Nonprofit United Community Marks 50th Anniversary

MOUNT VERNON, VA — A southeastern Fairfax County nonprofit has marked its 50th anniversary of providing services to disadvantaged people. United Community, formerly known as United Community Ministries, celebrated its 50 years on Oct. 19 at Mount Vernon Country Club.

Founded in 1969, the nonprofit assists adults, youths and families struggling with basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. Among the services are an early learning center, Stepping Stones program providing emergency food and other assistance, Opportunity Neighborhood Mount Vernon for youths, neighborhood centers, and citizenship and literacy education.

It began with a group of women from affluent areas running a clothing drive in a trailer to help neglected communities. The grassroots effort grew into a top human services nonprofit serving southeastern Fairfax County. By 1971, over 700 people volunteered, and Fairfax County provided funding. Today, United Community serves around 9,000 disadvantaged people each year.

At the 50th anniversary event, United Community's leadership outline plans to increase collaboration between government leaders, schools, nonprofits and residents to address obstacles of disadvantaged people.

"As an agency, our path forward is clear," said Alison DeCourcey, United Community’s executive director, in remarks. "While we will continue to give direct aid, United Community can and will disrupt the systems that institutionalize poverty in our region."

United Community previously announced it will close its Back Porch Thrift Store on Oct. 31. It opened as a place for low-income families to get affordable clothing and home goods. The nonprofit cited similar stores popping up, resulting in declining sales and customers. The closing will also allow the nonprofit to focus on the other services it provides for disadvantaged residents.