United Way’s record breaking campaign
The United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley announced the 2021-2022 campaign was one of their most successful in the organization’s history raising over $1 million dollars to serve the community.
The majority of those funds were raised through workplace giving programs and individual donations.
The organizations that contributed the most through workplace giving include Trex, Valley Health, and Navy Federal.
The United Way had a huge increase in requests over the past year and would not be able to serve those community members without these donations.
The money will be used for the United Way’s Impact Grants as well as to expand and maintain their flagship program, the Valley Assistance Network.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
A Conversation with Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity
Today’s conversation on The Valley Today is part of an ongoing partnership with United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley. Host, Janet Michael chats with Elise from United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley and Kim Herbstritt from Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity. Listen to the conversation by clicking here.
Kim gave us some background on her organization and explained how their affordable housing program works. She talked about the types of families they’re looking for and their transition from being an affordable home builder to an affordable home developer. The agency is still seeking families for homes that are under construction in Winchester & Strasburg. Get details and start the application process on their website: https://blueridgehabitat.org/
She also told us about their home repair program. Habitat’s Home Repair program is an extension of their mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. It helps families maintain and stay in their homes and contributes to neighborhood stabilization and revitalization. This program helps low-income families address repair needs in their homes by focusing on safety, accessibility and meeting municipal codes. By offering home improvements at an 80-95% reduction to homeowners, the program will help preserve and ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing in our community. Click here for more details and/or to fill out an application.
Kim also gave us details for an upcoming event: Facelift on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Individuals interested in volunteering or businesses who wish to put together a volunteer team can participate in the event which will focus on projects for homeowners in the north end of Winchester. All work will be exterior such as painting, landscaping, cutting back bushes, hauling junk, etc.
Before we wrapped up, Kim reminded us to shop the ReStore located at 400 Battaile Drive in Winchester. Their hours are Wednesday – Friday from 10am – 4pm; and Saturdays from 9am 3pm.
Elise gave us a quick rundown of upcoming United Way NSV projects and events including Project Connect, Day of Caring, and the Shenandoah Sprint Triathalon.
United Way Day: Winchester CCAP
We chatted with Elise from United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley and her guest, Andrea Cosans from Winchester CCAP about the impact her agency has had on those in need in our community. Andrea explained the role Winchester CCAP serves helping residents of Winchester/Frederick County through their food pantry, housing & financial assistance. Get more information on their website: https://www.ccapwinchester.org/
Elise reminded us about the Rubbermaid Sale happening on Saturday, January 29 from 9am – 12pm in the Belk parking lot at Apple Blossom Mall. We also talked about the impact grants and the need for volunteers to help determine how the money is allocated. Get more information about UWNSV on their website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/
United Way NSV: Every Dollar Counts
Our conversation today with Elise from United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley centered around small donations and the large impact they can have in our community.
Elise explained how many nonprofits in our area can leverage their monetary donations – no matter how small – for better deals on items they need when they need them.
We talked about the fund distribution process and she asked for community volunteers to serve on the committees. She also told us that until midnight on 12/31/21 you can make a donation and get an instant receipt for use on your 2021 tax returns. Do that here: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/
Resources Available Through Valley Assistance Network
We met up with Jennifer Hall, Sr Director of Community Investment at United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley to learn more about Valley Assistance Network – a program of UWNSV that offers immediate crisis intervention services to help ALICE® families navigate the complex social services system and move from crisis to stability.
Jennifer explained who ALICE families are and how sometimes they fall through the cracks in the overall social services system. She told us about the services and connections they make through VAN and the impact it’s had on local families.
She also gave us some statistics about how many people in our communities have been impacted by the pandemic and how that translates to a greater need for support. You can download the report she references by clicking here.
For more information about United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley or ALICE Awareness Week, visit their website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/
Resources Available Through Valley Assistance Network
We met up with Jennifer Hall, Sr Director of Community Investment at United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley to learn more about Valley Assistance Network – a program of UWNSV that offers immediate crisis intervention services to help ALICE® families navigate the complex social services system and move from crisis to stability.
Jennifer explained who ALICE families are and how sometimes they fall through the cracks in the overall social services system. She told us about the services and connections they make through VAN and the impact it’s had on local families.
She also gave us some statistics about how many people in our communities have been impacted by the pandemic and how that translates to a greater need for support. You can download the report she references by clicking here. For more information about United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley or ALICE Awareness Week, visit their website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/
UWNSV: Winchester Salvation Army
Our conversation for United Way Day with Elise from United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley featured her guest, Lt. Jared Martin from Winchester Salvation Army who told us about their shelter for men/women/children and all the great works they do not just in our community but internationally.
Lt. Martin talked about the thrift store, bell ringing and the need for volunteers. He explained what it’s like to ring the bell each holiday season and told us about some of the recent successes they’ve seen with their clients. Learn more about Winchester Salvation Army on their website: https://salvationarmypotomac.org/winchestervacorps/ and/or follow them on Facebook.
Elise gave us a rundown of all the events happening in the next few weeks for United Way NSV including the Rubbermaid sale on October 30, 2021 as well as a paint party and upcoming online charity auction. She also gave us about the Ride 75 Challenge. Get more details for all of those on their website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/ and/or follow them on Facebook.