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CHIP of Roanoke Valley
CHIP of Roanoke Valley
RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

Betty L. Robinette

Story of Service: Betty L. Robinette

Congratulations to Betty L. Robinette of Wytheville - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Senior Volunteer! For people who live in rural areas, fighting hunger is a serious issue. Communities like Southwest Virginia face a number of challenges – from scarcity of grocery stores and food pantries compounded with a lack of transportation to diminishing job opportunities and higher rates of unemployment. This is where Betty Robinette saw a growing need and did more than step into make a difference. Betty was the catalyst that started the Community Food Kitchen in 2012. When the...
RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

Denise Bland

Story of Service: Denise Bland

The Virginia Community Healthcare Association recently named Denise Bland Volunteer of the Year for her work with the Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. Denise's efforts helped to expand primary care to eight locations offering a wide range of services including primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services, pharmacy assistance services, pediatrics, and a robust school dental program.   She has served Eastern Shore Rural Health as board president for 17 years through June 25, 2019. When Eastern Shore Rural Health first began in 1976, the organization’s focus was to make primary care more accessible to people living on...
RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

Gina De Naples

Story of Service: Gina De Naples

Gina De Naples, an AmeriCorps member serving with Virginia State Parks in York River State Park, has never allowed being hearing impaired to make a difference in how she has approached life and her commitment to service! Gina, a native of Greensboro, NC, served this year on the Virginia State Parks AmeriCorps Interpretive Trail Project. She received support of interpreters through the combined efforts of the Virginia State Parks (which operates within the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation), the Office of Volunteerism and Consumer Services (which operate within the Virginia Department of Social Services), and the Virginia Division for...
Sheila Williamson-Branch_June 2023

Dr. Sheila Williamson-Branch

Story of Service: Dr. Sheila Williamson-Branch

Having offered years of service and expertise to Serve Virginia, Dr. Sheila Williamson-Branch is the outgoing Vice Chair of the Governor's Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism (GAB), serving as a Board member since 2018. "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time serving on the GAB as a committee chair, reviewer of grants, and as Vice Chair," reflects Sheila. "Meeting and learning about the many programs Serve Virginia was involved with was most enlightening. Serving on the board allowed me to be a part of an organization that truly cares about non-profit organizations and the communities they serve." Sheila first became involved...
Ralph

Ralph Fallin

Story of Service: Ralph Fallin

Ralph Fallin is a Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation board member and chair of the Rappahannock Institute for Lifelong Learning (RILL). Ralph’s journey reflects his lifelong commitment to education and community service. With over three decades of experience in technical and managerial roles at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), Ralph blends his professional expertise with his desire to help others. His career began in the high school classroom teaching math, science, and physics, sparking a passion for education and mentoring. At NSWCDD, he managed complex programs, including leadership for the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Program, and later...
B Johnson

Barbara Johnson

Story of Service: Barbara Johnson

In her retirement, Barbara Johnson found herself with too much time on her hands, so she turned to AARP to help her find a way to get involved with her community. They connected her with the VCU Head Start program in Richmond Public Schools, where retired seniors are trained to become teacher’s aides. She loved the opportunity to learn while supporting youth, but the program limited her to a four-year contract. When that time ended, Barbara took the advice of some of the teachers she’d been working with, who recommended she get involved in the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program at Senior Connections.  ...

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