For the safety of our senior center members, and due to ongoing construction in the area, Fauquier County has decided to close the Encompass Community Supports’ Fauquier Senior Center at 430 E. Shirley Ave. We’re actively working with the county to secure a new location and will share updates as soon as we have them.
Until a new location is found, Fauquier County older adults are invited to attend the Culpeper or Rappahannock Senior Centers.
Please feel free to contact us for more information and Thank you for your patience and support!
Tonight – in this region – more than 190 people will not have a home to sleep in. They will sleep in their cars or tents or in sleeping bags nestled against a wall or bench. For most it is not a life they choose to lead but the result of a series of unfortunate circumstances.
In a few weeks it will be winter, and the weather will be harsh. Temperatures will drop, winds will blow, and snow will fall, making it unsafe for anyone to be without shelter.
With your help people like Tom, a homeless senior, will have a safe, warm bed on the coming winter nights. A gift of just $25 will provide one night of care, including a bed and a hot meal for Tom and others like him. Will you help? Please make a gift by 10/31/25 to ensure Tom and others will be sheltered when winter comes.
Tom, like many of those who are homeless, is not well. He suffers from emphysema and other chronic health conditions that leave him unable to work. He doesn’t have the support of family or friends and can’t afford the high cost of local rents. He needs your help.
By donating to the Piedmont Warming Shelter by 10/31/25, you can provide a safe night for Tom and others. They need you. Just $25 will provide a night of care, possibly saving the life of someone who is truly alone in this world and in need of your help. Your gift is much more than a financial contribution; it’s a direct lifeline for a vulnerable member of our community.
You can make a difference right now. There are many ways to give. Checks can be made payable and sent to Culpeper Human Services, at 1835 Industry Drive, Culpeper, Virginia (indicate “warming shelter”) or you can donate to Encompass Community Supports at https://www.encompasscommunitysupports.org/donate/ (choose Piedmont Warming Shelter) or by using this QR Code.
Thank you for donating today to ensure that no one is left to face the cold alone this winter.
A federal shutdown affects our community in many ways. While it creates uncertainty, ECS remains committed to minimizing service disruptions and ensuring that those who rely on our programs receive the care, resources, and assistance they need.
As your local Community Services Board (CSB) and Area Agency on Aging (AAA), our top priority remains providing essential care and support to the individuals and families we serve. Both the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) have indicated they have plans and funds in place to continue services during a federal government shutdown, depending on its length.
With so much happening around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But even in uncertain times, moments of joy, hope, and connection are all around us, waiting to be noticed. Just this week, our Support Coordination Team helped clients successfully transition from unsheltered to safe, stable housing. Eight clients moved into their own apartments, two more are in the final stages, and one achieved a major milestone by purchasing a home with their partner.
These successes remind us that even in challenging times, progress, hope, and community thrive. Together, we will continue supporting people and improving lives, today and every day.
A recent review in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that fall-related deaths for those aged 65 and better have more than tripled over the past thirty years. Those at highest risk are aged 85 and better. Interestingly, other high-income countries have seen fall-related deaths go down during the same period.
Source: T. Farley, JAMA (2025). Annotated by Your Local Epidemiologist.
There are many possible reasons for the increase, including medication side effects, changes in how deaths are reported, and increased frailty. Living longer is a gift, but it can also bring more health challenges.
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging; most can be prevented. By starting fall prevention early, we can educate clients to set activity goals, strengthen muscles, improve balance, and make simple home changes that lower their risk and keep them independent longer. But funding for these programs is at risk.
Congress is still debating and has not yet passed the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025. Current proposals mostly keep funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs the same, with small increases for Supportive Services, Senior Centers, Native American services, and Elder Rights.
However, funding for some health programs could be cut. The current draft eliminates the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which would remove:
$8 million for Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME)
$5 million of $7.5 million for Falls Prevention
$15.7 million of $31.5 million for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
Funding programs for older adults, like the Older Americans Act, is a cost-effective investment. Cutting or keeping funding the same doesn’t keep up with the growing need. Supporting older adults to live safely at home and in their communities not only improves lives, it saves money in the long run.
Your voice matters. Continued advocacy is essential to protect aging services, and the community programs so many rely on. Call your Members of Congress today. You can find their contact information at: house.gov and senate.gov.
Encompass Community Supports (ECS) is proud to serve the people of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties. Every day, we help individuals and families face life’s challenges by connecting them to the support and services they need, when they need it most. Our mission is simple: to help people live healthier, happier lives in the communities they call home.
ECS is the only agency in Virginia that serves as both a Community Services Board and an Area Agency on Aging. This means we offer a wide range of services for people of all ages, from infants to older adults. With more than 400 team members and over 80 programs, we support people at every stage of life.
As one of Virginia’s 40 Community Services Boards, we are the single point of entry for publicly funded mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities services.
As one of 26 Area Agencies on Aging, we operate five Senior Centers and provide important programs like meals, transportation, in-home help, and support for caregivers.
This year’s report shows how our efforts are making a real difference across the region. It also celebrates the hard work of our staff and the strong leadership of our Board of Directors, who represent all five counties.
Thank you for your continued support. We invite you to read the full report and contact us if we can help you or someone you care about.
Encompass Community Supports is a non-profit organization funded by federal, state, and local governments.
We serve as both the CSB and AAA for Virginia’s Planning District 9 (PD9) which includes the counties of Fauquier, Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock. Virginia has 40 Community Services Board (CSB) and 26 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in the state. We want to help people live healthier, happier lives in their communities.
H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, became Public Law No. 119-21 on July 4, 2025 during the 119th Congress. The bill will enact the largest federal healthcare cuts in U.S. history, and modeling suggests the cuts equal $1 trillion over the next decade. This represents a significant change to our healthcare system.
While the full impact will unfold over time, Community Services Boards and Area Agencies on Aging, some of the most vital safety-net systems in our communities, are squarely in its path.
CSBs are by statute the single point of entry into publicly funded mental health, intellectual and developmental disability and substance use disorder services. Medicaid cuts and a shift towards block grants mean fewer guaranteed resources and more local responsibility. Services like crisis support, outpatient therapy, case management, and waiver supports may face reduced capacity.
As the Area Agency on Aging, we support older adults with nutrition programs, caregiver support, in home services and transportation. Cuts to the Older Americans Act and Medicaid mean many seniors, especially those in rural areas, will face the future with less support to age safely and with dignity in their homes and communities.
Many of these changes are scheduled to be implemented in 2026 and beyond. To continue the discussion with your legislator, and advocate for a budget that supports all, go to: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
Senators are debating and voting on their version of the reconciliation bill today. The bill includes major changes to health care, food assistance, and government spending – the biggest cut ever to programs for low-income Americans.
Here’s what’s in the plan and what it could mean for people and communities.
Cuts to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid cuts are estimated at 18% – almost $930 billion less over time
SNAP could be cut by 20%
These cuts would likely result in 11.8 million people losing health coverage, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. This is a million more than the House version of the same bill.
Work Requirements for More People
Right now, many parents and older adults don’t have to meet work rules to get help. This bill would change that:
Parents with children 14 and older would have to work to keep benefits.
People without children would need to work up to age 64 (currently the limit is 49).
It would be harder for states to waive work rules, even during high unemployment.
Changes in How Need Is Measured
The bill also changes how we measure eligibility for help:
Costs like internet access would no longer count in household budgets.
Impact on Hospitals
In Virginia, rural hospitals say these cuts would be devastating. A recent report by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found that:
9 of 31 rural hospitals in Virginia are at risk of closing.
7 are at immediate risk of closing.
Only four Republican Senators need to vote no for this bill to fail. Your voice could help shape what happens next.
These Senators have expressed concerns about this bill. Call them today!
Senators are expected to vote soon on their version of the “Big Beautiful Bill.” This massive bill would:
Make the 2017 tax cuts permanent
Add more money for border security and the military
Cut Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance)
Limit taxes on tips and overtime pay
Change the rules on state and local tax caps
And more
The bill would increase the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion, meaning the government would spend far more than it brings in through taxes (Congressional Budget Office’s, CBO’s, initial estimate was 2.4 trillion. The 3.3 trillion estimate factors in added interest).
Deep Medicaid Cuts Proposed
The Senate’s version goes further than the House’s when it comes to cutting Medicaid. It includes:
Work requirements for Medicaid.
Major changes to how states can fund Medicaid, especially by limiting provider taxes.
Large funding cuts that would harm access to mental health and substance use treatment—services Medicaid funds more than any other payer.
If This Passes, the Impacts Could Be Severe:
Up to 11 million people may lose Medicaid coverage
Fewer mental health and addiction services would be available
States may struggle to fund key services like home- and community-based care for older adults and people with disabilities
Programs for older adults may lose support, as states shift money to fill Medicaid funding gaps
Millions could lose food assistance due to SNAP cuts
Supportive Housing Also Under Threat
Federal funding is the backbone of supportive housing, which helps people with disabilities and those at risk of homelessness. It combines housing with services so people can live independently.
The Administration’s budget proposal for 2026 includes:
Funding cuts
Merging programs together
Time limits on essential housing support
These changes would weaken housing programs, force people back into crisis systems, and stall progress for older adults and people with complex health needs.
The Senate hopes to pass the bill by July 4th. Your voice can make a difference.
The Senate Finance Committee has released its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation that addresses tax policy, border security, immigration, and more. Before it can become law, the Senate must debate and pass the bill, and then reconcile it with the House version. Only after both chambers agree on a final version can it be sent to President Trump for his signature.
Key Differences in the Senate Version
Taxes: Expands tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Seniors would receive a $6,000 deduction (compared to $4,000 in the House bill). The Senate also caps the tip income deduction at $25,000.
Clean Energy: Rolls back clean energy incentives introduced under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. While solar and wind cuts are delayed slightly, reductions for nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower are pushed back further.
Medicaid: Introduces deeper cuts than the House, lowers allowable “provider taxes,” and adds work requirements—though it exempts parents of children under 14.
Debt Ceiling: Raises the limit by $5 trillion (vs. $4 trillion in the House version).
Court Powers: House vs. Senate Versions
A controversial provision in the Senate’s version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could dramatically limit who can sue the federal government. It would require anyone seeking a temporary court order—like a restraining order or injunction—to first post a financial bond, no exceptions.
House Bill: Focuses on limiting enforcement after a court ruling is issued, potentially weakening contempt powers.
Senate Bill: Makes it harder to obtain court orders in the first place by introducing upfront financial barriers.
The amount of the required bond would be scaled to the estimated costs to the government. Under the proposal every challenger, including nonprofits, civil rights groups, and everyday citizens, would have to pay the financial bond before a judge could block a government action. Judges would be banned from waiving or reducing the bond, even if the person is poor, a nonprofit, or alleging serious civil rights violations.
Real-World Impact
Nonprofits: Environmental and advocacy groups with limited budgets could be forced to drop legitimate legal challenges due to cost.
Everyday citizens: Whistleblowers, veterans, families and others with valid claims may be denied access to justice simply because they can’t afford to pay.
If enacted, this financial bond requirement would represent a profound shift in how citizens and organizations can challenge government actions. It creates a financial gatekeeping system that could shield the federal government from accountability and silence voices that lack the means to pay for access to the courts.
Your voice matters. Call your Members of Congress today. You can find their contact information at: house.gov and senate.gov.
