At Our Health, we know that community well-being doesn’t happen by chance. It grows through care, connection, and collaboration. Every year, the power of Giving Tuesday reminds us that generosity can strengthen the entire Northern Shenandoah Valley.

This year, Our Health’s Giving Tuesday campaign supports the Community Resiliency Fund, launched by the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV). The fund helps local families and nonprofits manage the ripple effects of the federal shutdown and delayed SNAP benefits.

It ensures that help arrives quickly—whether for food security, housing stability, or other essential needs.

“We’re seeing more working families fall through the cracks,” said Andy Gail, CEO of United Way NSV. “The Resiliency Fund helps us respond fast and strategically—getting resources where they’re needed most.”

The launch of the Community Resiliency Emergency Fund comes at a crucial moment. The ongoing federal shutdown delayed November SNAP benefits, putting added strain on food pantries and local assistance programs.

According to the 2023 United for ALICE Report, 40% of households across Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties and the City of Winchester live below the ALICE threshold. When systems like SNAP pause, these families are the first to experience hardship.

The power of Giving Tuesday shines here. Every donation strengthens the local safety net and gives nonprofits the flexibility to respond fast—often within hours.

Together, Our Health and United Way NSV ensure that resources reach nonprofit partners quickly.
Your Giving Tuesday support helps provide:

• Emergency food purchases when pantry shelves run low.

• Transportation for rural food deliveries to homebound families and veterans.

• Repairs or replacements for refrigeration and storage equipment.

• Bridge support for staff or volunteers when demand suddenly doubles.

“Emergencies do not wait for budgets or board meetings,” said Gail. “This fund allows us to respond immediately and keep vital programs running.”

Because of you, the power of Giving Tuesday translates into immediate relief and long-term stability for neighbors in need.

The Community Resiliency Emergency Fund began with $10,000 in seed support—a joint investment from Our Health and United Way NSV. Together, we aim to raise $50,000 by year’s end to strengthen our region’s nonprofit network.

“In moments of uncertainty, community is what saves us,” said Sharen Gromling, Executive Director of Our Health. “By investing in resilience, we’re investing in the health and stability of the entire Shenandoah Valley.”

Every dollar raised stays local and supports nonprofits providing immediate, flexible aid.
After December 1, United Way NSV will introduce a simple application process so agencies can access funds quickly and equitably.

The power of Giving Tuesday extends beyond one day—it fuels collaboration year-round. The Our Health network connects dozens of agencies providing healthcare, housing, food access, and crisis support.

Together, Our Health, United Way NSV, and local partners form a safety net that keeps our region strong.

Here are just a few partner agencies making a difference across the Northern Shenandoah Valley every day:

Northwestern Community Services Board delivers behavioral health, developmental, and substance use services, supporting recovery and stability for individuals and families.

Shenandoah Community Health Clinic offers affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health care—ensuring that families have access to essential services, regardless of income or insurance status.

Blue Ridge Hospice provides compassionate care for patients and families navigating serious illness, bringing comfort and dignity at every stage of life.

Sinclair Health Clinic extends critical primary and specialty care to uninsured and underinsured adults, reducing barriers to treatment and improving long-term health outcomes.

When you give this Giving Tuesday, you help sustain the shared infrastructure that allows these programs—and many more—to reach those who need them most.

Your support keeps this safety net strong. Here’s how to get involved:

• Donate to the Community Resiliency Emergency Fund: Track the campaign live and help reach the $50,000 goal.
• Spread the Word: Share posts from Our Health and United Way NSV to inspire others to give.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to help local nonprofits extend their reach.

Collective giving transforms communities. When neighbors, businesses, and organizations unite around a shared purpose, small acts of generosity create lasting change.

At Our Health, we believe Giving Tuesday supports community health not just for one day, but through the relationships and resilience it builds year-round.

By supporting the Community Resiliency Fund, you’re investing in food security, housing stability, and the future strength of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Together, we can ensure that every person has access to the care, stability, and opportunity they need to thrive—today and in the days ahead.
Learn more or give today →