Our Work:
Elkton Area United Services is a comprehensive social service agency serving Eastern Rockingham County since 1972. Elkton Area United Services strives to develop programs and services where needs exist and tries to meet the needs of an ever changing community. Through its programs Elkton Area United Services provides assistance with housing, electricity, heat, food, GED classes, school supplies, books, transportation, aid to stranded travelers, senior citizens activities and joyful holiday season. The organization is supported primarily from community donations, thrift store proceeds and a United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Community Impact Grant.
Organization History:
Elkton Area United Services was established, in March of 1972, as an outgrowth of the Elkton Ministerial Association, under the leadership of Holy Infant Catholic Churches’ Father Charles Ryan. Funded with a $1000 loan from the Elkton Ministerial Association and a $500 donation from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, the agency initially provided leadership and funding for five projects:
- Christmas Cheer Program
- Senior Citizens Program
- Literacy Program
- Travelers’ Aid
- The Clothing Store
In 1973, a Food Pantry was established to fill temporary food needs and in 1987 expanded to better meet the nutritional needs of the community by the distribution of USDA foods on a regular basis. To complement the expansion of this program, a weekly Meals at Heart Program started to serve the nutritional and social needs of the homebound.
The 1980s saw the beginning of many changes necessary for the agency to keep pace with the growing needs of the Elkton community,
In 1985, Elkton Area United Services became a grant agency with the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and received $500. Today, Elkton Area United Services is a full partner agency and in 2016 received $15,000.
In 1986, the Elkton Area United Services board approved the first salaried position; a store manager. Today, Elkton Area United Services has five part-time salaried employees, an Executive Director, a Client Services Manager, Food Pantry Coordinator, a Thrift Store Manager, and a Volunteer Coordinator.