Virginia Service

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Kristen Kaplan
Area Served: Richmond
Kristen Kaplan has taken having a sense of community to a whole new level. As an integral part of transforming the small grassroots organization, Activate Richmond, into Hands On Greater Richmond, Kristen's "go to" attitude has served as an inspiration for others. Her work has created a vehicle for others to become involved in their community. Not just involved in programmatic efforts, Kristen has rolled up her sleeves doing everything from painting houses to making volunteer treats and walking dogs. One of her major successes was to partner with the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce's HYPE (Helping Young People Engage) program. At just one of their networking events, 170 individuals signed up to volunteer. Kristen is also an active member of Junior League of Richmond. There she has played a critical role in the start up of the Community Response Committee, a program which partners skilled volunteers with a pro bono nonprofit consultant to assist a selected nonprofit program for three years. The team determines the areas of greatest need and works with the organization to achieve their goals, ultimately leaving the agency much stronger and having a higher level of sustainability. Kristen is also an inaugural member of the Greater Richmond Giving Circle which has raised $30,000 to be distributed to local nonprofits, and has volunteered with at least 10 other nonprofits in the past two years. Kristen has shown that when you get involved in your community, there's no end to what you can accomplish. Find your passion and get started volunteering today.
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Embrace Richmond
Area Served: Richmond
Richmond's homeless individuals and families have found hope through the work of Embrace Richmond. In partnership with other area organizations like CARITAS and the Salvation Army, Embrace Richmond is helping at-risk families to establish a home for themselves, increase their self-sufficiency and become agents of blessing in their own communities. Embrace's Home Starter Packages provide basic furniture, linens, dishes and other household needs to families exiting local shelters. This eases the economic stress on the families moving into a new home and allows them to focus on getting their lives back on track. Individuals can also earn vouchers for additional household items, acquire job skills and receive job placement assistance. Local congregations and organizations collect the furniture and household items while communicating the issues facing homeless families. Not only do individuals receive the help they need to start a new chapter in their lives, but often they go onto volunteer at Embrace. More than 80 percent of those who volunteer at Embrace, were once a part of the homeless population - a testament to the difference the organization has made on so many lives. Discover how you can give hope to others by volunteering in your community.Pictured: Wendy McCaig, Executive Director, Embrace Richmond
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Medical Care for Children Partnership Advisory Council
Area Served: Fairfax County
The Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) Advisory Council is a visionary organization that believes that no child should be denied access to quality health care. Through innovative public-private partnerships, the creation of a safety net and asset mapping, the MCCP is making a difference to uninsured children and families. Since its creation 20 years ago, it has provided healthcare for 75,000 Fairfax County children. These services were provided to the families who could not qualify for government-sponsored insurance such as Virginia's FAMIS or Medicaid, but could not afford private insurance. Through the MCCP's networking and advocacy, council members have leveraged business resources in the community to strengthen the safety net for vulnerable kids in Northern Virginia. As the federal government looks for strategies to care for America's uninsured, the MCCP is providing ideas that are working today. Find your passion and start making a difference in your community.
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Shannon Lydia Walker
Area Served: Loudoun County
After attending a Youth and Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Project Conference in 2004, Shannon Walker was inspired to host a youth conference in her community to bring attention to the problems facing her peers. She faced the challenge of how to attract teens and still get a positive message across without making the kids feel uncomfortable. Her answer was Youthfest, a teen-oriented festival with prevention booths (MADD, YMCA, etc.) side-by-side with rock climbing, laser tag, basketball, art, prizes, and food. Recruiting more than 100 teen volunteers, Ms. Walker engaged her audience to take ownership of the event. More than 1,500 kids showed up for the day of fun and positive lifestyle message. The foundation was laid for a successful and meaningful event that will flourish for years to come, proving anyone can have a lasting impact if they have the passion and perseverance to get the job done. Find your passion and be an inspiration to others.
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Capital One Financial Literacy Program
Area Served: Richmond
Nearly half of all high school graduates feel that they don't have a basic knowledge of personal finance. Thanks to Capital One, there are 3,500 young people who are now armed to handle the financial and professional challenges of entering the workforce. In partnership with Junior Achievement, Capital One associates dedicated 2,500 volunteer hours teaching middle school students financial literacy concepts such as saving, investing, budgeting, and career planning. The innovative "Finance Park" program brought two 53-foot semi-trucks containing 2,400-square-feet of training space to middle school students in areas that had the fewest resources dedicated to developing life skills. The program reinforced grade level math and reading concepts with a real world, interactive simulation. After being a part of the program nearly all students felt that they had received useful and practical information that would help them with their futures. There are countless opportunities for you to make a difference. Find yours now.
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