Tour application, and email it to [email protected], or mail a completed application package with all accompanying materials to: NOVEC, attn. Youth Tour, P.O. Box 2710, Manassas, 20108.”

“The completed application, essay, and two letters of recommendation must be received by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2024. The letters of recommendation must be emailed or mailed separately from the application. After reviewing the applications, NOVEC will interview candidates in-person.”

“If you are unable to download the application or have other questions, email [email protected].”