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King George nonprofit planning another ambitious project--an office complex that would provide many resources for low- and moderate-income families Date published: 3/14/2010
By CATHY DYSON
The nonprofit agency that brought $13 million worth of affordable housing to King George County--without a dime of taxpayer funds--is planning a building that would be the first of its kind in Virginia. Project FAITH wants to build a HELP Center, a complex that would offer a variety of services to low- and moderate-income families in King George and throughout the Northern Neck. Project FAITH Director Fronce Wardlaw is applying for state and federal grants, tax credits and low-interest loans to build the center. It's planned at 40,000 square feet--almost a third the size of a Super Walmart--with an estimated cost of $8 million. "Anything a person needs will be in this one building," said Dave Coman, director of King George's Department of Social Services. He's one of several county and area officials who support the center, planned for State Route 3 east of the Courthouse. Coman's department would be housed in the building, along with the Health Department and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, the county's food bank and free clinic, and a state parole and probation office. "Part of the magic in this is that you have all the agencies that assist people to be successful and to make transitions in their lives, all together in this project," said Elizabeth "Sissy" Crowther, president of Rappahannock Community College. RCC would have permanent classrooms in the center, and hold sessions day and night. Students could work on degrees as nursing assistants, in childhood development or in other programs geared to what the local work force needs. Day care would be provided and meals offered in a USDA-approved kitchen, Wardlaw said. "It's going to be a great way to put the pieces of the puzzle together for those who need help," said Rusty Bragg, who manages the college's Workforce Development Program in Warsaw. "It's kind of one-stop shopping." Even though the center is a Project FAITH development, the King George Board of Supervisors has to endorse it to get grant money to pay for infrastructure costs.
Read more stories about King George Date published: 3/14/2010
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