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Andrew Richards
Andrew Richards
YVCHR

Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads

Story of Service: Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads

As a member of the Virginia Volunteerism Network, Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads (YVCHR) engages youth, ages 11-18, in team-based service experiences that build work and life skills while inspiring a lifetime ethic of service. Established in 2009, YVCHR is the first YVC affiliate in the state of Virginia and is one of more than 40 affiliates internationally. In October 2024, they celebrated their 15th anniversary by co-hosting the annual YVC Summit in Virginia Beach. This two-day international conference featured 24 workshops; 5 hands-on service projects that engaged over 70 youth attendees and benefited 5 local nonprofit organizations; a...
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SunTrust

Story of Service: SunTrust

Congratulations to SunTrust of Richmond -- winner of the 2017 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Corporation! Among SunTrust's corporate commitments is "employee volunteerism that helps to build and strengthen communities." This commitment and culture of caring is evident among Richmond-based SunTrust employees where more than 800 SunTrust teammates have volunteered for a host of organizations contributing nearly 38,000 hours of service! Volunteers focus on three key areas: financial education, support for the military and veterans, and continuing to help Virginia communities and residents recover from the 2008-2010 financial crisis. Nearly 3,000 volunteer hours were spent delivering...
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Shannon Britt

Story of Service: Shannon Britt

Shannon Britt served as a college adviser at Essex High School in Tappahannock, Virginia, as part of the Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC), an AmeriCorps program. She found out about AmeriCorps when she was in high school, where she was served by a VCAC adviser.  She recalls, "The 2017-2018 school year was our first year having a college adviser. During my fourth year of college at the University of Virginia, I heard someone speak to our Intro to Counseling class in the education school about the program. I was interested in paying forward the great advising I received in high school...
Sydney Sanders

Sydney Sanders

Story of Service: Sydney Sanders

Sydney Sanders is an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving with the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. She originally discovered AmeriCorps VISTA in college, hearing fellow students discuss their post-graduation plans. "After I graduated, I knew I wanted to find a program or position that would afford me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained in school, while also cultivating new skills," she recalls. "What drew me to serve was the unique position I applied for and ended up being offered." Through her VISTA service at the Federation, Sydney has had the chance to be involved in a broad range of...
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Acadia Czeizinger

Story of Service: Acadia Czeizinger

Acadia Czeizinger became an AmeriCorps member in August 2023 through an opportunity to serve in the Virginia College Advising Corps. She recalls, "I had just graduated from Hollins University less than a year prior, and I was already feeling restless working part-time at a local bookstore. I wanted to do something different; something that would allow me both serve my community and allow me to gain experience as a young professional." At that point, the job market was recovering from the pandemic and Acadia was struggling to find a rewarding position that would allow her to remain within her rural...
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Alisa Thornton

Story of Service: Alisa Thornton

2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award honoree Alisa Thornton is currently the Chair of the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Parent Advisory Council and owner of Another Touch Solutions. She is a kinship provider, parent advocate, and realtor. Alisa is also a former Family Support Partner and Peer Recovery Specialist with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she was the 2023 recipient of the NAMI Virginia Hope Award. Through her service, she has helped hundreds of families navigate available services and resources, getting them the help they need. She is also currently certified as a trainer to conduct...

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