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VOICE

VOICE – Did you know? Covid Eviction Crisis

by | Jun 25, 2021

During the housing crisis, Prince William County (PWC) had the highest foreclosure rate in Virginia. Poor families were especially victims of predatory lending. VOICE acted then. The circumstances of the Covid pandemic and ensuing job loss has again raised the potential for more evictions and foreclosures. VOICE was prepared and acted. Why it’s Important The pandemic's closure orders led to a financial disruption to life. Jobs were lost, especially among the poor and people of color - most of...

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On Prince William County’s Public Defender Office

by | Jun 15, 2021

Originally appearing in the Washington Post (May 29, 2020) || Opinion by the Editorial Board “If you could change anything about the criminal justice system, if you had a magic wand, where would you start?” Community organizers in Prince William County posed that question to hundreds of prison inmates, ex-offenders and their families. Most said the same thing: They would start with legal representation. “Many of them were indigent defendants who had court-appointed attorneys,” explained the...

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VOICE – DID YOU KNOW: Public Defenders

by | Jun 15, 2021

Through television shows like “Law and Order” the general public is familiar with the offices of the District Attorney and the prosecutors, as well as the Public Defender’s office. Did you know that until this year the Prince William County did not have a Public Defenders office? VOICE lead the initiative to establish a local Public Defender’s Office. Why it’s important In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled that a proper legal defense is a constitution right for all citizens, especially if unable...

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VOICE – Did You Know? Pre K

by | Apr 13, 2021

St. Francis VOICE and Pre-K Classes Did you know that just eight years ago, the Prince William County Public School (PWCPS) system only had 8 Pre-K classes? There were lots of private programs for those that could afford to send their children – but not much available for those for whom private programs were not an option. The St. Francis of Assisi VOICE ministry began the initiative, that with the help of many other groups, changed Pre K availability for all. Today there are 80 Pre-K classes...

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