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...

As a Summer 2024 Serve Virginia Honor Roll honoree, Constance Whiteside is a dedicated volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Here's her Story of Service in her own words: "In all my past careers—Associate Professor of Medicine at U.C. Davis, professional harpist, Senior Outreach Officer at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States—I can think of nothing more meaningful than the time I spend at AWLA. It is truly an outstanding organization in every way. The care they give animals, both for physical needs and to reduce their fear, anxiety and stress, is extraordinary. Volunteers...

As one of the January 2024 Serve Virginia Honor Roll honorees, Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) works to ensure that children don’t face the courts and foster care system alone. CASA volunteers (CASAs) advocate for what is in the child’s best interest and help to reduce the time a child spends in the court system and/or in foster care. They advocate for children to make sure their preferences and needs are being heard by those who are responsible for making decisions. CASAs spend time with the child and speak to relatives, service providers, teachers, and social workers to gather...

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...

Child Health Investment Partnership (CHIP) of Roanoke Valley is a trusted early childhood home visiting program in Southwest Virginia. Since 1988, CHIP has empowered over 28,000 children and their families, providing the support needed for a healthy, successful start. They partner with pregnant moms, children from birth to first grade, and their caregivers, pairing them with Community Health Nurses and Family Case Managers who offer guidance on accessing medical services, managing chronic conditions, and promoting healthy development. CHIP's mission wouldn’t be possible without the support of their incredible volunteers. Whether it’s helping with events, assisting with administrative tasks, or supporting...

Congratulations to Spring Hill Baptist Church of Blackstone - winner of the 2018 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Faith-Based Organization! Spring Hill Baptist Church is clearly a force for good in the small community of Blackstone. Their 300 members are providing countless concrete supports and, just as importantly, building bridges for better community relations. Spring Hill members can be found distributing food to the needy, holding tutoring programs for students, providing activities for senior citizens, and visiting shut-ins. Spring Hill organizes community-wide worship services, food and school supply drives, job fairs, a community clothes closet, Christmas donation programs, and much...