A Landmark Year in Virginia
Growing justice takes years in the making. Now comes the work that makes it last.
Will you make a gift today in support of the Virginia Interfaith Center, and in support of Evan’s story, and the story of so many Virginians like him?
Evan Hargreaves knew he was coming down with something the night before his shift.
He didn't want to go in. Not because he needed a day off. Because he didn't want to get anyone else sick.
Evan is an electrician and restaurant worker in Richmond, Virginia. Like more than the 1.2 million workers across our state, he had no paid sick days. Miss work, miss pay. So he went in anyway, feeling guilty every time a a coworker or customer came near him.
He wanted to do the right thing. The system wouldn't let him.
This year, Virginia changed that. Because of supporters like you, Virginia became the first state in the South to require paid sick days. Next time Evan gets sick, he can stay home.
Evan Hargreaves at paid sick days roundtable during 2026 General Assembly session. (Photo by Bert Sheperad)
But a law on paper isn't the same as a law in people's lives.
Workers still need to learn their rights. Faith communities need help turning our new affordable-housing law into actual homes. And this fall, voters need to show up to protect what we've won — and keep pushing for what's next.
Faith leaders and community members gather to learn about this year's wins and what comes next. (Photo by Amanda Kline/ VICPP)
Here's why we need your help now
This summer, VICPP is hosting a series of workshops — including our second annual Interfaith Justice Revival — to help faith leaders understand what these new laws mean and how to put them into action in their own communities. This fall, we shift into voter registration and civic engagement to protect these wins and build on them.
Grants come and go. Donors like you are what keep this work going year after year.
Will you make a gift today?
Your gift before August 29 goes directly to our summer workshops and fall civic engagement — the work that turns new laws into real change for Virginians like Evan.
"For paid sick days alone, that was eight years in the making." — Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Image descriptions & credits
Image 1: Advocates, including VICPP's Ramón Zepeda Ramos with Evan, at a paid sick days roundtable during the 2026 General Assembly session. Photo by Bert Sheperad.
Image 2: Evan Hargreaves speaks at a paid sick days roundtable during the 2026 General Assembly session. Photo by Bert Sheperad.
Image 3: Faith leaders and community members gather to learn about this year's legislative wins and what comes next. Photo by Amanda Kline / VICPP.
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates for racial, social, and economic justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer, and action, and it is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN: 54-1362857. Donations are tax-exempt to full extent allowable by the law.