The James City County Board of Supervisors recognized two organizations for their service to the community during its December 9 meeting. Chair Jim Icenhour presented the 2025 Chairman’s Awards, honoring both the Department of Social Services and Community of Faith Mission (COFM).
The Department of Social Services received the Chairman’s Award for a county department or program. The department was acknowledged for its efforts in helping residents meet basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, and medical care, as well as providing employment support. In 2025, staff assisted citizens through a range of services: there were 10,800 visits from residents—including 250 translation services—364 adult protective services investigations, and 175 adult guardianship cases. The department also provided community-based services to 49 children and conducted 115 child protective services investigations alongside 234 family investigations.
Additional support included processing 715 child protective services reports and managing over 3,320 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) household cases that benefited more than 4,500 individuals. Medicaid assistance reached over 13,700 people across 6,300 processed cases. The department also helped with rental assistance for 280 households, childcare assistance for 146 families, energy assistance for about 700 recipients, home ownership help for 165 people, revitalization of 100 homes, and homelessness prevention services to forty families.
Community of Faith Mission received the Citizen’s Award. COFM is a faith-based emergency program that provides shelter during winter months to those experiencing homelessness in greater Williamsburg. Since opening in November 2012 after identifying a gap in local shelter services, COFM has worked with host sites and partner organizations to offer support over thirteen seasons.
During this time frame, COFM facilitated more than 24,449 guest stays and served approximately 73,347 meals. These achievements were made possible by volunteers who contributed over 19,500 shifts totaling about 126,000 hours. Host sites have included several area churches such as Bruton Parish; Crosswalk; Grace Covenant Presbyterian; Hickory Neck Episcopal; James River Baptist; King of Glory; Life Church; St. Bede Catholic; St. Martin Episcopal; St. John Baptist; Smith Memorial Baptist (Gospel Way); Williamsburg Christian; Williamsburg Community Chapel; Williamsburg Presbyterian; Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist; and Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
Chair Jim Icenhour stated that both recipients were honored “for their contributions and service to James City County and the community.”
