The Power of Giving Back: Inside Community Connect & Serve 2025

The Valley Today

In a world where community needs are ever-growing and resources often stretched thin, the annual Community Connect & Serve event in Winchester, Virginia, stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration. In this episode of “The Valley Today,” host Janet Michael gathered with a dynamic group of organizers and participants to pull back the curtain on this unique event, revealing how it’s reshaping the way nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and everyday citizens come together to serve.

The conversation, recorded in the midst of a committee meeting at Winchester’s CCAP, was lively and candid. Janet was joined by Andrea Cosans and Lily Paccadolmis both from Winchester CCAP, Shannon Atkinson-Ganoe, Andy Gail from United Way NSV, Melinda Topham from JustServe.org, and Bishop BJ Custer from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - each representing a different facet of the community’s volunteer ecosystem. The group traced the event’s origins to a simple desire: to create a “one-stop shop” for volunteers and nonprofits to connect, collaborate, and address local needs more effectively. What began as a networking session has blossomed into a three-part gathering: a nonprofit collaboration forum, showcase of available resources for the faith-based community, and a public volunteer fair.

Bishop Custer shared how the event opened his eyes to the wealth of organizations ready to help, and how it inspired his congregation’s youth to get involved in everything from stocking shelves to making teddy bears for local charities. The panel emphasized that the event is open to all—parents, students, retirees, and anyone looking to give back. Whether you’re a “one-and-done” volunteer or someone seeking a long-term commitment, there’s a place for you.

The discussion also delved into the practical impact of volunteering. Lily, CCAP’s operations manager, highlighted how volunteers are the backbone of their organization, contributing hours equivalent to 10 or 11 full-time staff. The dollar value of these hours is staggering, but the real value lies in the relationships built and the sense of purpose volunteers gain. Melinda and Andrea reflected on how the event has sparked new collaborations, support groups, and even “group therapy” sessions for nonprofit leaders facing similar challenges.

Perhaps most inspiring were the personal stories: youth discovering the joy of service, community service workers returning as core volunteers, and families finding new ways to bond while helping others. The event’s ripple effect is evident in the formation of new leadership groups and the strengthening of ties between organizations that might otherwise operate in silos.

As the episode wrapped up, the group encouraged listeners to attend the upcoming event, emphasizing its open-door policy and the wealth of opportunities available. For those unable to attend, platforms like JustServe.org offer ongoing ways to get involved. The message was clear: in Winchester, service isn’t just an obligation—it’s a source of pride, connection, and lasting change.

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just curious about giving back, Community Connect & Serve offers a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, everyone benefits.