Bill Text: VA SJR419 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Fellowship Square.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2025-02-20 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [SJR419 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-SJR419-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25106898D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 419
Offered February 17, 2025
Commending Fellowship Square.
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Patron—Boysko
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WHEREAS, Fellowship Square, an organization dedicated to providing seniors in need with affordable housing and other supportive services, celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025; and
WHEREAS, recognizing that there were vulnerable members of the community who lacked access to safe and low-cost housing, the Reverend Dr. John A. Scherzer, a pastor and member of the Lutheran Lay Fellowship of Metropolitan Washington, founded Fellowship Square on November 14, 1960; and
WHEREAS, over its first 10 years, Fellowship Square assisted a diverse population of older adults while seeking funds to build a housing community in the region; in 1971, the organization's aspirations were realized when it opened its Lake Anne Fellowship House in Reston; and
WHEREAS, the success of Fellowship Square would lead to the organization's growth and expansion, with the Lake Anne II Fellowship House opening in 1976, followed by the Hunters Woods Fellowship House in Reston in 1979, the Lake Ridge Fellowship House in Woodbridge in 1983, and the Largo Landing Fellowship House in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in 1984; and
WHEREAS, today, across its four communities, Fellowship Square has 670 affordable apartments that allow more than 800 older adults with limited income to live independently and with dignity; and
WHEREAS, in addition to housing, Fellowship Square offers its residents an array of supportive services, events, and programs to enhance their physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social well-being; and
WHEREAS, the accomplishments of Fellowship Square are the result of the tireless efforts of its staff, volunteers, and community partners and the generous support of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and other organizations; and
WHEREAS, through its unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life of the individuals it serves, Fellowship Square has made a profound and lasting impact on countless lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Fellowship Square for its legacy of service on the occasion of its 65th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Fellowship Square as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's contributions to the Commonwealth.
