Good afternoon,
I am reaching out to you for help. LCAC needs letters of support and folks willing to testify at the Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, May 22nd, 7:30pm in favor of the Lorton Community Center. This new 29,000 square foot facility, approved for construction in the 2016 bond referendum, would include four multi-purpose rooms designed for senior, teen, children and adult related programming; space for LCAC's pantry, client services and administrative offices (approximately 3,100 square feet, replacing the pantry building and the house); fitness and exercise rooms; a regulation size gymnasium; art and maker's space, a teaching kitchen and a connection to the Lorton Library allowing for expanded programming for the entire community.
The Steering Committee for the facility, which has met since 2017, has recommended that the Lorton Community Center be constructed next to the Lorton Library, which would enable LCAC to remain in the neighborhood where we have been serving for the last 34 years. Remaining in this immediate community would allow LCAC to continue addressing needs and creating opportunities for our neighbors, many of whom have enormous obstacles in their lives which prevent or limit success. Struggles with transportation, under-education and the impacts to employment and language barriers are just some of the difficulties families and seniors face who need LCAC services.
The approval of the Lorton Community Center (through the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors) would allow LCAC, other non-profit partners, the Lorton Senior Center, the Lorton Library and Neighborhood & Community Services of Fairfax County to work together in creating opportunities for many in our community. Imagine as a senior coming to Center for a day's worth of programming and then staying to engage in an LCAC nutrition class. LCAC serves more than 140 senior and disabled households each month. Providing learning for people of all ages in one facility allows our neighbors to connect. It is exciting to know that anyone can be a part of the Lorton Community Center, learning, playing, growing, regardless of income.
Creating opportunities and assisting our neighbors has been LCAC's mission for 44 years. For far too long, Lorton residents have not had the same opportunities that are available in other parts of the county. The Lorton Community Center and LCAC's part in it, can and will change the lives of seniors, children, teens, adults and families. More than 40% of LCAC's households are led by single Moms. Ensuring that these families are supported with afterschool and teen programming, which includes a dinner program each night will better the lives of participating families. Providing a variety of educational and workforce programming at the Lorton Community Center will have a direct impact on the households in our community who are experiencing unemployment (currently 54% of all LCAC households have one or more adults who are unemployed). The possibilities are endless because partnerships (county, LCAC, other non-profits, businesses) through the Lorton Community Center will allow a variety of programs and services to be available to our neighbors through this new facility.
Let me know if you are willing to write a letter of support to the Planning Commissioners and the Board of Supervisors ensuring that the Lorton Community Center project and LCAC's ability to continue to meet the needs and provide opportunities for our neighbors is ensured for the future or are willing to testify as well. If you have questions or want to learn more, please email or give me a call! Letters can be emailed directly to the Planning Commission. It would be best if letters are received by Monday, May 20th and should be sent to: plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov In the email subject line you should put: RE: Support for Special Exception Amendment, SEA 83-V-076-02 and 2232-V18-25. You will get an email back acknowledging receipt.
It would also be helpful if you could personalize the letter regarding the impact the facility could have on the community: i.e. help more children and teens with summer lunch (if you have volunteered there); provide connections for folks in need of food assistance as you saw the impact Fall for LCAC had on the community or through your hours in the food pantry; etc.
Thank you for your time and care you give to the families served through LCAC! Please let me know if you have questions or if you are willing to send a letter, or even more helpful, speak at the 5/22 hearing.
Thanks!
Linda Patterson
Executive Director
Lorton Community Action Center
703/339-5161, ext. 140
Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC)
Physical Address: 9518 Richmond Hwy (behind Lorton Library), Lorton, VA 22079
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 154, Lorton, VA 22199-0154
Phone: 703-339-5161, ext. 170 Fax: 703-339-5580
CFC#58126 – Remember LCAC in your CFC giving!
News
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2019 Spring Into Action Gala! Because of your support, we were able to rasie over $30,000 for our F.A.N. programs. See you next year!
Upcoming Events
LCAC's Annual Hope & Health Festival is set to take place on May 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. beside LCAC at 9518 Richmond Highway. You can read more here. If you would like to be involved, e-mail Linda Patterson by e-mail or call 703/339-5161, ext. 140
Fairfax County Police Department along with Gold's Gyms of Lorton & Woodbridge, are partnering with LCAC this summer! Through June 1st, Gold's Gym (Lorton) & Gold's Gym (Woodbridge), will serve as drop-off locations for kids shoes or monetary donations of cash, checks (made payable to LCAC), Visa Gift Cards or Modell's Gift cards. All donations will go directly to LCAC to purchase shoes for kids in need & distribute accordingly. Download the flyer here!
A Fairfax County Police vs. Fire & Rescue Dodgeball Tournament will take place on June 1st as an additional fundraiser for kids programming. More information here. Read more here.
The 2019 Volunteer Celebration is happening in the beginning of June! Stay tuned for more details…
Marco's Mondays! If you order from Marco's Pizza (Fairfax Station location) on a Monday and mention that the order is for the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), Marco's will donate 15% back to the LCAC! Order by calling: (703) 690-7000.
Lorton Community Center Updates
Want to keep up-to-date as the Lorton Community Center progresses? The new facility, slated to open in early 2022 will be the new home for LCAC, Lorton Senior Center and a variety of age-level programs for the whole community! Check out the website for current information! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/lorton-community-center Have questions? Reach out to Linda Patterson, LCAC's Executive Director to chat, 703/339-5161, ext. 140 or email.
