"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead
Our History
The Rappahannock Benevolent Fund was founded during the financial crisis of 2008 by an individual anonymous donation. This donation helped to establish a committee of church and lay people ready to assist Rappahannock County families and individuals in need of emergency services during the financial crisis.
Three churches; Trinity Episcopal, Washington Baptist, and Reynolds Memorial Baptist joined with a representative of the Department of Social Service and worked together to provide emergency financial assistance during these early years. Later The Blue Ridge Unitarian Universalists and St. Peter Catholic Church joined the Benevolent Fund as board members and financial support to the Fund. Trinity Church acted as its fiscal agent until 2016, when RBF became a stand-alone 501(c)3 organization. In 2017 RBF hired its first staff person to handle requests and services. With the first staff person came an understanding to assist with critical home repairs. In 2021, RBF recognized the need to work with individuals to assist with self sufficiency. Currently RBF is looking to hire a Coordinator of the Self Sufficiency Program.
Governance
The Fund is governed by a board consisting of the ministers of two churches as well as representatives from the Rappahannock community.
Board of Directors
Beth Bailey
Jessica Burleson
Rev. Walt Childress, Washington Baptist Church
Rev. Elizabeth Keeler, Trinity Episcopal Church
Van Carney
Bernie Cieplak
Kees Dutilh
Len McGill
Sarah Rapossa
Staff
Berni Olson, Executive Director
Mia Grisham, Bridge Program Manager
Raphael Vittitow, Safe & Healthy Home Program Manager
OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Rappahannock Food Pantry
Rapp at Home
Rappahannock Senior Center at Scrabble School House
Rappahannock Dept. of Social Services
Rapp CE
Northern Piedmont Community Foundation
Fauquier Habitat for Humanity
PATH Foundation
William and Mary Greve Foundation
Confidentiality
As a community-serving non-profit, The Rappahannock Benevolent Fund, Inc. we are committed to treating all individuals with respect, dignity and fairness~regardless of their background or legal circumstances.
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The Rappahannock Benevolent Fund recognizes that the nature of our work involves complex situations and sensitive information, which includes confidentiality. RBF strives to maintain ethical discretion and protect the privacy of those we assist, unless we are legally compelled to share information or if there is a credible, immediate threat to themselves, to others, or to the community at large. Decisions regarding disclosure of client information, will be made with care, discernment and guidance from leadership as needed.
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RBF also recognizes our duty to the broader community and to the trust placed in us by our donors, partners, and neighbors. When information is requested by outside agencies, including law enforcement, our team will evaluate the situation on a case by case basis, guided by this confidentiality policy.
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Confidentiality is a basic tenet in the operation of RBF and a a core element of fiduciary duty of loyalty to the organization. It is the policy of RBF that all board members, grants committee members, employees and contractors are made aware of and adhere to this policy. All members stated above agree not to disclose, divulge or make accessible confidential information belonging to, or obtained through their affiliation with RBF to any person , other than to persons who have a legitimate need for such information and to whom RBF has authorized disclosure.
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