60 Years of Partnership, Progress, and Possibility

The Impact a Year Can Make

7,585

Clients Served

53%

Female Clients

41%

Male Clients

1,644

Kids Served

(17 and under)

836 Seniors Served

(65+)

4,853

Households Served

55%

of Households at or below 100% of HHS poverty line.

88%

of Households at or below 200% of HHS poverty line.

People Incorporated promotes the dignity of individuals and families, moves people into the economic mainstream, and works to develop existing strengths and resources within communities.

Every person needs
support from others.

All of our efforts are directed by the concerns, hopes, needs, and dreams of the people we serve.

January 1964

Hayter’s Gap Community Club is formed in Washington County, Virginia, to provide education, recreation, and day care for local residents.

December 1964

Hayter’s Gap Community Club is re-named the Progressive Community Club and soon becomes one of the nation’s first community action agencies.

Supporting a Bright Future

Nik realized early on that his son Gideon was different.
At an age when his other child was starting to talk, Gideon remained nonverbal, and was eventually diagnosed with autism. Nik connected with our Comprehensive Health Investment Project (CHIP) for guidance and direction.

Nik’s CHIP parent educator became a critical ally for him. She assisted him in navigating various services, including helping him obtain new birth certificates for his children and guiding him through the process of obtaining his driver’s learner’s permit. Her involvement extended to helping Nik apply for and receive sole custody of his children and connecting him with additional resources like WIC for more support.

“Before CHIP, I didn’t even know where to start to get my son help. I would have been lost in the dark without them.”

– NIK, Bristol, VA

Through CHIP, Nik found immediate help and encouragement to create a brighter future for himself and his family.

Comprehensive Health Investment Project by the Numbers

120 Families Enrolled

431 Physicals Completed

127 Kids Prepared For School

2,528

Home Visits Completed

100%

of Kids Immunized

1965

The Progressive Community Club becomes one of the first Head Start grantees in the nation.

1970s

The agency changes its name to People Incorporated of Washington County and Bristol, Virginia. Workforce development, weatherization and emergency services programs added.

People Incorporated Housing Impact Across 20 Counties

People Incorporated has over 35 years of experience in affordable housing development and management. All of our 1,000+ units provide housing for families and individuals living at 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less.

Our Properties

Housing Development by the Numbers

31 Properties owned

1,067

Total Units Owned

823 Units Owned In Virginia

$130

Million Total Development Cost

664 Seniors Citizen Units

430 Family Units

24 Acquisition or Rehab Properties

4 New Construction Properties

3 Adaptive Reuse properties

The 1980s

Added the Resource Mothers program, water programs, and received first Microenterprise Community Development Block Grant.

1984

People Incorporated relocates its headquarters from Meadowview to Abingdon.

Finding Her Voice

Growing up in the foster care system, Brenda from Ohio faced a tumultuous childhood that left deep scars. Despite these challenges, she moved to Virginia at 18 years old, hoping to build a new life with her mother and establish roots.

However, she soon found herself in an abusive relationship that mirrored the trauma she had known as a child. She attempted to leave her partner but felt stuck, turning to drugs to numb the pain. She was eventually referred to our Domestic Violence Advocacy program..

With our help, Brenda stopped her drug use, was enrolled in counseling, and finally had a safe place that she could call home. People Incorporated provided shelter for Brenda in her time of need. Not only did she finally feel physically safe, but she found connecting with other survivors about their experiences helped foster healing. “We all help each other,” she said.

“If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be here. And that’s the truth.”

– BRENDA

Initially shy and withdrawn, Brenda has since found her voice and become an active member of her community. She is now a member of a local church and has discovered a supportive network that feels like family thanks to the connections she’s made there.

While Brenda has lived through many hardships in her life, for the first time she’s excited about where her future is headed. Her message to those in an abusive relationship? “There is help out there and hope for you.”

Domestic Violence Shelter and Advocacy by the Numbers

728 Emergency Calls Answered

585 Families Counseled

537 Families Created Safety Plans

243 People Temporarily Sheltered

194 People Received Emergency Clothing

209 People Attended Support Groups

276 Educational Community Presentations

41 People Housed Permanently

1988-1992

People Incorporated expands to serve Buchanan County, Dickenson County, and Russell County.

1990s

The agency changes its name again to People Incorporated of Southwest Virginia and expands into business lending, multi-family housing development, homeownership, dental services, and home visiting.

Celebrating 60 Years of Realizing Dreams

People Incorporated has been building futures and realizing dreams since 1964. To celebrate our 60th anniversary, we hosted two regional celebrations, inviting community members, staff, and our Board of Directors to commemorate six decades of impact with us.

The celebrations kicked off in August with a Community Celebration at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Abingdon. Not only is Abingdon our headquarters, but it is also located near our founding community of Hayter’s Gap. We capped off the night with a fireworks display, and a representative from U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith’s office presented President and CEO Bryan Phipps with a special resolution honoring this anniversary.

Over 600 community members joined us for a free meal and music from local band Phantom.

Our celebrations continued in October with a private party at The Refinery in Culpeper. During this event, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce presented agency staff and board members with a special nomination for “Nonprofit of the Year.”

Thank you to our sponsors—Klein Hornig, Virginia Housing, and First Bank & Trust Company—who made this year’s celebrations so memorable. We look forward to another 60 years of providing opportunities for community members to realize their dreams.

2001

People Incorporated Financial Services, a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is established.

2003

People Incorporated Housing Group, a state-certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), is established.

A Nurturing Head Start

At 3 years old, Melissa’s son Aiden was challenged by being too young for preschool but old enough to benefit from a structured learning environment. People Incorporated’s Head Start program built a great foundation for school for Aiden as well as Melissa’s other children.

“I feel like the program has been quite excellent, as far as teaching the children.”

– MELISSA, Bristol, VA

The financial relief of not having to pay for childcare allowed Melissa to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license and set her sights on a radiography program. She now envisions a future of reaching family goals thanks to the help they’ve received from Head Start.

Head Start & Early Head Start by the Numbers

537 Children Served

471 Families Served

171 Fathers Participated in Goal-Setting

67,519

Volunteer Hours

Early Head Start

205

Total Children Served

160

Total Families Served

91%

Average monthly enrollment as a percent of funded enrollment

94%

Percentage of children served who met eligibility guidelines

50%

Percentage of enrolled children who received medical exams

26%

Percentage of enrolled children who received dental exams

22%

Percentage of children diagnosed with a developmental disability

Head Start

332

Total Children Served

311

Total Families Served

94%

Average monthly enrollment as a percent of funded enrollment

93%

Percentage of children served who met eligibility guidelines

98%

Percentage of enrolled children who received medical exams

82%

Percentage of enrolled children who received dental exams

11%

Percentage of children diagnosed with a developmental disability

638

Parent volunteers

67,519

Hours volunteered

3

Parents on Board of Directors

9108.75 hours with

$399,007.03

Community volunteers and businesses donated

Head Start - 139

Early Head Start - 48

Fathers participated in family assessment process

Head Start - 125

Early Head Start - 46

Fathers participated in goal-setting process

Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Sources
Corporate Donations	$335
Federal Grants	$7,287,722
Total	$7,288,057

2024-2025 Expenditures

Category	Amount	Percentage
Personnel	$3,745,109	50%
Fringe Benefit	$1,548,146	21%
Travel	$37,032	0%
Equipment	$118,119	2%
Supplies	$334,054	4%
Contractural	$171,791	2%
Other	$1,542,091	21%
Total	$7,496,343	100%

2025-2026 Projected Expenditures

Category	Amount	Percentage
Personnel	$4,505,412	55%
Fringe Benefits	$1,866,869	23%
Travel	$30,000	0%
Equipment	$0	0%
Supplies	$12,000	0%
Contractural	$0.00	0%
Other	$1,705,152	21%
Total	$8,199,433	100%

2008

The agency becomes a New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) Community Development Entity and receives its first allocation.

2009

People Incorporated expands its service area to include Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren counties and becomes People Incorporated of Virginia.

Blending Beauty and Business

Taylor had always dreamed of blending her passion for beauty with her entrepreneurial spirit. She wanted to create a career that combined her love for making brides feel beautiful with esthetician services. A recommendation from a business owner led Taylor to People Incorporated’s Financial Services.

“They were so easy to work with, so fast, so efficient, just 100% for you and for your business.”

– TAYLOR, Strasburg, VA

People Incorporated took the time to understand Taylor’s unique business model and aspirations. Their supportive approach made the loan process feel manageable, allowing her to secure the funding she needed to launch her salon. With financial support in hand, Taylor transformed an empty space into a vibrant, welcoming business—Artistry by Taylor.

Financial Services by the Numbers

856 People Served by People Inc. Financial Services

$570K+

in Personal Loans

$1.3

Million in Business Loans

384 Hours of Financial Literacy Training

89 Jobs Created and Maintained

21 Businesses Expanded

15 Businesses Started

2010

The agency closes its first New Market Tax Credits investment.

2012-2014

Expansion of People Incorporated’s service area to Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William, and Rappahannock counties, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park.

A New Career in Health Care

Bri’s journey into the health care field began unexpectedly. She was working as a housekeeper and struggling to keep up with her bills when a friend referred her to People Incorporated’s Youth Workforce Development program, serving individuals from ages 14-24. She worked closely with the program, ultimately deciding to pursue a career in nursing.

People Incorporated helped Bri map out a pathway that included setting and achieving goals. Her first goal was to complete the CNA program, which opened doors to new opportunities and solidified her interest in health care.

“I really have a passion for wanting to help people. The smile that I bring to people’s faces is everything to me.”

– BRI, Galax, VA

Bri’s journey didn’t stop at becoming a CNA. With People Incorporated’s support, she set sights on becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse and eventually a Registered Nurse. Her ultimate dream is to specialize in labor and delivery, driven by the desire to make a big difference in people’s lives.

Youth Workforce Development by the Numbers

182 Youth Received Coaching

35 Youth Earned a Vocational or Educational Credential, Degree, or Certificate

76%

of Youth Gained Employment

$16.80

Average Wage for Employed Youth

2014-2024

The agency manages 32 affordable housing properties, navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, expands Head Start services into the Northern Shenandoah Valley and works to serve the City of Winchester as its designated community action agency.

2025 and Beyond

With the new Strategic Roadmap for 2025-2028, People Incorporated is committed to providing effective and innovative solutions to reducing poverty in the communities we serve while charting a new path forward.

Looking to the Next 60 Years

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for People Incorporated’s six decades of community impact. From our humble beginnings in 1964 as a small but dedicated group to becoming one of the first Community Action Agencies, we have remained committed to creating thriving communities.

In 2024, we helped 7,585 individuals, 186 of whom gained employment through our workforce and re-entry programs. We provided 1,528 people access to safe, affordable housing and assisted 15 families in purchasing a home. These and many additional efforts were made possible by nearly 300 dedicated staff members, 603 volunteers, 456 community partners, and the generosity of our donors and funders.

As we continue to serve beyond Southwest Virginia, we look forward to embracing new opportunities to support communities across the Commonwealth. The legacy of People Incorporated is one of progress and hope, and we are honored to continue this work with your support.

Thank you for believing in our mission. Together, we are building futures and realizing dreams!

CHRIS SHORTRIDGE

Chairman, Board of Directors

BRYAN PHIPPS

President and CEO

Our Board of Directors and Sponsors

Board Members

Christie Bailey, City of Bristol

Kaycee Childress, City of Winchester

Gail Crooks, Washington

Lizzie Deel, Grundy

Matt Fields, Grundy

Winona Fleenor, Abingdon

Nina Fox, Luray

Jeffrey Frye, Woodbridge

Martina Jackson Green,
Prince William County

Bobbie Gullett, Dante

Jake Holmes, City of Bristol

Pam Horn, Abingdon

Peggy Kiser, Clinchco

Larry Laws, Falls Church

Kathy Lawson, Abingdon

Rhonda Lester, Russell County

Walt Mabe, Front Royal

David Maggard, Lebanon

Chris McGill, Culpeper

Jinnae Monroe, Prince William County

Dennis Morris, Toms Brook

Mark Nelson, Washington County

Jennifer Parker, Frederick County

Jennifer Pearce, Emory

Matt Peterson, Boyce

Rachel Phipps, City of Bristol

Vicki Porter, Lebanon

Anita Robinson, Castlewood

Karl Roulston, Woodstock

Patrick Small, City of
Manassas

Teketia Smith, Chester Gap

Pam Sweeney, Woodstock

Billy P. Taylor, City of Bristol

Darlene White, Culpeper

Executive Committee

Chris Shortridge, Chair, Grundy

David McCracken, Vice Chair, Glade Spring

Alice Meade, Secretary, Lebanon

Jean Neal, Assistant Secretary, Abingdon

John Ayers, Treasurer, Edinburg

Tommy Burris, City of Bristol

Elijah Johnson, Woodbridge

Randi Knights, Woodbridge

Phillip McCall, Abingdon

Lisa Peacock, Culpeper

Jan Selbo, Warrenton

Angie White, City of Winchester

Cathy Zielinski, Culpeper