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It was more than just a graduation. It was a celebration of second chances, and the power of community. Earlier this month, our Newport News YouthBuild program proudly honored the accomplishments of Cohort IV: 11 young people who stepped up, showed up, and transformed their futures over the past six months.

Please join us in applauding:

Danielle Vinston, Deshawn King, Elisha Seldon, Nelly Anderson, Samuel Bates, Stavon Trower, Taymar Sumler, Ty’Jae Watson, Dant’e Rogers, Antwan Robinson, and Micah Freeman.

For many of these students, YouthBuild was more than a training program—it was a lifeline. In just half a year, they gained hands-on skills in HVAC, electrical, carpentry, and plumbing. They earned CPR/First Aid certifications, completed more than 200 hours of online credentialing, and took part in intensive academic and leadership training.

One student even worked closely with our team to get legal charges dropped, opening the door to a future that once seemed out of reach. And several are already moving into apprenticeships or full-time positions in high-demand fields.

Behind every certification and skill is a story of perseverance. Stories of young people choosing growth over giving up. And none of it would be possible without the love and commitment of our dedicated staff, community partners and givers of hope like you.

We were deeply moved to have several of those partners present to honor our graduates, including Newport News Public Schools, SafeHaven Empowerment Center, Newport News Public Library, Foundations to Success LLC, Virginia Technical Academy, and the Youth Workforce Council. Their presence was more than symbolic. It was a promise that our youth are not alone on their journey.

At YouthBuild, we’re not just training students for jobs. We’re helping them reclaim their stories. We're building leaders, nurturing self-worth, and creating space for transformation.

But we can’t do it alone.

Newport News YouthBuild exists because of people like you who believe in second chances and in the potential of every young person. If you’re moved by what this recent cohort has achieved and want to be part of this life-changing work, please consider making a gift today.

A gift of just $50 will ensure a youth has the safety gear they need to participate in hands-on training for their future dream job.

To learn more about Newport News YouthBuild, visit www.voachesapeake.org/youthbuild or click the button below.

Last Friday, we were proud to host Hope Wins, our inaugural benefit for the Crisis Ministry, at Zion Church in Greenbelt, MD. More than 200 guests joined us for a meaningful evening of inspiration, storytelling, music, and celebration. Thanks to their generosity, we raised $7,542 to support individuals and families in times of crisis.

Hope Wins was created to shine a light on the strength of the human spirit and the importance of showing up when people need it most. The evening featured heartfelt performances, moving testimonies, and powerful moments of reflection, reminding us all that hope is something we create together through faith and service.

Proceeds from the event will directly support our Crisis Ministry, which responds to emergencies such as natural disasters, mass shootings, and house fires with spiritual, emotional, and physical care. These funds will help us create and distribute "crisis kits" filled with essential supplies, as well as provide emotional and spiritual support through workshops, resource fairs, and one-on-one outreach.

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who made Hope Wins a success. Special thanks go to our emcee Allison Seymour of WUSA9, Pastor Darrell Townsend of Zion Church, and the many talented artists, leaders, and volunteers who shared their time and gifts with us:

• Andrea Ashcraft
• Kairos Worship Center
• Lillie Grace, Worship Leader & Recording Artist
• Larry Ogunjobi, NFL Defensive Tackle for the Buffalo Bills
• Rev. James Marshall, National Chief Ministry Officer of Volunteers of America
• Hopeful Minds Outreach, Youth-led Nonprofit
• Larry Lancaster, Comedian
• Joseph George III, Recording Artist & VOACC Ministry Volunteer
• Brie Guiles, Worship Leader & Musician

This event was just the beginning. The need for crisis response continues, and with your support, we can keep delivering hope where it is needed most. A gift of $40 provides a crisis kit to someone facing the unimaginable.

You can help us be there for them.

To learn more about our Ministry of Service or how to get involved, visit www.voachesapeake.org/voaministry or click the button below.

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