Menu
In rural Hayter’s Gap in Washington County, Virginia, a school principal, a general store owner, his school librarian wife, and other community leaders formed the Hayter’s Gap Community Club to provide education, recreation, and day care for local residents.
From that humble beginning in 1964, People Incorporated of Virginia has grown to become one of the most innovative community action agencies in the nation.
The club soon expanded in scope when it was approved by the federal Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), which had been recently created by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the primary tool in his “War on Poverty.” By December 1964, the Hayter’s Gap Community Club had been re-named the Progressive Community Club and was chartered as one of the nation’s first community action agencies, designated to serve economically disadvantaged community members throughout Washington County and the neighboring city of Bristol.
Today, what began as a small community-based organization is now People Incorporated of Virginia. We currently offer approximately 30 services designed to “give people a hand up, not a hand out” throughout our community action service regions of Greater Prince William, Northern Piedmont, Northern Shenandoah, and Southwest Virginia.
Throughout our long history, we have worked tirelessly to achieve the same mission: To provide opportunities for economically disadvantaged people to improve their lives, their families, and their communities.
We’re committed to providing support and opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals and families throughout our service area – changing lives for the better and improving communities.