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

Addison Raso

Story of Service: Addison Raso

Congratulations to Addison Raso of Hanover County - winner of the 2018 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Youth Volunteer! At just 16 years old, Addison Raso has a lot to teach all of us about love, compassion, and selflessness. Addison has dedicated hundreds of hours serving others since she was 9 years old and has a special passion for service to individuals with disabilities. This passion led her to propose an initiative at her church for a special needs ministry. Through God Inspire Friendships Together (GIFT) at Restoration Church in Mechanicsville, Addison leads a ministry each week -- creating...
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The Chapel

Story of Service: The Chapel

2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award honoree The Chapel has physical locations throughout the greater Richmond area and a life-giving online community, including Spanish-language worship services. The Chapel serves the community in a variety of ways, including monthly outreach to the homeless and worship services for those incarcerated at Chesterfield County Jail and in 42 state prisons in the Virginia Department of Corrections. They also have many partnerships with local outreach organizations as well as around the world.     The Chapel offers practical and enjoyable ways to discover life-changing community. Meaningful relationships aren’t always easy to find but The Chapel...
SALEM HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM - SAEM PACKING SESSION

Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries 

Story of Service: Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries 

The Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries (SAEM) is a gathering of lay and pastoral representatives from Salem, Virginia, and western Roanoke County churches and local service agencies, working to strengthen community resilience by encouraging collaboration in the areas of food, clothing, and educational resources. With the support of more than 300 volunteers, SAEM offers elementary and middle school meal programs and school gardens as well as Mrs. Dorsey's Clothes Closet. SAEM actively engages members of diverse faith congregations and encourages previous recipients of their ministries to assist with programs. SAEM is recognized as the lead ministry partner in providing food, clothes,...
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Justin Hu & Shayla Young

Story of Service: Justin Hu & Shayla Young

Justin Hu & Shayla Young

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