Breaking the Poverty Cycle: Winchester CCAP’s THRIVE Project

CCAP THRIVE poverty pod
From Band-Aids to Breakthroughs

For more than 50 years, Winchester CCAP has been a lifeline for struggling families in the Shenandoah Valley. Founded in 1974, the organization built its mission around a simple but powerful idea: it is far cheaper to prevent homelessness than to try to fix it. Through a food pantry, clothing ministry, and targeted financial aid, CCAP has helped thousands of families survive that brutal fourth week of the month when the bills don’t stop but the money does.

But Andrea Cosans, Winchester CCAP’s passionate Executive Director, wants more. “CCAP is what I would call a band-aid or a crisis program,” she tells host Janet Michael during a recent episode of The Valley Today. “There is certainly a need for that, but why not take it that extra level and get people out of the cycle of crisis?” That question sparked something remarkable. Click here to listen.

A Small Experiment With Big Results

About three years ago, Cosans teamed up with a therapist and a life coach from Legacy Wellness after they attended a conference and secured a modest $1,000 grant. Together, they launched a pilot self-sufficiency program with just five clients, pairing them with mental health support and life coaching to address the trauma, decision-making patterns, and structural barriers that keep people trapped in poverty.

The results were stunning. Three of the five participants thrived completely. One landed a job at Valley Health and never looked back. Another — a man who had previously spent his days cycling in and out of Winchester CCAP — got his mental health needs addressed, found steady work, and hasn’t needed CCAP’s services in two years. A third, a woman who described herself as “stuck,” found her footing and now works at Great Meadows, where she proudly won the Park Ranger Wheelbarrow Olympics. “You know, I was in a place that got stuck, and I couldn’t see my way out of getting stuck, and this program helped me get unstuck,” she told Cosans.

Encouraged by those outcomes, Cosans ran the program again with 10 clients. This time, all 10 succeeded — including a single father with no job and no idea how to pursue his dream of going back to college. Today, he’s enrolled and thriving.

The Thrive Project: Thinking Bigger

Armed with two years of remarkable data and an unshakeable belief in the program’s potential, Cosans did what great community leaders do — she brought people together. The result is the Thrive Project, a fully collaborative, grant-funded initiative backed by $112,000 from the Valley Health Foundation and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rather than operating as a single-agency effort, the Thrive Project unites five additional organizations — Connected Communities, I’m Just ME, United Way NSV, Horizon Goodwill, and Family Promise — each contributing something unique and essential. Clients receive case management, therapeutic services, life coaching and mentoring, financial literacy classes, and access to Goodwill’s intensive week-long job training program, “Get on Board.”

Most impressively, the program doesn’t just check in for a year and call it done. Participants are followed for two full years after enrollment to track housing stability, financial health, and overall life outcomes. “It’s very easy to be successful in a program when you’re still in the program,” Janet observes. “That second year is really the true test.”

The Whole Person Approach

What sets the Thrive Project apart is its insistence on treating clients as whole people, not collections of problems. Cosans and her partners recognize that poverty rarely has a single cause. Substance abuse, domestic violence, lack of childcare, no access to education, generational financial illiteracy — these issues don’t exist in isolation, and they can’t be solved in isolation either.

“Everybody needs support,” Cosans says plainly. “I think that’s really the difference between a person who succeeds and a person who fails.”

The program’s life coaching component, in particular, gives clients what Cosans calls “room to dream” — structured, individualized sessions designed to help people set goals, map out the steps to achieve them, and envision a future that looks different from the one they’ve always known. For many participants, that kind of forward-thinking guidance is entirely new territory. Furthermore, the financial literacy component tackles deeply ingrained habits head-on. As Cosans notes, many clients think, “Great, my bills are paid — I can buy those $150 shoes,” without considering that bills come due again next month too. Breaking that cycle requires education, not judgment.

Collaboration Is the Point

Beyond the Thrive Project itself, the conversation shines a light on something the Winchester nonprofit community has quietly been doing for years: working together. Despite persistent narratives that nonprofits duplicate services and compete for territory, Cosans pushes back firmly.

“We do collaborate,” she says. “What we don’t do is toot our own horn.”

From carefully coordinated food pantry schedules — where Highland serves Tuesdays so CCAP can restock, and Hope Again picks up at 1:00 where CCAP leaves off — to a $50,000 United Way grant that pushed 50,000 pounds of produce as far south as Edinburg and north into Frederick County, the evidence of genuine partnership is everywhere. Cosans also points to the newly formed Nonprofit Collaborative, a group that spent 15 intentional months preparing to advocate for the sector, especially in the face of federal funding cuts that threaten to eliminate services entire communities depend on.

“When the nonprofit dies, the people who get served by the nonprofit don’t go away,” Cosans warns. It’s a sobering reminder that the stakes extend far beyond any single organization.

What Comes Next

Looking ahead, Cosans plans to pursue SAMHSA federal grants to make the Thrive Project a permanent fixture in the community — and potentially a replicable model for similarly sized cities across the country. “I could see a point where we could do that,” Michael says encouragingly. “There are a lot of communities the size of ours facing the same issues.”

In the meantime, Winchester CCAP continues to fund its core services through community support, including its popular Sixth Annual Benefit Bike Ride on August 22nd at the Wellness Center, 105 Campus Boulevard, and a joint fundraiser with New Eve Maternity Home, An Evening of Enchantment, on June 18th — featuring a silent auction, live auction, and entertainment by Magician Vic. Janet will serve as emcee. For tickets, registration, and more information, visit CCAPWinchester.org.

Listen to the Full Conversation

This is the kind of story that reminds you what community is supposed to look like. To hear Andrea and Janet discuss the Thrive Project in full — including the inspiring individual success stories, the nuts and bolts of how the partnership came together, and what it really takes to help people build a better life — click here to listen to the full episode of The Valley Today. 

Beyond the Food Pantry: The Many Faces of Winchester CCAP

winchester ccap c4h pod

As Camping for Hunger Week sweeps through Warren County, the spirit of giving is palpable. Yet, for organizations like Winchester CCAP, the need for support extends far beyond a single week. In a recent episode of “The Valley Today,” host Janet Michael sits down with Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP, to shed light on the organization’s tireless efforts to combat food insecurity and support local families. Click here to listen.

Meeting the Rising Demand

From the outset, Andrea paints a vivid picture of the growing challenges facing the community. “Our reception area is not that large,” she explains, “but this morning I came in and there were about a hundred people waiting.” The surge in demand, fueled by economic pressures and government shutdowns, has left CCAP’s shelves bare and its staff scrambling to meet the needs of families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Beyond Food: Holistic Support

However, Winchester CCAP’s mission goes well beyond providing food. Andrea enthusiastically describes a range of innovative programs designed to address the root causes of hardship. The organization’s clothing boutique offers free, gently used clothing to families, while the steel-toed boots and bicycle programs help remove barriers to employment. “If steel-toed boots are a barrier to work, we try and work with you to get them,” Andrea says, highlighting CCAP’s commitment to practical solutions.

The Power of Partnerships

Transitioning to the topic of collaboration, Janet and Andrea discuss the importance of partnerships with other nonprofits, local businesses, and volunteers. Whether it’s sourcing firewood for families in need or sharing surplus food with neighboring pantries, CCAP leverages a network of community allies to maximize its impact. Andrea shares inspiring stories of local businesses stepping up—sometimes on a moment’s notice—to provide critical resources, demonstrating the power of collective action.

Stories of Resilience

Throughout the conversation, Andrea shares moving anecdotes that underscore the transformative power of community support. She recounts the journey of a woman who, after receiving help from CCAP two decades ago, now owns a successful business and gives back to others. These stories, woven with empathy and hope, illustrate how a helping hand can change the trajectory of a life.

How to Get Involved

As the conversation wraps up, Janet and Andrea encourage listeners to get involved—whether by donating food, volunteering time, or contributing financially. “We are a deep pit of never-ending need, in a good way,” Andrea laughs, emphasizing that every act of kindness strengthens the fabric of the community. Learn how you can help: https://ccapwinchester.org/

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the fight against hunger and hardship is ongoing. Through innovative programs, strong partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to their mission, Winchester CCAP continues to be a beacon of hope for the Valley. As Andrea puts it, “If we help each other, we can be stronger and help the community.”

The Power of Giving Back: Inside Community Connect & Serve 2025

community connect & serve

In a world where community needs are ever-growing and resources often stretched thin, the annual Community Connect & Serve event in Winchester, Virginia, stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration. In this episode of “The Valley Today,” host Janet Michael gathered with a dynamic group of organizers and participants to pull back the curtain on this unique event, revealing how it’s reshaping the way nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and everyday citizens come together to serve.

The conversation – listen here – recorded in the midst of a committee meeting at Winchester’s CCAP, was lively and candid. Janet was joined by Andrea Cosans and Lily Paccadolmis both from Winchester CCAP, Shannon Atkinson-Ganoe, Andy Gail from United Way NSV, Melinda Topham from JustServe.org, and Bishop BJ Custer from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – each representing a different facet of the community’s volunteer ecosystem. The group traced the event’s origins to a simple desire: to create a “one-stop shop” for volunteers and nonprofits to connect, collaborate, and address local needs more effectively. What began as a networking session has blossomed into a three-part gathering: a nonprofit collaboration forum, showcase of available resources for the faith-based community, and a public volunteer fair.

Bishop Custer shared how the event opened his eyes to the wealth of organizations ready to help, and how it inspired his congregation’s youth to get involved in everything from stocking shelves to making teddy bears for local charities. The panel emphasized that the event is open to all—parents, students, retirees, and anyone looking to give back. Whether you’re a “one-and-done” volunteer or someone seeking a long-term commitment, there’s a place for you.

The discussion also delved into the practical impact of volunteering. Lily, CCAP’s operations manager, highlighted how volunteers are the backbone of their organization, contributing hours equivalent to 10 or 11 full-time staff. The dollar value of these hours is staggering, but the real value lies in the relationships built and the sense of purpose volunteers gain. Melinda and Andrea reflected on how the event has sparked new collaborations, support groups, and even “group therapy” sessions for nonprofit leaders facing similar challenges.

Perhaps most inspiring were the personal stories: youth discovering the joy of service, community service workers returning as core volunteers, and families finding new ways to bond while helping others. The event’s ripple effect is evident in the formation of new leadership groups and the strengthening of ties between organizations that might otherwise operate in silos.

As the episode wrapped up, the group encouraged listeners to attend the upcoming event, emphasizing its open-door policy and the wealth of opportunities available. For those unable to attend, platforms like JustServe.org offer ongoing ways to get involved. The message was clear: in Winchester, service isn’t just an obligation—it’s a source of pride, connection, and lasting change.

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just curious about giving back, Community Connect & Serve offers a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, everyone benefits.

Sustainable Business: The Journey of Winchester Co-op Market

winchester co-op market

In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the Winchester Co-op Market is gearing up to revolutionize how the local community engages with sustainable food sources. In this episode of The Valley “Business” Today, hosted by Janet Michael, this informative and engaging session brought together key figures such as Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director of the Small Business Administration (SBA); Michael Daryabeygi, Andrea Cosans, and Michael Trainor, board members for the co-op. Click here to listen.

The core concept of the co-op is simple yet impactful—create a grocery store owned by the community, for the community. Board member Daryabeygi explained, ‘The great thing about co-ops is that they’re owned by the members. So members get a vote in crucial decisions.’ He emphasized that the co-op model allows the business to reflect community needs, supporting local farmers while making healthy, accessible food options available. ‘We want to see our local food economy flourish,’ he added.

Janet acknowledged the excellent media presence of the Winchester Co-op Market, stating, ‘You’ve done an outstanding job of getting press and having things out on social media.’ Her comment underscores the importance of community awareness and involvement in making the co-op a success.

Carl, however, added a layer of complexity to the conversation, stressing that farmers are the backbone of the co-op. ‘It’s really getting them to jump on board because they’re going to have a continuous source of revenue,’ he remarked. Carl highlighted the challenge of including second-tier products not taken by major grocery chains. This move could be smart for both farmers and the co-op.

Andrea and Trainor elaborated on the store’s vision. ‘The hope is for a bricks and mortar grocery co-op store, run by the community for the community,’ Andrea said. Trainor added, ‘We’re going to be a fully for-profit store and will operate similarly to a nonprofit during our startup phase to cover initial costs.’ The clarity in their statements underscores the transitional nature of their funding and operational strategies.

Trainor explained the financial intricacies further: ‘The store will eventually become profitable, at which point we will distribute dividends of profits to our members. We need startup funds and are open to all sorts of financial support, be it memberships, donations, or investments,’ he said.

The discussion touched on some of the challenges faced in launching the co-op. According to Carl, a well-structured business model will be essential. ‘It’s not just about the farmers; it’s about fulfilling the needs of the community and being smart with economic development,’ he advised.

The board is contemplating innovative approaches to stand out, including the introduction of a commercial kitchen and perhaps even drone delivery systems. ‘You have to let people know that while we’re bringing what we all want on our taste buds, we’re also using new technology to make it more convenient,’ Carl suggested.

Janet offered practical advice on maintaining momentum: ‘This is a great way for people who are baking brownies, doing sandwiches, and more to figure out if it can be a business for them,’ she said, emphasizing the value of pop-up events and local partnerships.

Funding remains a significant hurdle. ‘We’re starting with about 17,000 in the bank and 100 memberships. If anyone wants to write me a check for two and a half million dollars, we can start building tomorrow,’ Trainor quipped. The co-op is exploring various avenues for financing, including member loans and grants from federal and local organizations.

Andrea highlighted the community angle, ‘It’s about meeting the needs of the community and creating jobs for local folks.’ She mentioned that similar cooperative models in other towns have taken years to materialize, but the board is optimistic about their five to seven-year plan.

The co-op isn’t just about selling food; it aims to be an educational and cultural hub. Daryabeygi shared ambitions of establishing partnerships with local schools and organizations for educational programs. ‘We want this to grow beyond a mere store,’ he said, expressing hopes for community cooking classes and sustainability projects.

To keep people excited and engaged over the long term, Janet proposed collaborating with local markets for pop-up events and demonstrations. ‘Collaborations with local businesses can keep that excitement up so you’re not having to do it all alone,’ she advised.

The session concluded with a forward-looking vision from Carl. ‘It’s not about competition, it’s about the community,’ he stated. With ongoing community support and innovative planning, the Winchester Co-op Market is on track to become a cornerstone for sustainable living in the Shenandoah Valley.

Learn more about Winchester Co-op Market on their website: https://winchestercoop.market/

Hunger in Winchester: The Impact of SNAP Cuts

winchester ccap snap

In the heart of Old Town Winchester, at the bustling Espresso Bar, a deeply insightful conversation – listen here – unfolded between Janet Michael, host of The Valley Today, and Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP. The topic, while sobering, is crucial: the recent cuts to SNAP benefits and their far-reaching impacts on the community.

“I’m here about once or twice a week,” Andrea began, referring to the frequency of her visits to the popular café. Janet echoed this sentiment, acknowledging their shared space for meetings and cooling off, and this casual start quickly transitioned into a critical discussion about the newly passed legislation affecting SNAP benefits.

Andrea provided a detailed look at their clientele, mainly the elderly on fixed incomes or those in the ‘ALICE’ population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These individuals are the working poor, juggling multiple jobs without health insurance and still unable to make ends meet. Janet stressed, “It’s important to understand that these are working people, not folks looking for a handout.”

Statistics were highlighted, revealing that last year, CCAP’s food pantry program assisted 8,500 unduplicated individuals, with many visiting only twice a year, underscoring the crisis nature of food insecurity. People often visit multiple food pantries, not to game the system but to survive.

The rising cost of living, particularly rent, was another focal point. For many families, access to food pantries is the difference between making rent and feeding their families. Janet noted, “In so many cases, being able to come to CCAP and stock their pantry, put some food in their refrigerator, is the difference between them making their rent or feeding their family.”

Concerns about food supply shortages were raised, with Andrea mentioning that sources like the USDA are showing signs of strain. She recounted a six-month period when meat was unavailable at food banks, highlighting the fragility of food supplies.

Janet urged listeners to empathize by imagining a month without meat—a stark reality for many families. Andrea emphasized that the food available at pantries, typically canned and boxed goods, wouldn’t be chosen if there were better options.

Despite these challenges, Janet noted the silver lining—those who visit for food might discover other valuable services offered by CCAP, such as clothing, financial literacy classes, and rental assistance.

Andrea discussed the shame some people feel in accessing these services, saying, “You know what I hear all the time? ‘But I’m not that needy; there’s somebody else more desperate.'” This sentiment is likely to change as more people find themselves in tighter spots.

Looking forward, Andrea warned that SNAP benefit cuts would likely worsen, moving thousands from food insecurity to hunger. Andrea highlighted that CCAP might have to cap the amount of food distributed or focus resources entirely on food or financial aid. Despite these challenges, grants from United Way and collaborations with local suppliers like USA Produce offer some relief.

The discussion also shifted to the broader economic impacts. If local organizations can’t fulfill their obligations, small businesses and vendors suffer, creating a trickle-down effect that harms the community. Janet stressed the systemic nature of these issues and the importance of collaboration among local organizations.

Janet concluded by asking how the community can help now. Andrea’s answer was multi-faceted: donations, volunteer work, and advocacy. She invited people to donate food or money, volunteer their time, or bring unique skills to assist CCAP.

Janet encouraged listeners to educate themselves and their circles about the pressing issues discussed. Andrea highlighted the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s advocacy resources, she framed the situation as a collective challenge requiring united efforts.

“Thank you for taking some time and making me more depressed,” Janet jested, adding, “But at the same time, giving me some hope, because I know that there are so many organizations in our area that are like you, and they’re like, okay, challenge accepted.”

In closing, Janet made a heartfelt plea for solidarity and support. “I encourage you to take the information that you’ve learned today because it is real. It is local information. And help educate those around you so that they too understand the value of giving in their communities,” she concluded.

The essential message remains clear: Together, we can make a tangible difference in addressing the SNAP benefit cuts and their impact on our community.

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/