Rappahannock Area Community Services Board & Rappahannock Goodwill Industries

Gary, a 52 year old man with a diagnosis of moderate intellectual disability, has no recollection of ever attending school and possesses very limited academic knowledge.  What he does have is a desire to work in a community setting and excellent work and social skills.  His family also faced the barrier of providing transportation to and from a work program for Gary.  Since 1999, through a partnership with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, Gary has received transportation and the opportunity to work.  Gary has worked at the Goodwill retail store helping with customer service and custodial duties, but in the past year Gary resigned from that position to pursue an even better opportunity.

During the last holiday season JCPenny asked Goodwill to assemble a work crew for the first time of people with mild to moderate disabilities that could provide seasonal support to their sales floor team.  At the end of the holiday season Gary’s work skills had improved so much in the program that JCPenny hired him and others from the work crew in permanent positions. 

Fredericksburg Area Foodbank

A local mother sent a letter of thanks to the Fredericksburg Food Bank last year.  It was difficult walking through their doors  and swallowing her pride so that her children could get the nutrition they needed for good health as her family struggled.  She wrote that when she met with a volunteer the woman assured her request for assistance would not be broadcast and she was educated on available community resources.

When people in our community work to help those in crisis we not only meet an immediate need, but encourage the kindness to continue.  This mother enjoyed volunteering before her struggles and assures in her writing that because of this
experience she cannot wait to return the favor with more volunteering when she is back on her feet.

Thurman Brisben Center

David was once a successful handyman with and healthy, vibrant 2 year old son.  Everything was going well for him and his family, until his son was suddenly diagnosed with brain cancer.  After an arduous and heart-breaking 3 year battle, his son passed away.  Soon after David’s father suddenly passed away as well and the stress accompanied with the medical bills became too much.  David and his wife divorced and he quickly found himself jobless and without a home

As a last hope, David contacted the Thurman Brisben Center.  He walked 20 miles to take part in their 90 day program, where he was provided with GED support, housing, life skills classes, and medical treatment.  The program also required David to maintain a full-time job, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and escrow 75% of his earnings for future use on a deposit for permanent housing.

During the health component of the program, David learned he had several serious medical issues, including a heart condition which required immediate surgery and on going treatment.  After leaving the hospital he found a job with a local restaurant group and quickly advanced to the Head of Maintenance for 8 locations.  This would not have been possible, were it not for the Thurman Brisben Center generously providing David with a vehicle for transportation to and from work.  Today, he is living on his own again and volunteers regularly at the Thurman Brisben Center, assisting with maintenance and general upkeep.

Girl Scout Commonwealth Council of Virginia

When Girl Scout Troop 720 in Fredericksburg prepared to travel Pune, India they had no idea how this trip would help EDUCATE them so much on another culture.  With financial support from community members they went to an International Session entitled “Holistic Living”. They learned yoga, meditation, toured historic Indian sites, and met with local families to share in traditional meals. 

Your gift allows girls to learn how to be an ADVOCATE for the diversity and multi-cultural representation we have in our own community through participating in a variety of scouting events.

Rappahannock Court Appointed Special Advocates

Chloe entered foster care when she was just three years old.  A victim of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her father, she was bounced around through the foster care system. She felt completely helpless and once stated “I don’t cry anymore because it doesn’t do any good”. 

Rappahannock Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA was assigned Chloe’s case, with the sole intent of advocating on her behalf. For the next 19 months an CASA volunteer traveled out of state to observe her mother’s home, in addition to the services available in the local school district.  She also spoke with Chloe’s social workers, teachers, therapist, and other community members whom could offer advice on the best course of action for her going forward.

CASA provided all findings to the court; recommending Chloe not be placed with any immediate family members. The court overwhelming agreed with CASA’s recommendation and Chloe has since been placed in a loving foster home, who anticipates she will soon be adopted into a permanent home.

Rappahannock Area YMCA

Anne is a 39 year old woman with Down Syndrome.  Her HEALTH is greatly affected and it hascaused her to have a balance problem and have no feeling in her feet.  Five years ago she became a participant in the YMCA Special Needs program.  As instructors teach her pilates, Wally Ball, and helping her use gym equipment her legs continue to get stronger.  Recently Anne was able to walk down the hall without any help.