Press Release:
Virginia Credit Union (VACU) and the Fredericksburg Nationals have donated $11,710 to combat hunger and food insecurity in the Central Rappahannock River area. Through a partnership with the FredNats, the Fredericksburg-based minor league baseball team, VACU makes a $5 donation to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank for every strikeout recorded by the Nationals’ pitchers during the course of the season. The FredNats matched VACU’s $5,855 donation.
On Friday, August 30, 2024, the parking lot of Winners Church at 17877 Old Triangle Road transformed into a bustling center of health and wellness. Community members gathered for a comprehensive health fair aimed at providing crucial medical screenings and education to the uninsured and underinsured.
The event, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., was a partnership between Winners Church and Sentara Healthcare, marking a new collaborative effort to enhance community health services. This year’s fair featured a vital addition—a mobile mammogram van from Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center offering free cancer screenings.
House of Mercy, a longstanding food pantry and thrift store near Manassas, announced significant operational changes in response to a sharp increase in demand for its services. The organization will temporarily halt new client registrations and shift from offering free to discounted clothing.
“We’ve seen a 49% increase in demand just this year,” said Jessica Root, executive director for House of Mercy. “This year, we hit our capacity, serving over 134 families in a single day. We’re temporarily pausing new client registrations to focus on our current clients and ensure we maintain the quality of service.”
Habitat for Humanity in Prince William County, under the interim leadership of Steve Liga, is recalibrating its mission to tackle the unique challenges of expensive real estate and a community need for home repairs rather than new builds.
Liga, who stepped in as the interim director, detailed how his experience with other nonprofits led him to this role. He explained his immediate focus on stabilizing the organization’s financial footing and reconnecting with the community after a slow period exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Fredericksburg Food Co-op is now accepting Virginia SUN Bucks and, in partnership with Virginia Fresh Match, is doubling the value of SUN Bucks and SNAP/EBT benefits on fruits and vegetables to support low-income families. Additionally, purchases made with SNAP/EBT cards will receive 20% cashback in “Carrot Cash,” promoting access to nutritious foods and supporting local farmers.
Fredericksburg Food Co-op is excited to accept Virginia SUN Bucks. In partnership with Virginia Fresh Match, we are pleased to double the value of SUN Bucks and SNAP/EBT on fruits and vegetables to make nutritious foods more affordable for low income families.
(Arlington Catholic Herald) Poverty in the diocese is increasing and the path to poverty is “complicated” according to Jessica Root, executive director of the House of Mercy, which operates a food pantry, thrift store and clothing donation center in Manassas.
Despite a rainy day, the event at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run was a resounding success. It emphasized the foundation’s motto of rising to challenges, just as the Raindancers do daily.
Over 150 volunteers and nearly 50 sponsors contributed to the event’s success, including event, vendor, and prize sponsors. The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, a long-time partner of SJGF, generously provided the space at no charge and even renamed their best-selling blonde ale to “Dance in the Rain Ale” in honor of the occasion.
Following a record-breaking fundraising gala in October 2023, STEP VA has moved into its new home on Bourbon Street.
Last fall, a 10-year anniversary gala brought in a record $50,000 for the organization. One month later, the group obtained its own space for the first time. STEP VA had been holding meetings in rooms rented or borrowed from local businesses and houses of worship to hold meetings. “Our dream is to create a space where people with disabilities feel welcome and can freely express their creativity in a space that prioritizes their sensory needs,” said Carol Yeh, STEP VA secretary.
Stafford County Public Schools: Stafford County Public Schools proudly recognized seven outstanding community partners during its annual Partner Appreciation Breakfast, held on Wednesday, May 15 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church. These esteemed partners have demonstrated exceptional dedication and support to students, staff, and school community throughout the academic year.
The Partner Appreciation Breakfast serves as a platform for the school district to express gratitude and celebrate the collaborative efforts of the community that enhance educational opportunities and enrich the lives of students. This year’s event was marked by a spirit of camaraderie and appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by our partners.
