A Letter to Downtown Harrisonburg Friends & Neighbors from Melissa Nguyen
Dear HDR Friends and Neighbors,
If you know me, you know how much I love this downtown. I’ve raised my kids in here, built my business here, and poured my heart into creating community through Great.full Goods. This is where my children learned to explore and where I found a community that truly sees people.
After joining the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Board, I realized something important: downtown doesn’t thrive by accident. The welcoming atmosphere, the creativity, the family-friendly events, the sense of belonging—it all happens because a small team works tirelessly behind the scenes.
And for families like mine, this work is personal. As a mom with a son who needs accessible, inclusive events, I cherish the moments when he can participate fully—without barriers, without overwhelm, and without feeling different. HDR is one of the few organizations that consistently designs events with all families in mind, making it possible for parents like me to show up without fear or hesitation.
HERE ARE 5 THINGS I’VE LEARNED:
1. HDR is intentional about making downtown accessible and welcoming.
Whether it’s sensory-friendly adjustments, thoughtful layouts, or staff who truly care, HDR understands that accessibility isn’t optional—it’s community.
2. Events that feel effortless actually take immense work and funding.
From holiday programming to family festivals to inclusive activities, HDR invests in making sure every person—every ability, every age—can participate.
3. The team behind HDR is small, mighty, and absolutely dedicated.
They stretch every dollar through creativity, volunteers, and partnerships, ensuring downtown remains a place where all families feel at home.
4. Small businesses (including mine!) rely deeply on HDR’s efforts.
Marketing support, foot traffic from events, and inclusive community building directly impact shops like Great.full Goods and so many others.
5. All donations to HDR are what makes much of this possible.
Without our donations, many of the programs that make our downtown accessible, vibrant, and family-centered simply wouldn’t happen.
HOW WE CAN HELP:
The end of year giving campaign Back the ‘Burg is our chance to invest in the downtown we love—and ensure it stays inclusive for EVERY family.
Even a small donation helps support the kind of thoughtful, accessible programming that allows my son—and so many others—to feel welcomed and included.
Will YOU join me this year and support Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance during this Back the ‘Burg season?
Your contribution helps build a downtown where families of all abilities can explore, play, gather, and belong. I’ve felt the impact personally, and I hope you’ll join me in keeping that momentum alive.
You can donate by mailing a check to 217 S Liberty Street #204 Harrisonburg, VA 22801)
You can donate also online at downtownharrsonburg.org/donate
Thank you for supporting downtown,
Melissa Nguyen
Small Business Owner • HDR Board Member • Mama • Accessibility Advocate • Lover of All Things Downtown Harrisonburg