December 7, 2016 - In This Issue:
ROMA Implementer Peer Group Update
The ROMA Implementer Peer Group met on Tuesday, December 6th and discussed next steps for the ROMA Implementer's in Virginia.  The Peer Group has identified three leaders, they are Terri Gillespie from Rooftop of Virginia, Susan White from Clinch Valley Community Action and Jennifer Dove from STOP, Inc. We are currently seeking two additional leaders for the study circles if you are interested in being a leader contact csbg@dss.virginia.gov . Moving forward this Peer Group will convene at the January VACAP meeting as well as via webinars throughout the upcoming year. Some priorities of the Peer Group include: 
  1. Developing a job description for Implementer's.
  2. Developing individual work plans for implementer's to use with their agencies. 
  3. Identifying Training and Technical Assistance Needs of the network in regards to ROMA. 
Virginia is the first state to have a ROMA Implementer Peer Group, and OVCS is excited to work with the agencies to ensure successful ROMA Implementation!

Registration Now Open

The Annual Virginia Volunteerism and Service Conference is the Commonwealth's leading conference for organizations and individuals making a difference in their communities. Presented by the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Services and the Virginia Service Foundation, this highly-interactive two-day conference features a diverse array of instructional workshops, networking events and opportunities of service. 
The conference is expected to attract over 400 attendees from across the Commonwealth. 

This year's theme will be  Lead. Learn. Mobilize .   Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from and share with one another at this exciting conference!

When:

Tuesday, May 16, 2017- Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Where:

 

DoubleTree by Hilton - Midlothian, 1021 Koger Center Blvd, Richmond, VA 23235
Registration:

Early bird registration is now open! The cost is $135.  Normal Registration begins on February 2nd and the cost will be $150. Registration includes one breakfast, two lunches, two days of instructional workshops, and optional service project.
 
Registration is also now open for Exhibitors!
Now Accepting Nominations for the Governor's Volunteerism and Service Awards
Time is running out to nominate an outstanding volunteer! If you know someone who is always putting others first or an organization that never hesitates to help out whenever there's problem in the community -- nominate them today for the annual Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards! Every single day there are volunteers all over Virginia touching lives and making a difference in their communities. These awards are presented in each of nine categories: Adult, Youth, Senior, Family, Corporation, Small Business, Faith-Based Organization, Educational Institution, and Community Organization. Award winners will be honored at a special ceremony in the spring. The deadline for nominations is December 20th. Nominate someone today!
December At A Glance
December 7th- Hampton Roads Needs Assessment Training
December 9th- Richmond Needs Assessment Training
December 23rd and 26th- OVCS Office Closed
Father Engagement
The Virginia Department of Social Services recently started a new newsletter, Father Engagement News and Notes. This quarterly newsletter aims to inform community partners about activities to support father engagement and responsible fatherhood initiatives. Click here to read the latest issue of the newsletter. To learn more about the VDSS Fatherhood resources email Makita Lewis at 
New River Community Action Celebrates Volunteers and Donors 
New River Community Action CHIP (Children's Health Improvement Partnership) is celebrating their volunteers and donors for their commitment to the CHIP Giles County Baby & Toddler Shop in Narrows.  Not long ago the dream of opening this shop was just that - a dream. With the help of the community, the dream has become one of the County's best resources for struggling families with young children.  The shop is a unique service for families living in Giles.  Parents receive necessary items such as clothing, diapers, shoes and coats to help meet the needs of their children.  However, the shop is more than helping with needed items. When a family visits the shop for the first time, the parent is invited to complete a short information sheet so that a CHIP staff member can make contact at a later date to provide information about home visiting and other available resources in the community. Home visiting is a powerful tool that promotes strong, healthy families and supports parents in their efforts to become self-sufficient.  Many families choose to enroll in CHIP home visiting, ultimately empowering future generations in Giles County.  During the fall, the community gave generously to assure the CHIP Giles County Baby & Toddler Shop was well-stocked with needed items for families. 
 
csbg@dss.virginia.gov

801 E. Main Street
15th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219