Making Sure No Child Falls Through the Cracks We are excited to congratulate Virginia native James Taylor, who was recently honored at the AmeriCorps State Symposium for exemplary efforts in disability inclusion. James, who struggled with a learning disability himself, was one of four honorees for the Tom Harkin Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards. Serving as a Public Allies Chicago AmeriCorps member, James revolutionized how Chicago Public Schools tracked their diverse learners and brought a great level of proficiency and expertise to his work because of his similar life experiences.  As a student with special needs, James said he was allowed to...

Congratulations to CrossOver Health Ministry of Richmond - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Community Organization! COVID-19 has magnified the dramatic healthcare disparities existing in communities across the country. CrossOver Healthcare Ministry has not only stepped up to provide outstanding medical care, but has gone  above and beyond to be there in incredible ways. CrossOver operates two charitable healthcare clinics – one in the City of Richmond and one in Henrico County. Founded in 1983, the clinics provide healthcare to approximately 5,500 uninsured and medically underserved individuals each year. Many of CrossOver’s patients (60%)...

Kim Martin

For more than 20 years, Frank and Mae Antkievicz have volunteered with the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Hanover County. Of the more than 40,000 people living in Hanover County, approximately 4.5% speak languages other than English. An inability to speak English affects residents’ lives in many ways, especially for work and education. Without ESL programs, many would be unable to truly become connected with the community in which they live.  Starting their service as ESL volunteers and assistants, they now run the program serving as both directors and teachers. During their...

John Muir once said “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.” Thanks to Walter Hussey, winner of the 2016 Governor's Award for Outstanding Adult Volunteer, there is one more beautiful place in Virginia to do just that. Walter’s passion and excitement for nature led him to plan, map out and implement the 70-acre Meadow Management Program space at Pleasant Grove Park in Fluvanna County. He was instrumental in developing partnerships with six state agencies and a long list of other organizations...

Clyde Roberts, Clinch Valley Community Action Agency Senior Corps – Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteer of the Year - RSVP allows seniors to share their skills and talents while serving in a variety of volunteer activities.  Clyde Roberts has served more than 8,600 hours of service in his 14 years as an RSVP volunteer making a tremendous impact to countless veterans in his community. As an RSVP volunteer, he assists veterans with their day-to-day activities so that they may live independently in their homes. Mr. Roberts helps these veterans and their families with necessary paperwork needed for VA benefits, organize...