Calling for expanded mental health services and greater access to Medicaid for the most vulnerable in the Mount Vernon community, a 30-member delegation from VIC traveled to Richmond, Feb. 6, to speak with area legislators.

The 30 represented Ventures in Community, an interfaith organization first organized 40 years ago among the congregations of Mount Vernon and the Route 1 corridor.

“Their mission is to promote a welcoming and diverse community by organizing the congregations in the community to serve those most in need,” said the Rev. Keary Kincannon.

Katie Esser, VIC chair person and director of the Social Justice Ministry at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, led the 30-member delegation. Fifteen were from Rising Hope; others were from Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Aldersgate UMC, Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Groveton Baptist Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Touring the General Assembly, they spoke with Del. Scott Surovell, Sen. Adam Ebbin and a representative of Sen. Toddy Puller. In addition to mental health and Medicaid, they called for limiting auto-title lenders who, said Kincannon, “prey on the poor.”

The group also called for permitting Virginia’s Earned Income Tax Credit to give refunds, allowing resident immigrants to attend Virginia schools at in-state tuition, and continuing the Housing Trust Fund.

The trip was organized by Kincannon who is pastor at Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church which aids the homeless and needy along the Route 1 corridor with church services, hot lunches, a food pantry, clothing closet, employment help and emergency services.