Plains Community League All About Good Works

Plains Community League All About Good Works

By Emma Boyce

School lunches were just as important nearly a hundred years ago as they are now. That’s why, when they noticed several children going without lunches during the Great Depression, a group of women in The Plains founded the beginnings of The Plains Community League. And yes despite its long history and countless good works, some still don’t know it’s there.

TPCL has obviously evolved since the 1930s. In its current incarnation, the 501c3 nonprofit group acts as both an educational and social resource for children and adults. Under the direction of Program Director Erica Young, TPCL aims to expand even further.

An Upperville native, Young has a background in community organizations and also taught preschool at the Middleburg Community Center, overseeing their summer programming, as well.

“My goals are huge,” said Young, who joined TPCL in January. “I think the biggest goal for the community is to know that we are here and we are open to any suggestions. We want everyone to have what they need.”

With summer in full swing, TPCL already boasts a full schedule of fun for residents of all ages. They host weekly programs, including Toddler Tuesdays, crafts on Wednesdays, and afternoon games on Thursdays.

In early August, TPCL partnered with Grace Episcopal to combine the second annual School Free Market with an Ice Cream Social and Carnival. Students were able to pick out free school supplies followed by ice cream and games.

“I think I go a little overboard with making sure that we’re doing the best that we can here, but it’s a great group of people,” Young said. “I love the community. Their saying is, ‘neighbors helping neighbors,’ and that can’t be more true. We all are in it together.”

TPCL offers English as a second language (ESL) classes every Wednesday night. Among the most valuable resources for students is their free tutoring, a program that began twenty years ago. And they also provide college scholarships for a number of local recipients.

Program Director Erica Young Helping hands abound inside The Plains Community League

“After Covid, it was like starting from scratch,” said Young, who had to seek out new volunteers post-pandemic. “The biggest priority at that time was the tutoring program because they were going from completely virtual learn to back in house.”

Although TPCL became an even more invaluable asset during Covid, providing an “Internet Cafe” for families and students without internet access, Young’s biggest hurdle was returning to in-person learning. Despite the learning curve, Young introduced herself to local schools and formed a relationship with the Windy Hill Foundation.

“It’s looking great right now,” said Young, who constantly posts tutoring fliers and meets with students in case emails fall through the cracks.

This fall, TPCL will partner with The Plains Service Station and Grace Episcopal to host Music in the Plains on October 1. The day will kick off with a car show at Grace, followed by an afternoon of music, food, and, of course, a little swag for participants.

“We want everyone to join together and make it a fun community,” she said.

When Young is sitting in her office inside the John Page Turner Community House, she listens for the sound of chairs creakily rocking on the porch. She encourages visitors and she has the popsicles and coffee to keep them coming back.

“All should know that they may contact me any time,” Young said. “I’m very passionate about the job. TPCL is here for so many reasons. We want to hear from the community and the community does not stop at the lines of the Plains. Anyone is welcome.”