Personal struggles are plaguing Prince William County’s residents.
Many are finding resources and support in Dumfries.
Since it was founded 50 years ago, Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) programs have provided assistance to those in need.
It celebrated its anniversary at a recent gala that was held in Manassas.
“There’s thousands of people who come every single month for food. We have hundreds of children that we work with every year who have been assaulted by people that they trust,” CEO Steve Liga said. “We have thousands of families who have been involved in domestic violence situation[s] — your neighbors — who come to us looking for hope and healing.”
A Helpline and Emergency Financial Assistance are a couple of other services ACTS provides.
The Dumfries-based non-profit also runs a Hunger Prevention Center, which opened in August.
“We work with different types of clients — those who are in need of food; those who may have lost a job, can’t provide food for their family; and, also, for those who are sick and shut-in,” Center Manager Phil Edney said.
It partners with the Woodbridge High School food pantry, according to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Superintendent Steve Walts.
“The school food drive collects nearly 10,000 pounds of food for the Hunger Prevention Center each year,” Walts said.
Multiple businesses, including Wegmans in Woodbridge and Shoppers in Dumfries, also work alongside the center.
“All of the local grocery stores value the community and know that people are hungry, and they know that by supporting ACTS we will get that good food to the people who need it,” Liga said.
