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Remember your first job?

Maybe it was babysitting, mowing lawns or lifeguarding at the pool. Maybe it was taking orders at a local fast food restaurant or ringing up purchases a store.

Whatever it was, it probably involved some very basic concepts such as showing up on time, meeting the expectations of an employer and customer service. For foster kids, the opportunity to learn those crucial job skills is limited because of the transition they are often in.

United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) wanted to help these kids gain these skills and developed the Work to Succeed and Jump Start internship programs. Twelve local businesses participated in the programs and on Wednesday, June 5 those businesses will be honored at an appreciation luncheon on the UMFS Richmond campus.

• For Jeff Anderson from bioRide giving back to the community and helping kids is a mission. bioRide has been a partner with UMFS for several years. They have gone beyond just providing an internship opportunity to developing a full-blown curriculum for the kids which even includes developing a business plan and pitching it to other businesses.
• For the foster kids and students at Charterhouse School who have participated in the program it is a chance to experience the working world, feel a sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem and gain some valuable skills for their resume.

“We are so thankful to our many local partners who have given our kids the opportunity to intern with them,” said Nancy Toscano, Central Region Program Director. “The kids have learned so much but I also think the businesses involved have also learned as much as the kids!”

The full list of businesses includes:

• bioRide
• Car Pool
• Wings of Hope
• Boys and Girls Club of Petersburg
• Richmond Aquarium
• Café 1602
• Fredericksburg All Ages
• Eat Well, Adventure Often
• Jacob’s Thrift Store
• Drs. Jeanette and Lee Gibbons
• Therapeutic Bodywork
• Central Virginia Dance Academy

Thanks to all of these great businesses who take time to make a difference in the life of a child!

Listed below are some of the opportunities in the Richmond area.

American Lung Association. 16-year old minimum age to help with outdoor activities, health fairs, and office chores. Call 804.267.1900.

BARK Volunteer. Dog walking, kennel care, office help, administrative, special projects, and more.

Bon Secours Hospitals. Ages 14-17 (may vary by hospital facility).

Camp Comfort Zone. 15-year old minimum age. Junior counselors can run errands, help in the office and help with activities and events. Call 804.377.3430.

Chesterfield County Library Volunteers.Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older unless otherwise specified. (804) 751-4142.

Children’s Museum of Richmond. Help educators, assist with groups, computers, and art studio.

Easter Seals Virginia. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older unless otherwise specified. Volunteers in Chesterfield County partner with county staff to enhance and enrich the quality of life in our community.

FeedMore Youth Volunteers. Our valuable community-service opportunities also provide youth volunteers with the chance to build skills and directly participate in the fight against hunger. Special event helpers, backpack packers, Meals on Wheels delivery riders, and more.

HandsOn Greater Richmond. Many volunteering opportunities listed.

Hanover County Volunteering.  ”What YOUth Can Do” offers a quick list of age-specific suggestions and contacts. Download our annual “quick sheet” of volunteer opportunities for young people.

HCA Hospitals. 14-year old minimum age to assist with flower and mail delivery, gift shop assistance, patient registration and more. Volunteer ages, needs and programs may vary by location.

• Chippenham Hospital – call 804.323.8882
• Henrico Doctors’ Hospital – call 804.289.4999
• John Randolph Medical Center – call 804.541.7417
• Johnston-Willis Hospital – call 804.330.2082
• Parham Doctors’ Hospital – call 804.747.5600

Maymont Foundation. If you are at least 16 years of age and have a little time to spare, Maymont has a position for you! Meet some of our volunteers and learn more about the wide variety of opportunities available.

Meadow Farm Museum. For ages 16+. If you enjoy a variety of textile projects, this may be the volunteer opportunity for you. Members participate in programs as well as reproduce textile projects for program use. Meetings are the first Saturday of the month, February-December. New members are always welcome. Information: 501-2130. For ages 10+. If you enjoy gardening and the companionship of good folks, this may be your volunteer opportunity. The Meadow Farm Agricultural Guild meets Wednesday evenings April through September to work the field crops and heirloom garden. Information: 501-2130.

Prevent Child Abuse Virginia.

Richmond Public Libraries. Volunteers are welcomed in the Main library to help with such tasks as shelf reading, shelving, data entry, assisting in the computer lab, unpacking books, stocking book sale shelves and other jobs as needed. School children 15 and up.

Richmond SPCA. Volunteers must be 14 or older to volunteer independently (without a parent or guardian). Youth volunteers 7 or older may volunteer with a parent or guardian. Youth volunteers in grades 6 through 8 may also apply to participate in our Animal Brigade Service Club. The Richmond SPCA does not accept court-mandated volunteers.

Rockwood Park Nature Center - 804-745-7020 . 14-year-old minimum – Help with exhibits, animals, nature programs and camps. Help with a variety of activities at the Rockwood Nature Center. Volunteers could be working with camp staff throughout the summer in support of the Nature Center’s camp programs, working in the exhibit hall within the Nature Center and answering questions, providing guidance, and monitoring public use of people with an interest in animals and/or nature, education and environmental studies majors and retirees. Other duties may include assisting with animal care as needed, general clean up maintenance, and completing paperwork.

Special Olympics Virginia. If you are a health care professional or student and want to volunteer to help at one of our health screening event, contact the Special Olympics Program closest to you.

VCU Medical Center. The Junior Volunteer Program provides students (ages 14-17) an opportunity to volunteer in a large, urban medical center where they are able to see the benefits of donating their time and services to their community.  They are also given the opportunity to develop and appreciate their own abilities, and to learn about career opportunities in the health care field. During the summer of 2013 there will be two sessions.  Each runs for three weeks, Monday-Thursday, from 8:30am-12:00pm.  Junior Volunteers in Session I will volunteer July 8-25.  Junior Volunteers in Session II will volunteer July 29-August 15.

Virginia Rep Volunteers. Contact them for more information.

Virginia State Park Youth Corps. Youth Corps projects are visible, tangible and meaningful. Crewmembers often return to the parks where they served and appreciate their projects for many years. Projects have educational aspects, are environmentally sound and fulfill an unmet need in the park.

Volunteers of Louisa. Various opportunities for different ages.

YMCA . Help with a variety of volunteer opportunities. Pick one to suit your interests, talents and schedule. Check with your nearest YMCA to determine if they allow youth volunteers.

• Chester Branch - 804-748-9622
• Manchester Branch - 804-276-9622
• Midlothian Branch - 804-379-5668
• Camp Thunderbird YMCA - 804-748-6714

Click here for more volunteer opportunities in the Richmond area.

Event name: American Diabetes Association’s 3rd Annual Garden Party
Location: Willow Oaks Country Club, 6228 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, VA 23225
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013
Time: 6:30 pm-11:00 pm

The American Diabetes Association’s 3rd Annual Garden Party will bring the community together for a fabulous night of fun, supporting our mission to find the cure for diabetes and to improve the lives of all people with this disease. This spectacular event will take place in the beautiful surroundings of the Willow Oaks Country Club. The evening will feature gourmet hors d’oeuvres, open bars, live and silent auctions, fun entertainment with dancing, and a one-of-a-kind wine giveaway.

Full Circle’s 5^th annual family-fun Round Up event is April 28, 2013

Full Circle, Richmond’s Family Grief Center, will host the 5^th annual family-fun Round Up event Sunday, April 28 at Innsbrook picnic area at 4222 Cox Road from 2:00pm-6:00pm. Cost is only $5 per child (2 years old and under are free) and $15 for adults.

Ticket price includes dinner, kids meal, and an all-access pass to fun activities featuring Radio Disney with music, dancing, games and prizes.  Also enjoy fishing around the lake, moonbounces, field games, arts & crafts, face painting and more!

All proceeds support Full Circle’s professional grief support programs.

For event and raffle tickets or for more information, contact Delaney Mescall at 804.912.2947, x103, delaney@fullcirclegc.org or visit  the Full Circle website.

The Valentine Richmond History Center, Congregation Beth Ahabah and Dorothy Fillmore to be recognized at annual Springtime fundraiser

Richmond, Virginia (March 20, 2013) – With spring around the corner, ROSMY is excited to announce the recipients of its 2013 Catalyst Awards. The honorees were chosen based on their work in the community to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Catalyst Award recipients will be recognized at the organization’s annual fundraiser, Springtime: A Jazzy Affair on Saturday, April 20 from 7-11 p.m. at The Hippodrome Theater.

The 2013 Catalyst Award Recipients

The Valentine Richmond History Center: For more than 100 years, the Valentine Richmond History Center has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Richmond, Virginia.  In that time, the VRHC has recognized the importance of the LGBTQ community to the city by collecting and sharing the history of gays and lesbians in the area. The museum is now home to the rainbow Pride flag which flew outside the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond during Gay Pride Month in June 2011. The Pride flag is the 50th object in the VRHC’s newest exhibit: “A History of Richmond in 50 Objects.”

Congregation Beth Ahabah: Located in Richmond, Beth Ahabah is a thriving Reform Jewish congregation. The synagogue is known for its inclusive culture and its teachings of acceptance and respect for all people.  The synagogue has welcomed gay clergy and celebrated same sex marriages.

Ms. Dorothy Fillmore: Fillmore has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights most of her adult life and in the process, touched dozens of organizations across Central Virginia.  Fillmore served as a member of Richmond AIDS Ministry’s first care team for persons and families living with HIV/AIDS.  She served on the national board of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, advocating for full inclusion.  A VCU administrative faculty member, she is a member and former co-chair of VCU Equality where she has contributed to the university’s five-year diversity plan and other initiatives supporting LGBTQ students, staff, and faculty.  She is actively involved in the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Glen Allen, a welcoming congregation to LGBTQ.

“ROSMY remains committed to supporting Virginia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and ensuring they have a safe future,” said ROSMY executive director Beth Panilaitis. “This year’s Catalyst Award winners have made positive impacts on the lives of youth and many others in the Richmond community. We’re proud that we can honor them at this year’s Springtime event.

Springtime: A Jazzy Affair is presented by BB&T Wealth Management. Other generous sponsors include Weinstein Properties, Pence Subaru, Lewis Insurance Associates, CarMax, Mosaic Catering, Dominion Heating and Air Conditioning and PFLAG – Blue Ridge. Flowers donated by Flowers By Natalie, out of located in Charlottesville, Va.

Tickets for Springtime: A Jazzy Affair

Tickets are $125, with proceeds going to ROSMY’s programming that supports LGBTQ youth. The evening will include a cocktail reception, music by jazz quartet, As If, lead by VCU saxophonist, Myrick Crampton, and a silent auction featuring a variety of items from vacation getaways to one-of-a-kind art created by local and regional artists. For more information and ticket sales, please visit the website  or call 804-644-4800.

ABOUT ROSMY

ROSMY was founded in 1991 to ensure equal opportunities for success for Virginia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth through access to support, education, and advocacy.  ROSMY continues to be the only organization in Virginia that addresses the unique needs and the healthy social development of LGBTQ youth ages 14-20.  ROSMY provides weekly support groups, a leadership program, and cultural activities through their Art’s Initiative.  Other activities are hosted throughout the year including an annual Alternative Prom that more than 100 youth attended in 2011.  ROSMY’s Institute for Equality has trained hundreds of social workers, teachers, and mental health professionals throughout Central Virginia on how to better serve the LGBTQ youth they work with.

“It’s more than a movie; it’s a movement.”

The award-winning documentary STUCK makes its inaugural stop of a 60-city tour in Richmond on Friday, March 1 at Bowtie Movieland Boulevard Square.

The movie is designed to raise awareness – and outrage – over the deplorable system for international adoption. Bureaucracy, inefficiencies and politics keep children incarcerated in orphanages around the world, when loving families are willing and eager to adopt them.

STUCK follows the stories of four orphans from Haiti, Vietnam and Ethiopia and their heartbreaking struggles to go home. See the trailer below:

The film was created by Both Ends Burning, a non-profit dedicated to international adoption reform. Founder Craig Juntunen is convinced that it is every child’s fundamental right to have the opportunity to grow up in a loving family. As producer of the movie, his vision is for STUCK to be a change agent in reforming the current broken process of international adoption.

The STUCK Tour bus will end in Washington, D.C. when the signatures collected during the trip will be delivered to legislators on Capitol Hill during the Step Forward for Orphans March on May 17.

What are some easy things you can do to help?

• Sign the petition at  by visiting this link.   The goal is 1 million signatures by May 17.
• Volunteer to be part of the STUCK team when the film comes to in your city – click here.
• Come see the movie March 1! Pre-sale tickets available about three weeks before the showing. To see when STUCK will be near you, go to the website.
• Spread the word. The movement is highly dependent on social networking. Visit Facebook and then SHARE it on your page.

Women Build challenges and empowers women from all walks of life to help build affordable homes, hope, and opportunity for hardworking and deserving Hanover families. Through Women Build, Habitat is able to boost its volunteers, help women gain confidence and skills, and serve more families.

What will volunteers be doing?

Volunteers will help construct their 44th home for the Derricott Family, located at 11491 Karen Drive. No experience is necessary! The Construction Supervisors teach you everything you need to know. Your volunteer day begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes by 3:30 p.m.

Who is the Partner Family for the home?

Your hard work will help Lafaye Derricott and her young daughter achieve their dream of an affordable home of their own. Lafaye is a life-long resident of Hanover County and has always shared a small bedroom with her daughter in a cramped house they reside in with extended family. Lafaye has worked hard to put herself through college and works full-time in the medical field. She has also worked part-time for ten years at a local Cracker Barrel.

How do I join?

Contact Sarah Dickens, Volunteer Coordinator, at (804) 569-6108 or sdickens@hanoverhfh.org to sign up. Individuals and groups are welcome! You can also support Women Build and the construction of the Derricott home by being a Women Build sponsor or giving a donation in any amount. It’s easy to make an online donation by visiting the website.

Get together with other women and do something to share the love this Valentine’s season!

This event will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 9am to 1pm.  They are in the process of updating their event site to reflect all of the wonderful changes and 2013 event. Be sure and mark your calendar for this event now.

Early Bird registration will be available in the near future which may also include some cool discounts or prizes… so if you want to be IN on this, make sure you subscribe to their event site to receive updates via email AND like the event fanpage on Facebook.

Please SHARE this information with your friends, family and social networks so we have another great turn-out this year.

Thanks for supporting all of our Richmond fundraising efforts!

Tacky House Benefits At-Risk Kids
This Henrico County home, nicknamed “The Christmas House,” has raised more than $75,000 for Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG). Visitors place coins and dollars in the donation box that Frank Hudak “Mr. Christmas” has placed in his driveway at 2300 Wistar Court. On average, 22,000 visitors stop by his house each holiday season to see his decorations. This is Hudak’s 39th year greeting visitors and showcasing his tacky lights. Be sure to stop by and make a visit to “The Christmas House” part of your holiday tradition.

It’s time to lend a hand.

Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) needs help this holiday season.  The nonprofit organization in Richmond, which is a home for approximately 50 at-risk kids, is collecting gifts and donations to help teenagers struggling with mental illness, abandonment, abuse or neglect.

VHBG youth live in campus-based group homes in a family style setting to help them develop positive life skills and independent living skills.  The families cook together, play games, ride bikes together, watch movies and attend community events.

“Fun family activities create a stable family environment for our youth on campus and help them with the healing process.  They are kids first and foremost, and we want them to enjoy life and have gifts and outings just like kids in the community,” said Claiborne Mason, VHBG President.

VHBG is looking for donations and gifts this holiday to help the at-risk kids living on its campus on Broad Street.

VHBG’s wish list includes a DVD player, bikes, Wii and games, Xbox 360 and games and arts supplies, including scrapbooking materials.  The girls living on campus would also appreciate any hair supplies, cosmetics or perfume.

VHBG is always looking for opportunities for family outings to help build healthy relationships and teach valuable life skills.  The families enjoy movie passes, restaurant gift cards and tickets for activities, including ice skating, bowling and arcade games.

There are six group homes on the VHBG campus.  The nonprofit is in need of kitchen supplies to help make each house on campus a home for the kids.  They are looking for a dish set for 12, silverware sets, blenders, glasses, pots, pans and a grill.  Cleaning supplies, twin size bedding and bath towels are also needed for the group homes.

Donations can be dropped off at VHBG’s campus in Richmond at 8716 West Broad Street.  More information about its holiday wish list and its work to strengthen families is available at www.vhbg.org or by calling 804-270-6566.