Women+girls (W+g) L.I.F.E.

Encouraging Virginia's Women+girls to Love+Inquire+Flourish+Enduree

April 28, 2023

WATCH: View a clip of the Executive Mansion flower and plant arrangements during Garden Week at the First Lady's Instagram or via YouTube.

WATCH: The First Lady sits down with WTVR's Tracy Sears for a "Voices of Hope" feature.

The First Lady sat down with Tracy Sears to discuss the horrors of fentanyl poisoning. Watch the new special featuring a Virginia family who is making a difference after losing a beloved son to fentanyl.

The First Lady packed sexual assault survivor kits alongside F2F founder Rosemary Trible and CEO Virginia Woodward at F2F's luncheon.

The First Lady joined Fear 2 Freedom (F2F) to address a luncheon during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. F2F works with colleges, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, women's resource organizations and healthcare partners to bring hope to sexual assault survivors.

The First Lady visits Sandstone Care.

The First Lady toured Sandstone Care's detox facility in Chantilly, VA. Sandstone Care provides age-specific mental health and substance use treatment to address substance use, addiction and mental health conditions.

The First Lady visits SafeSpot Children's Advocacy Center.

During Prevent Child Abuse Month, the First Lady visited SafeSpot Children's Advocacy Center of Fairfax County and cheered their 10th anniversary. Learn more about this organization providing essential services to child victims of sexual abuse.

Pictured: Bershan Shaw.

Bershan Shaw is a two-time breast cancer survivor who is dedicated to advocating for mental Wellbeing. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, read about her health journey, lessons on mental health and new venture creating a mental wellbeing app.

WATCH: Hear a Virginia family's story.

On May 9, spread awareness among your communities and families about the horrors of fentanyl poisoning and equip yourself and others to be prepared to potentially save a life. Find resources and tools below -- more coming to firstlady.virginia.gov soon.

WATCH: The Governor and First Lady made stops in Fairfax, VA in early April.

The Governor and First Lady presented the Spirit of Virginia Award to Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates, which provides permanent employment opportunities for young adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Earlier in the day, they participated in a roundtable with behavioral health professionals in Fairfax.

Pictured: Kim Roberts at Old Dominion Nursing with Larry Rios, her job placement counselor with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

Kim Roberts has endured debilitating disabilities including depression, anxiety and other medical conditions her entire life. She lived on disability benefits for 10 years but wanted to work. With the support of DARS and vocational rehabilitation, Kim now works at Old Dominion Rehabilitation & Nursing in Newport News, greeting visitors, making appointments, arranging transportation and assisting human resources.

Pictured: Virginia Credit Union Vice President of Financial Education Cherry Dale.

Read the latest Sisterhood Spotlight on Cherry Dale, who is vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union. Click to learn more about Cherry's work in financial education and the resources available through Virginia Credit Union.

The Governor, First Lady, Cabinet Members and staff members celebrated Earth Day, Arbor Day and volunteerism. Official photo by Christian Martinez.

It's time to submit your nominations for the 2023 Virginia Governor's Awards on Volunteerism and Community Service! Highlight an individual, community organization, educational program or business that is serving Virginians through volunteerism.

A Canine Companion greets the First Lady at SafeSpot Children's Advocacy Center in Fairfax.

Canine Companions, a national organization, trains service dogs to provide support to people with disabilities and other needs. At SafeSpot Children's Advocacy Center in Fairfax, Canine Companions provide furry care to child victims of sexual abuse.

Pictured: James River: The Rapids by Helen Crighton.

James River: The Rapids by Helen Crighton captures the beauty and movement of the James River in Richmond. The Governor and First Lady welcomed the James River Association for a reception at the Executive Mansion in celebration of Earth Day and the organization's leadership in waterway conservation efforts. 

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