It is hard to believe that autumn is official here. I'm enjoying the crisp cool mornings, warm afternoons, and I'm excited about the changing of the leaves. Although the season has changed, one thing remains constant and that's the dedicated work of the human services division. Congratulations to the Community Services Board for celebrating 50 years of dedicated and compassionate service to Chesterfield County. This October, we continue to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Immigrants Day, and National Disability Employment Month.
The month of October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide education about prevention, screening, and treatments. This month I plan to wear the color pink often to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and support the progress being made to defeat breast cancer. My grandmother was a breast cancer survivor and currently, I have a family member battling breast cancer, but I'm in the fight with her.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." ~ African Proverb
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There is still time to register for the next Active Parenting of Teens class! This course will run for five weeks beginning October 27 and ending December 1. Visit Prevention Services for more information and to register. |
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Citizen Information and Resources |
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County Comes Together to Support Refugees
In Mid-August, Citizen Information and Resources (CIR) coordinated with the Islamic Center of Virginia to see how the county could best offer support for Afghan Refugees that were coming to Fort Lee and Fort Picket to begin a new life. It was determined that the best way to help and make an immediate impact was by way of a donation drive.
Nearly overnight, Chesterfield County Libraries set up a collection point for community members to drop donations. A single social media post about the drive had over 42,000 views that led to overwhelming generosity from Chesterfield County residents. For weeks Library staff coordinated van loads of pick ups from each library location to take the goods to the old Perrymont Elementary School to be sorted and inventoried. Library staff, CIR staff and Pre-Trial Services staff spent many hours over several days sorting through donated goods. Parks and Recreation and Building and Grounds staff helped by loading a full size cargo truck of all the donated items which were then delivered to Fort Lee.
This project would not have been possible without the tireless generosity of our county's residents and staff, who strive every day to embody the true spirit of community.
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Mental Health Support Services |
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On September 29th, 2021 the Chesterfield Community Services Board, also known as the Department of Mental Health Support Services, celebrated its 50th Anniversary of providing mental health, intellectual disability, and substance use services to the citizens of Chesterfield county.
For the past half-century, we have seen our services substantially grow from initially providing outpatient counseling, to providing a full array of services that helps meet the changing needs of our residents.
Many guests attended the celebratory event during which we were able to recognize the many and varied partnerships we have built over the past 50 years with other County Departments. It is also due to our strong commitment from external stakeholders and community partners that has afforded us the ability to provide a broad range of services to our clients.
We have seen many developments and changes in the services we deliver, but one thing that has not changed over the past 50 years, is the dedicated and committed staff who go above and beyond to provide the best experience for those we serve, each and every day.
We would like to Thank all MHSS staff and our partners for their contributions in making Chesterfield CSB the best it can be for the past 50 years!
Below is a YouTube link to be able to view a video developed by Communication and Media Department highlighting our past 50 years.
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Pre Trial and Community Corrections Services |
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On September 10, 2021, staff from the Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Pre Trial and Community Corrections Services (CCS) attended the Central Region Gathering.
It was a beautiful day for Team building, fun and food!
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Wondering how you can protect yourself from seasonal flu? Or just weighing the pros and cons of the seasonal flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is not only about protecting you from getting the flu but also to prevent you from transmitting the flu to vulnerable people around you, such as the elderly, children, or the immuno-compromised.
Here are some fast facts about flu prevention:
- Ideally, you should get the seasonal flu vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated with the flu shot makes sense any time during flu season, which may last from September to May.
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Think the flu vaccine can give you the flu? It can't. The vaccine is made with a dead (flu shot) or weakened form of the flu virus (nasal flu vaccine), which can't give you influenza.
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Stuck on the fact that you need to get vaccinated every year? There's a good reason. Flu viruses change, so flu vaccines must change, too. Each year's vaccine is unique, cultivated from the flu strains health officials believe will be most menacing that year.
Source: CDC: "Seasonal Influenza;" "Thimerosal FAQs;" "Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine in Children 2 through 8 Years Old;" "Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine [LAIV] (The Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine);" "Vaccine and Vaccination: When Should I get Vaccinated?"; and "Disease Burden of Influenza."
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CCHASM Thanksgiving Meal Registration is OPEN!
Households may register for the Thanksgiving meal package by registering online or calling (804-796-2749, Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.). Registration is open from October 1 - November 1.
Meal packages will be distributed to registered individuals on Saturday, November 20, between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds Exhibition Center located at 10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
For more information about the event, including ways you can get involved, please visit www.cchasm.org.
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Christmas Mother Adds Registration Date
Christmas Mother will be accepting applications on Saturday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration will be held at Chesterfield County Department of Social Services (9501 Lucy Corr Circle).
Please bring the following documents:
- Picture ID
- Social Security Cards/Tax ID for everyone in the household
- Proof of current address
- SNAP letter (if applicable)
- Proof of income
Due to COVID masks must be worn, children are not allowed, and there may be a short wait outside so please dress for the weather. Please visit Christmas Mother for more information. |
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Waymakers Opens Their Doors
Waymakers Foundation is a food bank that serves food-insecure families who struggle with stable employment, people who lack the education and training to earn a living wage, and Virginians who struggle with literacy and language. Their organization emerged as a response to the overwhelming need in the Latino community for food and other resources as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed marginalized communities into further poverty. Waymakers Foundation formed in April 2020 and began offering a cultural food bank program. A year and a half later, the foundation has outgrown two distribution spaces and has delivered approximately 17,000 food distributions. The Foundation recognizes and addresses the need for fresh produce and whole foods as well an emphasis on maternal and infant nutrition.
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Chesterfield Education Foundation (CEF) Fundraises for Coats
CEF's mission is to ensure that every Chesterfield County student has a warm coat this winter. Donate $25 (or more!) to help keep our kids warm. |
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