If I could, I’d introduce you to Mrs. Lopez. She’s a widow and in her late 70s. She has some health issues faced by many of us in that time of life. Mrs. Lopez is benefiting from innovation that our collective grantmaking dollars fostered here at the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.
Mrs. Lopez is a patient of Loudoun’s local nonprofit community health center, Healthworks, serving thousands of low-income families. When Ms. Lopez’s physician asks about her diet, if that doctor gets any hint she isn’t getting the variety needed for a good diet, the doctor writes her a “prescription” to go downstairs and get her weekly “prescription” of fresh veggies. Meanwhile, Loudoun Hunger Relief delivers fresh vegetables to Healthworks just for this purpose.
It’s a match made in heaven—made possible because of local philanthropy.
This story—along with the countless others like it—demonstrates the importance of community foundations in Loudoun County and other communities across the country. We are uniquely situated to improve our communities by supporting innovative solutions and creating powerful partnerships.
From Nov. 12 to 18, we celebrate Community Foundation Week, a time when we can share and reflect on the stories of impact over the last year. Though you may not yet know your local Community Foundation, you’ve likely felt our impact.
We granted almost $1 million to more than 100 local charities last year. Still, our work is much more than funder. We are conveners, workshop leaders, partnership builders, and champions of philanthropy. Have you come across our Faces of Loudoun community service campaign? It’s our way to introduce you to your neighbors through personal stories featuring real people. From hunger, to mental health struggles, to health, to domestic abuse—it is important to recognize the charities that serve, aid, and educate our neighbors and depend upon your local charitable giving to sustain their missions. I hope you’ll learn more by visiting the dozens of stories featured at FacesofLoudoun.org.
That’s because the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties and more than 850 other community foundations across the country support the efforts that help our community be the places we want to grow up and grow old.
During Community Foundation Week, we celebrate our collective impact and the difference we make together. Won’t you join us?
Amy E. Owen, President & CEO
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties
Owen: Live in Loudoun, give in Loudoun – Loudoun Times-Mirror
