Building Service to Career Pathways through the RVA Health Corps

AmeriCorps Week is a time to celebrate not only the community impact created through national service, but also the transformative workforce development opportunities AmeriCorps members gain during their terms of service. The RVA Health Corps, operated by the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB), is a strong example of how service can open doors to meaningful career pathways.

The OCWB’s mission is to improve quality of life and expand wealth‑building opportunities for Richmond’s most impacted communities. In 2023, the Office launched the RVA Health Corps to help address some of the city’s most pressing community health challenges, including food insecurity, substance abuse and environmental concerns. RVA Health Corps members connect residents to healthcare resources, recovery support and environmental programs. In 2025 alone, RVA Health Corps members helped more than 4,000 residents access chronic disease services, provided peer recovery support to over 200 individuals and improved five acres of parks and public land through environmental stewardship. These service members are reshaping their community and making a lasting difference in the lives of Richmond residents. The OCWB and the RVA Health Corps embody civic engagement at its best — and they are also helping AmeriCorps members build toward their futures.

The OCWB prides itself on their Service to Career Pipeline, giving those who serve their community the opportunity to further their education or explore job opportunities that utilize their new skills. The Service to Career Pipeline approach helps RVA Health Corps members translate their commitment to service into meaningful next steps for their futures. Through training, coaching and hands-on experience, members earn industry-recognized credentials and build practical workforce skills that strengthen their career readiness. Whether they are pursuing higher education, exploring new career pathways or deepening their professional expertise, the pipeline provides the support and guidance members need to take confident steps toward long-term success.

Daniesha Bowles entered the RVA Health Corps with hopes of continuing her education. She was already on her journey to obtaining an advanced degree but was uncertain about completing her degree and whether she was on the right path for career success. During her service with the RVA Health Corps, she participated in professional development opportunities and engaged with OCWB’s Career Services team. Through these services, she gained clarity, encouragement and peer support to plan the next steps of her career with confidence. In addition, she was able to find financial support for her advanced degree. “I...was able to receive financial assistance for school through a spokesperson they had [at a professional development program]," says Daniesha. Since then, Daniesha has continued furthering her education by working on her Pharmacy Technician Certification, along with her Community Health Worker training and Peer Recovery Certification offered to every RVA Health Corps member.

Members also earn the Segal Education Award, which can be used toward higher education. For AmeriCorps alumna Kai Brooks, the award came at the perfect time. After pausing her education to prioritize her family, she credits her service with the RVA Health Corps for giving her the momentum to return. “After years of prioritizing my sons, I knew it was my time to return to school and complete the final 10 classes toward my bachelor’s degree. Despite repeated barriers to registering, my service with AmeriCorps motivated me to keep going and earn the Segal Education Award,” says Brooks.

We are grateful for the dedication of these AmeriCorps members and for the Office of Community Wealth Building’s commitment to creating pathways that help those who serve continue to grow, thrive and uplift their community long after their service ends.