A group of business leaders and non-profit organizations will band together to help furloughed federal workers.
As the shutdown drags on, we have transitioned into a moral emergency. We are 28 days into the longest government shutdown in the history of our country. The impact expands beyond furloughed workers – it impacts contractors, restaurants, daycare providers etc.
Now, though no action on their part across the country, in our community and at our church are the thousands of people who lay awake at night wondering when and if it will end. These are working Americans.
Families who work hard, save and plan ahead now have to worry about how to pay their daily expenses like mortgage, rent, medical care etc., and no planning and preparation can prepare someone for 28 days without the certainty of a paycheck.
We are focusing on the five key areas:
- Financial
- Nutrition
- Quality of Life
- Health and Wellness (both mental and physical)
- School assistance (lunches, books, extracurricular activities)
But we cannot do it alone. We need businesses, organizations, grocery stores, restaurants, financial institutions, schools, individuals, etc., everyone is needed. I know that so many people I have spoken to have said “I really wish I could be helpful, but I don’t know how.”
I am writing today to share what you can do.
First, if you are a family impacted by the government shutdown in Prince William or Stafford County, please call (571) 402-5905 or email us at [email protected].
Another way to engage is to download the app ForeverBLU in any app store to receive important updates and information that you will need to stay informed. To use the app, you will scan the above logo to unlock information.
We are offering physical resources and professionals to help you understand how to work with creditors. I have spoken to both the Virginia Governor’s office and Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax to ask them to reach out to lending institutions to encourage them to operate a program such as the one offered by Navy Federal, that is offering no credit check, no interest bank loans as an option of relief for federal workers.
Also, mark your calendars, for Wednesday, 30 January 2019, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. we are hosting a CALL to ACTION: Resources for Furloughed Workers event at Competitive Edge Athletic Performance Center in Woodbridge.
The purpose of this event is to bring together resources for furloughed workers and their families who have been adversely impacted by this government shutdown who live in Prince William and Stafford County.
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
