United Community Award To Be Given To Retired Pastor

WOODLAWN, VA — Nonprofit United Community will give its highest award to Rev. Dr. Keary Kincannon, a retired pastor who the organization said is a "tireless advocate for the community."

Kincannon, who retired as pastor of Rising Hope Mission Church in 2021, will be given the Gerald W. Hyland Humanitarian Award Saturday. The award is part of United Community's Volunteer Appreciation Day at Woodlawn Faith United Methodist Church.

The Hyland award dates back to 2017, given by the United Community board of directors to individuals serving people in need through empowerment, transformation or enrichment of lives in the Mount Vernon and Lee Districts of Fairfax County. The award is named for Gerald W. Hyland, the former Mount Vernon District supervisor who preceded Dan Storck on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Hyland represented the Mount Vernon District for 28 years before retiring in 2015.

"I am honored to receive the Gerald W. Hyland Humanitarian Award from United
Community," said Kincannon in a statement. "Supervisor Hyland was a great example of giving
back to the community, and I have been so blessed to do this same for the residents of
this community. There is no greater gift than helping people at their time of need."

Kincannon founded Rising Hope Mission Church, a United Methodist church with a goal of helping people facing poverty and homelessness in the Route 1 corridor. During his time as pastor, he formed a food pantry, soup kitchen, clothing closet, hypothermia shelter, recovery programs, employment resources, and other emergency assistance. He also was a founding pastor of Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, a community organization focused on social justice issues for low and middle-income residents.

"Keary Kincannon has been a longtime advocate for people who might otherwise be forgotten,” said Thomas J. Curcio, the board chair United Community. "Growing up in the Fort Hunt area, he was keenly aware of the tremendous needs faced by many people here, and he set out to make a difference and give a voice to those who might not otherwise have one."

United Community is a nonprofit providing human services to people facing poverty around the Route 1 corridor. Some of its services include a food pantry, case management, community centers, and an early learning center. For more information, visit unitedcommunity.org.