Virginia Service

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Ken Cohen
Area Served: Norfolk
Ken Cohen isn't just a volunteer, he's a superhero. For 125 disabled persons in Hampton Roads, Cohen is there to help on a daily basis - whether it's helping them pay their rent or filling their refrigerators. Each year, he serves more than 250 hours as a volunteer for Hope House Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing support for adults with developmental disabilities so that they may live in their own homes. Cohen's unwavering commitment to advance the cause of those in need lies deep in his heart. "I believe every human being is important. Every human being has something to do, not just for them, but to make a difference in the world," he says. In addition to giving his time to Hope House on every level, Cohen actively volunteers for a number of other organizations, including the Jewish War Veterans Monument Fund, the American Diabetes Association, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. When he's not busy volunteering and working full-time, he's busy marketing the cause of Hope House throughout the community. Find your passion and start your new life as a superhero.
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Virginia Home Aquathon
Area Served: Richmond
Watching news accounts of various natural disasters across America, a group of residents at The Virginia Home in Richmond decided they wanted to help somehow. They got the idea to turn their love of swimming into a fundraiser - swimming laps for pledges. This project is even more remarkable because the residents of The Virginia Home are adults with physical disabilities. Despite their own daily challenges, the residents "plunged" into action and, since 1998, have raised more than $30,000 for a variety of charities. Last year, the Aquathon raised more than $6,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The residents of The Virginia Home challenge everyone to get involved and volunteer in some way. Find your passion and make a difference!
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Larry Grossman and Larry Sawyer
Area Served: Portsmouth, Hampton Roads
Larry Grossman and Larry Sawyer have seen how domestic violence can affect the lives of Virginia’s families. As two people involved in the social services field, they know how desperately victims of abuse need a safe place away from the violence of their daily lives. Grossman and Sawyer found a way 23 years ago to make a difference by using their love of football. The creation of The Over-The-Hill-Bowl has become a major fundraising event for the H.E.R. Shelter, a community refuge for victims of violence. The event features a silent auction, touch football game, and awards luncheon, raising more than $50,000 for the shelter’s operation. Each year, the Over-The-Hill-Bowl serves to raise awareness for domestic violence issues and promotes the shelter as a haven where victims can go for safety. The event’s football theme which appeals to men, shines light on what is traditionally looked upon as a women’s issue. These two exceptional volunteers, whom the community affectionately refers to as “Larry and Larry,” offer up a great example of how to make a difference. Find your passion, and transform it into a way to help others.
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John Gallini
Area Served: Richmond
Often times it seems that those individuals working behind the scenes, are the ones who make the biggest difference. For more than two decades, John Gallini has worked to gather support for peace initiatives through central Virginia's faith-based organizations and churches. John played an instrumental role in founding the Richmond Peace Education Center (RPEC) in 1980 and has continued to serve its cause in a variety of roles -- from fundraising to organizing major events. In 2006, John was instrumental in starting the annual Youth Peace Summit. The event features speakers and workshops on peaceful self-expression and nonviolence. During Community Learning Week, he organized a concert for youth commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Throughout the year John presented workshops, public forums, and meetings featuring locally- and nationally-known speakers highlighting topics such as conflict resolution, personal experiences from the war in Iraq, dangers of nuclear terrorism, nonviolent social change in India, and more. He was also an advocate opposing the death penalty and fighting for racial equality. Find your passion and transform it into a way to help others.  
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Jennifer Justis
Area Served: Eastern Shore
When Jennifer Justis first learned about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, she knew it would save lives in her Eastern Shore community. The program, which mobilizes volunteers and trains ordinary citizens with emergency response skills, was much needed in the rural community. Even in good weather, it might take as much as 20 minutes for emergency response personnel to reach victims in this part of the state. Despite no funding for such a program, Ms. Justis charged forward to garner the support of county government leaders by volunteering to administer the CERT training program herself. She then appealed to civic, business, church and community organizations for their support. Just three years later, nearly 160 community members have completed CERT training and stand ready to spring into action when disaster strikes. Find your passion and discover what can happen when you care enough to overcome any obstacle.
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