In the News

Loudoun County’s business leaders will be honored at the 57th Annual Meeting and Community Leadership Awards gala

Relief efforts for NC hurricane victims

Purcellville teen an "Inspiration" for BetterALife

Back-To-School Needs for kids with BetterALife

BetterALife provides about 750 backpacks to those in need.

Founder Elizabeth Ford Grew Up Food Insecure

Growing up in Loudoun County is often associated with money and privilege. However, that is not the case for some students and families in our local neighborhoods. Community service exists to help families who are less fortunate, giving them opportunities to live their best life. 

Read More: https://www.thewoodgroveoutlander.com/news/local-news/2024/02/28/life-changing-moments-start-here/#photo

Elizabeth Ford didn’t have food at school, so she would tell other students that she was on a diet, something she considers easy for a girl to get away with.

On most days in her Reston, Virginia, neighborhood, she sat outside 7/11, hoping to gather enough quarters to buy a hot dog or nachos, or whatever else she may have wanted to eat.

Read More: https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2024/02/this-northern-va-woman-grew-up-hungry-shes-working-to-make-sure-no-kids-have-the-same-experience/

Elizabeth Ford didn’t have food at school, so she would tell other students that she was on a diet, something she considers easy for a girl to get away with.

On most days in her Reston, Virginia, neighborhood, she sat outside 7/11, hoping to gather enough quarters to buy a hot dog or nachos, or whatever else she may have wanted to eat.

Read More: https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2024/02/this-northern-va-woman-grew-up-hungry-shes-working-to-make-sure-no-kids-have-the-same-experience/

A Loudoun County nonprofit organization is expanding into Reston with a new food distribution site at Cathy Hudgins Community Center.

Read More: https://www.ffxnow.com/2024/02/21/nonprofit-expands-to-reston-with-new-food-distribution-site/?fbclid=IwAR0NIVT59AX9LW-qrjyFuDbk4MYx-tShv072mz8lRG_WHf_sz5x6gQygIkw

A new distribution center at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate (12125 Pinecrest Road) in Reston will bring the Christmas spirit alive this holiday season.

Read More: https://www.restonnow.com/2023/12/15/nonprofit-to-host-christmas-meals-toy-distribution-event-in-reston/

Despite Loudoun County’s reputation of being one of the wealthiest counties in the country, there are many who struggle to make ends meet.

Read More: https://www.loudounnow.com/news/homeless-in-high-school-with-community-support-student-moves-out-of-the-woods-and-off/article_9c91e9c0-6d42-11ee-a8d4-bb7a4eb06e0c.html

The Purcellville-based nonprofit BetterALife has teamed up with the Purcellville Police Department to offer after-school homework assistance for elementary and middle school students.

Read More: https://www.loudountimes.com/news/purcellville-police-and-local-nonprofit-betteralife-to-offer-homework-help/article_22b62e40-c0cd-11ec-9256-7fb24ff48a6c.html

Elizabeth Ford knew hunger and housing insecurity growing up in Fairfax County. The feeling of walking past a school lunchroom and not being able to eat sticks with her decades later.

Read More: https://www.loudounnow.com/archives/tackling-child-hunger-at-better-a-life/article_887a1491-2d6b-5b7c-8b35-8fd96f25c3dc.html

As a young girl growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Reston, Elizabeth Ford vividly remembers feeling the constant pang of hunger.

Read More: https://www.loudountimes.com/news/after-finding-her-calling-purcellville-woman-to-open-food-pantry-for-those-in-need/article_96f85582-7e22-11ec-86fd-634091ac7b9e.html