LCAC Recognizes Local School Teacher with Founder’s Award

Longtime Lorton resident and Fairfax County school teacher, Barbara Rizer, was recognized by the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) for her tireless dedication to helping individuals and families in southeast Fairfax County through her volunteer efforts with LCAC. On March 10 at LCAC’s annual fundraising gala, the LCAC Board of Directors presented Mrs. Rizer with the organization’s inaugural Founder’s Award for her commitment and passion for fulfilling LCAC’s mission of enhancing the quality of life in the community through individual and family services, community programs, and partnerships with other organizations.

Upon receiving the award, Mrs. Rizer emphasized the importance of having a local nonprofit organization such as LCAC to serve as a resource to individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. She commented that “Sometimes people make bad decisions and they end up in a situation that they never anticipated, or they experience an unexpected life-change, such as a medical diagnosis, a death in the family or a job loss. Everyone needs to have somewhere to go for resources, information, and compassionate guidance.” Mrs. Rizer is quick to point out that her husband, Tim Rizer, has been a steadfast partner over the years. “I could not have done any of this without his support. He knows this cause is important to me and he has willingly given his time and energy to further LCAC’s mission. I’m thankful that Tim has, without hesitation, been supportive of giving generously from a financial standpoint to support LCAC and, thus, our community.”

For over seventeen years, Mrs. Rizer has worked diligently as an LCAC volunteer to ensure that people have access to basic needs such as food, emergency financial assistance for rent or utilities and clothes, as well as championed the need for tutoring and after-school programs for local children.

She has been involved in a myriad of roles with the organization over the years. She played an instrumental role in moving Lorton’s Attic, LCAC’s thrift store, to a more visible location on Route 1 and has worked hard to make the store a success. The store is a vital resource for clients and a revenue stream for the organization. Mrs. Rizer served on the Board of Directors, including six years as Treasurer, and it was during this time that she advocated and convinced the Board of Directors that the organization should pursue outside grant funding. But her dedication didn’t stop there – she identified potential funding sources, including Fairfax County, and wrote the grants! Mrs. Rizer worked tirelessly on numerous fundraising galas and grew the event into a fun and festive evening with live music and dancing. Given Mrs. Rizer’s work as a teacher it is not surprising that she also launched LCAC’s tutoring program. She advocates for LCAC’s mission in all aspects of her life, including her work as a math teacher at South County Secondary School.

To find out more about LCAC, visit their website at www.lortonaction.org or call 703-339-5161.