The Prince William County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation on April 7, 2026, recognizing ACTS (Action in Community Through Service) during the early portion of its regular meeting, alongside other community recognitions.
The proclamation honored ACTS for its longstanding contributions to residents facing crisis, including support for survivors of sexual assault, as part of the board’s observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Three organizations in the Fredericksburg area have received grants to help reduce homelessness and boost housing stability.
The funding comes from the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant program. Governor Abigail Spanberger, Democrat, announced the statewide allocation of $14 million for 61 projects on March 11, 2026. The grants support permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and innovative programs for vulnerable groups.
Two major housing and human services projects in Prince William County and Fredericksburg are moving forward after receiving millions in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process.
Key Takeaways
Food insecurity in Stafford County often looks less like a crisis and more like daily survival.
Many of the people seeking help at SERVE Stafford Food Pantry are working, housed, and doing their best to keep up as costs rise faster than paychecks. SERVE stands for Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts.
“The annual observance brought together community members, Knights, and local leaders to reflect on the importance of religious liberty and the freedoms protected under the First Amendment,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “This year’s event marked the 50th annual Religious Freedom Day celebration in Fredericksburg.”
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Students at Stafford High School raised nearly $450 to sponsor a litter of rescue puppies through the Old Dominion Humane Society. The school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter led the fundraiser, which covers the $300 sponsorship fee and provides additional funds to support the nonprofit’s mission of rescuing dogs from neglect and mistreatment.
The students chose an Anime theme for the litter, naming the mother dog Maki and her seven pups Toji, Gojo, Todo, Yuta, Mahoraga, Sukuna and Yuji. The effort was organized by FBLA sponsor Maggie Bautista, an economics and personal finance teacher at the school, who said her students spent months planning, creating posters, and promoting the fundraiser through school announcements.
“Join us for the annual Stuff the Truck Toy Drive and help bring the magic of Christmas to life!” House of Mercy announced. “Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy makes a meaningful impact, ensuring a happy holiday for a child in need.”
The event supports the organization’s Christmas with Mercy program, which last year provided more than 6,000 new toys to over 1,300 local children. This year’s drive is a simple, drive-up, drop-off event taking place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas.
“We were honored to take part in this vital community event,” the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office is one of only three law enforcement agencies in the area with an Empowerhouse Advocate co-located within their office.”
Empowerhouse hosted its 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil on October 25, 2025, to honor and celebrate survivors of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The nonprofit provides free, confidential support services for survivors and their children, focusing on safety, healing, and empowerment. Empowerhouse’s 24-hour hotline is 540-373-9373.
GAINESVILLE, Va. – MercyFest is almost here, and this is your last chance to get tickets at $15 online before prices go up. It’s happening Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at House of Mercy, 8170 Flannery Court, Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a massive day of food, fun, and community.
MercyFest is the annual fundraiser put on by House of Mercy, a nonprofit that helps families across Northern Virginia with its food pantry, thrift store, and donation center. It serves over 100 families every day, and last year provided groceries, clothing, and other basics to thousands—impacting more than 50 zip codes in the region.
“I earned my barber license while incarcerated at Haynesville Correctional Center. That program changed my life — it gave me more than just a trade; it gave me a vision of who I could become,” Carey said. “When I was released in 2014, I didn’t just walk out with a record — I walked out with a barber license and a new sense of direction.”
Carey, founder and owner of Faded & Co. Barbershop and CEO of the F.A.D.E.D. Foundation in Fredericksburg, was inspired by his own story to begin a home for second-chance advocacy for those released from incarceration.
