Celebrating a Mission That Matters
The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham Receives Our $50,000 Grant
For two decades, Estland has thrived thanks to the support of Harrisonburg and the Valley.
So when we began planning our 20th anniversary celebration, we knew we wanted to do more than celebrate a milestone. Our team wanted to give back to the community that has supported us for so long. That vision became the Define Your Moment Grant, a $50,000 marketing services award designed to help one local organization take its next step forward.
After reviewing nearly 50 applications from businesses and nonprofits throughout the region, one organization left a true impression on our entire team: The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham.
Our community has supported Estland for the past 20 years, and we wanted to find a meaningful way to give back.”
Vada Kelley, Founder & CEO, Estland
A Story Worth Telling
The Arc’s story is both simple and powerful: promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while supporting their full inclusion and participation in community life.
“The Arc’s mission, impact and commitment throughout the application process really stood out. Their team was incredibly thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the people they serve. We’re honored to partner with them on their marketing while helping to tell their story,” said Kelley.
From the initial application through the finalist interviews, The Arc consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of its goals and a genuine excitement about the opportunity to reach more people with its message. Their engagement and preparation reflected the same dedication they bring to their mission.
The Estland grant helps us elevate the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, voices that are too often overlooked despite the many ways they give back to our community.”
Angela Carter, Executive Director, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham
“Through volunteerism, advocacy and community engagement, the individuals we support help make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County a stronger, more connected place for everyone,” said Carter.
Celebrating More Organizations Making a Difference
Selecting the marketing services grant recipient wasn’t easy. The quality of applications made our decision incredibly difficult, and each of our four finalists demonstrated a meaningful commitment to serving the community. Meet our exceptional runners-up:
Hope Distributed
Hope Distributed continues to support local families through its food pantry, free clothing store and baby supply programs.
Massanutten Regional Library
Massanutten Regional Library remains a vital educational and cultural resource for residents throughout the region.
The Well Balanced Paw
The Well Balanced Paw is helping pet owners take a more holistic approach to animal wellness.
While The Arc received the grant, we were inspired by all four finalists and the impact they are making throughout our community. That’s why we were proud to award each organization $2,020 in marketing services as well.
The Work Starts Now
While Estland’s 20th anniversary celebration may be coming to a close, the impact of the Define Your Moment Grant is just beginning. We’re excited to partner with The Arc, support its mission and help amplify the voices of the individuals and families it serves.
We also want to thank every organization that applied. Your dedication, passion and commitment to our community remind us why this initiative mattered in the first place.
