LIFT UP AmeriCorps Promotes Health

May 3, 2023

Carroll County LIFT UP AmeriCorps recently partnered with the CAVS after-school program at Carroll County Middle School to put on a Healthy Youth Day. Approximately 60 students participated in activities centered on exercise and healthy nutrition. Exercise leaders from the Carroll Wellness Center and nutritionists from the Virginia State Health Department joined forces with the CAVS staff and members for a Zumba session, outdoor recreational activity, smoothie station, and nutrition relay game.

Members also volunteered as support staff at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic held at the Mt. Empire Airport in Smyth County on April 30-May 1. The RAM clinic offered free medical, dental, and vision services to more than 700 patients at a value of $498,912. More than 450 patients received dental services, 400 received eye exams, and nearly 200 received other medical services. Pictured left to right: Tonyia Gibson, Barbara Reed, Averi Banks, Allison Hurst, Brandi Easter, Lisa Waters (not pictured) Deenia Carico, Lauri Little, Sarah Horton, Lauren Roper, Cassie Muncy, April Ortiz.

Cydny Neville

Story of Service: Cydny Neville

Congratulations to Cyndy Neville of Prince William County -- winner of the 2017 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Adult Volunteer! Full-time teacher Cydny Neville's commitment to students, their families, and her community goes way beyond the classroom. Cydny serves a minimum of 20 hours per week organizing community outreach across Prince William County and Northern Virginia. Her passion for the Prince William community led her to help individuals who are trying to start new businesses. Cyndy has assisted more than 100 small business owners with professional development training and has helped them secure business licenses by...

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

Carolyn Kruger

Story of Service: Carolyn Kruger

Carolyn Kruger, a nurse from Purcellville, VA, recently received an award from Project HOPE for her outstanding dedication to service. Kruger volunteered 1,200 hours to Project HOPE in 2018, working at HOPE’s headquarters and in Sierra Leone developing a maternal child health program. Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leader in global health and humanitarian relief programs. An international nonprofit organization, we are committed to transforming lives and uplifting communities by empowering health-care workers to teach and deliver innovative, lifesaving solutions, every day and in times of crisis. With programs in nearly 30 countries, we work at the epicenter of...

Dana Dougherty

Story of Service: Dana Dougherty

Congratulations to Dana Dougherty of Arlington - winner of the 2018 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Adult Volunteer! Dana Dougherty’s passion for healthy living is getting children and families moving in Arlington! Dana began her quest at Oakridge Elementary, an urban school also known as an “international neighborhood school” with a population speaking more than 40 languages. Here she spends countless hours creating and running an “all are welcome” morning fitness program and family fitness nights. Dana also realized the need for students to have “movement breaks” throughout the day in order to refocus on learning. She created 2Fit2Quit,...

Jim Morrison

Story of Service: Jim Morrison

Recently volunteer Fire Chief John Morrison of Vienna was named the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. John was instrumental in the development of a Volunteer Management System uniting all 12 Fairfax County volunteer fire departments into a single portal to share resources, metrics and information. The IAFC has honored one volunteer and one career firefighter annually since 1996. The Fire Chief of the Year award goes to a person who has "shown exemplary contributions in the areas of leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service,"...

Dakota Tappen

Story of Service: Dakota Tappen

Dakota Tappen is an AmeriCorps member serving with Recovery Corps in Virginia. In this role, she is entering her third service term at Roads To Recovery in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she currently serves as a Women’s Peer Recovery Navigator. "I like to describe my role as a cheerleader in many ways," she says. "I walk alongside my peers and watch them conquer their insecurities and mark off their goals as they achieve them. I support peers in their recovery, employment, mental health, and relationships goals." She recalls, "I found the Recovery Corps listing on Indeed and decided to apply. I...

Lizzie Scott

Story of Service: Lizzie Scott

Senior Corps Senior Companion of the Year Lizzie Scott, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Norfolk For the seniors in Lizzie Scott’s community, she provides so much more than companionship. Her dedication to service has enabled individuals to stay in their own homes and live independently. Mrs. Scott, who has volunteered with some of her clients for more than five years, transports them to medical appointments and errands, makes sure their pantries have plenty of food, and helps out doing light meal preparation and housework. She also links clients with much needed community resources. For one client, she provided assistance when faced...

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