In the Community

Smart Next of Kin

This four‑session virtual experience is designed to help individuals and families get their entire administrative and legacy planning in order, far beyond simply having a Will or Trust. Presented through parterneship of First Baptist Church of Manassas and UTC Coaching. The kickoff session is Monday June 8, 2026, 7pm to 8pm, and every Monday. Generations form 20-something to 80-something and beyond.

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2025 Alexandria Living Legends of Honored

Walking among us are those whose footprints stand the test of time. The Living Legends of Alexandria, VA were recognized for their impact on the community-at-large at the annual award ceremony at majestic George Washington National Masonic Memorial auditorium. Each of the 2025 honoree’s impactful contributions were chronicled: Mary Lee Anderson, Ana Bonilla-Galdamez, Gerald File, Charlotte Hall, Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Noah Lyles the Olympic champion, David Mercer, Robyn Nichols, Patrick O’Brien, Kitty Porterfield, Adrienne Terrell Washington & Gerald Wanzer. After the main event November 12, admiration was showered on the new and prior years Living Legends at a reception by the hosting organization Living Legends of Alexandria.

Abstract source: celebratingourown.com: Started in 2006 and incorporated in 2007, Living Legends of Alexandria was started under the framework that “Living Legends of Alexandria” will chronicle in words and photographs the people whose vision and energy in their everyday and special activities have made, and continue to make substantial contributions to the unique personality and quality of life in Alexandria. Through our annual Legend selection, we not only recognize the “Legends” currently in our midst but also create a resource for future Alexandrians. The resource will create awareness of, understanding, and inspiration to residents through the vision and work of those who created the structural and cultural landscape they enjoy. Living Legends of Alexandria is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

As a follow up to the City of Alexandria’s celebration, the “Celebrating Our Own Living Legends” was created to honor three Legends in the Oakland Baptist Church and two additional Legends in the broader community. The “Celebrating Our Own Living Legends” event took place on November 15, 2025, honoring members of Oakland Baptist Church and the surrounding community who have made remarkable contributions to its legacy and growth.

Hosted by EBH & T Associates in partnership with Oakland Baptist Church, the celebration featured memorable highlights, including a performance by internationally acclaimed vocalist Mrs. Janine Gilbert-Carter.

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Aging Gracefully Expo 2025

Fall’s cooler temps ushered free community events in the area. At Manassas Mall, the Aging Gracefully Expo hosted by Prince William Chamber of Commerce was a 2-hour event packed with free opportunities and wellness resources. Valuable resources and a plethora of services tailored to enrich the lives of seniors. Health services, lifestyle support, and community programs, this was an excellent opportunity to learn and connect in a festive environment. 

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Recent Events and Resources

Our advocates serve as liaisons to connect individuals with affordable health care access and enable them to make informed decisions on residential living options.  Through resources, information sharing and collaboration with partners, we promote and advocate for appropriate interventions aimed at improving health and residential outcomes for underserved populations.

Wellness Fair 2025

AFCA’s exhibit a the wellness event June 7 at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. Festivities hosted by Northern Virginia Section of National Council of Negro Women.

Health Fair Handouts

Housing Expo 2024

Hundreds of visitors traveled for free housing exhibits at the annual Northern Virginia Housing Expo. The public showcase March 24, 2024 featured a wealth of Information, resources, education, workshops and individual counseling sessions were available for visitors throughout the area. Novahousingexpo.org makes it easy to navigate through the 30+ exhibits with color codes. Visit Advocates exhibit and the full exhibit hall using gold tabs below. Hosting location changes each year, but this year’s host was extremely gracious and accommodating under challenging circumstances of springtime downpours. A big thanks to Prince William County’s Colgan High School in Woodbridge, VA.

The Fairfax County Health Department and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation hosted a community celebration at James Lee Community Center, Annandale in September. Health and African American history have long been dependent on each other. Read more

Voices on The Color of Care

September, 2022

Faced with an unexpected health crisis, many Americans quickly discover that quality of care and likelihood of recovery from illness can vary greatly. Those experiencing a gap in health coverage from employer, or lack of health insurance for other reasons, sometimes rely on an emergency room visit when health issues arise. Life without health coverage may feel like living on a cliff.

Adult health coverage was recently expanded for uninsured in Virginia. See details of Expanded Adult Health Care in Virginia under tab Adapting Beyond COVID. Other initiatives to improve health health equity for those lacking the safety net of insurance coverage are being explored nationwide.

A new documentary The Color of Care, produced by Harpo Studios takes an in-depth look at health care disparities in the United States. Viewings available Thursdays through September 29. Free admission courtesy of the producer and Smithsonian TV. Select a date here.

More on past events and archived resources.

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