Virginia Service

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Steve Fetrow
Area Served: Richmond Area
In 1981, Steve Fetrow started his life over as a paraplegic. The spinal cord injury which had left him in a wheelchair, however, did nothing to change his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others through unselfish sharing. In 1994, Steve became a founding chapter member of Richmond Athletes with Disabilities (RAD Sports). A local chapter of Disabled Sports USA, the nonprofit is dedicated to promoting sports and recreation activities for the physically challenged. Serving as president of RAD Sports from 1997-98, he was able to raise more than $10,000 while also coordinating all activities for the organization, including their annual Nationally Sanctioned Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. In 2004-05, Steve was one of three founding members of Sportable, a nonprofit organization focused on providing recreation and sports opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities in the Richmond area. Under his guidance, Sportable was able to offer clinics in hand cycling and wheelchair tennis, basketball and bowling. He went onto serve as president of the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association. Just some of his accomplishments while serving include donating wheelchair cushions to individuals following Hurricane Katrina and working to bring accessibility to the Confederate Memorial Chapel in Richmond. Through Steve's tireless efforts, he has put his heart and soul into providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities while strengthening the community with the Greater Richmond area though awareness of disability issues. Find your passion and volunteer today.
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Pete and Marcia Zanitich
Area Served: Giles County
Pete and Marcia Zanitich are passionate about helping children who have been neglected or abused.  In 2007, serving as Child Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Giles County, the couple served 262 hours to help children have a voice in the court system.  They have advocated for safe, permanent homes for five abused and neglected children and one infant.  As everyday people who serve as the eyes and ears for the judge on behalf of children in need, Pete and Marcia communicate to the judge regarding the best interests of the children.  The couple frequently visits the children's homes, families, and schools -- spending time with the child to understand their unique situation. Pete and Marcia work closely with schools and teachers and also make special presentations to groups and other volunteers to encourage others to help the children who are desperate for assistance. In addition to their work with neglected and abused children, the couple is involved in the SHARE (Self-Help and Resource Exchange) Food Program in which they travel 60 miles to pick up food from warehouse and deliver it to Giles County and help to unload the food boxes for distribution to the community.  For the children and families of Giles, Pete and Marcia Zanitich deliver hope to those in need. Find your passion and volunteer today.  
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Alphi Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Gamma Chapter
Area Served: Petersburg
The Beta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha (APHIA) at Virginia State University is setting a nationwide example for service. They are the only APHIA chapter in the country to have 100 percent of their members participate as mentors through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Every year, more and more children are served through the mentoring partnership through the recruitment efforts of the Beta Gamma Chapter. The program has grown from 10 to 60 children in just three years. To help motivate the kids, the chapter created an Achievement Awards Program which provides school supplies to positively reinforce improved behavior, and academic performance. The results speak for themselves. Children who were mentored show improvements of 79 percent in academic performance, 79 percent in school attitude, 83 percent in school preparedness, and 77 percent in class participation. In addition, the at-risk children of Petersburg are building character traits reflected onto them by their mentors - trust, honesty, self-respect, courage, responsibility, and integrity. The brothers of Beta Gamma set an example for youth organizations everywhere to follow. Find your passion and volunteer today.
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Ebenezer United Methodist Church Men’s Group
Area Served: Westmoreland County
The Ebenezer United Methodist Church Men's Group have seen a dire need in their community to assist low income individuals, especially the elderly, with home repairs. As a small, rural county with limited resources, Westmoreland County has numerous unmet needs. Taking time off from their jobs and their families, the volunteers tackle small- to mid-sized repairs before they grow into overwhelming problems. The Men's Group works to replace windows, doors, floors, railings and stairs. Major problems such as plumbing and heating are addressed, as well. These acts of kindness have not only greatly alleviated the concerns of the homeowners, but assure the safety and health of the entire community. Find your passion and volunteer today.
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Diane Joyner
Area Served: James City County
For at risk children in James City County (JCC), Diane Joyner is a beacon of hope. For 14 years, Ms. Joyner has been a volunteer and an advocate for children and education -- helping disadvantaged, disabled, abused and troubled youth and their families. She has contributed more than 1,500 volunteer hours to the James City County community. Diane began her work as a mentor and resource parent to young mothers whose children were at high risk of abuse and neglect. She eagerly accepted the challenge, providing one-on-one guidance to parents and their children.  She later decided that she could further help the community's at risk children and families by serving as a Volunteer Emergency Family for Children (VEFC) and as a foster parent in her community.  For six years, Diane volunteered to provide 24-hour emergency respite care to abused and neglected children and families in crisis up to a maximum of 21 days.  When she realized that some families were unable to rectify their situations within the allotted time, she asked to be dually certified as a foster family to reduce trauma to the children.  For six years, Diane's volunteer service insured the well being, safety and protection of the community's most vulnerable children while also nurturing the self esteem of the parents.  She also worked to establish partnerships with leaders within the community in the areas of social services, public education and early education programs, behavioral health partners and churches. Most recently Diane was selected to serves as the volunteer Chair of the Williamsburg James City County Multi-Agency Alternative Education Task Force and has helped define a future Community Liaison and Resource Coordinator with a goal of fostering alliances and partnerships to leverage community resources and encourage new collaborations.  Diane Joyner truly embodies the true "spirit of volunteerism." As a volunteer she has advocated, mentored, served, given, collaborated and inspired others through her service to the community. Find your passion and volunteer today.
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