United Way NSV: Project Connect

Our conversation today with Kaycee Childress, CEO, and Jennifer Hall, Senior Director of Community Investment for United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley gave us all the details for Project Connect. The pair explained how the event started, how it's grown, and why it's an important piece of serving the community. Kaycee told us about the recent event held in Woodstock and gave some statistics for those who were served. Jennifer told us about the upcoming event in Winchester on July 28, 2023 and encouraged potential attendees to register to attend. They also spoke of the need for volunteers (particularly bilingual Spanish and Dari) and talked about the experiences of those who've volunteered as guides in the past. Project Connect is the Shenandoah Valley's one-stop FREE resource fair where attendees can receive assistance from more than 50 service providers, all under the same roof in one day.  Project Connect is a program of United Way NSV that strengthens and utilizes collaborations with agencies, businesses, organizations, and the community to provide comprehensive services for those who are at risk of becoming homeless, are currently experiencing homelessness, or are living on the cusp. Since it's launch in 2020, Project Connect has created partnerships with city leaders, community-based organizations, and volunteers from across the Shenandoah Valley to bring essential and otherwise hard to access services to residents. More than 200 volunteers make this program possible. Homelessness and our struggling ALICE population is a community issue, and as such requires a community solution. Free Services Include: Medical exams Dental screenings Vision screenings Housing services DMV services  Free legal advice Free Haircuts Job Interviews Veteran's services Free Giveaways Educational Opportunities Free Lunch And more! Project Connect will take place on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 9am - 3pm at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School - 550 Virginia Ave, Winchester, VA 22601. Pre-register for quick access or to reserve a specialized service. Walk-Ins are also welcome. If you're a nonprofit interested in setting up at the event, inquire here. Over 18 and looking to give back? See volunteer needs here.