United community

United Community is a non-profit organization in Alexandria, VA, that has been empowering local residents for over 50 years. It operates several integrated programs including Early Learning & Family Support, Youth Development, Food Security & Basic Needs, and Advancing Self-Sufficiency. The organization aims to help individuals and families overcome barriers to build paths toward self-sufficiency.

The organization serves families living within its service area in Northern Virginia, specifically Alexandria and surrounding communities. It provides food assistance every other week, youth programming, and community school support at various locations like Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School and Walt Whitman Middle School.

To get involved or receive services, individuals can visit the main office at 7511 Fordson Rd. or contact the specific program locations like the Progreso Literacy and Citizenship Center or the Sacramento Neighborhood Center. Volunteers are also actively sought to play a tremendous role across all programs and services.

The organization has been operating since 1969, starting as a small neighborhood initiative with a refurbished trailer called the 'Trailer Store' on church grounds. It has since grown into a nationally-recognized nonprofit with multiple locations and a diverse range of programs.

Residents can reach out via the main office phone number 703.768.7106 or the email address [email protected]. Specific programs also have dedicated contact numbers and emails, such as the Early Learning Center at 703.765.0909.

Reviewers consistently praise the organization for its informative and user-friendly website, which makes it easy to find necessary information about services. They also highlight the staff's friendliness, knowledge, and readiness to assist with any questions or concerns.

The Trustburn rating is 3.9 out of 5 based on 10 reviews. The distribution includes multiple 5-star and 4-star ratings, alongside several 3-star ratings, reflecting a generally positive but mixed perception of the organization's services.

The organization's own website states that it is a top-rated, nationally-recognized nonprofit in Fairfax County, VA. It claims Charity Navigator scores it at 100%, earning a 4-star rating, which aligns with the high marks given by many reviewers.

A key differentiator is the organization's history of evolving from a simple food pantry in 1969 to a comprehensive service provider addressing systemic barriers. It reimagined its purpose in 2017 to focus on ending multigenerational poverty through unity and transformation.

The organization operates multiple specific locations including the Gerry Hyland/South County Government Center for mailing and administrative services, and the Sacramento Neighborhood Center for computer use and youth programming.

Safety protocols are in place where the organization follows local closure decisions; when Fairfax County Government offices close, administrative offices and onsite programs like the food pantry also close. Similarly, the Early Learning Center closes when Fairfax County Public Schools close.

The organization provides a wide variety of food assistance including canned goods, fresh produce, eggs, and meat. Families can receive these items every other week, and the program is known as the Cynthia Hull Food Pantry.

Some users on Reddit mention feeling part of a 'united community' of love and celebration, reflecting the organization's broader theme of unity. Others discuss the importance of community support in overcoming challenges, which resonates with the organization's mission.

The organization emphasizes that volunteers play a tremendous role across all programs and services, depending on community support to fulfill their mission. This reliance on volunteers is a core part of how the organization operates.

United community has official profiles on Linkedin.