YORK COUNTY VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION

The Food Closet was established to provide temporary food assistance to help individuals/families get through unexpected hardships - i.e. loss of job, sickness, injury during whatever difficulty they are experiencing for as long as needed. The purpose of this grant is to assist as many needy families who live in York County and Poquoson as many times per year as resources will allow - being open on Wednesdays from 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm for food distribution. Clients drive up to receive two (2) bags of groceries and a $10 Food Lion gift card (currently available every other week). The gift card helps them to purchase perishables we are unable to provide. Also, to support Social Services monetarily and by stocking a small food pantry to help their clients at times we are not open. In 2024, there were a total of 6086 client visits.

The York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office "Shop with the Sheriff" Program began in December 2001. The program strives to serve those children in the York County and the City of Poquoson who, through extenuating circumstances, may not receive any gifts during the holiday season. York-Poquoson Sheriff Deputy Officers and Elementary School Guidance Counselors are asked to submit potential participants and approximately 100 students are chosen each year. The event is usually held at a local store, and children are teamed up with a deputy to assist with their shopping. Santa Claus makes an appearance and refreshments are served. It is hoped to foster a positive experience with law enforcement personnel for these children.

CHATS offers the Horse Boy (therapeutic approach) and Movement Method (academic approach) program, a neuroscience-based equine assisted intervention, for people with autism and other neuro-diversities that achieves social, behavioral, and academic goals through kinetic learning and repatterning the brain and calming the nervous system through nature, movement, and the help of an equine partner. CHATS equine therapy involves specific movements on horseback which activate the learning receptors of the brain and create physical, mental, and emotional states that allow the release of oxytocin which serves to relax, calm, and reduce interfering behaviors. This can lead to fewer behavioral meltdowns and increased engagement in learning activities, social interaction, and communication. The proposed projects include training a new horse and offers therapy play dates to autistic children with families that do not have the financial means to provide this alternative to traditional therapy.

Soundscapes is a youth development organization that fosters life skills in students through music education. Soundscapes was established to address the issues facing local youth, including poor academic performance, violence, poverty, and the effects of these issues on the community. Soundscapes uses music as a tool to provide positive development opportunities for young people from second grade through age 25 across Hampton Roads through a variety of programs. Soundscapes has three free daily after-school programs at Title I elementary schools and free summer camps. Also, the Peninsula Youth Orchestra and Peninsula Youth Jazz Band, are made accessible to all students through its sliding-scale tuition structure ensuring no qualified student is turned away for financial reasons. Soundscapes addresses the need for meaningful, skill-building music opportunities by offering accessible, high-quality youth ensembles that help students grow life skills through music and social engagements.

Bright Beginnings provides a back-to-school shopping experience to purchase clothing and supplies for the most underserved children in our community.