Dr. Worsley's Wise Words
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 2022 Black History Month national theme is Black Health & Wellness and Chesterfield County has many opportunities for everyone. Please visit our website for further information.

Citizen Information and Resources
In late-January, Citizen Information and Resources (CIR) coordinated with Virginia Career Works to host a job fair at the Chester Library. The job fair had more than a dozen local businesses and included resource tables (Chesterfield County Workforce Alliance, Social Services, Adult Continuing Education) for Chesterfield County residents.
To connect with VA Career Works please call (804)652-3490, 304 Turner Road North Chesterfield, VA 23225. For more information around upcoming job fairs, please email Norman Johnson or call (804)796-7155.
Get Involved with Aging and Disability Services
Chesterfield Triad
Chesterfield Triad is a partnership between the Chesterfield County’s Sheriff’s Office, Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, Aging and Disability Services, elder organizations and individuals from the community. It strives to educate seniors and caregivers about programs, services, techniques and systems that help prevent crime against seniors and improve their quality of life.
Become involved; join Chesterfield Triad! For more information, visit Chesterfield TRIAD or email the manager of Aging & Disability Services at VanAartrijkA@Chesterfield.Gov

EngAGE at Home
EngAGE at Home is a semi-weekly virtually-based educational and engagement program for older adults in Virginia. EngAGE is a partnership between Chesterfield County, Henrico County and the Longevity Project for a greater Richmond. Topics range from longevity, community resources, safety presentation and more! Sign up to be on the mailing list today by emailing the manager of Aging & Disability at VanAartrijkA@Chesterfield.Gov
Juvenile Justice Services
CARP Gets a New Name
Chesterfield Adolescent Reporting Program has become Chesterfield Adolescent Resource Pathways! As our scope of services continue to evolve, the title needs to evolve with us. In the past, we had one program. Over the years, we have grown and changed to meet the needs of our clients. Currently, our focus is on community-based, collaborative, and early-intervention efforts for youth involved in the juvenile court system. We’re still CARP, but now we’re fishing with a wider net!

Our services for court-involved youth currently include:
  • Substance Abuse Diversion
  • Community Service
  • Educational Assistance
  • Court Navigation
  • Youth Conservation Corps
  • Employment and Vocational Skills
  • Parent and Family Support
  • Law Related Education
  • Restorative Justice
  • Life Skills
  • Day Reporting
Mental Health Support Services
Mental Health Support Services History Now on Display
Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services department was recently reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for a period of three years for all programs. This marks the eight consecutive three-year accreditations awarded by CARF!

"Our agency has a reputation for providing excellent community services and our staff are dedicated and committed to improving the quality of the lives of those we serve,” said Kelly Fried, executive director of the Chesterfield Community Services Board. “We are extremely proud of achieving and maintaining the highest level of accreditation status."
Learn more here.
Social Services
February is Benefit Programs Specialist Appreciation Month
The month of February is recognized as Benefit Programs Specialist Appreciation month. The Commonwealth of Virginia celebrates and honors our dedicated staff for their commitment to public service. Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services (DSS) has provided a safety net to the most vulnerable citizens by administering the benefit programs of SNAP, TANF, Medical Assistance, General Relief, Auxiliary Grant, Refugee Cash Assistance and Energy Assistance programs.

DSS continues to experience unprecedented implementation of complex policies and procedures in all major benefit programs, as well as, adjusting to new processes and relying on technology for processing cases and issuing benefits during a Public Health Emergency as essential employees.

DSS has been at the forefront of public efforts to meet that need, steadily maintaining a high rate of application processing and case management to ensure that those qualified for social services receive and continue to receive them. Our Benefit Programs Specialists provide ethical public service, respect human dignity, are responsible for the application of the law, demonstrate personal integrity and promote professional excellence. Job well done!

If you are in need of additional information regarding the Benefit Programs administered by Social Services, please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website for additional information or visit CommonHelp to apply for Benefit Programs. 
Wellness Corner
Take Care of Your Heart!
February is American Heart Month, and I don't mean the candy kind! Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Americans, but luckily 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be preventable.

Here are some tips to ensure you're taking good care of your heart.
  • Stop smoking
  • Eat smart
  • Get active
  • Stress less
  • Sleep more

To learn more about American Heart Month or ways to care for your heart visit the Center for Disease Control or National Institute of Health.
Nonprofit Notes
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