On Sunday, December 8th, 209 Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) leaders gathered at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church for a pivotal meeting with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). The goal was clear: to secure Senator Kaine's commitment to $1 million in federal capital funding to support VIA's innovative childcare initiative. This initiative aims to expand access to pre-kindergarten education in Harrisonburg and Rockingham counties while ensuring that pre-k teachers and assistants are compensated at a level comparable to the local school district.

During the brief but impactful public conversation, Senator Kaine pledged to work with VIA to establish new childcare centers in the region. He also emphasized the importance of supporting educators who play a vital role in shaping the future of young learners. Kaine's recognition of VIA, particularly its leadership from Congolese church members, underscored the community-driven nature of the initiative and the diverse, inclusive leadership that fuels VIA's efforts.

Senator Kaine shared a personal story of action and reaction, recounting how two vanloads of VIA families traveled from the Shenandoah Valley to Northern Virginia and Richmond to challenge him on the importance of engaging with communities in the Valley. This journey of persistence and advocacy led to the Senator's commitment to meet with VIA leaders in 2025 to assess the progress in securing the $1 million for the childcare initiative.

Looking ahead, VIA has a series of actions planned to continue pushing for change. One key focus is seeking support from the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors for a one-year pilot project that would offer door-to-door, demand-response public transit in the rural county. This initiative is designed to address the transportation needs of residents, particularly in underserved areas where public transit options are limited.

The meeting with Senator Kaine marks an important step in VIA’s ongoing advocacy for better services and support for families in the Shenandoah Valley. With the backing of local leaders and community members, VIA is determined to bring about positive change that will benefit children, families, and the entire region.