2016 Combined Federal Campaign
Choose your cause and show some love today.
2 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
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C AREER
HOW MISSION UNITED
APPRECIATION
REMEMBRANCE
• JOB OPPORTUNITIES
• VETERANS DAY
• MEMORIAL DAY
• SKILL DEVELOPMENT
• DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT
• MENTORSHIP • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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CARES: EDUCATION
SUPPORT
• PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION
• PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
• FUNERAL SERVICES SUPPORT
• PRE-WORK COUNSELING
• HOUSING
• SPECIAL EVENTS
• MEMORIAL SERVICES SUPPORT
• APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
• FINANCIAL & LEGAL
• COST-SAVING OFFERS
• MONUMENTS
• FINANCIAL SUPPORT
• FOOD
2016 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 3
4 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
Happy Paws Humane Pet Training (VBSPCA) Supports our Troops…and Trains our Service Pets!
For a child or young adult with special needs, time moves at a different pace. But when you watch closely, as we do, you see the signs of change. In a child’s smile. His sigh of comfort. The slightest movement of his head or eyes. Recognizing these milestones takes practice. And we have
S
t. Mary’s Home is a residence for children and young adults with severe disabilities. We are proud to serve military families.
trained ourselves, through learning and listening and patience, to note their passage. Because it
is in the process, as much as the progress, that we measure each journey.
And through the quiet, constant joys, gathered moment by moment, day by day, we celebrate success. Get in touch to refer a child or young adult, arrange a tour of our residence and school, or request information.
Choose St. Mary’s: CFC Designation #10064
6171 Kempsville Circle, Norfolk, VA 23502 • (800) 237-6555, ext. 321 • SaintMarysHome.org
2016 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 5
By Amanda Panuline Dunlap, Director – Adult Volunteers & Community Relations, VBSPCA
PTSD. The animal then lives at the Hounds for Heroes facility, which is where Tim steps in.
Pets have a magical way of making everything better, with a simple lick or a quick cuddle, they always seem to know what to do to calm down our busy brains and put life into perspective. The raw, unconditional love they provide is like no other bond on this planet. That is why the Virginia Beach SPCA’s training facility, Happy Paws Humane Pet Training, seized the opportunity to help service members and veterans locally and formed a partnership with Hampton Roads Hounds for Heroes in April of this year.
Tim oversees all service pet training for every dog selected for this program. Service animals require very specific skills and training, as well as an appropriate temperament. However, they may be taught the particular skills needed to become a psychiatric service pet.
Tim Molina, Lead Trainer and Manager at Happy Paws, was approached by affiliates at Hampton Roads Hounds for Heroes, with an opportunity to train dogs as psychiatric service dogs for local veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Hounds for Heroes partners with many area shelters, including the Virginia Beach SPCA, to find appropriate pets for veterans, then places the dogs in the veteran’s home free of charge. After an extensive evaluation and acceptance into the program, the dog is named after a veteran who has lost his or her fight to
“First I work on building the dog’s confidence, then teach some basic commands,” Tim explained. “After the dog has basic manners and is confident enough, we do public access training.” Tim described public access training as when he takes the dogs into public places and local businesses to get them acclimated to service dog work. Once the dog masters these skills, he teaches the dogs their service oriented tasks; these include jobs like turning on the light switch so veterans feel safe when entering a room; waking them up from night terrors; fetching and delivering medications; and providing basic and loyal comfort when the veteran is stressed…which is something these animals seem to come to naturally. Tim also offers one-on-one instruction to Hounds for Heroes volunteers on how
VIRGINIA BEACH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (VBSPCA) CFC#18191 to further the service pet training. This is one of many services Tim offers through Happy Paws Humane Pet Training, and he is the only trainer in the area who works with Hounds for Heroes to provide this kind of training service. For more information about the Virginia Beach SPCA, check online at www.vbspca.com. For a list of training opportunities or to contact Tim Molina, head to the Happy Paws website at www.happypawstraining.org.
6 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer brings families together ST. JUDE By John Juettner and Carlos Sepulveda A walk can be much more than a casual evening stroll. It can foster unity, hope, and change. The St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer brings together participants in 61 cities across the country in September to raise funds and awareness to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event will take place September 17, 24 and 25 in communities around the U.S. This event has a very special meaning for 8-year-old Nicholas and his family. Nic was 6 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in his brain known as primitive neuroec-
CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL CFC#95893
todermal tumor (PNET). He was referred to St. Jude for treatment that included proton therapy and chemotherapy, which he completed in April 2015. Nic’s family will participate in the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer for the third consecutive year this September. Their team has raised nearly $60,000 during the past two years. “We simply want to give back to St. Jude because they have done so
much for us,” Cristina said, Nic’s mother.
family will be walking alongside Nic’s team this September.
Nic’s diagnosis was a familiar scenario for his family. Their older son, Trey, now in his 20s, was treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma as a child at a hospital near the family’s home. They learned about St. Jude after he finished treatment.
“We want to recognize what their family went through,” Cristina said.
“We knew that St. Jude was where we wanted to go with Nic,” his father Todd said. “We thought, ‘We’ve got to get to St. Jude. That’s the best place.’” This year, Nic’s team for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer will commemorate the fiveyear anniversary of the passing of another St. Jude patient, Alejandro. Nic and Alejandro’s sisters are best friends, and Alejandro’s
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join supporters across the nation to raise funds for St. Jude, where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. “St. Jude doesn’t just provide treatment,” Cristina said. “They provide everything without sending a single bill.” Visit stjude.org/walkrun to register for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer to join in the fight to end childhood cancer.
2016 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 7
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8 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
A Mission to Strengthen Military Families in Hampton Roads ARMED SERVICES YMCA OF HAMPTON ROADS CFC # 73565
Laura Tucker, Director of Marketing, PR & Communications, the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads The Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads is a top-rated military non-profit organization that serves junior enlisted military personnel from all five branches of military service and their family members. Serving all branches of service is incredibly important since Hampton Roads is home to the largest military concentration in the country. The Armed Services YMCA provides several low to no-cost services to help support these families and get them and their children over the rough spots. They know that the whole family serves together and makes sacrifices, especially during long deployments. When the family unit is strong and thriving, the military personnel can perform at their very best. This is good for all of us. The Armed Services YMCA offers programs to help young spouses and children make friends and build a support network while living in their military community. Did you know that many junior enlisted families have only one vehicle? Many are new to the area or even new to the military. Getting acclimated with preschool readiness, healthy living classes and social interaction are key to their success. Programs at the community centers of two Lincoln Military Housing locations provide the tools for that success.
Operation Hero for school-aged kids of deployed parents has a proven track record of helping these kids perform at their best both at home and at school. Through this amazing no-cost program, they receive the comfort and confidence to cope with the special challenges of being a military child. The skills they acquire and the impact of this program will often stay with them throughout school and through life. Quality before and after school care is another way the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads helps the military family. By offering discounted care for E-5 and below and siblings discounts, a young family can rest assured knowing that their child is thriving in a safe, licensed environment. Buses also provide transportation to and from participating schools. Their hands-on approach reaches families at home with special services like Emergency Food Assistance and Operation Holiday Joy, providing Thanksgiving meals to junior military families in need. The Armed Services YMCA also partners each year with Jack Daniels to provide a ride home for the holidays. This initiative helped send hundreds of young military personnel home to be with family and friends over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most of them would not be able to afford the trip without this support and would spend the holidays alone. Your donation will help fund all of these programs at the local level and makes a direct impact on the lives of our junior military. It’s a simple way to say thank you.
2016 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 9
Honor and Remember our Fallen Military We’ve all heard the expression that freedom isn’t free. That phrase became all too real to me on December 29, 2005. I got a knock on the door from two uniformed soldiers who spoke five simple words that changed my life forever: “We regret to inform you ...” My oldest son, Tony, had been killed the day before by a sniper’s bullet while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq. I vividly remember standing over his open casket in disbelief as we prepared for his interment at Arlington National Cemetery. As I went through the stages of grief, I embarked on a personal journey of remembering. It began with a search of my house for photographs, letters, emails, and videotapes. I searched for anything that could take me to a happier time when Tony was alive. In time, my journey took me in another direction. I began to think about the fact that Tony gave his life for his country, just like all of the other men and women who died in military service to America. That gave a new perspective to some things I used to take for granted, as many of us do – things such as the freedoms we enjoy every day. Those freedoms truly come at a cost. I’ve found that there is a common plea from family members who have lost a child or a spouse while serving their country: Please don’t let their death have been in vain and please don’t let them be forgotten. It occurred to me that the public needed a tangible way to show gratitude,and to pay specific tribute for the sacrifices made by our military throughout our history. On May 26, 2008, the Honor and Remember Flag was publicly unveiled. It was established in order to become a national public symbol of remembrance, recognizing all service members who died as a result of serving our country, regardless of the cause of death, including suicide. The symbolism represented on the flag is derived from various icons with military and
universal significance: The Red Field represents the blood spilled by brave men and women in America’s military throughout our history. The Blue Star represents active service in military conflict. This symbol originated with World War I, but on this flag it signifies service through all generations from the American Revolution to present day. The White Border surrounding the gold star recognizes the purity of sacrifice. There is no greater price an American can pay than to give his or her life in service to our country. The Gold Star signifies the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior in active service who will not return home. Gold reflects the value of the life that was given. The Folded Flag signifies the final tribute to an individual life that a family sacrificed and gave to the nation. The Flame is an eternal reminder of the spirit that has departed this life yet burns on in the memory of all who knew and loved the fallen hero. The words declare that we will always honor their selfless sacrifice and remember them individually by name. Our organizational goals are very clear and concise. They can be articulated in four simple words: Establish, Educate, Present and Comfort. These concepts form the basis for our entire vision. We spend every day working to further develop our scope in each of the following critical areas. Establish – To date, twenty one states have officially adopted the flag as an official symbol. Likewise, many more organizations and businesses are displaying the flag and supporting the mission. More states are currently considering legislation and we will continue until all 50 have designated the flag as an authorized emblem. Educate – Unfortunately, most Americans do not know what it means to be a Gold Star family member. Education is key to bringing about an understanding that will ultimately change mindsets and bring needed recognition and appreciation for the price of our liberty. Present – One significant organizational mis-
HONOR AND REMEMBER CFC#92995
sion objective is the presentation of one personalized Honor and Remember Flag to every family of a military fallen service member. We have presented over 2300 personalized flags to date and are responding to our growing request list by accomplishing an average of one presentation per day. Comfort – Our efforts to provide comfort have included hosting hundreds of individual families at annual banquets, organized running events and professional sports venues, such as NASCAR, MLB and MMA, concerts and more. Visit www.runforthefallen.org for an amazing upcoming tribute The Honor and Remember Flag is the only symbol of its kind that represents every fallen service member who has ever died as a result of serving the United States. I ask for your consideration and support in this national effort to raise public awareness of and appreciation for the sacrifices of our military fallen heroes and their families. The many ways you can get involved are simple. 1. Add an Honor and Remember Flag to your home or organization flagpole to show your appreciation for our fallen and their families. 2. Sponsor or present a personalized Honor and Remember Flag where appropriate to a fallen service member’s family. 3. Include Honor and Remember in any ongoing tributes. 4. Help share the message of the importance and meaning of the flag. 5. Join us in our national mission by pledging to CFC #92995. Please don’t let this message go unheard. For more information visit www.HonorandRemember.org
10 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
Meet the Wright Brothers, Nick and Adam By Elena Montello, Development Director For most of us, home conjures warm images of family, food, and fun. Nick and his brother Adam are no exceptions. Due to the complex needs of their cerebral palsy, the two spent much of their childhood at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children in Norfolk. Still, their parents were always adamant that their sons have the opportunity to live on their own as adults. With the help of Hope House, Nick moved to his own apartment. The apartment required signiďŹ cant adaptations to accommodate his needs and make it wheelchair-friendly. Hope House sprung into action getting the necessary environmental modiďŹ cations/ renovations done for Nick to move in to his own apartment. This turned out to
be pretty helpful when Adam moved in with his big brother several years later.
HOPE HOUSE FOUNDATION CFC#14719
When you visit Adam and Nick, you don’t notice the hand rails in the shower, the extra-wide doorways, or the automated lift system. You just see a bachelor pad much like any other, ďŹ lled with video games, Nick’s eclectic music collection, and Adam’s NASCAR models. It’s these little things that make an apartment home. But for Nick and Adam, being with family is what makes it home. Both brothers are active members of their neighborhood civic league and attend monthly meetings regularly. To learn more about Hope House Foundation and its services please log onto www.hope-house.org
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Engaging youth and young adults in Caribbean steelpan ensembles Mosaic Steel Orchestra provides cultural arts studies and develops professional performance etiquette in underserved populations in Hampton Roads. Your tax-deductible donation allows us to sustain our no-fee ensembles that serve p Low to Moderate income p participants.
CFC #46818
DONATE TODAY! Visit www.mosaicsteelorchestra.org
2016 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 11
TIMES CHANGE
THE MISSION DOESN’T
VBVRS.ORG CFC # 82014
12 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
Anthony Wilson Channels His Near Death Experience To Leading The Fight To Stop Diabetes By Deanie Eldridge, Virginia Area Executive Director, American Diabetes Association
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION CFC#11235
Anthony Wilson began his military career in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1990, with his duties including being a watercraft operator and the unit’s medic, until he medically retired in 2005. His Army service took him to the 680th Transportation Detachment at Fort Story, Virginia, where he spent the majority of his career operating Larc-LX 60 amphibious vehicles and serving as medic. Anthony spent his Reserve duty times in Panama; Seattle, Washington; Baltimore; Morehead City, N.C.; and Virginia. When the Larc-LX 60s were decommissioned, Anthony was then transferred to Fort Eustis and assigned to the 338th Harbormaster Detachment, where he finished his career. Anthony was recognized in the August 2000 edition of the Army Reserve Training Special Edition magazine, and he received multiple Army honors over the years, including the Army Commendation Medal for his professional treatment of scores of injured soldiers, awarded in June of 2000.
the medical field for almost 30 years, it never occurred to him that his frequent trips to the bathroom and extreme thirst were signs of something more serious than just his metabolism working double time. Anthony had lost almost 50 pounds in just over two months and was even bragging about how well he looked.
Parallel to Anthony’s military experience, he also began his career with Sentara Medical Transport in 1998. He serves as operations manager, overseeing the support services division, which includes fleet maintenance, training department, quality assurance, logistics, emergency management, marketing, and some administrative functions.
On the morning of October 12, Anthony’s wife woke him up, to say she was taking him to the emergency room, because he didn’t look good. While Anthony said he was fine, Sheila insisted. He remembers his wife walking him down the steps of his house, and the next thing he remembers is waking up in the ICU a day later. Anthony was in multi-system failure, with a blood sugar of 1098, an A1C of 17.3, and a blood pressure of 60/30. He was in kidney failure, and the medical team had to shock his heart two times. The ER doctor told his wife that if she had decided to go to work and not sought medical attention for him, Anthony would have died before she arrived home from work that evening. Anthony left the hospital with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Given his strong professional background in the medical field, what transpired for him on October 12, 2012, was truly an eye opening and life-changing experience. Around that time, Anthony and his wife Sheila had decided they wanted to get healthy, and they began to work out in an effort to lose some weight. Things were going well, and they were both seeing a difference; however, Anthony realized he was losing double the amount of his wife. Being in
Anthony said, “I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for seeing me through this. I’m sure he had other plans for me, and I’m doing whatever I can to live up to his expectations. I’m blessed to have recovered from this horrible experience, and I have decided to try and make a difference. I am determined to help raise awareness and money to help FIGHT DIABETES, the disease that now affects my life, every moment of every day.”
Through Anthony’s tireless efforts, the first American Diabetes Association Awareness Ambulance in the country was unveiled in the past year, dedicated in his name by Sentara Medical Transport, for all the work he continues to do for the Association. This year, Anthony and Sheila were selected to Chair the 2016 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Executive and Planning Committees, and they are doing an amazing job to raise awareness for this serious disease that impacts more than 200,000 individuals in the Hampton Roads community. For more information about how you can participate with them on October 8, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Walk, please visit diabetes.org/hamptonroadsvawalk Anthony closed by saying, “I am forever grateful for your support. Together we can Stop Diabetes! Please consider selecting the American Diabetes Association as your charity of choice during the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) fund drive this September - #6005, #74975; and #11235.”
2016 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 13
U.S. Coast Guard Women Take on Role as Girl Scout Mentors
She was one of eight representatives from four branches of the military who talked to the girls about the differences between the branches, what their daily work lives are like and what it takes to serve in the military. The visitors were part of the troop earning a special patch to help introduce them to our military forces.
By Marcy Germanotta
“After coming to the meeting, the troop leader asked if I wanted to continue with the troop,” Webb said. “Thinking back to all of my own wonderful Girl Scout memories, I agreed.”
Coast Guard Officer Trainee Brittney Webb of Moyock knows the importance of having women role models. With only 15 percent of the active duty workforce in the Coast Guard female, having a strong sisterhood is important. A woman can try a little harder with the help from a friend, Webb said. Being able to work as a team and heling your work peers is important something she learned early on as a Girl Scouts. This year, when she was asked to speak at Girl Scout Troop 805’s meeting, the lessons she learned and the fun she had in Girl Scouts came rolling back in waves.
Since then, she has supported the troop members as they completed projects to earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award,the third highest honor and achievement a girl can earn in Girl Scouting. She has also helped at events hosted by Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, such as the Girl Scout Thin Mint Run where more than 300 Girl Scout runners came out in support of Girl Scouting. She’s also a volunteer and
supporter at Girl Scout alumnae events.
teaches girls the importance of friendship, doing good for the community and empowering them to try new things.”
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE COLONIAL COAST CFC# Although the Coast 59158 Guard is the smallGu
For Webb, Girl Scouts was a big part of her childhood and she’s glad that she’s been able to bring it back into her er life. She remembers canoeing for the first time, cooking over a campfire and the singing around the fire when the meal was done. Girl Scouts was a place where she was encouraged to try new things and value teamwork. And it was a place where she learned the thrill of giving back to the community. “When you give back and help others, that’s the best feeling in the world,” OT Webb said. “You never forget that feeling and I guess that’s why volunteering attracts me. I know I’m making a difference in the lives of girls. Knowing that makes a difference in my life. I’ve chosen to give time to Girl Scouts because it’s a valuable program that
est military branch, it has large responsibilities for the safety and security of our country and coastline. Coast Guard women commonly face the front line, since they were fully integrated into active-duty service in the 1970’s. The organization has been cutting edge in empowering and embracing women as equals in a normally male-dominated field. Webb is just one of the many Girl Scout volunteers who are active military members. They give their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of girls despite the demands of their career in the military. For more information about volunteering with Girl Scouts, visit www.gsccc.org.
14 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
With Nowhere Else to Go, They Came to The Union Mission UNION MISSION MINISTRIES CFC#61126 By Linda C. Jones, Public Relations Director, Union Mission Ministries Gary and Mike met at The Union Mission. Seeing them laughing at each other’s jokes, a small punch on the arm, kidding about “when you get your new house be sure to there’s two bedrooms,” implying they want to stay together shows the bond formed between two very different men with very different backgrounds. One thing they have in common is they are not what most people think of when they think of the homeless. Neither are alcoholics, neither does drugs, neither has been in jail, or has done anything that would lead you to believe they are now homeless … but they are. Gary is white and was raised in a Christian home. His father served in World War II which influenced him to join the Marines. He served eight years, most of those fighting in Lebanon where, “I saw a lot of bad things happen.” It affected his life more than he realized and he was diagnosed with PTSD and sees a counselor on a regular basis. He also suffered a back injury while in the military that affected his ability to hold a job for very long. After leaving the Marines, he worked construction for a while and got married but the marriage only lasted three years. The couple had moved to Indiana but when his father was dying, he returned to Virginia and to help his mother care for her 93-year-old husband who was in hospice care. When he died, Gary’s mother moved in with her sister and he came to The Union Mission. “I could have gone to live with family but I’ve
always done it on my own and I don’t want to depend on anyone else. I had never been in a shelter before. When I first got here I wasn’t too sure about this place but realized it wasn’t too different from living in a barracks. I’d really have been in a mess if it wasn’t for the Mission. They are helping me get my veterans benefits and I’m helping to keep the place clean until they come through. It’s been almost a year but I should get them any day now. When I was in Lebanon, all the things I saw, I lost my faith but last March I rededicated my life to the Lord. My job now is to get my life straight so I can get out of here. I want a house, someplace of my own where I can go fishing. I’m in a dorm with 16 other guys. At night we talk and get to know each other. Mike is there for me. It helps me a lot. I can’t sit idle too long. He’s the joker and keeps me laughing (he point to Mike’s pink tennis shoes). Only he could pull it off!” Mike is black and was also raised in a Christian home. His father was in the military and the family moved from place to place; Morocco, New Orleans Texas, Florida, and Virginia. He attended Norfolk State University, then transferred to the University of North Carolina and graduated with a degree in Geology. After college, he worked for an oil company in Chicago for six years. When his grandmother got sick he returned to Virginia and stayed after her death. He got married but it only lasted five years. Virginia wasn’t a good place to find a job with a geology degree so Mike enrolled in the Automotive Technical Institute to get licensed as a heavy equipment and diesel mechanic. He ran several
truck shops and spent the next few years “turning wrenches”. A four month relationship resulted in a daughter who is now five. He says, “A fling messed up my life, although I love my daughter and would do anything for her.” When child support enforcement took his license away he wasn’t sure why because he was paying it. The court realized its mistake, but it was too late and he lost his $70,000 a year job. “I had just put all my money into a new condo, fixed up a room for my daughter and furnished the whole thing but when I lost my license all my money was gone and I couldn’t find another job. I tried to get it back but the reinstatement fees were high. After two weeks I got evicted. I didn’t know where else to go, so I came to The Union Mission.” Mike is looking for a job but because he is $2,000 in arrears on his child support, it’s difficult to find one. “I’m still angry about all that happened. I was always trying to do the right thing and could understand if I was a drug addict, but I know it’s my own fault putting myself in a situation where I had unprotected sex. I’m waiting for that phone call so I can get my life back again. Who knows where I’d be if it wasn’t for The Mission. It’s a battle every day to sacrifice my education. Starting over at 48 is hard but I guess that’s what I have to do.” So how did Mike get to know Gary? “It’s because of his snoring! It kept me up and we started talking. You don’t let the situation make you. You have to let yourself make the situation.” Mike and Gary say their friendship will last when they leave The Mission.
2016 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 15
Catholic Charities’ Military Volunteers are a True Blessing to Seniors in Hampton Roads By Tracy Fick, Director of Development & Marketing, Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF EASTERN VIRGINIA CFC#50253 Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia (CCEVA) works to strengthen families throughout eastern Virginia by providing programs and services such as pregnancy support and free baby supplies for families in need, financial assistance, mental health counseling, and services designed to help seniors remain in their own homes. Each year, CCEVA serves more than 6,500 families, most of whom are the poor or working poor who struggle to get by each day. It is especially heartbreaking knowing that many seniors want to maintain their independence, but can no
FOR EVERY PERSON, A PERSONAL APPROACH. Supporting adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities exclusively in their own homes.
757.625.6161 | www.Hope-House.org | CFC#14719 |
On my honor, I will try to serve God and my country... Building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. GSCCC CFC #59158
www.gsccc.org
longer drive and struggle to complete daily tasks that were once simply achieved. Mowing the grass, maintaining their yard, or even changing lightbulbs were always routine tasks, but with age and infirmity, they now cannot safely do these things and most live on a fixed income with little left over to hire help. This is where Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia’s CARES (Community Assistance and Resources for Seniors) program comes in. The CARES program matches seniors with community volunteers to provide free transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store and other errands. The program also matches volunteers with seniors to provide minor home repair and yard work. Finding volunteers to help with yard work for these older adults had proved to be very difficult – until we made a connection with area military commands. This summer, Navy volunteers put in
long hours mowing grass, cleaning gutters, and making small repairs to fences and porch railings, which has been a major blessing to the seniors in CCEVA’s CARES Program. Ms. Evelyn, a widowed military wife has trouble with mobility and can no longer take care of her small yard. Last month Ms. Evelyn gushed about volunteers like Seaman Jacob Fogle (pictured) who came to do small repairs and yard work on her modest condo. “I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to these Sailors,” Evelyn said. “They are a true blessing and have come to my rescue!” Catholic Charities is grateful to all of our military volunteers who donate their time and dedication to helping those in most need in our community. CCEVA would not be successful in its work without their help and support. For more information on Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia’s programs and services, please call 4562366 or visit: www.cceva.org
16 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2016
From Prom to Field Trips and More, St. Mary’s Home Gives Kids – and Adults – with Disabilities a Good Life By Sonja Barisic, Director of Marketing Communications, St. Mary’s Home John Borden Jr. was a senior master sergeant stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea when his daughter went to prom for the first time. But he still got to see the smile on Aly’s face as she danced in her wheelchair at St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk, where she was living. Aly, wearing a corsage her grandmother ordered to match her pink gown, was featured in a video of the prom created by the local newspaper and posted online. Dad watched the video on his computer, thousands of miles away from Virginia. “It was really nice to see her interact with people in that setting,” Borden recalled. “She loved it, smiling and giggling while she was dancing.” Aly was eight when she came to live at St. Mary’s. The private, nonprofit organization provides around-the-clock medical care and therapeutic, recreational and educational services for 88 children and young adults up to age 21 who have severe intellectual and physical disabilities.
ST. MARY’S HOME CFC #10064
The family looked into several options and chose St. Mary’s because it was focused on children, Borden said, who retired from the Air Force in 2011 and now is facility manager at the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport.
Borden was especially pleased with the education that provided Aly structure at St. Mary’s, praising the teacher she had her last couple years in class. St. Mary’s partners with Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs, a regional public school serving Hampton Roads, to provide specialized instruction at the Home. Today, Aly, now 24, lives in The Albero House, which St. Mary’s opened on its campus in 2013 to care for adults with disabilities. She is one of 12 residents ages 22 and older. At St. Mary’s, Aly participated in many activities. For example, as a member of St. Mary’s Girl Scout troop, she explored Norfolk, visited Washington, D.C. and the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, created a butterfly garden at the Home, delivered donations to the Foodbank of South-
eastern Virginia and, naturally, sold Girl Scout cookies.
The residents “go on trips with their friends, they explores things, they go on rides at amusement parks, see shows, go out to eat,” said Nicole Hoskins Jones, St. Mary’s director of recreational therapy services, the department that organizes the annual prom, in addition to many other activities. ‘‘It’s just kids being kids, doing kid things.” Aly’s busy social calendar has continued at The Albero House. “She seems to go out a lot,” her dad said. “She is busier than we are. She went to a baseball game a couple weeks ago and then was going to a concert the next night.” Borden said he’s happy with the care Aly receives at The Albero House, noting that she now gets even more one-on-one time with staff. “She seems to love it there,” he said. The option to have Aly live at St. Mary’s and now at The Albero House was “a relief,” Borden said. “There’s no way I could do all this for her at home by myself.”
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So They Can Play By Brooks Gornto, Board Member It is Friday night at Second Calvary Baptist Church on Corprew Avenue in Norfolk. The adult steel pan group I play with is performing, along with other groups, that when all combined, form the Mosaic Steel Orchestra. The door is manned by two Air Force active duty personnel, volunteering to help out, and the photographers are two other active duty Air Force volunteers. Volunteering for a Mosaic event is not hard duty. The music is fantastic, and the enthusiasm from both the performers and audience puts any observer in a great mood. But, what is this Mosaic Steel Orchestra? First, think about the name, “Mosaic.” It is an artwork assembled with many different colors and sizes of glass or other stones. This
MOSAIC STEEL ORCHESTRA CFC #46818 group is an assembly of many different colors and sizes or people creating a musical mosaic. The most proficient players are teenagers that rehearse twice a week at the Attucks Theater in Norfolk. Most have been together for four years or more. The very important thing to know about this group is that, without this chance to be together to play music, they could very well be getting into all manner of trouble. They have been guided this way by Dr. Anthony Hailey, the founder and executive director of Mosaic Steel Orchestra. Dr. Hailey earned his doctorate degree in music at the University of West Virginia. He has taken that passion for music to youngsters who would most likely never know a musician with a doctorate degree, or be able to perform together.
Dr. Hailey has brought Mosaic and steel pan to underserved youth in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Newport News. Two former students of his left the organization as young performers, and are now back with him teaching youngsters how to play and perform on the steel pan. These students learn discipline, cooperation, concentration, and yes, they learn how to plan an instrument. The instrument itself, steel drum, or steel pan as it is known in its birthplace, Trinidad, produces a sound that is like no other instrument. It is a simple instrument to play as a beginner, but, as one comes to know the instrument and play with others, mastery of the instrument can take years. But aside all of that, the sound is amazing, and players of all ages want to master the instrument. Dr. Hailey harnesses that desire to create, not only beautiful music, but to mold the character of youngsters that would certainly never get the chance to have this experience. The focus of Mosaic is underserved
youth, but Dr. Hailey has expanded his reach to adults and even offers classes for seniors. The adults rehearse and play with the youngsters. The culmination of this work is Pan Fest held each year in Virginia Beach. Forty or more steel bands from all over the country perform. There are youth bands, adult bands, but only one Mosaic band, made up of many different colors and sizes of people, performing together. This non-profit organization certainly focuses on underserved youth and helps them grow and develop into mature young adults who go on to college and professional careers. But for me, the special magic is the way that the organization brings together old and young, African American and white (or any other color) to create a special human mosaic that teaches us all the similarities and differences we share. We thought we were learning music, and discovered we were learning how to understand a very complicated and divided world, and how to see the differences in our own size and color can be combined into one, Mosaic.
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VersAbility Employee at LAFB goes the Extra Mile to Perform MissionEssential Services By Sarah Bowman, Director of Marketing and Development, VersAbility Resources Most people hear “snow day” and start thinking about hot chocolate, sledding, and relaxing at home. Larry Kearney hears “snow day” and immediately thinks “How am I going to get to work?” Larry is a switchboard operator at VersAbility’s contract at Langley Air Force Base, the East Coast Telephone Operations Consolidated Call Center (TOCCC). He and the rest of the team handle calls for military bases east of the Mississippi and connect calls to planes in flight. Larry is a veteran who proudly served in the military. He was stationed overseas and in the states and, after his retirement, decided to stay in Hampton Roads. Larry has a disability, which made it possible for him to get a job working with VersAbility Resources, formerly known as The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula. VersAbility Resources, a CFC charity (#62268), has been supporting people with disabilities for more than 60 years. They serve more than 1,400 people with disabilities in early childhood, day support, community living, and four different work programs. VersAbility serves the entire Hampton Roads region, as well as the 10 counties on the Middle Peninsula. As part of VersAbility’s Government Contracts program, the organization has jobs at military
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installations throughout Hampton Roads, as well as two contracts that are national in scope. In addition to operating the Switchboard at Langley Air Force Base, VersAbility’s employees with disabilities also deliver military mail. At Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, VersAbility employees manufacture eyeglasses at the NOSTRA Lens Lab, provide food services at the galley, perform grounds maintenance at the high-visibility areas, provide custodial services for Yorktown and Cheatham Annex, and perform hospital housekeeping at the Yorktown Clinic. VersAbility employees operate the switchboard and assist with food service at the Hampton VA Medical Center and load items onto ships of all sizes at Naval Station Norfolk.
VERSABILITY RESOURCES CFC #62268
Larry joined VersAbility’s Government Contracts team in 2006 and quickly became a valuable and trusted member of the LAFB switchboard. “We get calls from Iraq and Afghanistan, men and women in the military wanting to speak to their families,” said Larry. “It is an honor to talk to them and make sure they are connected to their loved ones. You never know if this will be the last call they make.” Larry has shown exceptional dedication to his job and has a strong commitment to providing quality customer service to each person who calls into the Switchboard. Larry and the entire team at the switchboard are mission-essential and must report to work. During severe snowstorms, the buses stopped running and Larry couldn’t get from his home in the Phoebus area of Hampton to LAFB, so he walked two and a half hours in the snow. In early Summer 2015, Brigadier General Uhrich presented Larry with a command coin in recognition of his strong work ethic. During the presentation, General Uhrich commended Larry’s dedication and thanked him “on behalf of the airmen
who call 24/7 from around the world.” General Uhrich also said that all of the work that Larry and the entire TOCC East team does “brings value to the base and the Air Force family.”
Larry’s home caught fire a few years ago and he was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. He had to report for his shift though and, instead of calling his supervisor, told those treating him that he needed to leave the hospital. “The nurses kept saying I needed to stay for tests, but I told them I needed to leave to go to work. I was rushed out of my house and didn’t even have shoes, so I had to stop to get some on my way to Langley.” When Larry reported to work, his co-workers all said he was acting a little off and asked if he was ill and needed to go home. Larry said no and continued working. It wasn’t until one of his coworkers told his supervisor that Larry smelled like smoke, that the whole story came out. “Our members of the military don’t get to choose whether or not to come to work, so why should I?” Larry asked. Larry received an award from SourceAmerica, a national organization that create employment opportunities for people with disabilities, for his exceptional job performance. Senator Mark Warner also presented Larry with a letter of commendation for his service and commitment to the supporting members of the military. Larry says that his job at LAFB is very meaningful to him and is a “window on our world.” “I never know who will be on the other line or what they’ll need,” Larry said. “I get to work during history-making events and am part of a high-powered team. I enjoy getting to talk to troops all over the world in real-time.”
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A Heart for Service
The heart of a Soldier, a Sailor, an Airman or any member of the armed forces beats for the people they serve. These selfless men and women regularly sacrifice their time, and sometimes their lives, to help others. Former service member Ty Boswell and his wife were on vacation in Texas when tornadoes struck earlier this year. They could have continued with their trip, but when they saw the hurting around them, they knew they had to respond. “It felt like the right thing to do,” Ty said. “We turned around and headed this direction.” With his military background and his wife’s medical experience, they felt prepared to help people during their darkest hours. The couple connected with Operation Blessing’s team already on the ground and offered their time and skills.
OPERATION BLESSING CFC#10530
Wearing his Camelbak camouflage backpack and white Operation Blessing t-shirt, Ty jumped in to remove debris and fallen trees from residents’ yards and homes. Communities devastated by the tornado welcomed the teams of volunteers who made quick work of the hard labor.
The volunteers Ty served alongside were tireless, hard-working and dedicated to helping those in need. It is an environment he knew well after his service in the military. “We’ve been [working] with some fantastic other volunteers,” Ty said. For disaster victims, serving hearts like Ty’s make the difference between hopelessness and hope. Ty may no longer be active duty military, but he has never stopped serving others. Thanks to hardworking volunteers and support from men and women like Ty, Operation Blessing is able to continue serving those in need in our communities and around the world.
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“[We’ve] met a lot of amazing people, volunteers that come out day after day ready and willing to work bringing a lot of different skillsets together,” Ty said. “The team concept that Operation Blessing uses makes us a lot more effective and a lot more efficient and just creates a better experience because we do connect not only with people in the neighborhood and people who have been impacted, but also connect with those individuals who we’re working side by side with.”
CFC#11325
Photo: Corbis
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