City of Staunton
Home MenuStaunton Connect
Connecting Community to Opportunity
ContactAnna Leavitt |
STAUNTON Connect strengthens opportunity by expanding access to good wages, stable housing, and the supports everyone needs so that economic security is achievable for all.
Initiative: about the work
Our Approach: The program serves as a backbone coordination initiative through the City Manager’s Office and is grant funded through the International City/County Management Association. STAUNTON Connect does not deliver direct services, instead its role is to convene partners, align data, build shared understanding, and create conditions for systems change that improves economic mobility for Staunton residents.
Economic Mobility is the ability to improve economic circumstances over time. The National League of Cities defines this on a continuum moving from economic stability to economic security to wealth building.
Find Help: Resources by Need
Transportation Hub
I want to share a ride or commute:
https://connectingva.drpt.virginia.gov/rideshare/
Sharing your ride to work can help you reduce costs, commuting time, and stress. Identify the best rideshare option for you, then use our tools and tips to find rideshare partners and learn how you can earn rewards for every trip you take!
I need to get to work, school, or an appointment and/or I need reduced or accessible fares (same resources):
Trip Planning
https://www.britebus.org/trip-planner/
Routes
Costs
- Standard Fare: $0.25 each way
- ADA Compliant Paratransit Service: $.50 each way
- Children 12 years of age and under, when accompanied by an adult, ride free
- Students with valid ID ride for free
- A reduced fare of $0.10 is available on the Downtown Trolley for seniors (age 65 and over), persons with disabilities, and Medicare card holders. Drivers may request proof of eligibility.
Drivers do not make change, so please be prepared with exact fare.
Childcare Resource Hub
For Families
I am looking for child care:
Child Care Aware of Virginia helps families choose the child care that works for them. Give their search portal a try. Additional resources to guide the search are below.
- Check out our Choosing Quality Child Care Guide!
- Learn more about provider qualifications
- Tips for touring a child care provider
- Explore Financial assistance options
- What to do if all providers in your area are full
- Complete our on-demand course, Understanding Child Care in Virginia-Why Quality Care Matters, through LearnVAChildCare
- Learn more about VQB5 for families
More information? Contact directly at 804.285.0846 or reception@vachildcare.com
I need help paying for care:
Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program
How to apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program
- Visit CommonHelp to apply online or screen for eligibility
- CommonHelp is a self-service portal available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- A video or Quick Guide for the application portal is also available.
- Submit a Child Care Service Application and Redetermination Form(Spanish - aplicación en español) to your local department of social services.
- Click here to find your local department of social services.
- You can also request that an application be mailed to you.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Call Center is available to help sponsors and families get general Child Care Subsidy Program information, application assistance, and help checking basic case status. Call 855.635.4370, and press 1 for family support.
Shenandoah Valley Social Services: SVSS provides human services assistance to citizens experiencing financial hardship, neglect and abuse in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. The mission of SVSS is to promote self-reliance and protect citizens through community-based services.
- Benefits Programs: Medical, financial, energy, child care, food assistance, and employment services to the citizens of Augusta County, and the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. These benefits are paid through federal, state, and local funds.
68 Dick Huff Lane, Verona
540.245.5800
Hours: Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Staunton City Schools Preschool Programs: Free or reduced-cost early childhood care and education program. Call 434-326-5396 for assistance or email help@go2grow.org.
Shenandoah Valley Head Start & Early Head Start: Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. In addition to education services, programs provide children and their families with health, nutrition, social, and family services. Head Start services are responsive to each child and family's ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. SVHS serves children ages 3 - 5 from the counties of Augusta, Bath, and Highland and the Cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro in school-based settings . SVEHS serves children 6 weeks - 3 years with classrooms in Staunton and Waynesboro.
- Shenandoah Valley Head Start & Early Head Start Application
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Call 540.942.7111
Documents Needed to Determine Eligibility (Staunton City Preschool, Head Start, and Early Head Start)
- Proof of income (ex: 2025 tax returns, SNAP, TANF, or SSI letter, W2s, paystubs for each working parent, or a letter from an employer, and child support documentation)
- Note: This is REQUIRED for your application to be fully processed by Early Head Start/ Head Start/ Public School programs, Mixed Delivery, and the Early Learners Scholarship. Programs may require additional documentation and/or more than one form of documentation.
- Current proofs of address (ex. Current lease agreement, proof of homeownership, and current dated gas, water, or cable bill, with service or premise address listed.)
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Primary Adult ID
- Any custody/ foster/ court order documents
Documents Needed for Child to Start School
- Child’s School Entrance Health Form (signed by physician)
- Child’s Current Immunization Record (signed by physician)
- Any additional relevant documents (ex. IEP or ISFP documentation, referrals, etc.)
Community Child Care: Serving ages 2 – 11yrs. The program offers preparation for kindergarten, school age programming, and a summer camp.
- Registration and other forms can be found here.
- Call 540.886.7372 for more information.
I need before, after-school, or summer care
Afterschool Adventure Club: After School care provided for ages 4yrs to 12 yrs running from August 12, 2026 – May 26, 2027 at the Staunton Augusta YMCA.
- Registration Information for the Staunton site (and others).
- Call 540.885.8089 for more information.
Boys and Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County: Affordable after school and summer care for children aged 5 yrs – 17 yrs. Club members who need community support funding to access our the sliding fee scale receive an automatic scholarship that provides weekly care for $10 - $30 a week per child.
For afterschool enrollment or waiting list information, please contact:
- Waynesboro Club, waynesboro@bgcwsa.org or 540.471.3628
- Staunton Club, staunton@bgcswa.org or 540.471.6379
Availability changes, registration for summer often opens in late winter, registration for school year often opens in mid-summer. Start early!
For Providers
I want to become a provider
Learn about your options: https://vachildcare.com/providers/becoming-a-provider/
- Request a Free one-on-one Provider Consultation with a Child Care Specialist in your region:https://vachildcare.com/providers/request-ta/
- Low Interest Loan Program:Virginia Small Business Child Care Financing Program is designed to assist child care providers in obtaining finances for fixed asset needs and educational materials.
- Need Staunton specific information? Contact Staunton Connect at leavittas@ci.staunton.va.us
I want to grow my program:
Currently employed as a childcare provider but looking toward an Early Childhood certificate or degree? Check out the
- Virginia Early Childhood Foundation: https://vecf.org/pathfinders/
- Training and Professional Development Resources: Virginia Department of Education
Quality Measurement and Improvement (VQB5): Virginia’s early childhood system works to ensure that all children have quality teaching and learning experiences to meet their unique needs.
Provider Resources: Communicable Disease Reference Chart, Emergency Preparedness, Family and Community Engagement etc.
Food Resource Hub
I need food today
- Valley Mission: Serves hot daily meals Monday – Friday. Breakfast at 6:45 a.m.; lunch at Noon; dinner at 5 p.m. Weekends move breakfast to 9:30 a.m. and dinner to 4 p.m. Located at 1513 W Beverley Street (map it here)
- Trinity Episcopal Church: Serves free lunch Monday – Friday at 11:30 a.m. Located at 214 W. Beverley Street (map it here)
- Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Food Finder Enter your location to search for BRAFB partners providing free groceries, fresh produce, and/or meals near you. (map it here)
- SAW area Little Free Food Pantries Collection of little free food pantries in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro area. (map it here)
I need help paying for food
- CommonHelp (DSS application for assistance)
- WIC Application through Virginia Department of Health
- Restaurant Meals Program for SNAP Customers
- Staunton City Schools Nutrition Program
- SUN Bucks (summer food support for eligible families)
I need meals delivered
Martha's Meals On Wheels provides meals ($4 per meal) to homebound neighbors or those unable to prepare their own regardless of age or income. Meals are delivered Monday – Friday within the City of Staunton by volunteers. You can find their intake form on the back of the brochure found here. 540.886.1219
Valley Program for Aging Services Meals on Wheels provides free healthy meals to the homes of older adults who cannot prepare them on their own. Eligible adults include those who:
- Are 60 years or older and reside in a VPAS served region.
- Are unable to leave the home to attend regular social activities.
- Are unable to prepare meals for themselves.
- Are able to safely remain at home with meals as a support service.
- Lack meal support/preparation from family members or other individuals.
Monthly frozen meals are provided for those who reside outside of a hot meal delivery route.
Contact VPAS for more information at 540.949.7141 or https://vpas.info/connect-vpas
Housing Hub
City of Staunton Housing Programs Division
Dial 2-1-1 for resources or search https://211virginia.org/community-resources/
Work & Income Hub
I need a job now
Virginia Career Works (Job Search Services)
Centers located in Harrisonburg, Fishersville, and Winchester. Call 540.887.9895 for an appointment.
- Are you between the ages of 14 and 24 looking for paid work, experience, better job, internship, apprenticeship or help in completing an educational or occupational training program?
- Services for adult workers with low-income looking for employment
- Veterans receive priority of service and are connected to employment opportunities and supported by dedicated veterans’ service representatives.Staunton Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1st Friday of each month at 102 Lacy B. King Way in Staunton.
- Services for workers with disabilities looking for employment.
- The Senior Community Service Employment program provides subsidized, service-based training for income eligible persons 55 or older to help them re-enter the workforce and earn a pay check.
- You’ve been laid off. The Dislocated Worker program provides services to eligible individuals who have lost their job due to company closing or layoff.
I want training for a better-paying job
FastForward short-term credential program: Training for top, in-demand jobs
Valley Career & Technical Center Adult Education: Adult education options for professional development, advanced career training, and construction code and exam prep
I would like to offer internships
InternshipsVA: Resources for organizations to strengthen their talent pipeline
I need childcare and transportation
Health Hub
I need health coverage
Health Care Coverage for Children, Pregnant Women, and Adults: Call the Cover Virginia Call Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 833-5CALLVA (TDD: 1.888.221.1590).
Medicaid Application Information
- Apply online at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
- Call Cover Virginia hotline (listed above)
- Apply through the Virginia Insurance Marketplace at https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/
I need care I can afford
- Augusta Health Financial Assistance
- Valley Community Services Board
- Central Shenandoah Health District
- Dial 2-1-1 for resources or search https://211virginia.org/community-resources/
I need mental health or substance-use support
- Dial 911: appropriate language here
- Dial 988: Suicide and crisis lifeline; substance use support
- Community Based Behavioral Heath, Developmental Disability, and Substance Use Services at Valley Community Services Board
- Find a Treatment Facility: enter your address, zip code, etc. to find options near you; offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Benefits & Assistance Hub
Get Involved
Voter registration can be found on the 1st floor of City Hall.
Phone: 540.332.3840
Email: vote@ci.staunton.va.us
Regular Office Hours
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Dial 2-1-1 for resources or search https://211virginia.org/community-resources/
Keep track of what groups meet when as well as listen to live meetings here.
Keep track of City progress by checking in on the City of Staunton’s Project Updates page. The City of Staunton invests millions of dollars annually into the infrastructure and community assets projects that align with City Council's Staunton Plan and keep our community running.
These Capital Improvement Projects range from paving streets and improving stormwater drainage to upgrading water systems and rehabilitating public buildings. These long-term investments are essential to supporting economic vitality and ensure a high quality of life for all residents.
You can also stay connected by signing up to receive eNotification emails or text messages from the City of Staunton. Topics include:
- Calendar Updates
- City News & Newsletter Updates
- Department Newsletters
- Road Closures
- Trash Pickup Changes
Adopt-a-Spot Program: This program is designed to encourage citizen participation in beautification and litter cleanup of designated areas in their community. For more information, or to apply for this program, please read and fill out the entire application and send it to StauntonStormwater@ci.staunton.va.us.
For any questions, please reach out to the Environmental Programs Administrator at the email above or at the office number 540.332.3858.
Attend Staunton University: Learn how local government works through a hands-on learning program. The 10-week course covers topics including: City Governance Overview; City Budget & Taxes; City Department tours and introductions. Registration is limited to 25 participants. The 2026 class is filled.
Boards and Commissions: City boards and commissions shape decisions that affect daily life in Staunton. The people who make those recommendations are your neighbors. City Council appoints residents to serve, and you do not need a degree, a title or prior experience in government. You need to know your own neighborhood and be willing to show up. Your application information will be kept on file until such time as a vacancy occurs. The City Council Nominations Committee will consider applications and make recommendations to City Council
Descriptions for each Board or Commission and the general application can be found here.
If you have questions, please call the City Manager’s Office at 540.332.3812.
Staunton City Schools Volunteer: Volunteering in any of our schools is a unique and exciting experience and a benefit to both the school and you as the volunteer. Volunteering is designed to promote and maintain a supportive relationship between students, schools, and their community. Volunteers who are committed to helping students be successful are important partners in academic achievement. The application and other materials can be found on the bottom of the page.
For more information about our Volunteer Program, please contact:
Jonathan G. Venn, Director of Human Resources Staunton City Schools 116 W. Beverley Street Staunton, Va. 24401 Phone: 540.332.3920 Email: jvenn@staunton.k12.va.us
Serve Virginia Volunteer Hub was created as a single point of entry for individuals looking to volunteer! The Hub can:
- Track volunteer hours across multiple organizations through one secure location.
- Search volunteer opportunities by date and location.
- Allow community agencies the ability to verify volunteer hours within the system.
- Connect users to a local volunteer center.
- Find volunteer opportunities that fit your specific needs.
- Set-up notifications and alerts.
- Help you learn about volunteer events, news and updates.
Volunteers can create a free account on the Serve Virginia Volunteer Hub to record hours committed to opportunities found on the Hub, as well as other independent volunteering.
Volunteer hours are able to be verified to ensure compliance or meet requirements. Volunteers can also download their “volunteer resume” to submit their volunteer hours to other organizations.
Don’t see your organization listed? Click here to register your organization’s volunteer needs on the Serve Virginia Volunteer Hub
Partners
Coming soon!
