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William Giswold
William Giswold
Deb Farrar

Debbie Farrar

Story of Service: Debbie Farrar

Debbie Farrar is a retired police officer and has also been a group exercise instructor for most of her adult life. As a volunteer, she currently teaches SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life), an evidence-based fall prevention program centered around a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Debbie recalls, "I heard about SAIL from a friend of mine who is in her 70s and asked Loudoun County’s Cascades Senior Center about it. I went through teacher training in 2023 and have been teaching ever since. The program lasts for 12 weeks. I have a student...
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Governor McAuliffe Honors Volunteers

Story of Service: Governor McAuliffe Honors Volunteers

2016 Governor's Volunteerism Award Winners Governor Terry McAuliffe announced recipients of the 2016 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards today during an awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion on April 18th. These awards spotlight the outstanding efforts individual and organization volunteers make on behalf of citizens throughout the Commonwealth. “I am proud and honored to celebrate Virginia’s outstanding volunteers who have made such enormous contributions to those in need throughout the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These individuals, organizations and companies set an example for us all to give back to our communities and embody the spirit of service which...
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The Fauquier County & Vicinity Ministers Coalition

Story of Service: The Fauquier County & Vicinity Ministers Coalition

For 34 years, the Fauquier County & Vicinity Ministers Coalition (FCVMC) has been a steadfast force for spiritual and community transformation in Southern Fauquier County, Virginia. This volunteer-led coalition of 20 churches unites pastors, lay leaders, and congregants in Christ-centered service, demonstrating how faith in action can uplift entire communities. FCVMC serves the most vulnerable through programs including jail and prison ministry, homeless outreach, senior care, youth mentorship, and annual community events. Over the decades, the Coalition has contributed an estimated 1.6 million volunteer hours, hosting 22 consecutive annual revivals and countless community fairs, yard sales, and service projects that...
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Change the World RVA

Story of Service: Change the World RVA

For many kids, high school and college is an exciting and memorable time in their lives. But imagine what it would be like to go through this challenging and important phase without family support, without the tools to learn, and without a place to sleep at night. Change the World RVA, winner of the 2016 Governor's Award for Outstanding Community Organization, is the only organization in Central Virginia specifically addressing the needs of high school and college students who face homelessness. An all-volunteer organization, Change the World saw an overwhelming need in the community – with nearly 1,800 homeless students...
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VITA Tax Clinic Volunteers at Total Action for Progress

Story of Service: VITA Tax Clinic Volunteers at Total Action for Progress

Since 2002, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic at Total Action for Progress (TAP) has provided free, high-quality tax preparation for low- and moderate-income residents across Southwest Virginia, empowering families to claim critical credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, and build financial stability. Through the service of committed volunteers, the clinic has become a regional model of volunteer-driven service. A dedicated team of volunteers serve at the clinic, including Steve Cronemeyer, David Hunter, Diane Johns, John Normandy, Gerald Oefelein, Barbara Stecker, and Tom Willard, who collectively contribute thousands of hours each year. These volunteers manage every aspect of...
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Deirdre Arnowitz

Story of Service: Deirdre Arnowitz

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Deirdre continued her volunteer service at Meals on Wheels and helped pack meals to be delivered to those who were unable to leave their residences due to safety reasons. Her favorite aspect of volunteering is offering assistance to older adults who have a difficult time helping themselves. Deirdre has a passion for educating others on the importance of caring for older adults. She has held an adjunct faculty position at Virginia Commonwealth University since 1984. She has also been a member of numerous professional affiliations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the...

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