Virginia Women and Family Support Center establishes second house in Manassas

Virginia Women and Family Support Center (VAWFSC) has opened its second house/supportive sanctuary on the grounds of Manassas Church of the Brethren at 10047 Nokesville Road. The organization’s first house is located in Haymarket.

“The Manassas House provides another supportive sanctuary for those in need. With its peaceful surroundings, this location serves as a beacon of hope for women and families facing adversity,” a news release said.

VAWFSC is committed to investing in and empowering vulnerable women, enabling them to regain their independence, live with dignity, and thrive with hope. The organization believes in the power of community and the lasting impact they can make together. Their vision is to help women regain their independence, stabilize their families, and live hope-filled lives for a brighter future.

Established in 2016 as Carried To Full Term, Virginia Women and Family Support Center has grown from providing housing for pregnant women facing homelessness to supporting women who have recently given birth, including those with additional children. Over the past eight years, the organization said it has had “the immense privilege of serving over 200 families with housing, support, and resources, thanks to the unwavering support of their community.”

A news release went on to say that “In 2017, the seven babies born within their program are now thriving second graders, reflecting VAWFSC’s commitment to creating a better future for their families. Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022, their residents successfully navigated these difficulties, armed with the skills and support provided by the center.”

Now there has been a “significant surge in urgent calls for housing assistance, mirroring the nationwide trend of women and children being the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population,”

The VAWFSC Board of Directors and staff explored ways to expand the organization’s services, the news release went on to say, and this led to the name change to Virginia Women and Family Support Center at the beginning of 2024.

The organization extends its “heartfelt gratitude” to all those who have “supported them over the past eight years. Contributions have been invaluable in their journey to provide long-term housing and support to women who are pregnant and homeless.”

VAWFSCis celebrating a “significant milestone: with “the opening of The Manassas House. Exactly eight years prior, they opened The Haymarket House, and since then, they have helped hundreds of women and families. Over these years, they have witnessed hundreds of women regain hope, freedom, stability, and safety.”

Miracles have happened in the hallways of their houses. Lives have been transformed from abandonment to victory. They have heard heart-wrenching stories and seen babies born prematurely, fighting to survive. They have witnessed women overcome their past to grasp the hope ahead. Their mission has been a life-saving option for women and their children.

To everyone who has served and funded this mission, Virginia Women and Family Support Center extends a heartfelt thank you. They are deeply grateful for every experience, the good, and the growth.

When they officially opened eight years ago, they received up to ten calls a week. Now, they receive up to ten requests daily. More than ever, they need your support to help women and children transition from sleeping in their cars to having safe, stable homes. Your support is crucial in providing housing to more mothers and their families.

The organization said it is “deeply grateful for the support of Home Depot for awarding a grant of $13,000 to buy flooring and some appliances for The Manassas House. This generous contribution has been instrumental in creating a comfortable and safe environment for the families we serve.”

As Virginia Women and Family Support Center opens its ” new chapter” it is asking members of the community to visit vawfsc.org and become a “Cycle Breaker by donating $20 monthly to help…house women and families.”

The group says “We can stand together to end homelessness for families, advocating for diverse family dynamics within our community, and creating a brighter future for all.”

A Grand Opening Celebration at Virginia Women and Family Support Center’s Manassas house is being planned.