Lori Schmiege & Huey Gordon

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

May 3, 2023

National Service Alumni of the Year Huey Gordon & Lorie Schmiege, CARITAS, Richmond Both AmeriCorps Alums with CARITAS, the dynamic duo of Lori Schmiege and Huey Gordon manage the CARITAS Furniture Bank operations. Lori, who served from 2010-2011, and Huey, who served from 2011-2012, both react with empathy and a resolve to “get things done,” attitudes they developed as members. They are also both willing and happy to coach and mentor other AmeriCorps members and ultimately show these members how to be excellent employees when they move on to the workforce. Since joining CARITAS staff, they have mentored 40 AmeriCorps members — that’s 40 hires, 40 written performance development plans and over 100 reviews, and 40 lives touched with daily coaching and mentoring! The tenure of service between Huey and Lori makes them a unique team spreading their light and big hearts within the CARITAS organization while doing the hard work that needs to be done. Read more Volunteer Stories! Submit a Story!

TJ Kim

Story of Service: TJ Kim

Congratulations to TJ Kim of McLean - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Youth Volunteer! Becoming a Navy pilot has been one of TJ Kim's greatest childhood dreams. To make his dream a reality, he began taking flying lessons as a teen. When TJ’s school and lacrosse season were shut down due to COVID-19, his flight training became one of the only activities he could still enjoy. The high school senior decided to combine his passion for flight with helping others as a way to help serve his community during this challenging time, he...

Patriot Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club

Story of Service: Patriot Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club

Students at Patriot High School are encouraged to develop their full leadership potential, demonstrate integrity, understand the importance of character, and consistently display pride: pride in their accomplishments, community, and school. Members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Club used these values as they answered the call to serve in their local community. Each year, the students engaged in the Patriot FCCLA Club come together to contribute their time and talent to support the local community. By hosting events and service projects, club members seek to make a difference and leave a legacy that contributes to the...

Emma Jean Rush

Story of Service: Emma Jean Rush

Emma Jean Rush graduated from the University of Virginia with a master’s in public health. After college, she accepted an AmeriCorps VISTA opportunity with MENTOR Virginia as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator, hoping to reach more mentors and mentees, allowing mentoring programs in Virginia to continue to grow and foster development. At the beginning, Emma had no idea how significant her impact would be on MENTOR Virginia, but through her dedication, commitment, and ethical values, she helped the organization advance its mission of fostering quality mentoring relationships that empower, elevate, and encourage young people. Her work continues to impact MENTOR...

Sarahbeth Vernon

Story of Service: Sarahbeth Vernon

AmeriCorps State Member of the Year (Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service) Sarahbeth Vernon, Virginia College Advising Corps, Charlottesville Sarahbeth Vernon serves the Northern Neck communities of Richmond and Westmoreland counties by advising high school students to develop and enact their post-secondary plans. Although she grew up in Richmond, she had several family members who resided in Northern Neck and was excited about giving back to this community. As a college advisor, Sarabeth provides one-on-one admissions and financial aid advice to any student or family seeking assistance; organizes group workshops that encourage students and families to consider, plan for,...

CrossOver Health Ministry

Story of Service: CrossOver Health Ministry

Congratulations to CrossOver Health Ministry of Richmond - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Community Organization! COVID-19 has magnified the dramatic healthcare disparities existing in communities across the country. CrossOver Healthcare Ministry has not only stepped up to provide outstanding medical care, but has gone above and beyond to be there in incredible ways. CrossOver operates two charitable healthcare clinics – one in the City of Richmond and one in Henrico County. Founded in 1983, the clinics provide healthcare to approximately 5,500 uninsured and medically underserved individuals each year. Many of CrossOver’s patients (60%)...

Lisa Dixon

Story of Service: Lisa Dixon

As a Summer 2024 Serve Virginia Honor Roll honoree, Lisa Dixon feels called to serve. She is a self-described progressive thinker who serves the Chesapeake community as a champion of organizations committed to innovation, change, and solutions to the lives of those in need. As CEO of Divine Inspiration Outreach Inc., Dixon is a full-time volunteer responsible for the oversight and administration of the Burfoot House Program for homeless women. Through this service, she leads a team of volunteers who help single women experiencing homelessness achieve self-sufficiency. In the past seven years, she has helped more than 200 women obtain...

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.