During the height of the pandemic, Abigail, affectionately known as Abby, excelled in creating community in a digital space when many students were cut off from the outside world. Abby served at Aspire Afterschool Learning during the 2020 summer program, the 2020-21 program year ,and the 21- 22 program year as an AmeriCorps State Member. Abby served students in our virtual program during the Covid-19 pandemic by helping them with literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and STEAM-related activities. Abby created and implemented fun activities, helped with homework, and helped make the virtual learning space engaging and supportive. She played an instrumental...

Respected throughout the community for their holistic and deep commitment to making a difference, the impact of Highlands Fellowship can be felt through their fierce love for those most vulnerable in Southwest Virginia. Over 2,500 individuals have been mobilized to act as catalysts throughout the community, partnering to expand the breadth and depth of available resources to serve youth and families in foster care and kinship care networks. Their continually evolving wraparound approach has made a far-reaching and long-lasting impact by building relationships, strengthening systems, and inspiring others in the community to take action. Highlands Fellowship is recognized as an...

Bob Gilbert dedicated his life to service, leaving an enduring legacy in Rockbridge County and at Natural Bridge State Park. From his early involvement in the Ruritan Club to his leadership on the Rockbridge County School Board, Bob exemplified servant leadership, giving tirelessly of his time, talent, and heart to strengthen his community. As President of the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park, Bob guided transformative initiatives that enhanced accessibility, preservation, and educational programming. His vision brought additional full-time staff to the park, created the Children’s Discovery Area—a certified Nature Explore Classroom—and established the park’s first professionally designed disc golf...

Martin Novak was recently retired and looking for opportunities to volunteer in Northern Virginia when he discovered Volunteer Fairfax and their AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Northern Virginia program through a Google search. He applied to the program and recalls, "I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices of volunteer activities available. Ultimately, I settled on the four that I’ve gotten involved in: Farmers Market, Junior Achievement Finance Centers, providing music therapy at Insight Memory Care Centers, and Welcome Wednesdays at Volunteer Fairfax." A resident of Fairfax County for the past 32 years, Martin enjoys giving back to his community. He reflects,...

Congratulations to Cathie Cummins of Union Hall - winner of the 2018 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Senior Volunteer!As a pediatric physical therapist for more than 30 years, Cathie Cummins has seen firsthand the needs that exist in the community for assistive equipment for children with disabilities. Recognizing that resources were limited and adaptive equipment was too expensive for many families, Cathie began adaptive equipment loan programs in both Northern and Southwest Virginia. After identifying a successful model and a statewide need, Cathy started Children’s Assistive Technology Service (CATS) which provides for the re-use of pediatric rehabilitation equipment...

2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award honoree Mary Lee Di Spirito coordinates the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) furniture program, which she managed for decades with her husband, Don, who passed away earlier this year. She has volunteered with ACCA for more than thirty years, generously giving time and talents to the Annandale community, impacting countless local families.   As part of her ACCA service, she spearheaded the expansion of ACCA's ministry to include furniture distribution and has worked for more than 25 years to help provide residents with safe and comfortable furnishings. Since then, ACCA's furniture ministry has...