2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105704D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 122

Offered February 11, 2026

Commending FaithWalkers.

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Patron—Anderson

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WHEREAS, FaithWalkers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing recidivism by helping people thrive, has greatly served the Williamsburg, James City County, and York County community for several years; and

WHEREAS, FaithWalkers was founded in 2022 by Marty Wright and Tony Olvis, who were inspired by their experience overcoming the challenges of incarceration and reintegration into society to start an organization that would give back by combating recidivism; and

WHEREAS, the founders of FaithWalkers began by walking the streets, and soon thereafter the organization was providing a number of programs at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, the Portsmouth City Jail, and Faith Recovery, a local residential addiction recovery center; and

WHEREAS, through chess clubs, mentoring programs, and other support initiatives, FaithWalkers aims to meet the needs of individuals reentering society, helping them with the myriad difficulties one faces when navigating parole supervision, housing instability, employment, and more; and

WHEREAS, FaithWalkers has developed a comprehensive reentry and community resource guide for the Williamsburg area that is now used by probation officers, local correctional facilities, and other local partners, easing the transition to society for many; and

WHEREAS, in February 2026, FaithWalkers will open the FaithWalkers Stabilization and Resource Center, which will serve as a hub to coordinate systems of care for individuals leaving incarceration or on probation or community supervision, ensuring they have better access to and understanding of existing reentry services and systems; and

WHEREAS, the FaithWalkers Stabilization and Resource Center operates within the Be the Change Hospitality Collaborative at the Pineapple Inn and Housing Center in Williamsburg, an organization committed to bridging the gap between essential resources and individuals struggling with housing challenges; and

WHEREAS, FaithWalkers has fostered productive collaborations and relationships with a number of workforce, health-care, and recovery-oriented providers and faith-based partners in the pursuit of its mission; and

WHEREAS, FaithWalkers focuses on addressing barriers that lead to technical parole violations and unnecessary incarceration, enabling individuals to find long-term stability as they move forward and rebuild their lives; and

WHEREAS, the founders and staff of FaithWalkers have worked tirelessly to ensure the dignity and well-being of the individuals they serve, making a positive and lasting impact on the Greater Williamsburg community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend FaithWalkers for its legacy of service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to FaithWalkers as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's contributions to the Commonwealth.