Sometimes the smallest acts create the most lasting impact. That’s something Lucas, one of United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s Community Health Workers (CHWs), knows well.

During a routine food box delivery, Lucas visited Ms. Jones, an older adult living alone in Franklin County. As he always does, he asked if there was anything else she needed. He quickly noticed that her home was difficult to navigate due to the way the furniture was arranged—an issue for someone with mobility challenges. When he offered to rearrange the space for her, Ms. Jones gratefully accepted. After the changes were made, she was able to move through her home more safely and comfortably.

During their conversation, Ms. Jones opened up about the loneliness she’d felt since moving back to Virginia from Ohio. The pandemic had cut her off from family and community, and now, with age-related health issues and no longer able to drive, she felt isolated. Lucas told her about local senior programs through the Department of Aging, including weekly Thursday events at the Essig Center, complete with transportation. Ms. Jones lit up at the opportunity and was signed up for the program that same day.

When Lucas visited again, Ms. Jones was radiant—she’d gone to the event and loved being out in the community again, connecting with others in a safe, welcoming space.

That same week, she expressed something deeply moving to Lucas. She shared that she knew his mother and had heard of her recent passing. Then she said, “If the Lord keeps me here, I’d love to be your fill-in mother. You’ve done so much for me. I would’ve loved to have had a son like you.”

A few days later, Ms. Jones’s daughter called Lucas to thank him. Because of her own health challenges, she hadn’t been able to do many of the things he had done for her mother. Lucas talked with her about the Walk with Ease program to help with mobility and diabetes management. She agreed to give it a try—because she trusted him.

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Why This Work Matters

This is just one story among many. CHWs are often the only bridge between isolated individuals and the services that help them stay safe, healthy, and connected. They don’t just deliver food—they build trust, open doors to vital resources, and care for those who might otherwise be left behind.

But without urgent support, this work is at risk.

Due to the loss of federal grant funding, these positions will only continue through June 30 unless we raise the funds needed to sustain them. If we are unable to secure new funding, the kind of care Ms. Jones and her family received—personal, compassionate, and consistent—will no longer be possible.

Our community cannot afford to lose this kind of support.

With your help, we can keep CHWs in place—and continue showing up for people like Ms. Jones when it matters most.