A Place To Be in Middleburg needs your help. The 501c3 nonprofit, whose staff has tirelessly dedicated themselves to helping people face, navigate, and overcome life's challenges using the therapeutic arts, has been a devoted and important member of both the town and our community.

Directed by Tom Sweitzer and Executive Director Kim Tapper, A Place To Be now sees some 200 families per week, while creating outreach programs such as their Same Sky Project, viewed by 15,000 students and community members, plus summer camps, social groups, recitals and original therapeutic performances. This doesn't just take a highly qualified staff, it takes a village. One like Middleburg!

Working from their space at 15 South Madison Street, kindly gifted by Ben and K.C. Graham, A Place To Be set out to do what many non-profits have a very hard time doing - first survive, then thrive. The unfortunate need for A Place To Be's services of working with people coping with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, brain trauma, emotional and self-esteem issues, and people living with chronic illness such as Lyme disease and Cancer, is overwhelming. So much so, that A Place To Be's clients come from all over Northern Virginia, many driving nearly an hour for their specialized care.

So, how can you help?

This growing demand requires a new space, a bigger place to be!

This specialized type of space has almost proven to be the organization's toughest challenge yet, but the toughest challenge was actually keeping their place to be - here, in Middleburg.

The good news is that a space has been located and now their greatest hurtle, so much in need of your support, is outfitting the space for their client's special needs. While the entire build out is expected to cost nearly $100,000, they are asking for your help, especially in raising the first $25,000.

A community fundraising program has been set up with INDIEGOGO, as suggested by Journeyman Saddlers owner and Middleburg Business & Professional Association President Punkin Lee. Those who wish to contribute any amount can simply visit www.aplacetobeva.org to find the Indiegogo link or contact A Place To Be directly at 540-687-6740

It's good for us to consider that this is a giving organization. One who has not only served its clients well, it has provided wonderfully enjoyed shows and become a destination by bringing countless new faces to town who drop off family members for sessions, then visit main street. Thus, becoming part of what makes our world go round. Hopefully we can help A Place To Be continue to have its place to be - HERE!