Virginia General Assembly Recognizes GoochlandCares with VAFCC, 804HealthNet, Free Clinic of Powhatan

GoochlandCares was recognized by the Virginia General Assembly after representatives from a coalition of free clinics traveled to Richmond to meet with state lawmakers and press for support for free clinic services. The visit took place February 4, 2026, and was led by the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics with partners including 804HealthNet and the Free Clinic of Powhatan.

GoochlandCares posted on social media about the day in Richmond: "Today you'll find Andrea and Heather at the General Assembly in Richmond! Joined by Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics and 804HealthNet, our CEO and CCO met with Senator Luther Cifers, Delegate May Nivar, and Delegate Tom Garrett to share how Free Clinics save lives every day." The post names Andrea and Heather as the organization’s representatives but does not provide last names or specify which of the two holds each title.

The delegation met with Senator Luther Cifers, Delegate May Nivar, and Delegate Tom Garrett. GoochlandCares described the purpose of the meetings as advocating for free clinics and sharing firsthand accounts of how community health services affect patients’ lives. The organization’s materials include a client testimonial that illustrates the on-the-ground impact: "I shop at the Food Pantry every week and I use my credits at the Clothes Closet to get household items and clothes. For the first time in my life, I get regular dental care. Last year, Financial Assistance paid a utility bill. I would not have been able to keep the electricity on that month. Coming here is like coming to see friends. When I think about GoochlandCares, it puts a smile on my face."

Those services cited in the testimonial are core parts of GoochlandCares’ local work: a Food Pantry, a Clothes Closet that operates on a credit system, financial assistance for emergency needs, and access to dental care. For residents seeking help or more information, GoochlandCares lists Family Services at 804-556-6260 and the Clothes Closet at 804-556-0202. The organization’s legal footer appears as ©2026 Goochland Free Clinic & Family Services, and the site invites visitors to sign up for email updates on events, news, and services.

The recognition in Richmond comes as Goochland partners ramp up community efforts at home. The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office is again partnering with GoochlandCares for the annual Stock the Shelves Food Drive, asking donors to bring nonperishables to donation boxes at the Sheriff’s Office from January 31 through February 18, 2026. Pack the Cruiser collection events are scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, and Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Courthouse Commons Shopping Center and Broad View Shopping Center.

Local momentum for civic and service organizations runs alongside county-level achievements: Goochland County recently earned the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY2024 budget, reflecting longstanding attention to fiscal planning and communications.

For Goochland residents, the General Assembly recognition raises the profile of a neighborhood resource that provides basic needs, health care access, and emergency support. Watch for follow-up announcements from GoochlandCares about any legislative outcomes, sign up for the organization’s emails for program updates, or call Family Services at 804-556-6260 to learn how to access services or volunteer at local drives.