How did you first get involved with SCAN?

When we opened the Veil Brewing, our first taproom was bought with Birck Turnbull who continues to be a business partner. He was very involved with SCAN and on the Board at the time. Birck invited me to attend the SCAN Child Advocates Breakfast back in 2017 and 2018. A few years later, another Board member, Cathy Bos called and invited me to join the Board. I was honored to be asked and have been a member of the Board since 2022.

What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN? What is your current role? What inspires you to stay involved with your work at SCAN?

I’ve volunteered with many organizations over the years, but when we opened The Veil Brewing we had a chance to help support organizations in a different way. I’ve been able to help through our business in ways such as collecting items for RPS students, being part of events like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Brewer’s Ball, or donating an auction item to the Faison School. It’s been cool to be part of the Richmond community in that way. SCAN has been my first Board experience and I’ve had the opportunity to work with other members of the SCAN community to spread awareness, help with various projects, and bring other people into the mission.

Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?

How much goes into everything SCAN does. SCAN is thoughtful and thorough about their programs, leadership, volunteers, and everything they do. I’ve learned so much about the depth of SCAN’s programs through my involvement and attending programs like the Breakfast and CASA Court observations as a SCAN Board member.

What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?

The SCAN Child Advocates Breakfast each fall is probably the most impactful hour I have all year. It is so inspirational to hear from the people impacted by SCAN and those that work with SCAN.

It’s also been meaningful to get my own children involved in SCAN’s work. They’ve been able to volunteer alongside me in ways such as collecting items for the preschool and it means a lot to involve them in this work, have those conversations about SCAN and the community, and model that involvement for them.

Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year with SCAN? Is there anything coming up/happening in your work that you are excited about or want to share?

I’m really excited that The Veil and SCAN have been able to partner through the upcoming Forever Summer Fest on July 25. It’s the first time that SCAN has been a charity partner for the event and I hope it raises more awareness in the community about SCAN and also raises funds to support SCAN’s programs. I hope the partnership between SCAN and The Veil has a longer impact on the organization and community beyond just the one day event. I'm really proud of all of our staff that have built this event, which will highlight some incredible brewers as well as local spirits, wine, cider, and food. It's a fun event with a purpose and I'm looking forward to the community experiencing it.

Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?

The community of breweries in Richmond is so charitable and I’ve enjoyed being involved with many organizations on some level over the years. I love being able to give back even in small ways and we get so much out of it. It has been such a blessing to have a business that is such a part of the community. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Forever Summer Fest 2026 (Benefiting SCAN)

We’re excited to begin recruiting volunteers for Forever Summer Fest 2026 with the Veil Brewing Co, returning on Saturday, July 25th at Main Street Station in Richmond—and we’d love your help making this incredible event a success in support of SCAN!

Forever Summer Fest is a high-energy celebration featuring breweries, cideries, wineries, and spirit producers from across the region, along with food, entertainment, and activities for attendees throughout the venue.

As this year’s beneficiary, SCAN will play a key role in the event, and volunteers are an important part of bringing it all together. While there are opportunities to assist throughout the festival, we are especially looking for volunteers to support the silent auction, where SCAN’s presence can shine—sharing our mission, engaging with guests, and helping highlight the impact of their support.

Volunteer Perks Include:

• Exclusive event t-shirt
• Festival glassware
• Food voucher
• One hour of sampling during the event
• First access to specialty bottle releases

How to Sign Up - If you’re interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@grscan.com to confirm your participation with SCAN.

Then, complete the volunteer form using the link below:

👉 Volunteer Form Link

All volunteers will receive follow-up communication with details as the event approaches.

Thank you for supporting SCAN and helping us make a meaningful impact through this incredible community event!

Lorena Brennan Castro Honored as Healthcare Campion

SCAN Trauma Focused Therapy Bilingual Child and Family Therapist, Lorena Brennan Castro, was recently honored with the Healthcare Champion Award at Virginia Health Care Foundation's Cheers for Champions Event.

As part of the event, VHCF created a video honoring the incredible work that Lorena does at SCAN. Check out the video below.

Congratulations New CASA Volunteers!

SCAN's spring CASA training class finished and our newest advocates were sworn in on June 4 at the Oliver Hill Courthouse. Join us in welcoming and thanking Jenifer, John, Kathleen, Ashley, and Elaine. We are so fortunate to have them join SCAN's CASA team and are thankful for their commitment to children in Richmond and Petersburg.

A CASA Child Needs You!

SCAN currently has over 100 children on the waitlist in need of a CASA volunteer.

Each of these children deserves to have an advocate and we need volunteers like you to help fill this critical need.

CASA Volunteers make sure the child’s needs are heard – in the community and in the courtroom – and serve as a caring, consistent adult in a child’s life. CASA volunteers are individuals from all walks of life who are willing to dedicate their time to advocate for a child’s best interests.

CASA strives to build a community of volunteers that reflects the diversity of the children we serve. Men, LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals who reflect the racial, ethnic, economic and linguistic diversity of Richmond City and Petersburg are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information about applying visit our CASA website or email our

Volunteer Coordinator, Pilar Ortiz-Waters.

CBS6 Highlights Critical Need for CASA Volunteers

CBS 6 shed light on the critical need for CASA volunteers in a news story last week. The story included interviews with SCAN's Volunteer Coordinator, Pilar Ortiz-Waters, and CASA Volunteer, TJ Dupree.

“I have volunteered in a lot of different things and a lot of different ways. CASA is, for me, a very powerful way to see your impact and to make a difference over an extended period of time with children. It just kind of just rang a bell for me,” Dupree said.

Currently, there are 65 volunteers serving 93 children between Richmond and Petersburg. However, there are 131 children on a waiting list because there aren’t enough advocates to meet the demand.

“What concerns me the most is that the possibility of a child starting and ending and not having been matched with a volunteer. I think that that would be a disservice to not have a child's voice be heard,” Ortiz-Waters said.

Watch or read the full story here.

A huge thank you to the children and families of Lutheran Epiphany Church that collected snacks and art supplies

for SCAN's Circle Preschool, Child Advocacy Centers,

and Family Support Program during their Vacation Bible School this month.

We are grateful to the CarMax Foundation for their recent grant to support SCAN's Circle Preschool program.

Thank you for the Overton and Katharine Dennis Fund for their recent grant to support SCAN's mission.

Thank you to the Primrose School of Twin Hickory for their recent donation to support the children and families served by SCAN.

We are grateful for the Herndon Foundation for their recent grant to support SCAN's work.

Upcoming Trainings & Screenings

Find the full list of upcoming SCAN trainings and register to attend HERE

July 7, 2026 | Social Emotional Health in Early Childhood

12-1:30pm ET via Zoom

This training explores developmental milestones of early childhood, shares ways to build and strengthen connections between caregivers and young children, and provides strategies for addressing challenges such as temper tantrums and big behaviors typical for this age group.

July 8, 2026 | Trauma-Informed Supervision

12-2pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will provide a discussion of six trauma-informed principles and how each can be applied to the practice of supervision. The principles include creating physical & psychological safety, building trust, creating collaborative and empowering spaces, utilizing peer support, and practicing humility & responsiveness. Supervisors will learn about the importance of addressing secondary traumatic stress in themselves as well as those they supervise.

This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval 886921848-1219 ) for 2 continuing education contact hours.

July 15, 2026 | The Developing Adolescent Brain: Strategies for Connection & Support

9-10am ET via Zoom

Adolescence is a time of profound brain growth, creativity, and transformation — not just turbulence. This workshop explores what’s happening inside the adolescent brain and how these changes shape behavior, emotion, and connection. Participants will learn practical ways to stay connected, offer guidance, and nurture strong, supportive relationships with teens.  

July 16, 2026 | Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

1-3pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training provides a foundational learning experience around the topics of trauma and trauma-informed care. We will define trauma, discuss the many types of trauma/adversity, explore the impact of trauma on the brain and behavior, introduce resilience, and discuss SAMHSA’s 4 Rs of trauma-informed care. Throughout the presentation, we will share useful tools and techniques.

This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval 886921848-6276) for 2 continuing education contact hours.

July 21, 2026 | Pushout Film Screening

12-2pm ET via Zoom

PUSHOUT is a feature length documentary that takes a close look at the educational, judicial, and societal disparities facing Black girls. Inspired by the groundbreaking book of the same name by renowned scholar, Monique W. Morris, Ed.D. The documentary confronts the ways in which the misunderstanding of Black girlhood has led to excessive punitive discipline, which in turn disrupts one of the most important factors in their lives, their education.

July 22, 2026 | Cultivating Authentic Community Engagement

1-2:30pm ET via Zoom

Guided by her lived and professional experience, Community Engagement Specialist Tamika Daniel facilitates this supportive workshop for organizations to discuss how to engage community voice with authenticity and intentionality.

July 22, 2026 | Impact of Trauma Exposure on Professionals

3-4:30pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will help participants identify symptoms and warning signs of traumatic stress as well as learn the differences between three common trauma exposure responses: secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. We will discuss strategies for responding to trauma exposure and provide resources that professionals can use to mitigate the impact of trauma exposure and improve wellness.

July 28, 2026 | Trauma-Informed De-Escalation

2-4pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will begin by providing an overview of relevant topics related to trauma-informed care that highlight the necessity of providing de-escalation in a trauma-informed way. We will then discuss verbal & non-verbal strategies for regulation and de-escalation of self and others. The training will conclude with time to practice these skills in small groups.

This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886921848-1293) for 2 continuing education contact hours.

July 30, 2026 | Child Development Basics (Early Childhood)

12-1pm ET via Zoom

This training will begin by providing an overview of typical developmental milestones during early childhood (birth-age 5). Next, we will explore strategies that parents, caregivers, and professionals can use to assist with child development. The training will conclude by recommending actions adults can take when they have concerns about a child's development. 

Find the full list of SCAN Trainings and register to attend HERE

 *Some of these trainings are eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) from the National Association of Social Workers. Check SCAN's training page for details.