JAMES CITY COUNTY — Grove Christian Outreach Center has been serving the Grove area, as well as the greater Williamsburg community, for 21 years.
The growing facility provides food, clothing, financial assistance, and so much more to its Neighbors — as Outreach Center calls those who use its services — who are vulnerable people from all walks of life and all ages.
“I have watched the building grow over the years, and the help we get has grown too. I am so very grateful,” a Neighbor said.
“The generosity of the people here at Grove Christian Outreach Center has been amazing. As a single mother with a newborn, I had nowhere else to go. Grove helped me not only get food but also pointed me toward other resources to help,” added another.
In November of last year, Grove Christian Outreach Center opened The Gathering Place, a 2,000-square-foot grocery market that provides a dignified shopping experience, free of charge, to vulnerable families across the region.
In 2024, the Outreach Center reported a total of 878 unique households were served through its pantry a total of 10,400 times and a total of 40,734 people received assistance through various programs.
This year, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is seeing the local need increase across all service categories.
“Inflation and broader economic challenges are major driving factors behind this growth. Based on current patterns, we are projecting a 3% to 5% increase in visits by the end of 2025,” stated Matthew Pollino, Development Manager.
To help fulfill the growing needs, Grove Christian Outreach Center relies on community assistance — through the volunteers who it says are the “heart of the mission” that are needed for daily operations as well as for events, and with donations and fundraisers.
“The people — volunteers, some in their 80s, enjoy working together for a common goal and becoming friends — meeting new people I would have never met otherwise,” Karen Dolan said about her volunteer experience. “And, there is a sense of accomplishment when a project is done.”
In addition to its food and clothing programs, so far this year, Grove Christian Outreach Center has hosted a Bike Week where 30 bicycles — complete with helmets, locks, and safety lights — were donated to children and to a few adults who rely on them as their only means of transportation to work, school, or essential appointments.
And, at its Prom Boutique in April, more than 20 Williamsburg-James City County high school students were able to select formal wear and accessories free of charge.
“Students picked out dresses, tuxedos, shoes, bow ties, handbags, makeup, and hair products — ensuring they could attend prom with confidence and dignity, without financial burden on their families. This is one of our most heartfelt annual programs and continues to grow each year,” stated Pollino.
With many more programs scheduled, including its Summer Lunch Program, which provides free weekday lunches to children living in the Grove community during summer break, the center requires constant support.
“Food insecurity is not just a statistic in the greater Williamsburg community; it is a heartbreaking reality for so many of our Neighbors. Every week, we see hundreds of families walk through our doors, each carrying their own story of struggle and hope. It is a powerful reminder that the work we do is not just important, it is life-changing. While providing food is at the heart of our mission, we go beyond that, offering programs that care for the whole person and their family,” explained Pollino.
On Tuesday, May 6, look for the organization at Precarious Beer Project in downtown Williamsburg from 11 a.m. until close for its Give Local 757 event, Pints for Purpose. For each pint sold, $1 will be donated to Grove Outreach or contributions can be donated during the 24-hour event.
All donations stay local and help provide resources and hope right here in the greater Williamsburg community.
“The smiles, tears, and gratitude we witness every day are what keep us moving forward. With grace and unconditional love, we stand beside our Neighbors and make sure that no one in need is ever turned away, no matter the cost,” Pollino explained.
Visit Grove Christian Outreach Center to learn more about its programs and opportunities to assist.
