The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) has been selected to be featured in the 2012-13 Catalogue for Philanthropy of Greater Washington. A panel of more than 100 expert reviewers from area foundations, corporate giving programs, and peer non-profit organizations evaluated 220 applications; LCAC is one of 74 outstanding nonprofits to be featured this year.
According to Barbara Harman, president and editor of the Catalogue for Philanthropy of Greater Washington, the Catalogue’s mission is to connect caring citizens with worthy community causes.
"Many nonprofits continue to suffer during the slow economic recovery, and the search for support has been intensified by the loss of government, and sometimes of foundation funding," Harman said. "Individual donors can continue to make a real difference, keeping great organizations afloat during these challenging times."
From traditional, direct mail catalogues, to innovative online portals, to special events and social media, the Catalogue's goal is to build networks of engaged donors and great nonprofits who will make a difference in new ways, on their terms.
It also provides charities with a stamp of approval that tells donors they can invest with confidence because the Catalogue vets its family of nonprofits with great care.
In November, 25,000 individuals and hundreds of family foundations will receive copies of the print Catalogue in November, and others will visit the Catalogue website at cfp-dc.org or access the Catalogue's customized portal at work. The online Catalogue also connects donors with volunteer opportunities, events, news, videos, and more.
"Charities were selected for excellence, cost-effectiveness, and impact" Harman said. "The Lorton Community Action Center is certainly among the best community-based nonprofits in the Washington region."
Since 1975, LCAC has provided emergency services and self-sufficiency programs to residents of southeast Fairfax County, including Fort Belvoir, Lorton and Newington.
"Our mission is two-fold, providing assistance and outreach. Our goal is to help families improve their lives, while assisting them toward self-sufficiency," said Andrea Cochrane Tracey, LCAC’s Development Director
LCAC assistance programs provide relief to families in need, including food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, information and referral, and seasonal assistance.
"Our Outreach Programs help prepare children and families for the future, providing counseling, English as a Second Language classes, nutrition classes, pro-bono legal services and youth programs," Tracey said.
In fiscal year 2011, 500 active volunteers, individuals and groups donated 11,195 hours of their time which represents a value of $234,937.
"There are many areas where people typically volunteer at LCAC, including the food program, thrift store, administrative, tutoring, special events, holiday food distribution, back-to-school, furniture pick-up and food collection," Tracey said.
To learn more about LCAC, visit www.lortonaction.org.