By Dominique McIndoe
According to Be Healthy Be Happy Prince William, the web-based resource for community health data, 5.6% of residents in Prince William County (PWC) experience food insecurity — they have limited availability of nutritionally adequate foods or an uncertain ability to acquire these foods. In PWC, between 14,000 and 26,000 children alone experience food insecurity daily, especially when food assistance programs are not in place. Efforts of nonprofit organizations like the Virginia-based Prince William County Community Foundation are motivated by these unfortunate statistics to improve the quality of life of everyone in the community.
Since its founding in December 2018, PWCCF strives to be at the forefront of strengthening the county’s communities. Through a number of initiatives that focus on food insecurity, healthcare and education for example, as well as the close examination of research trends in the county and the state, the foundation ensures that social, environmental and economic health is their utmost priority. Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, president, CEO and founder of PWCCF had a bright vision for the nonprofit since its inception. Over 30 years of service in the U.S. Army and a desire to serve her community outside of corporate America inspired her to establish the grassroots organization. In a little over two years, PWCCF has made a profound impact in Prince William.
Combating Childhood Hunger
The C.H.O.W. Wagon brings food to the doorsteps of those who lack the resources or transportation
As its name indicates, the Combating Hunger on Wheels initiative began in 2019 to help eradicate childhood and family hunger in Prince William County. C.H.O.W. is PWCCF’s principal initiative in which members of the community are given greater access to nutritious and high-quality food. The C.H.O.W. Wagon brings food to the doorsteps of those who lack the resources or transportation. As of the end of 2020, PWCCF has distributed over 42,000 meals to children and families in Prince William, according to Dr. Gattis. The
unfortunate news, however, is that hunger continues to be a complex issue.
“One of our biggest challenges that we deal with is not having enough resources to meet the needs of our community, especially food resources,” Dr. Gattis says. “Our C.H.O.W. Wagons can hold only so much food. When we run out and we still have residents coming to see us after the food is all gone, it breaks our heart to turn people away. We have expanded the number of sites and frequency of distribution, but sometimes it is still not enough.”
The arrival of COVID-19 also presented a unique challenge in March 2020, but in the face of the pandemic, C.H.O.W. operations ramped up. They began distributing meals to students from Prince William County School locations who would not be returning to school during the spring 2020 semester. Several people and organizations in other states have asked the foundation to expand their C.H.O.W. initiative into their own communities.
Promoting Health and Wellness
In Prince William County, there are three public healthcare issues that require attention: mental-health conditions, including substance use and abuse; obesity, physical activity and access to healthy foods; and access to health and dental care. PWCCF’s healthcare initiative addresses these needs in the community and works to collectively improve residents’ health and wellness. The foundation works together with community entities to better understand community health problems, share information with healthcare establishments and develop strategic solutions to these health issues. PWCCF’s 2019 Health & Wellness EXPO connected Prince William residents to local businesses so they could learn about the health, wellness and financial resources available in the county.
Investing in Education
“The foundation believes in investing in the students in Prince William County,” Dr. Gattis says.
In the age of astronomical college fees, PWCCF makes sure not to forget the financial needs of kids and their families through their scholarship initiative. The foundation specifically helps PWC high school seniors offset their college expenses. Since the start of the initiative in 2019, PWCCF has awarded five scholarships to Prince William high school seniors. Though plans are still in the initial phases, PWCCF hopes to prepare
high school seniors even further by incorporating a mentorship element in early 2021.
The Concerted Effort
The lifeblood of the foundation includes volunteers, donors, sponsors and partners. Residents in the community from all walks of life dedicate their time to help PWCCF accomplish their mission. School teachers, school board members, Board of County Supervisors, government workers, students, military
members, corporate workers and retired residents have all lent a helping hand. Nonprofits, organizations and churches like the StreetLight Community Outreach Ministries, the Virginia Community Food Connections, Prince William Food Rescue, Neabsco Baptist Church and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority alumnae chapter — among others — all contribute to community collaboration and collective giving.
“We do not believe in being on an island by ourselves,” says Dr. Gattis. “We live by our motto — Together, WE can make a difference.”
Laura Hatcher, owner of Laura Hatcher Photography in Alexandria and fellow Navy veteran, shares a similar
sentiment.
“This past June, I photographed her business branding images,” Hatcher says of her volunteer work with the foundation. She also photographed their Feed the Troops drive in August 2020. “Her volunteers rally to support the community regardless of the weather.” Laura’s three sons are consistent summer volunteers
and recognize the value in being active in the community.
“My heart is overjoyed when our community wants to volunteer,” Dr. Gattis says. “They believe in the work we are doing and that gives us a sense of joy… Our greatest accomplishment as an organization is to be able to assist our community as much as we can.”
To volunteer at the Prince William County Community Foundation, go to pwccfoundation.org, fill out the application and email it to info@pwccfoundation.org. To donate or learn more about the foundation, visit pwccfoundation.org.
Dominique McIndoe (mcindoe@princewilliamliving.com) is an assistant production editor at a publishing company and a longtime writer.
