The James City County Board of Supervisors recognized two organizations for their service to the community at its December 9 meeting. Chair Jim Icenhour presented the 2025 Chairman’s Awards, honoring the Department of Social Services and Community of Faith Mission (COFM).
The Department of Social Services received the Chairman’s Award for a county department, individual, or program. The department was recognized for providing a range of support services in 2025. According to county records, staff handled 10,800 citizen visits, including 250 requiring translation assistance. The department conducted 364 adult protective services investigations and managed 175 adult guardianship cases. For children and families, they provided community-based services to 49 children, completed 115 child protective services investigations, and responded to 715 CPS reports.
Other assistance included processing over 3,320 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) household cases covering more than 4,500 recipients and handling more than 6,300 Medicaid cases benefiting over 13,700 individuals. Additional programs supported residents with rental assistance (280 people), childcare (146), energy needs (700), home ownership (165), home revitalization projects for 100 homes, and homelessness prevention for 40 families.
The Citizen’s Award went to Community of Faith Mission. COFM is a faith-based emergency shelter program that operates during the coldest months in Williamsburg. Since opening in November 2012 to address unmet shelter needs in the area, COFM has worked with host sites and partner organizations to provide shelter and meals.
Over its thirteen seasons, COFM has recorded more than 24,449 guest stays and served over 73,347 meals. These efforts were made possible by volunteers who contributed upwards of 19,500 shifts totaling about 126,000 hours. Host sites include various local churches such as Bruton Parish Church and Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
Chair Jim Icenhour stated that both award recipients were honored “for their contributions and service to James City County and the community.”
