December 2025

Meet SAPCA's New STOP Act Grant Coordinator!

Please join us in welcoming Jamie Ciesla, Grant Coordinator for the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP) grant. Awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this grant supports SAPCA to enhance and expand efforts to reduce underage drinking.

Jamie holds a B.A. in International Relations from Michigan State University, a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of London. She brings more than twenty years of experience in public health and program management.

She began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal and went on to hold a range of leadership roles across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Throughout her career, Jamie has guided complex global health initiatives that strengthened health systems, forged strong partnerships, and delivered measurable results. She is known for her collaborative work style and her ability to drive operational excellence in diverse settings.

Jamie is excited to bring her experience and skills to the City of Alexandria’s Center for Children and Families. She is committed to advancing evidence-based, community-centered approaches, fostering people-focused solutions, and supporting meaningful, sustainable impact in the communities she serves. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys time with her family and pets, exploring new places through travel, and baking.

Welcome, Jamie!

Volunteer Opportunities Spotlight: SAPCA Committees

Want to make a difference in your community? SAPCA is looking for youth and adults to join one or more of our SAPCA committees.

Upcoming Kick-Off Meetings

Video Development & Production Committee

• Monday, December 1 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
• Meeting ID: 964 8671 0510 | Passcode: 208493

Policy & Advocacy Committee:

• Wednesday, December 10, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
• Meeting ID: 971 7479 9232 | Passcode: 855082

Fundraising Committee

• Wednesday, December 17, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
• Meeting ID: 935 4099 0143 | Passcode: 227368

How Can I Help?

• Join the Video Development and Production Committee to choose topics for new videos and help film, edit, and produce videos.
• Join the Policy and Advocacy Committee to learn how policies are made, share ideas, monitor Virginia legislation, and build advocacy skills.
• Join the Fundraising Committee to help set fundraising goals and brainstorm fundraising strategies.

Interested in learning more? Complete our volunteer interest form or contact Emma Beall at emma.beall@alexandriava.gov.

Get Involved: Upcoming Community Health Improvement Plan Coalition Meetings

This winter, the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria will continue to bring members of the community together to develop the 2030 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP 2030). The plan will have three focus areas: mental wellness, Arlandria, and Landmark/Van Dorn. 

• The next Landmark/Van Dorn meeting is on Wednesday, December 3, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Charles E. Beatley Library (5005 Duke St.) At the meeting, we will finalize our vision for a healthy community and make sure we all agree on what we mean when we say “Landmark/Van Dorn neighborhood.” We’ll look at the map and talk about what we already have here. RSVP here.
• The next Mental Wellness meeting is on Monday, December 8, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.) At the meeting, we will finalize our vision for mental wellness and start thinking about the gaps between our vision and where we are now. That will help us create our approach to this five-year plan. RSVP here.

If you missed the first meetings, no worries. All meeting materials can be found here

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Curry at sean.curry@vdh.virginia.gov or 703.244.5654.

Quick Links

Help Toys4ALX Bring Joy to Alexandria Children!

The holiday season is here -- and so is the need! More than 850 families have already registered for toys through Holiday Sharing, representing over 700 children ages 0–10 who deserve something special this year.

To make sure every child receives three new, unwrapped toys, Volunteer Alexandria is calling on the community to step up! Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Volunteer: Helping hands are needed for toy collection, sorting, distribution, and more.
• Be a Collection Site: Apartment buildings, workplaces, and community spaces make perfect drop-off spots. Help us spread the spirit of giving where you live or work!
• Donate or Sponsor: Your financial contributions and sponsorships enable our community to serve more families.

Collection runs November 17 – December 10.

Sorting and pick-up take place December 11–13.

Join the movement at Toys4ALX and help make holiday magic happen for Alexandria’s children!

Next Teen Winter Pool Jam: December 20

Save the date for the next Teen Winter Pool Jam on Saturday, December 20 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility ( 3795 W. Braddock Rd.) This free indoor pool party will feature music, games, food, prizes, and a whole lot of water fun just for middle and high school students! It's the perfect way to stay active, socialize, and make memories this winter. Learn more and RSVP for this free event here.

2026 DASHing Words in Motion: Call to the Community 

The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and DASH invite you to be part of a beloved community tradition: the 12th annual “DASHing Words in Motion” poetry contest. Open to writers ages 16 and older who live, work, or study in Alexandria, the contest welcomes original poems that showcase your unique voice, creativity, and connection to the city. Submit your poetry by Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5 p.m.  

Selected poems will be displayed inside DASH buses and trolleys throughout April during National Poetry Month, transforming everyday commutes into moments of inspiration for thousands of riders. 

To learn more about DASHing Words in Motion and other literary programs, visit alexandriava.gov/Arts.

To learn more about Project Discovery, contact Alicia Washington at alicia.washington@alexandriava.gov. 

Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria 

4850 Mark Center Drive

Alexandria, VA 22311