Women+girls (W+g)
Encouraging Women+girls to Strengthen the Spirit of Virginiae
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Spirit of Virginia Award: The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia | |
Pictured: The First Lady presents Jenny West, Executive Director of the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia, with the Spirit of Virginia Award. | |
The Governor and First Lady presented the fifth Spirit of Virginia Award of 2023 to The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV). Founded in 1997, this nonprofit is dedicated to preserving land, providing public access and outdoor recreation opportunities to Virginians, and ensuring a future for outdoor enthusiasts in the Commonwealth. The WFV offers workshops, accessible blinds for wounded warriors and other mobility impaired individuals, community hunts, and a grant program that has helped nearly 69,000 youth connect with nature. This organization has also helped to preserve nearly 14,000 acres of Virginia’s natural landscape and the diverse wildlife that it encompasses. Visit the WFV website to learn more, or see more Spirit of Virginia winners here. | |
Pictured: Jenny West delivers remarks at the Spirit of Virginia Award ceremony. |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady with staff from The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia, the VA Department of Wildlife Resources, the Secretariat of Natural and Historical Resources, and guests. | |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady with Jim McVey, Jenny West, and Samantha McInteer. |
Pictured: The First Lady gives remarks at the Spirit of Virginia Award ceremony. | |
$800,000 in Micro-Grants to Help Those Struggling with Behavioral Health
Are you involved with a faith-based or community organization that provides direct care for people with behavioral health struggles? If so, find out how you can receive a grant from Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)!
The grants will be available in amounts up to $15,000 and the application opened today! Click here to learn more about these grants and visit the DBHDS website to find the application.
Information can also be found on the eVA link by clicking the “Business Opportunities” tab and searching for DBHDS. These links will provide the intent, purpose, and eligibility for these funds and allow a download of the one-page Application Worksheet so that organizations may prepare their submissions ahead of the application period opening.
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The application acceptance period will run from November 20th through December 29th, 2023 (or until the funds have been exhausted). | |
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Faces of Fentanyl Wall | |
Pictured: The First Lady visits the DEA Faces of Fentanyl wall in Arlington, Virginia. | |
The First Lady recently had the opportunity to visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Faces of Fentanyl Wall in Arlington, Virginia. This wall, which features over 5,000 photographs of victims who were poisoned by fentanyl, further exemplifies the need for awareness around the dangers of this drug. Additionally, the DEA also reopened their newly renovated DEA Museum which teaches visitors about drug busts, DEA history, those lost in the line of duty, dangerous substances, and drug science. To learn more about the Faces of Fentanyl wall, visit the DEA website, or see more information on the DEA Museum here. | |
Pictured: The First Lady with staff from the DEA Museum. | |
Pictured: The First Lady learning about the impact of drugs in the DEA Museum. | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Southwest Virginia leadership outside the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace. | |
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin had the opportunity to visit the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace to explore the beauty and creative pieces designed by the talented individuals throughout the region. With home decor, jewelry, artisan creations in all medias, a stunning view of the local mountains, and traditional bluegrass and gospel music, there is something for everyone at this marketplace.
To learn more visit the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace website.
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Mended Women Lifestyle Recovery Home | Pictured: The First Lady alongside Member of the Washington County Women's Housing Coalition Ann Ledgerwood, Executive Director for the Appalachain Substance Abuse Coalition for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Linda Austin, President of Fairview Housing Management Corporation Bob Garrett, and Director of Lifestyle Recovery Programs Rick Mitchell. | Mended Women Lifestyle Recovery Facility is a 70-bed, low-intensity, substance abuse recovery program designed specifically for women. Participants in this facility receive evidence-based treatment-oriented protocols and services tailored to the recovery, healing, and ultimate successful reentry of these women into a happy, purposeful life. On a tour, the First Lady had the opportunity to talk to various residents who told their stories and exemplified the positive impact that the Lifestyle Recovery home had on their personal growth journeys. The Mended Women Lifestyle Recovery facility is part of the Fairview Housing Management Corporation which seeks to provide housing and support services to those experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness, or those seeking safe affordable options for substance use recovery. To learn more about their programs, please visit their website. | |
Virginia Community-Based Providers (VACBP) Fall Conference | Pictured: The First Lady alongside the leadership team at the VACBP Fall Conference. | The First Lady had the privilege to deliver remarks at the Virginia Community Based Providers (VACBP) Fall Conference in Charlottesville. With more than 40% of students reporting that they had felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, and more than 1 in 5 seriously considering suicide, mental health needs to be a priority now more than ever. The VACBP is the largest statewide association of private-sector providers that offers services around behavioral health, substance use disorder, and applied behavioral analysis. As a strong partner of the Right Help, Right Now initiative, the VACBP delivers their services through schools, homes, and community centers to provide crisis care at locations Virginians frequent. To learn more, visit the VACBP website. | |
Mansion Halloween Reception | |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady with Nutzy the Flying Squirrels' mascot. | |
Pictured: The First Lady with a trick or treating family. | |
Happy Halloween! The Governor and First Lady dressed up as baseball players from Richmond's local Minor League team, the Flying Squirrels. With young visitors coming into the Executive Mansion for tricks and treats, the local law enforcement families and their children enjoyed the company of Nutzy the Flying Squirrel, Jonathan the Juggler, drinks, and Halloween candy. Follow the First Lady on social media to see more pictures of this festive event. | |
Hosted by United Way in Bristol, Virginia, local and government leaders, practitioners, educators, and community members gathered to strategize ways to improve the quality of life in rural Virginia. With panel discussions, speakers, and roundtables, this event allowed all parties to better understand the state government's role in supporting local businesses and nonprofits for collaborative efforts that can strengthen and support southwest Virginia. | Pictured: The First Lady with keynote speaker, Aron Ralston and President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Virginia, Travis Staton. | Department of Motor Vehicles Human Trafficking Training | Pictured: The First Lady with DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, Kelley Alsobrook, and Dylan Wecht, the Public Sector Engagement Specialist at Truckers Against Trafficking. | In a continued effort to fight human trafficking in Virginia, the nonprofit Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) conducted a training for approximately 260 Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) employees. This training covered various approaches to combating human trafficking, case studies, statistics and data, and a powerful testimonial from a human trafficking survivor. The TAT aims to educate, equip, empower, and mobilize members of the trucking and related industries to prevent and fight human trafficking. To learn more about their efforts, please visit the website. | |
Pumpkin Delivery at the Executive Mansion | Pictured: The First Lady with Chris Drake's wife and daughters. | |
October is known as Virginia Pumpkin Month. To celebrate, the First Lady welcomed Chris Drake and his family to the Executive Mansion for the annual pumpkin delivery.
Chris started his farm in 2001 with a small 1/2 acre of pumpkins. Today, he has over 50 acres of pumpkins and gourds, a patch of sweet corn, watermelons, and cantaloupes, along with 550 acres of cotton, peanuts, corn, and soybeans.
Chris farms alongside his father who has also been in the agriculture business since 1971.
Agriculture is one of Virginia’s most valuable industries and is home to nearly 400 commercial pumpkin growers across the Commonwealth.
This year, Virginia's largest pumpkin was grown by Luke Williams in Hartfield, Virginia. The pumpkin reached an astonishing 1,845 pounds.
| Pictured: The Executive Mansion decorated with pumpkins from around the Commonwealth. | |
Opioid Abatement Authority Workshop
In October, the Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) hosted a workshop to help city and county leaders strategize the best ways to use opioid settlement funds in a way that remediates the opioid epidemic at a community level. Developing these plans and budgets will help maximize the benefits of this funding. Partnerships between government and community nonprofits and organizations are the most effective way to combat this crisis. To learn more about the OAA and the work that they do, please visit their website.
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Pictured: The First Lady pictured with the Opioid Abatement Authority leadership team. | |
Regional Workforce and Childcare Development Hub - Abingdon, Virginia | Pictured: The Governor and First Lady alongside United Way and local leadership from Southwest Virginia. | |
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In a celebratory gathering in Abingdon, Virginia, the Governor and First Lady had the opportunity to tour and break ground on the new $25 million regional project slated to open in August 2024.
This Regional Workforce and Childcare Development Hub has transformed a former Kmart building into an 87,000 square foot space that will provide reliable childcare, provide career exploration opportunities, as well as training for the workforce. The new 300-slot childcare center will serve children infant to five years old, and allow local parents and families to remain in their careers and in the rural Virginia areas. This facility will also impact approximately 30,000 K-12 students and begin to teach them the skills needed to join the workforce.
Click here to learn more about the Regional Workforce and Childcare Development Hub.
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Boards and Commission Openings | |
To explore and apply for these and other opportunities, please check out the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. |
- Advisory Board on Acupuncture
- Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling
- Advisory Board on Midwifery
- Advisory Board on Physician Assistants
- Advisory Board on Respiratory Care
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Tara Daudani
Breast Cancer Survivor, Advocate, and Founder of Lend Them a Helping Hand, Inc.
As a breast cancer survivor and advocate, Tara Daudani works to raise awareness around the dangers of breast cancer and encourages women to get checked regularly as early detection is key to recovery. She also raises money for cancer research, serves on numerous boards and committees, and is the mother of two daughters. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Tara discusses how she honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month, her experience with cancer from diagnosis through recovery, her nonprofit, and resources for Virginia’s Women+girls......read more HERE!
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Melanie Natoli
Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg
Melanie Natoli crafts delectable Virginia Wines for all to enjoy. As the recent winner of the 2022 Governor’s Cup Winemaking Competition, Melanie formulated the newest edition of the First Lady’s Cornus Virginicus wine which will donate all proceeds to Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. The wine industry is indispensable throughout Virginia and is responsible for more than 10,000 jobs and contributes $1.73 billion to Virginia’s economy. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Melanie tells us about the Virginia wine industry, how she got involved, her work on the Cornus Virginicus II, what she studied, and her success as a female in the field....read more HERE!
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Janet Kelly
Special Advisor for Children and Families in the Office of the Governor and Founder of the nonprofit Virginia's Kids Belong
As a foster-turned-adoption mom herself, Janet’s inspiration for creating her nonprofit, Virginia’s Kids Belong, was personal. This nonprofit aims to empower the community to improve the experiences and outcomes for children within the foster care system. Janet also serves in the Governor’s office to help further transform Virginia’s foster care system and improve the options for children’s welfare and mental health resource options. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Janet Kelly discusses her inspiration for VA Kids Belong, her role within the Governor’s administration, the Safe and Sound Task Force, and important information around fostering and adopting that Virginia’s Women+girls should know....read more HERE!
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Pictured: The First Lady alongside the staff at James House. | Pictured: The First Lady learning about the resources that James House provides to the community. | |
First Lady Focus on the Partnership for Petersburg
JAMES HOUSE
The First Lady had the opportunity to tour the James House in Prince George, Virginia. This nonprofit aims to support all who have experienced stalking, domestic violence, or sexual violence.
James House provides individuals within the Greater Tri-Cities region in Virginia, including Petersburg, with cost-free, trauma-informed, confidential services in both English and Spanish.
To learn more about the services they offer, please visit their website, or if you are in need of immediate assistance, you can call their 24-hour hotline at (804)-458-2840.
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The First Lady routinely engages with nonprofits serving the needs of Virginians across the Commonwealth. Check out some of the organizations she has connected with recently!
If you are interested in volunteering to serve others, or would like more information on how these nonprofits might be able to provide you with assistance, click on their logos to learn more!
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Daily Planet Health Services |
Fairview Housing: Mended Women Lifestyle Recovery Home | |
The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia | |
Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom | |
Pictured: The First Lady with Fabio the miniature horse. | The Governor and the First Lady had the pleasure of celebrating the start of Autumn with a festive Boots on the Square event for state employees at the Executive Mansion. This second annual gathering was host to miniature horses, fresh Blue Ridge kettle corn, giant pumpkins, the Kickin’ Country Line Dancing team, lasso lessons, and our Miss Virginia High School Rodeo Queen Olivia Schuhle. Thank you to the incredible Executive Mansion staff and the Department of General Services’ OnTheSquareVA team for making this event possible. | |
Pictured: A Patawomeck Indian Tribe Eel Pot. |
November is Native American Heritage month. The Patawomeck Indian Tribe pre-dates the 1300's in Stafford County, Virginia and was instrumental in the sustaining of the Jamestown Colony. These eel pots, designed for catching eels in nearby waters, were formerly an important income source. The captured eels were valuable as exports to European markets, or as bait for crabs. These pots were typically woven with wooden splints and finished products were often about arm-length. Click here to learn more about eel pots. | |
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