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VCU mentors introduce Villa students to film production

It's often taken for granted that people have the ability to capture and share videos right at their fingertips. For our students who don't have access to a cell phone or home computer, gaining multimedia skills can be a major challenge. Freshmen in VCU's Service Learning Class in the Department of Focused Inquiry have set out to bridge that gap. Volunteer "near-peer" mentors from this class are teaching Villa youth how to use different devices to take and edit videos for creative expression as well as formal presentations.

VCU and Villa students held a film festival for
their first projects of the year in December.

During the school year, VCU and Villa students worked together in small groups, and each group produced two movies. They will present their latest projects at a film festival in VCU's Academic Learning Commons on April 28th.

Being close in age to our own students, VCU mentors are relatable and inspirational to them. "You form such great relationships," said Taylor Georgalas, a VCU mentor who one day hopes to start a business that helps individuals with disabilities find employment.

VCU mentors collectively volunteered more than 2,400 hours with Villa students during the 2016-17 school year.

Interested in mentoring a Villa student? Contact our Director of Community Engagement, Kathy Perun, at 804-521-5577 or email to learn how you can make a difference!

Brook Road Academy to hold
Open House on April 20


If your child or a student you know could benefit from small class sizes and a personalized approach to education, we invite you come take a look at Brook Road Academy! Brook Road Academy is a small middle and high school located on the Villa campus that offers a flexible curriculum which builds on students' individual strengths and interests. Students also have access to a full-time counselor and Career and Transition Services to help them envision and reach their goals after high school.

Find out more about our school at an Open House on Thursday, April 20 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Our faculty will be delighted to give you a personal tour and answer any questions.


Watch our video to see why our students thrive!

For more information, please contact Director of Community Partnerships, Craig Hedley, at 804-393-6914 or email. 
 
Villa participates in Summer Food Service Program to aid with food insecurity
Proper nutrition is critical to health, positive behavior and learning, which is why St. Joseph's Villa takes great care to provide children with healthy and balanced meals year-round. Unfortunately, many Villa kids face food insecurity when school is not in session. With support from the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), we will continue to ensure they get the nourishment they need. SFSP provides federal funding to programs feeding children, and nationally serves two million children a day.

The Villa provides 70,000 meals each year free of charge to our families. Our Culinary Center also provides emergency food supplies to households in crisis, averaging about 100 meals a year.
Leadership Metro Richmond to honor Villa CEO Kathleen Burke Barrett with Ukrop Community Vision Award

The  Ukrop Community Vision Award honors an individual who demonstrates genuine concern and respect for others, embraces inclusion, serves before leading and creates solutions which have resulted in positive change in our region. Leadership Metro Richmond will recognize Kathleen as this year's recipient at its Spring Luncheon in April. Congratulations, Kathleen! 

Under Construction: Shade Pavilion
for Villa youth
St. Joseph's Villa and Henrico CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) work in partnership to serve the community's most vulnerable children. The Villa campus has hosted CASA's Superhero Run for the past seven years, and now, thanks to CASA, our campus will soon have a new resource to enhance the physical and mental health of Villa youth. CASA is donating a shaded pavilion that will provide a comfortable space for outdoor exercise, including gymnastics and therapeutic yoga.

The pavilion will be a key feature of a planned physical fitness playground for older youth, which will include an outdoor basketball court, walking track, and motor skills equipment.

The pavilion is being built on the north end of campus

We're so excited about all the ways this gift from CASA will benefit those we serve. We also thank Glave & Holmes Architecture, Davis & Green Electrical, and Mark Franko Custom Building for donating services to make construction possible.
 
In this Issue
How to Give


Make an Online Gift
Your gift helps transform the life of each child and family we serve. Learn more.

Donate Goods
Our Donation Center welcomes clothing, housewares and school supplies for families in need. Learn more.

Volunteer
Volunteers are essential to the Villa's daily operations. We have a wide variety and individual and group opportunities available. Learn more.

Follow the Villa
       

We're Hiring!
We're seeking Qualified Mental Health Professionals for openings in our Intensive In-Home and Mental Health Skill Building programs. Visit our website to apply today!



 
VAISEF
 

St. Joseph's Villa  |  8000 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23227
www.NeverStopBelieving.org   |   804.553-3200 tel  |  804.553-3259 fax


St. Joseph's Villa helps children with special needs and their families
succeed through effective and innovative programs.