Did you ever wonder when and how February became known as Black History Month? In 1926, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson launched the celebration of what was known then as "Negro History Week" which later evolved to a month-long celebration in 1976. During the 99th Congress (1985-1986) a Joint Resolution to provide for the designation of the month of February, 1986, as "National Black History Month" was introduced. It was sponsored by Sen. Strom Thurmond (1902-2003) from South Carolina and is known today as Public Law No. 99-244. According to the Joint Resolution from February 11, 1986, "the observance of Black History Month provides opportunities for our Nation's public schools, institutions of higher learning, and the public to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the many contributions of Black Americans to our country and the world."

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Uniting Today For A Better Tomorrow and Chesterfield County has many opportunities for everyone. Please click the following link for further details: https://www.chesterfield.gov/4226/Black-History-Month-Celebration

Human Services in the Community

Human Services Leadership enjoys meeting our partners in the Community!

Photo Above: Dr. Worsley, Kiva Rogers (Social Services), Dan Cohen and Sarah Chua (Community Enhancement) met with leaders from Girls for a Change. This non-profit youth development organization has a mission to prepare Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls. To learn more click here.

Picture above: Dr. Worsley and Emily Ashley (CIR) met with leadership from Bryant and Stratton on how to strategize community outreach and workforce development.

Picture Above: MLK Day of Service was held in partnership with Virginia State University. Over 300 people volunteered for community projects including Board of Supervisor Chair, Kevin Carroll, at Ettrick Elementary and Children's Home of Virginia Baptist.

My Chesterfield Academy Graduation

My Chesterfield Academy graduated it's second cohort in January. This program, in partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia, empowers residents, particularly those from multicultural communities to understand and navigate Chesterfield County's government, as well as to connect to other community resources. To learn more and register for the Class of 2023-2024 click here.

Pictures above: The Class of 2022-23 My Chesterfield Academy being recognized by the Board of Supervisors

Upcoming Aging and Disability Services Events

Active shooter events are a growing threat across the United States. This presentation will help provide strategies in case an individual finds themselves in such a situation. The program is based on the Run, Hide, Fight philosophy, will include a short video as well as a question and answer portion with public safety.

This hour long course is free with no registration required.

Picture above: CIR and St. Augustine Team at the Three Kings Event

Picture Above: CIR Staff at MLK Service Awards

Emotional Health Planning is a socioemotional learning program that our CSB piloted to support individuals with disabilities. We partnered with Robin’s Hope to help provide a voice to adults with developmental disabilities who have been traumatized; to help provide them with the ability to identify the trauma and communicate what support they need. We provided education and tools to these individuals to promote living an emotionally healthy life. This was accomplished through a series of therapeutic group sessions utilizing a trauma informed approach. The CSB used these sessions to bridge the gap in service delivery to an identified vulnerable population of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The individuals utilized the Emotional Health Plan to help them build resilience, foster meaningful connections with caregiver and support providers and educate others on the best way to support them with their emotional health.  

The four identified session for the program were: “Introduction to identifying trauma and your feelings”, “Communicating your Emotions to caregivers”, “Coping Skills” and “Developing a plan”. These sessions helped the individual understand a basic level of the neuroscience of trauma and trauma responses. There were opportunities for individuals to share personal experiences guided by mental health professionals. There were exercises to educate individuals on identification of feelings and the physical manifestations of those feelings. They completed workbook activities and received support for other special needs that may have been identified beforehand. The CSB and community partner educated and demonstrated communication techniques throughout the session. Individuals were able to see examples on how to express their emotions to their caregiver in an effective manner. They explored coping skills and identified strategies that helped empower them to have control over their mental health. The session was ended by creating their own individualized emotional health plan.

• Citizen Information and Resources: Emily Ashley, director
• Community Corrections Services: JoAnn McLaurin-Carpenter, assistant director
• Drug Courts: Melanie Meadows, administrator 
• Juvenile Justice Services: Justin Crostic, program administrator for treatment programs & detention alternatives 
• Mental Health Support Services: Jaroslaw Muchowski, assistant director of administration and planning
• Social Services: Kiva Rogers, director