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Crystal Curtis
RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO
Crystal Curtis
Crystal Curtis, Appalachian Community Action and Development Agency AmeriCorps VISTA Member of the Year – AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring their passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty.  Ms. Curtis is the Appalachian Community Action Agency’s first dedicated staff member to address the drug/opioid addiction issue which is crippling Southwest Virginia. As an AmeriCorps VISTA, Crystal has been highly effective in raising community awareness about the agency’s program and expanding its reach throughout the community. She has been a constant presence at educational and drug take back events and even worked to acquire 4,000 drug disposal packets for partner organizations. Crystal has also been instrumental in the planning of a large-scale conference offering a discussion of opioid issues for the faith community and has worked to compile a comprehensive community resource list which has been shared extensively, including with East Tennessee State University. Read more Volunteer Stories! Submit a Story!
 
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Jay Rachakonda

Story of Service: Jay Rachakonda

Jay Rachakonda has always loved building things, from robots to community partnerships. Jay fell in love with robotics and engineering from a young age, and wanted to make sure his peers had the chance to see the fun in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well. When Jay learned about the barriers that kept his friends and classmates from participating in STEM activities, including required programs costs and COVID protocols, Jay became committed to finding ways to overcome challenges and inspire others to give STEM activities a try. Jay built on his long standing passion for STEM and robotics...
RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

Kimbra Staten

Story of Service: Kimbra Staten

Kimbra, with the Rappahannock Goodwill - Goodskills Literacy Corps Americorps program in Fredericksburg, says the experience has opened up a whole new world to her. "I've had an exciting service year and as I begin on my second term I am elated on what I will discover about myself and others that I tutor," she says. "The most rewarding experience is meeting and interacting with a diversity of people. This volunteer position has enlightened me in enormous ways. Between the personal development training, conferences, workshops and online studies -- I feel confident that AmeriCorps will propel me into being an...
Bryanna

Bryanna Folks

Story of Service: Bryanna Folks

Bryanna Folks is an AmeriCorps NCCC alum and currently serving as site supervisor for NCCC Team River 4. She discovered AmeriCorps through a friend of a friend who had been involved in the program in the past. Bryanna recalls, "My friend and I were both attending Virginia Tech at the time and were both unhappy with the educational experience we were receiving due to COVID-19 causing all of our classes to be online. We both decided we wanted to take charge of our lives and experiences and do something that would help others and also teach us new skills." Before...
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Kim Martin

Story of Service: Kim Martin

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Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

Story of Service: Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company supports community initiatives in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, sponsoring fundraising events and providing meals for charitable organizations. Their commitment to service is reflected in their partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, and community groups, aiming to enhance life for all Virginia residents. Over the years, Rocklands has developed a long-standing relationship with prominent organizations such as PathForward, Doorways for Women and Families, and the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation. Rocklands was the recipient of the Distinguished Corporate Service Award by Volunteer Arlington in 2024, recognizing the company for their community efforts in raising tens of thousands of...
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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