Villa CEO Kathleen Burke Barrett and Director of Housing & Homeless Services Kimberly Tucker joined the National Alliance to End Homelessness at the U.S. Capitol to brief Congressional staff on progress that has been made nationally toward ending homelessness through rapid re-housing. Outcomes at local levels were highlighted, and Congress was asked to support the successful housing model with leadership and resources.

The briefing was sponsored by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-Missouri), Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island).

Flagler Housing & Homeless Services housed 653 people in Richmond and the Tri-Cities last year. 85% are remaining housed 12 months after exiting the program.

Keimon is a kind and caring student who knows about making good choices--but before coming to St. Joseph's Villa, he had a hard time going against peer pressure. He often felt unheard, misunderstood and isolated. His built-up frustrations led to outbursts that affected academics and strained relationships.

At the Villa, Keimon found a safe place to pursue his interests with Career and Transition Services (CATS). While exploring vocational opportunities, he joined a snack preparation and delivery program serving Villa students with autism, and interned with Villa athletic operations. Keimon also toured local colleges and worked with college student mentors on a variety of skill-building projects.

Keimon (left) with Career and Transition Specialist Garland Guion (right)

Keimon says CATS helped him build self-esteem. He now feels confident stepping out from the crowd to become his own individual. He even performed in a live play through the University of Richmond's Jepson Shakespeare Project--something he never pictured himself doing.

Now Keimon is dreaming big for his future.

"I wanted to be a counselor one day, because I like how the counselors here treat me," he said.

The positive relationships Keimon formed with Villa staff and college mentors also inspired him to mentor an elementary student in the Villa's Dooley School. He enjoys imparting the lessons he has learned at the Villa, and feels that serving as a mentor is a great way to prepare for a career in counseling.

"CATS changed me a lot," said Keimon. "I'm a whole different person."

Sarah Dooley Center for Autism director Adam Dreyfus traveled to Pakistan to present at Foundation University and Rahman Medical Institute in support of their autism programming. Hospitals and organizations from all over the county participated in the symposium on October 10th, World Mental Health Day.

Autism is a growing in frequency the world over. Dreyfus is among the first autism experts to visit that area of the world and advance partnerships in education.

Voices for Virginia's Children, the only independent multi-issue child policy and advocacy organization in the state, honored St. Joseph's Villa with the 2017 Carol S. Fox Making Kids Count Award on October 4th. The award recognizes long-term commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, while upholding the highest ethical standards. We are grateful for this recognition, and for Voices' partnership in creating brighter futures.