Written by: Antonio Martin
Windy Hill Foundation has over 50 partnerships with local businesses, schools, churches, and other non-profits, that provide essential programming, resources, and a helping hand to our Windy Hill neighbors. Sometimes an old partnership sparks back to life, and from that comes a blaze of new opportunities and rekindled friendships. Willisville Chapel UM Church, a small but close-knit congregation, has returned and hosts wonderful dinner programs that provide nutritious meals to our elderly residents. We had the pleasure of interviewing Charity Smith, a member of the mission/outreach ministry team, about the fun feasts she helps organize.
The Willisville Chapel UM Church is in Upperville, only 10 minutes west of Middleburg. The church itself is over 100 years old, having been rebuilt from a fire that occurred in the late 1910s. Charity describes the history of rebuilding as “a beautiful testament to the power of community… The same spirit of unity and love continues to this day.” This camaraderie mirrors Windy Hil Foundation’s commitment to fostering community engagement to provide for our residents a sense of connection to their neighbors.
In 2015, in response to a new pastor’s call to “look a little closer to home” for opportunities to provide community service, a member raised the idea of reaching out to Windy Hill Foundation. What followed was a partnership that included providing members to lead Bible studies at Levis and volunteer for the Study Buddy program at Banneker Elementary, where students of Llewellyn were attending at the time. From there, the relationship between both communities continued to deepen, until the COVID pandemic brought that to a pause. “The connections we built during those years never left our hearts,” says Charity, “and we’ve been grateful for every opportunity to reconnect since.”
It was not until 2025 when Michelle Lacaze, Director of Resident Services, reached out to Willisville Chapel UM Church to reignite this wonderful partnership. Charity, as well as several members of her church including Pastor James set up a cookout to reacquaint with the residents of Levis Hill House, learning about the foods they like and what they do for relaxation and entertainment. From there, Charity brought it back to her congregation and worked with volunteers to plan dishes and games. “That conversation directly shaped our very first Feast and Fun Evening in January,” recalls Charity.
Charity is ecstatic to work with our residents again. “Recent highlights that stand out the most, are the joy and laughter we experienced with the residents at Levis Hill House during the meet and greet picnic in October 2025, the Christmas tree decorating party in December 2025, and our Feast and Fun Evening in January 2026. There is something truly special about being in the Community room with them – the energy is warm, genuine, and life-giving for all of us.”
Charity looks to the future with bright eyes, eager to continue and expand the work she does with Windy Hill Foundation’s residents. “Specifically, we would like to build relationships with the youth and young adults… and through those relationships find meaningful ways to serve them.”
We are thankful to Charity’s charitable spirit and the entire congregation of Willisville Chapel UM Church for the sense of community and spirit of sharing they bring to our residents.
