For more than 20 years, Frank and Mae Antkievicz have volunteered with the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Hanover County. Of the more than 40,000 people living in Hanover County, approximately 4.5% speak languages other than English. An inability to speak English affects residents’ lives in many ways, especially for work and education. Without ESL programs, many would be unable to truly become connected with the community in which they live.  Starting their service as ESL volunteers and assistants, they now run the program serving as both directors and teachers. During their...

Comprised of medical and public health professionals serving alongside interested non-medical community members, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps (VBMRC) shares skills, expertise, and time to support public health initiatives and respond to health emergencies throughout Virginia Beach. Established in 2002, the VBMRC is organized locally through the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health to improve the health and safety of its community. More than doubling in size during the pandemic to support COVID-19 efforts for the city, the VBMRC unit of 1,817 general support and healthcare professional volunteers is an essential component of emergency efforts for the city of...

Congratulations to GrandInvolve of Fairfax - winner of the 2017 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Community Organization! For many economically disadvantaged schools in Fairfax County, getting consistent volunteers to help out in the classroom is an immense challenge. The innovative GrandInvolve program places older adults who offer their skills and talents to students directly into the area’s elementary schools. The seniors volunteer at the schools at least once a week for several hours assisting with reading and math, material preparation, library services, mentoring and kindergarten readiness. Each volunteer builds lasting relationships with the students by coming back...

Ryan Bocompani is a well-recognized leader and advocate for service at Christopher Newport University (CNU). He has held numerous service positions at CNU, including President of the CNU chapter of Where is The Line, where he works with fellow students and faculty to promote awareness of interrelational and interpersonal violence on college campuses. Through this service, he has helped host events such as Shadow Event, where individuals impacted by interpersonal or interrelational are given the opportunity to share their stories. In addition, Ryan has dedicated himself to creating change at CNU, assisting in creating new Title IX policies for the...

Andrew Richards, Virginia Service and Conservation Corps National Service Alum of the Year Andrew Richards served from 2017-18 as a Resource Crew Leader with the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps AmeriCorps program at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion. He and his team served by battling invasive species conducting prescribed burns, applying herbicides/pesticides, and maintaining trails. Andrew also participated in various restoration projects throughout the region, including helping to restore native species habitat and completing a new trail for the Virginia State Parks system. He led his crew by adopting modern technology and introducing new methods of data tracking and...

Adaptive Gymnastics provides children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the sport of gymnastics, regardless of physical or intellectual ability. Founded in 2019, the program has grown from a single volunteer and four athletes to over 65 participants, serving as a model of inclusive, evidence-based programming that blends athletics, therapy, and community support. The program is led by dedicated medical student volunteers who develop lesson plans grounded in clinical research. Beyond physical skill development, Adaptive Gymnastics fosters confidence, perseverance, and social connection, giving children—and their families—a supportive environment in which to thrive. For parents and caregivers, classes provide a...