Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads

February 13, 2025

As a member of the Virginia Volunteerism Network, Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads (YVCHR) engages youth, ages 11-18, in team-based service experiences that build work and life skills while inspiring a lifetime ethic of service. Established in 2009, YVCHR is the first YVC affiliate in the state of Virginia and is one of more than 40 affiliates internationally.

In October 2024, they celebrated their 15th anniversary by co-hosting the annual YVC Summit in Virginia Beach. This two-day international conference featured 24 workshops; 5 hands-on service projects that engaged over 70 youth attendees and benefited 5 local nonprofit organizations; a large-scale, immersive poverty simulation for youth and program leaders; and an epic gala for conference attendees and local Hampton Roads guests to culminate a weekend of “Lighting the Way!” through service.

In 2024, YVCHR also surpassed 100,000 total youth volunteer hours since 2009.

Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps

Story of Service: Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps

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...

Martin Novak

Story of Service: Martin Novak

Martin Novak was recently retired and looking for opportunities to volunteer in Northern Virginia when he discovered Volunteer Fairfax and their AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Northern Virginia program through a Google search. He applied to the program and recalls, "I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices of volunteer activities available. Ultimately, I settled on the four that I’ve gotten involved in: Farmers Market, Junior Achievement Finance Centers, providing music therapy at Insight Memory Care Centers, and Welcome Wednesdays at Volunteer Fairfax." A resident of Fairfax County for the past 32 years, Martin enjoys giving back to his community. He reflects,...

HERO Club of Amherst County High School

Story of Service: HERO Club of Amherst County High School

Congratulations to HERO Club of Amherst County High School - winner of the 2020 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Educational Institution! When Amherst County High School student Alannah Wilson started the HERO (Helping Everyone Reach Out) Club four years again, she never dreamed the ripple effect it would have. She founded the student-led organization during her freshman year with a two-fold goal: answering people's questions about disabilities and how those disabilities affect people, and facilitating self-determination and self-advocacy. The club has grown to 30 volunteers, both students and their family members, annually. Membership is comprised of students...

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

Shreyaa Venkat

Story of Service: Shreyaa Venkat

Congratulations to Shreyaa Venkat of Ashburn - winner of the 2019 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Youth Volunteer! Shreyaa, a junior at Broad Run High School in Ashburn, was determined to make a difference when she saw the number of homeless people who didn't have access to food. To combat this issue, she started an organization called “NEST4US” (New Environment Starts Today) to increase awareness and action around food waste reduction, as well as rescue and redistribute edible foods to those in need. Through the NEST4U Sandwich Assembly Projects, more than 250 volunteers have fed more than...

Louisa County Public Schools

Story of Service: Louisa County Public Schools

Louisa County Public Schools (LCPS) is a beacon of excellence in a small-town, rural setting. LCPS serves as the cornerstone of the community, entrusted with the vital task of educating the youth of Louisa County. Committed to preparing students for a rapidly changing world, LCPS serves students in four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The school division's dedication to academic excellence extends to include volunteerism and community service, positively impacting the lives of people across the county. Between July 2022 and June 2023, more than 200 students and 100 staff members participated in a clean-up initiative,...

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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