Social Justice Ministry

Anti-Poverty Initiatives

Fairfax FISH

We host a food pantry that is available for anyone in need. We also participate in Fairfax FISH, a network of churches that provides for those in need in Fairfax City and County. Volunteer phone captains receive requests for assistance from the Office of Coordinated Services, which is part of the Fairfax County Department of Human Services. In addition, we volunteer as drivers for FISH, delivering food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.

Rise Against Hunger

Every year, we use our Easter offering to fund our participation in Rise Against Hunger, an organization dedicated to eradicating hunger domestically and worldwide. We package 10,000 meals annually to be sent where they are most needed.

Supporting our children

Each summer, we gather backpacks and supplies for children returning to school in Fairfax County, who wouldn’t otherwise have the resources they need to learn well. This includes donations to Second Story (Vienna). Each December, we purchase Christmas gifts for children whose families need assistance in putting presents under the tree. We typically support ACCA (Annandale Christian Community for Action), Child Development Center, Shaw Community Center, and Main Street Child Development Center.

Social Justice Initiatives

Public Policy Initiatives

In collaboration with the Virginia Justice and Witness Action Network and the Center for Common Ground, we send postcards to encourage people to Get out the Vote during election seasons. We also send emails and postcards to our state and federal representatives on public policies. Members also protest regularly at the National Rifle Association, in order to introduce gun policies that will better protect our children and society.

Interfaith Communities for Dialogue is a non-profit organization that brings together people of various faiths to engage in a range of ongoing and meaningful learning and social opportunities designed to build knowledge and understanding among the diverse people in our community. Little River is a member organization, and regularly hosts ICD meetings and events. Get a preview of the dialogues being planned for 2024-2025 here!

Support for Immigrants

With several other local churches, our congregation is part of Neighbor-to-Neighbor. This program provides support and education to Afghan refugees and families year-round. We participate by having a representative on the board, volunteering to teach English and tutor other subjects as requested, and participate in other special events.

Criminal Justice Reform

Little River has worked with other organizations to successfully eliminate the death penalty in Virginia. Some of our members are also active in Lifelines to Solitary, a correspondence program with persons who are or have been in solitary confinement. Members continue to advocate for automatic voter restoration rights of convicted felons who have served their time.