WHEREAS, Belong!, a nonprofit organization in Vienna, is dedicated to empowering underserved communities in the region and has provided the education and support they need to thrive; and

WHEREAS, Belong! traces its roots to 2017, when members of Vienna Presbyterian Church held a series of meetings with local residents, other churches, public entities, nonprofits, and business owners to better understand the needs of the community; and

WHEREAS, as a result of these meetings, Belong! was founded in 2018 with the goal of responding to tangible needs, cultivating strong partnerships, and serving people in need throughout Vienna; and

WHEREAS, Belong! strives to transform the lives of local children and their families through educational initiatives like after-school programs, enrichment activities, nutrition classes, parenting classes, and college scholarships opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Belong! organizes and encourages families to participate in community-building activities and service projects, works to bring additional resources and support networks to the community, and provides emergency relief in times of greatest need; and

WHEREAS, Belong! has fulfilled its mission to offer hope to struggling families through the hard work of its staff members and volunteers, the generosity of donors, and crucial support from other organizations including its ongoing partnership with Vienna Presbyterian Church; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Belong! hereby be commended for its years of service to the Vienna community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Belong! as an expression of the House of Delegates' appreciation for the importance of the organization's vital mission.