Lynchburg Community Action Group
Meeting Needs When They’re Needed
The Lynchburg Community Action Group (Lyn-CAG) based at 926 Commerce Street in the heart of the hill city's downtown area is where the action is. They are about as multi-faceted as an organization can be when it comes to meeting the needs of low and middle income individuals and families.  As one would expect, they are a non-profit organization, a private 501(c)(3) corporation to be exact. The Lyn-CAG website explains their programs and operations in much greater detail than can be covered here so please drop in for a visit, a web visit, that is. Lyn-CAG has been helping the needy citizens of Lynchburg for many years, since 1965 to be exact, and they just keep getting better and better. Maybe practice makes perfect. Their mission statement says in part that the main focus is "to provide a responsive range of programs and services developed to meet the specific needs of the Central Virginia area". Their Central Virginia geographic coverage in includes the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford and all the surrounding counties; a total area of 2,200 square miles.  Some of Community Action Group's most visible and valuable programs to the community and its residents include the: Hand Up Lodge: an emergency homeless shelter for individuals and families; accepts men and women and arranges a long list of services from various local agencies. Housing Opportunities for persons with HIV/AIDS: provides housing counseling and assistance in locating permanent housing.Virginia Cares: helps prison inmates and newly released parolees make the transition back into society.Center For Employment Training: Offers Certified Assistant Nurses Training and extensive preparation for the job search.Head Start Program: Provides Pre-School educational services to children of low-to-moderate income families who are in the 3 to 4 year age group; priority is given to children with special needs.Emergency Transportation Services: Assists with minor emergency vehicle repairs for qualifying families.Employment Services Program: assists the unemployed, underemployed and those desiring a career change. It is not an employment agency but works to prepare the individual for the job search.Emergency Assistance and Crisis Intervention Program: Assistance to individuals or families facing loss of utilities or eviction from their homes due to financial hardship.Childcare Services Program: Provides financial assistance to parents whose children require before and after school care or daycare or nursery services.Weatherization and Housing Rehab Programs: Home improvement, plumbing, water and waste water, and weatherization programs to qualifying families.Virginia Individual Development Account: A matching program designed to help low-to-moderate income families acquire assets and acquire the habit of regular savings.In August 2009, the Lynchburg Community Action Group purchased the Galleria downtown at 915 Main Street for $470,000. The purchase, which had to be approved by the City of Lynchburg, allowed Lyn-CAG to greatly expand their facilities.  Don’t just show up at the Lodge expecting to gain admittance since the entry is via the Lynchburg Community Action Group main office at 926 Commerce Street. Admittance to the Hand Up Lodge involves an application process. Upon admittance, the resident goes through a one-on-one crisis counseling session followed by the creation of a personal action plan guiding the resident to attaining employment and a permanent residence. The Lodge works through other local agencies to address many of the family and individual needs itemized above.
Leave the Community Action Group and return Home
Learn about the Food Bank network in Lynchburg
See what Miriam's House is doing for homeless women
Navigate back to Lynchburg Cares
Visit the Lynchburg Community Market on Main St.
See how Lynchburg Grows is feeding the hungry
What is the Economy of Lynchburg like?
Educational Opportunities abound in Lynchburg
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