Lorton Community Action Center

The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) is a nonprofit organization based in Lorton, Virginia, with the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty and preventing homelessness by providing essential services and programs. Founded in 1975, LCAC serves low-income individuals, senior citizens, and families residing in Fort Belvoir, Lorton, and surrounding areas of southeast Fairfax County.

Services and Programs

LCAC offers a range of services designed to enhance the quality of life for its clients. These include:

• Emergency Food: LCAC operates a food pantry to address food and nutritional needs. Efforts are underway to enhance the pantry by offering healthier options, culturally appropriate foods, and medically tailored meals[1][4][5].
• Sustainability Programs: These programs aim to assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency. They include utility and rental assistance to prevent homelessness and financial support for basic needs[1][5].
• All Can Be Healthy (ACBH): This initiative focuses on improving health outcomes by providing access to health resources, prenatal vitamins, COVID tests, and hygiene products[1][5].
• Education and Workforce Development: LCAC offers educational programs and workshops to improve employability, including ESL classes, computer skills, mentoring, and apprenticeship opportunities[5].

Strategic Priorities

For the period July 2024 to June 2025, LCAC outlined strategic priorities that include:

1. Enhancing the Pantry: Developing a more robust pantry with health-related resources and stronger partnerships with other agencies to support client health[5].
2. Case Management and Client Services: Expanding case management to help more clients achieve self-sufficiency and increasing outreach to potential clients[5].
3. Education and Workforce Development Initiatives: Increasing programs for workforce development, educational skills, and empowering seniors and children[5].

Community Engagement

LCAC relies heavily on volunteers and partnerships to carry out its programs and sustain its pantry. It collaborates with community partners to provide comprehensive services, ensuring that clients have access to information and resources necessary for achieving better health and self-sufficiency[1][5].

LCAC is housed within the Lorton Community Center, a 30,000-square-foot facility opened in October 2022, which also includes the Lorton Library and other community services[2][3]. This co-location enhances the organization's ability to serve its community by providing a central hub for various activities and services.