James Taylor - Serve Virginia

James Taylor

May 3, 2023

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 fall through the cracks, and through his service wanted to ensure that no child would be allowed to do the same. Congratulations James! (Pictured: AmeriCorps Director Bill Basl, honoree James Taylor, and Corporation for National and Community Service CEO Wendy Spencer.) More about the winners.

Esha Venkat

Story of Service: Esha Venkat

At 20 years old, Esha has already built a global movement rooted in kindness, equity, and service. As co-founder and COO of NEST4US, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she launched at age ten, Esha leads a network of more than 8,000 volunteers working across five core programs to address hunger, poverty, education, mental health, and sustainability. What began as a small family project has evolved into an international organization that has donated over 300,000 meals, delivered millions of dollars’ worth of resources, and empowered more than 100,000 youth worldwide. Through NEST4US programs including NEST Nurtures, NEST Tutors, NEST Kares, NEST Buddies, and...

RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

Doug Monaco

Story of Service: Doug Monaco

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has named Doug Monaco of Prince William County as Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year. Monaco is one of several recipients of the 2020 Governor’s Fire Service Awards, who were recognized at an awards ceremony last month. Chief Monaco, with the Little Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, has dedicated the past 48 years of his life to Virginia volunteer and professional fire and rescue services. This includes service both in volunteer companies and a 32-year career as a paid member of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue system where he retired at the rank...

Cristo Rey Richmond High School

Story of Service: Cristo Rey Richmond High School

As an honoree on the January 2024 Serve Virginia Honor Roll, Cristo Rey Richmond High School is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. By providing students with college preparatory education, integrated corporate work study experience, and a commitment to volunteerism and service, Cristo Rey Richmond seeks to “Transform Richmond One Student at a Time.” Cristo Rey Richmond’s vision is centered on strengthening the competence, confidence, and aspiration of students while empowering them to build fulfilling lives that advance the common good. Students come from...

CVP Windows and Doors

Story of Service: CVP Windows and Doors

Since 2001, CVP Windows and Doors has gone above and beyond in addressing Virginia’s critical need for affordable housing. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg since 2021, CVP Windows and Doors has donated and installed windows, exterior doors, and patio sliders for over 20 homes. By contributing both materials and skilled labor, CVP Windows and Doors significantly reduces construction costs, enabling more families to achieve the stability, independence, and generational opportunity that homeownership provides. CVP Windows and Doors’ commitment extends beyond construction. Team members volunteer year-round with the Grove Christian Outreach Center, supporting food drives, summer lunch...

Mark Fero

Story of Service: Mark Fero

Having offered years of service and expertise to Serve Virginia, Mark Fero recently concluded his term on the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism (GAB). Mark first got involved in service and volunteerism in 1988 when Robert Eggar asked him if he wanted to volunteer and help him start the DC Central Kitchen, an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation, which opened in 1989. Mark reflects, "Since then, DC Central Kitchen has became one of the most respected and emulated nonprofit agencies in the world, producing and distributing more than 4,000...

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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