Stafford Junction finds new location

BY BRIDGET BALCH

After seven years at U. S. 1 and Butler Road,  a local  faith-based organization has moved to make way for reconstruction of the traffic-choked Falmouth intersection.

 Stafford Junction,  dedicated to serving low-income children, is relocating to the Enon Community Center on Truslow Road.

 The Virginia Department of Transportation is in the process of acquiring right of way from 27 property owners around the intersection.

The long-awaited $25 million project is expected to dramatically reduce wait times. Construction is scheduled to begin spring 2014 and take about two years.

 The former Stafford Junction location was owned by the Silver Cos. The Fredericksburg development group had allowed the organization to use the premises rent-free.

Its new home, the community center at 791 Truslow Road in Stafford, was originally a two-room school house.  The Enon Community Improvement League Inc., is renting the building to the group.

Linda Hill, executive director of  Stafford Junction, described the rent as “manageable.”  The center can still be used on evenings and weekends for other community events.

 Stafford Junction works with local churches, businesses, service organizations and individuals to provide low-income children and their families with pre-school programs, after-school activities, parenting and healthy living education and community support.

“The beauty of this story is that there is such a broad section of the community that has stepped up to help,”  Hill said.

 Stafford Junction is remodeling the Enon center with help from local businesses that have agreed to offer products and services at reduced prices or no charge.

Haulit Away Moveit Away, provided moving services for free.  In addition, groups from North Stafford Church of Christ, Stafford County Christian Church and St. Matthias United Methodist Church helped with the move.

 Romod Inc., owned by Buck Rogers, is overseeing the renovations. Companies assisting with the project include: 84 Lumber, PC Hero A to Z Carpet and Upholstery and Sherwin–Williams.

The remodeling will take until Sept. 10, but the center will be open for the children Tuesday.

 “The new place will give us a wonderful location for the kids,” said Hill, although she expressed concern about the lack of an outdoor play area.

Despite the challenges of  finding and preparing a new home over the summer, the Stafford Junction did not cease its services to the community.

Summer camps were held at Stafford County Christian Church, a backpack and a school supply drive was held and young people involved in the Stafford Junction helped to feed the homeless.

This fall, all preschool programs will start on time.

“The response from the community has just overwhelmed me,” said Hill. “It seemed almost undoable at first, but now I am convinced that it is going to be a blessing to the children and their families.”

On Sept. 14, the Enon Community Center will be part of the Rappahannock United Way’s “Day of Caring.” Volunteers will tidy up after the remodeling project.

Bridget Balch: 540/374-5444

bbalch@freelancestar.com

Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2012/09/02/stafford-junction-finds-new-location/