The holiday season is quickly approaching and during this time of year I find myself reminiscing, frequently, about my childhood days at my grandparent's farm in eastern North Carolina. The Christmas season was an extra special time to me in those days. In addition to the love that greeted everyone that entered the farmhouse, I could always count on familiar aromas like firewood burning in the woodstove or freshly baked homemade sweet potato pies. Something magical would take place on Christmas Eve. My grandma would remind me to leave my empty shoebox on the floor near the foot of my bed before going to sleep. On Christmas morning, with great anticipation, I hurried to the shoebox and found it filled with red apples, oranges, tangerines, walnuts, and a variety of candies. This was a tradition during my grandma's childhood (late 1920s and early 1930s), hence there wasn't money for toys and other material items. Likewise, my mother and her siblings enjoyed the same tradition in the 1950s. I'm thankful that my grandma shared this experience with me as well in the early 1980s. The Christmas Shoebox is one of my most cherished memories from my childhood, because it taught me to appreciate all gifts in life, those great and small, realizing someone sacrificed so that I could have a better tomorrow. Therefore, the most significant life lesson I received was that of charity and the concept of giving to others.
My Christmas experience started at the farmhouse with the Christmas Shoebox and I find myself utilizing those same principles and values today as I work in the human services field. It is my hope that you, too, will find joy and happiness this holiday season and may your Christmas Shoebox be filled with special treats.
Happy Holidays!
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Citizen Information and Resources |
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Citizen Information and Resources Welcomes MORE New Staff! |
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Alexa van Aartrijk, Manager of Aging and Disability Services |
Alexa van Aartrijk (she/her) is the new Manager of Aging and Disability Services. Alexa is a gerontologist and holds a Masters degree in Gerontology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Alexa’s role serves older adults and those living with a disability by identifying problems, solutions and programming to promote optimal living in Chesterfield County. Alexa is dedicated to delivering person-centered care through collaboration with the many partnerships of Aging and Disability Services. Alexa can be reached via email or at (804) 768-7878.
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Teen Help Resources are Now Available Online |
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Juvenile Justice Services |
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Juvenile Justice Services was recently able to order new coats for their detention staff. As an honorary staff member, Dr. Worsley models the new jacket in front of the Juvenile Detention Home. |
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Each year Anne Leedy, administrative supervisor, coordinates Juvenile Justice Services' gift collection for Christmas Mother.
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Juvenile Justice Services would like to wish all its employees, community partners, and the families we serve Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
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Mental Health Support Services |
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Mental Health Support Services Moves to Facebook |
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Major Announcement📣 !!! Chesterfield County Mental Health Department has a new Facebook page! The goal of this page is to provide prevention tips, as well as overall mental health information and resources including crisis intervention tips, substance use services, services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and much more!
Please be sure to like & follow our Facebook page and don’t forget to share it with your friends!
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On Tuesday, November 23 MHSS DD Service Coordination Team delivered 52 Thanksgiving meals which were donated by DIVERSITY. Please see below photos from the Diversity’s Holiday Meals 2021 event. |
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Pre Trial and Community Corrections Services |
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CCS Staff Attends Annual Training Conference |
The Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Community Corrections Services (CCS) staff attended the 25th Reimagined -Virginia Community Criminal Justice Association (VCCJA) Annual Training Conference November 17-19, 2021 in Hampton, VA. The VCCJA is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to enhance public safety through the development and expansion of pretrial, community corrections and other criminal justice programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This year the conference topics included implicit bias, mental health, human trafficking, autism and improving self awareness.
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The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights staff would like to wish you all Happy Holidays. As the end of another year approaches, let us all be reminded of the tremendous difference we have made, working together, to ensure the needs of the community are met during some of their most challenging times. Throughout the year, the community has collaborated with us to leverage our collective efforts to provide the greatest good. We thank you for partnering with us and are looking forward to working together in new and exciting ways in 2022.
Did you know social services staff are available to assist citizens with budgeting and exploring their views on saving money and spending habits? The holiday season can be particularly stressful for many. In addition to emotional and family system stressors, financial challenges can compound already stressful situations. Citizens who are experiencing financial hardship or want some tips on budgeting and managing their resources can speak with a representative with our Assessment and Resource Team to discuss individual Money Mindset sessions. Prior to the pandemic, these sessions were offered in a group setting to the community; however, sessions are currently being offered individually either virtually or by telephone. Sessions focus on basic budgeting with an emphasis on saving money and setting short-term and long-term financial goals. If you or someone you know could benefit please contact us at (804) 748-1100 to learn more.
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Don't Lose Sight of What Really Counts This Season
With long lines and nasty traffic, the holidays can get hectic. When overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, ask yourself:
Where does this fit in the grand scheme of things? If you’re frustrated by the long grocery line you’re standing in, remember that it is just a long grocery line — nothing more. Don’t let it spoil your afternoon.
Can I use this moment of frustration as an opportunity to reflect? While the cashier rings up the customers ahead of you, take inventory of the good things that have happened today or the things you are grateful for.
Even if this moment seems stressful, can I find a way to make it pleasant? Connect with someone else in line with a compliment or kind gesture, or notice what’s around you with fresh eyes and an open mind.
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The Children's Museum is currently offering scholarship memberships (good for one year from issue) for up to 345 Chesterfield County families whose annual household income is at or below $35,000.
If you or someone you know is interested, please complete the application in English or Spanish.
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Is bowling right up your alley? Please join us for the Chesterfield PAL Fall–Winter Bowling League starting Saturday, December 4, at 9 a.m. at Uptown Alley (6101 Brad McNeer Parkway). Participants must be in grades 6–12. $12 covers three games of bowling, ball and shoe rental, and breakfast for all bowlers. Register today!
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