Project Connect
May 30, 2022
We were on the screen to record today's podcast with Jennifer Hall, Senior VP of Community Investment with United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley and Abby Zimmermann, Manager of Valley Assistance Network (VAN) - a program of UWNSV.
The pair gave a history of Project Connect over the last three years and talked about the growth this year to include a second event in Woodstock.
Abby recounted her experience as a volunteer guide at last year's event and the impact it had on her feeling about the community. She highly encouraged others volunteer to help.
United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley’s Project Connect is a one-stop event where families can access multiple services and the resources they need, all under one roof. Over 50 providers and more than 60 services will be available including free medical screenings, job assistance, veterans' services, housing information, DMV services, free haircuts, food, and much more.
The third annual Project Connect will be held on two dates: June 3, 2022 at the Woodstock Moose Lodge (152 Moose Rd, Woodstock, VA) from 8:00am-2:00pm, and on June 10, 2022 at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School (550 Virginia Ave, Winchester, VA) from 8:00am-2:00pm. United Way served 500 people at the event last year, most of whom are part of the ALICE® population. The two events are estimated to serve 750-1,000 people in 2022.
Project Connect is made possible through generous underwriting sponsorships from Continental Corporation and Trex Company. Supporting sponsorships were made by Home Depot, George's INC, Valley Health, and Navy Federal. Additional support was given by Virginia Housing, Dupont Community Credit Union, United Bank, City National Bank and Molina Healthcare. The event would not be possible without the support of these companies.
Project Connect events are held in more than 300 communities across the nation. They are recognized as an effective, organized effort to coordinate services to best assist people who are dealing with poverty and homelessness. At last year’s event, 500+ individuals received help from 60 area providers. Highlights included offering 79 dental screenings, 87 free haircuts from volunteer stylists, distributing 150 clothing bags, and distributing 125 food boxes. 85% of attendees in 2021 said they would likely not have been able to obtain the services without Project Connect.
What makes the event unique is the personalization and service clients will receive when they attend. Volunteer “Guides” will be matched one-on-one with participants to assist them in accessing the services they needed the most.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is required in advance of the event to guarantee access to some services. Appointments must be scheduled to receive services from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the Winchester and Woodstock Event. Appointments are also strongly recommended for veterinary care for pets in the Winchester event.
More information about registration and on the programs and vendors is available on United Way NSV website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/projectconnect
Volunteers are still being recruited for Project Connect. Volunteer barbers and hair stylists are highly needed for both events. Additional shifts for set-up, clean-up and for event staff are still available. See shift times and needs by visiting https://volunteer.unitedwaynsv.org/ and clicking on the Project Connect tab.