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.

Kathy Rohacek

Story of Service: Kathy Rohacek

Kathy Rohacek is a member of the Spinners & Weavers Guild at the Northern Neck Heritage Arts Center, located inside the nonprofit historic landmark known as Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern in Heathsville. The guild's wares are sold in the gift shoppe and all proceeds benefit the upkeep of the 300-year-old Tavern building. When Kathy first moved to the Northern Neck, she joined the guild as a volunteer because of her love of weaving. But Kathy does so much more. "When I see a need, and no one has stepped forward, I think... well, I could do that," she explains....

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

Virginia Latino Higher Education Network

Story of Service: Virginia Latino Higher Education Network

Congratulations to Virginia Latino Higher Education Network of Weems - winner of the 2019 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Community Organization! The Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN) is a positive catalyst in the lives of hundreds of Virginia’s Hispanic students. VALHEN is the only state-wide, volunteer-driven, nonprofit which supports, promotes, and advocates for Latino success and advancement in higher education, to ensure that every Hispanic/Latino in Virginia is college and career ready. VALHEN has shown remarkable success through its four programs: the Hispanic College Institute, the Scholarship Program; the Lecture Series, and the annual Encuentro meeting of...

Dave and Judy Fuller

Story of Service: Dave and Judy Fuller

Life in Hanover County is better as a result of Dave and Judy Fuller. Known for their passionate and enthusiastic community volunteerism, the impact of their service can be found in virtually every corner of the county. Their enduring commitment to Hanover neighbors through numerous volunteer positions exemplifies Dave and Judy's belief in the power of community and the importance of serving others. Dave and Judy are familiar faces around Hanover, both as individuals and as a family. In addition to their careers in local economic development and public service, they are respected for their commitment to serving others through...

Northumberland County Lions Club

Story of Service: Northumberland County Lions Club

In the past two years the Northumberland County Lions Club has served over 16,000 people, provided over 4,000 hours of service to the community, and has donated over $20,000. Lions provide support across Northumberland County, supporting Little League teams, after-Prom parties, Junior Beta Club activities, disaster relief, high school scholarships, music competitions, blood drives, art competitions, shelters, food banks, and food pantries. Lions provide eye exams and eye glasses to those in need, as well as hearing screenings in the schools. They also provide eye and hearing screenings at community events, and deliver and set up medical equipment. Lions have...

Tommy & Jimmy Davis

Story of Service: Tommy & Jimmy Davis

Congratulations to Tommy & Jimmy Davis of Mechanicsville - winner of the 2018 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Volunteer Family! For more than 15 years, brothers Tommy and Jimmy Davis dedicated their time and talents to providing much needed home repairs and re-building efforts to individuals and families in need. It was Tommy who first became dedicated to home repair outreach when on a mission trip to Romania. Later, he recruited his younger brother Jimmy to help with disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina. The brothers would later commit their lives to service through Resurrection Disaster Relief, a home repair...

Ashley Coulson

Story of Service: Ashley Coulson

As a recent high school graduate and 2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award honoree, Ashley Coulson has been a dedicated volunteer in Y Street, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth's youth-led statewide initiative, where she served 115 service hours in the past year. She helped lead the program's Share the Air campaign, working towards tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free parks, playgrounds, beaches, and trails across the Commonwealth. Her service included organizing booths at community events, gauging Virginians' attitudes toward tobacco-free outdoor policies, and meeting with elected officials and community leaders. Ashley also served on the Y Street Leadership Team for three consecutive...

What’s Your Volunteer Personality?

Pair your passion with purpose. Take our Volunteer Personality Quiz and find out which volunteer direction is best for you.