Did you know? Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is celebrated each year during the first full week of May. The purpose of PSRW is to honor public servants of federal, state, county and local government for their many contributions that make life better for us all. The United States Department of Health & Human Services established an overarching goal which is to positively impact employee engagement through the following ways:
• Recognizing and honoring employees who work hard, day in and day out, to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans
• Encouraging a culture of recognition and appreciation
• Highlighting the many faces and focus areas of public servants
Chesterfield County Human Services joins this national campaign to recognize and thank all public servants that make a difference in our community. Please take a moment to listen to my PSRW message to Chesterfield County's exceptional public servants.
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Citizen Information and Resources |
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2022 Community Champions Recognized |
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The Chesterfield Community Champions (CCC) Awards recognizes Chesterfield County residents whose volunteer service activities benefit the community. This year's Community Champions were recognized at the April Board of Supervisors meeting, in conjunction with National Volunteer
The 2022 Community Champions are:
Congratulations, Champions, and thank you for your phenomenal service to our community!
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Learn more about the Community Champion Awards and the 2022 winners on our website.
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Celebrating Arab American Month with Manchester YMCA |
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In celebration of Arab Heritage Month, the YMCA’s new Welcome Center at Manchester YMCA partnered with CIR to host a mother/daughter swim event for our Arabic families. The YMCA was able to provide an all-female lifeguard staff for the women to swim which was followed by a listening session and then prayer time and breaking fast before having a dinner together. The listening session was very insightful in how we can continue to partner and collaborate with our multi-cultural community and expand events like this one. |
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Government Citizens Academy is in Full Swing |
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Marilyn Brown, director of juvenile justice services, presents at a recent GCA session. |
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Chesterfield County Government Citizens Academy (GCA) is an interactive approach for residents to learn about their local government. The academy offers opportunities to meet Chesterfield County government leaders and learn more about the diverse services provided by the county.
So far the spring 2022 GCA participants have learned about the structure of Chesterfield County's government, the court system, constituent relations, community operations, and more.
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Mental Health Support Services |
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May is Early Intervention Awareness Month- Let’s Celebrate! |
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From our team to yours, Happy Early Intervention Month! What is early intervention? “Early intervention” is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to children from birth to 3 years of age, who demonstrate a 25% delay in any area of their development, atypical development, or have a diagnosed disability or condition. When appropriate, services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy or developmental therapy in combination with service coordination. We offer services to children in their “natural environment” and use a coaching model to help parents and caregivers support their child’s development.
Research show that early intervention services have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges, as well as providing support for lifelong success in school and in life. Programs are available in every state and territory and are available free or at reduced cost for any child that is determined eligible. Initial intake and evaluation appointments are always free of charge, regardless of a family’s income.
The Chesterfield Infant Program consists of a team of 22 team members. There are 11 service coordinators who are here to guide parents through the process as well as find resources for families. There are three speech therapists, one occupational therapist and four developmental specialists all available to help you with your child’s development. The team also includes two administrative staff to help keep things running smoothly. In addition, our team works with other therapists in the community to meet the needs of Chesterfield County residents.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, we are here to listen! Please contact the early intervention team by calling 804-768-7205.
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Pre Trial and Community Corrections Services |
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On April 20, 2022, staff of the Chesterfield County/City of Colonial Heights Pretrial and Community Corrections met in the Colonial Heights court meeting room to begin working on a new strategic plan.
This was the first in-person all-staff meeting since January of 2020. Staff from all units were present to include pre trial, local probation (general district, circuit and juvenile and domestic relations), dual treatment track, center of risk reduction, domestic and sexual violence resource center and administrative support. The meeting was facilitated by Cindy Taylor of the Learning & Performance Center.
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Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way.
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the celebration of OAM, and Chester-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is excited to celebrate with our partners in the aging community. This year’s theme focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose. For more information, visit the official OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone. Please join Chesterfield-Colonial Heights in strengthening our community at the Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame, May 12, 2022, 2pm. To register, please contact AgingServices@Chesterfield.Gov. For more information regarding Chesterfield County's Aging and Disability Services, please contact Alexa van Aartrijk, manager of aging and disability services.
For more information, visit Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services website at Long Term Services & Supports | Chesterfield County, VA. If you need to report suspicions of abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older adult, please contact (804) 748-1100 during agency hours or the after-hours state hotline at (888)832-3858.
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