Dear LIFEworks Community,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with the same warmth and gratitude that we carry in our hearts as we write to you today. It's with immense pleasure and pride that we share the incredible impact The LIFEworks Project has been having on the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro communities. Your unwavering support, dedication, and kindness have made it all possible.
LIFT
Since our humble beginnings in 2021, The LIFEworks Project has been on a mission to combat food insecurity head-on. We have come a long way since then, expanding our reach into Staunton to support our neighbors at Valley
View and Gypsy Hill Apartments. We've witnessed the positive change we can create, and our efforts continue to reach even more corners of our community, including Springdale, Parkway Village, and Commerce St apartments. None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support from individuals like you, our dedicated volunteers, and our incredible partners who share our vision of a world without hunger.
INSPIRE
Unveiling the Power of Food Recovery in Retail
One of the cornerstones of our success has been our focus on food recovery from retail sources. Thanks to our collaboration with Food Lion and Walmart, we can rescue surplus food that meets all safety and quality standards but might otherwise go to waste. This not only reduces food waste but ensures that nutritious meals find their way to the families who need them most. However, we are acutely aware that challenges persist. In Waynesboro alone, 16% of individuals and families live at or below the federal poverty line. This sobering fact strengthens our commitment to our mission, motivating us to expand our efforts and create a lasting impact on our neighbors' lives.
FULFILL
Our microgrant program continues to serve individuals and families facing an unexpected expense. To date we have assisted our neighbors with $8900 in support. Assistance included orthopedic shoes, medications, a TB test, a car battery, utility assistance, glasses and a work uniform among other helps to keep working
people working.
“I cannot thank you enough for coming through for me and my family especially on such short notice. I appreciate what you and your organization has been able to do for us! Please let me know if later down the road you might need some type of community support as I would be more than happy to help in any way I can. “ Christina K. (utility bill)
“ I really appreciate what you and your organization were able to do to help me out with the shoes and the food.” Larry B. (orthopedic shoes)
“Thank you so much for your help! You and your organization have really blessed me. I am very grateful. Have a wonderful day. “ Brittany D. (car repair)
EMPOWER
Looking forward, The LIFEworks Project stands resolute in its commitment to building a healthier and more resilient community. Thanks to the generous support from Ntelos/Lumos, a City of Waynesboro Community Development Block grant, The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and other invaluable partners, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of the "River City Bread Basket," a client-choice, free food outlet in Ward A. Scheduled to open this October, the Bread Basket will provide meat, fresh produce, and other essential items to working families, addressing food scarcity in the area. Stay tuned for more details and opportunities to volunteer.
We invite each of you to continue walking this transformative journey alongside us. Every act of kindness, every donation, and every volunteer hour contributes to a brighter, nourished tomorrow for everyone in our community. Together, we are making an indelible difference in the lives of many, lifting each other up, and ensuring that our community thrives.
MILESTONES
in August we welcomed Donna Yobs to become a new board member. Donna brings a wealth of tech experience and social justice work to our community along with a commitment to serve others. We are happy and excited to have her come aboard.
...and DRUM ROLL, PLEASE!!!!
River City Bread Basket
Grand opening 10/7 @ 10am
505 N. Winchester Ave, Waynesboro
We're super excited to share some fantastic news with you all! Thanks to a generous grant from Ntelos/Lumos, the City of Waynesboro,
the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and support from the Community Foundation of the Blue Ridge, The LIFEworks Project is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative - the creation of the River City Bread Basket. . This will be no ordinary food pantry. It's going to be a special place where folks from our community can not only get the food they need but also find information and support in a welcoming community space.
You know what makes it unique? It's called "client choice." That means when guests come to the River City Bread Basket, they won't receive a prepacked bag or box of groceries. Instead, they get to choose the food they want. This way, they don't have to take things they already have, don't like, aren't culturally appropriate, or can't eat for health reasons. It's all about giving people the dignity of choice and making sure they get what they really need.
We believe in empowering our community, and the River City Bread Basket is a big step in that direction. We're excited about the possibilities and the positive impact it will have on our neighbors. Stay tuned for more updates as this project takes shape!
Gear Support
In addition to donations, we're always in need of people to join Gear Support - our squad of volunteers! Interested? Email thelifeworksproject@gmail.com for more information and to sign up!
Thank you for being an integral part of The LIFEworks Project family. Our collective efforts are sowing the seeds of change and yielding a harvest of hope.
With warm regards and boundless gratitude,
Team LWP