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The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation are pleased to recognize 31 outstanding public-school teachers selected as finalists for the 2020 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 109 nominees submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 18 winners and 13 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $198,450.
The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all 2020 awardees will have the chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to renew their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.
LIST OF 2020 WINNERS
Gilbert Carter, Jr. Franklin Military Academy (RI) $7,800
To explore the cultural and mathematical foundations of domestic and international botanical gardens.
Ridgely Carter-Minter Woodville Elementary School (RI) $7,400
To explore the origins of figurative expressions in Casablanca and Granada and incorporate those learnings in a self-published children's book.
Brett Chonko Clover Hill High School (CH) $12,000
To improve knowledge and proficiency of the Spanish language by visiting regions of Argentina and Caribbean that feature difficult, distinct Spanish dialects.
Lisa Cocke Liberty Middle School (HA) $9,400
To visit a community in Ireland that has successfully designed programs that help transition individuals with Autism to post-secondary employment opportunities through immersion and integration.
Erin Daniel Quioccasin Middle School (HE) $11,000
To visit some of the healthiest places on earth - Spain and Costa Rica - to bring back new habits and ideas that promote health and wellness.
Keenan Entsminger James River High School (CH) $12,000
To trace the footsteps of the 246th Coastal Artillery Unit from the mountains of Virginia to the Islands of the Pacific.
Michael Fetsko Mills E. Godwin High School (HE) $8,300
To travel to the national parks of Alaska to observe the impact of climate change on the environment and topography.
Alexander Godschalk Old Hundred Elementary School (CH) $11,300
To explore early forms of theatre by studying Commedia dell’arte and mask-making in Florence, Italy and by engaging in Shakespearean theatre in England and Virginia.
Matthew Gray Atlee High School (HA) $11,100
To study strength and conditioning concepts and philosophies of the United States Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic organization, and the All Blacks Rugby Team by traveling to Colorado and New Zealand.
Mariah Jezek Cool Spring Elementary School (HA) $11,300
To observe Autism therapy practices in North America, Australia, and Europe.
Meredith Jordan Manchester Middle School (CH) $12,000
To engage in diverse school community populations in Central and South America to help develop multicultural perspectives in the classroom.
Donna Kouri Greenwood Elementary (HE) $11,900
To learn, connect and apply independent sustainable living skills through the combination of basic hands-on skills and modern technology by participating in Folk Schools and visiting National Parks.
Jonathan Metcalf Franklin Military Academy (RI) $7,900
To immerse in the culture and the extraordinary history of the Basque Country by biking the region in a 3-week trip.
Roy Mitchell, Jr. Yvonne B. Miller High School (DJJ) $11,800
To learn more about Kente Clothe and the similarities in culture between African American and Hispanic students through travel to Ghana.
Nathan Morrison Atlee High School (HA) $12,000
To study the ways European economics, religion, and politics influenced independence movements in the Americas by traveling to Spain, Britain and Chile.
Sarah Peña Greenwood Elementary School (HE) $11,700
To foster global citizenship through experiences with art by exploring museums, model schools and multicultural traditions in Dubai, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.
Pamela Plahs Swift Creek Middle School (CH) $8,300
To gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and to explore the courageous decisions the "Righteous Among the Nations" made to help rescue Jews by traveling to historic sites in Europe.
Arianna Trickey Swansboro Elementary School (RI) $11,500
To explore and understand how endangered ecosystems across North America, and their inhabitants, adapt to environmental changes.
All finalists not chosen for a professional development grant will receive a $750 unrestricted cash grant in recognition of their achievements in the classroom.
About the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence
The awards program, which is a partnership between the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognizes excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to outstanding public school teachers from the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover, and the Department of Correctional Education. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded approximately $4.2 million to over 950 public school instructors as recognition for their outstanding classroom performance.
The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation are pleased to recognize 34 outstanding public school teachers selected as finalists for the 2018 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 136 nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 16 winners and 18 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $189,900.
The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. Matt Wester, a science teacher at Franklin Military Academy in Richmond Public Schools, believes that the more you know the world, the greater your capacity to love it. With an R.E.B. award of $8,700, Matt will travel to the American West and immerse himself in the wilderness of six national parks to deepen his own spirit of wonder and discovery, as well as that of his students.
Meghan Hamm, a teacher at Yvonne B. Miller High School, shows students who believe they can’t that they can and uses creative approaches to help them express their individuality. Art has been a successful tool in preparing her students to share feelings that have not been expressed before, and to face challenges that may have led them to the Department of Juvenile Justice. With her award of $9,500, Meghan will visit Italy to learn ancient papermaking techniques that she will bring back to her classroom.
Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all of the 2018 awardees will have a chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to renew their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.
Crystal Barker, L. C. Bird High School (CH) — $11,000
To expand knowledge and experiences in outdoor adventure education – including biking, underwater exploration, fishing and modifications for people with disabilities – through local training and travel to Alaska and Florida.
Dickson Benesh, Maggie Walker Governor's School (RI) — $10,900
To participate in a cycling adventure tour in Iceland, primarily to investigate the effects of climate change and to collect real-world data for analysis in the classroom.
Caroline Canning, Henrico High School (HE) — $11,500
To learn about the effects of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela, and social justice in South Africa; and to make connections to literature through experiencing the culture and beauty of Zambia.
Shannon Castelo, James River High School (CH) — $8,700
To discover the geography and cultural landscapes of two world cities, New York City and Jerusalem, that have shaped the past and continue to shape modern, global decision-making.
Nichole Gross, Fairfield Middle School (HE) — $12,000
To explore the vast cultures, landscapes, languages, and arts that influence world literature and American culture through travel to England, France, Italy, Spain, Ghana and Morocco.
Gina Hackett, L. C. Bird High School (CH) — $11,800
To explore the ancient culture and landscape of Athens and Santorini, Greece with a focus on bringing the strong sense of community and hospitality back to the classroom.
Meghan Hamm, Yvonne B. Miller High School (DJJ) — $11,300
To learn papermaking, watermarking and bookmaking in Fabriano, Italy and 13th century paper mill techniques in Amalfi, Italy.
Christine Henry, Marguerite Christian Elementary School (CH) — $11,800
To encourage the next generation of thinkers and risk takers by retracing the footsteps of her grandmother – a former refugee, immigrant, and US citizen – through travel to Canada and Europe.
Melinda Johnson, Washington Henry Elementary School (HA) — $11,000
To attend the National Kindergarten Conference in Las Vegas and then explore innovative play-based education practices with travel to Colorado, Paradise Island, Ireland, and Scotland.
Kieasha King, Woodville Elementary School (RI) — $12,000
To obtain a Social Emotion Learning (SEL) certification at UCLA, gain anti-stress techniques in the Dominican Republic and mindfulness skills in Hawaii.
Tamara Letter, Mechanicsville Elementary School (HA) — $11,200
To connect with educators and organizations across the United States and Canada in an effort to cultivate kindness for global impact and to inspire others through digital sketchnoting and storytelling.
Robert Meister, Glen Allen High School (HE) — $10,000
To study improvisational handpan music and technique with international musicians from France, Portugal, and the U.S. to further enhance lessons in literature and writing.
Robin Milwit, Greenwood Elementary School (HE) — $11,500
To study emerging technologies that help develop students’ social and emotional skills by visiting schools and ed-tech companies in Finland and attending national technology conferences in Florida, California and the Fred Rogers Center in Pennsylvania.
Kathy Paschall, Franklin Military Academy (RI) — $11,500
To find adventure in the natural wonders of Iceland and Patagonia by becoming immersed in their extraordinary earth science features.
Lauren Serpa, Spring Run Elementary School (CH) — $11,500
To enhance student collaboration and creativity by studying comedy improv in Chicago and exploring the music, dances, instruments, and art from Ireland and The Netherlands.
Matt Wester, Franklin Military Academy (RI) — $8,700
To travel through the wilderness of the American West and experience the spirit of wonder and discovery that has inspired famous scientists over time.
The awards program, which is a partnership between the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognizes excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to outstanding public school teachers from the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover, and the Department of Correctional Education. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded $3.5 million to over 800 public school instructors as recognition for their outstanding classroom performance.
Made possible by donor established funds, the Community Foundation announces its 2019 Community Impact grant awards, totaling over $3 million to 83 organizations across the region. Community Impact grants are awarded through a competitive process and support local nonprofits whose strategies and outcomes align with the Foundation’s four focus areas: community vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health and wellness. Within these areas, the Community Foundation has adopted funding priorities in education, housing, and workforce development initiatives that will increase access and opportunity for low-income residents in Richmond.
Here are a few notable highlights from this years’ selection of grants:
“While we will always support program delivery,” Scott Blackwell, Chief Community Engagement Officer for the Community Foundation said, “we are growing our support for systems level and policy work. We need all three strategies to make lasting change for our community.”
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that community members enjoy good quality of life, with access to and an appreciation for the arts, cultural opportunities, and natural assets.
Art 180 - $35,000 To create and deliver innovative arts-based programs to youth in challenging circumstances.
CultureWorks - $60,000 To support CultureWorks service and leadership for the Richmond and Tri-Cities region. (third year of a three-year grant)
Richmond Ballet - $20,000 To support afterschool dance programs for students in Greater Richmond.
Richmond Symphony - $20,000 To fund the Big Tent Festival and ongoing music education programs.
SPARC - $30,000 To support out-of-school time arts programs that address the needs of low-wealth youth in Greater Richmond.
Science Museum of Virginia Foundation - $20,000 To support a year-round "applied STEM learning" pipeline for Richmond students in grades 5-8.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture - $40,000 To support the exhibition, "Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality."
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation - $20,000 To support the exhibition, "Working Together: Louis Draper and the Kamoinge Workshop."
Virginia Repertory Theatre - $25,000 To support live theater productions communicating to Greater Richmond youth about human trafficking.
Virginia Voice - $15,000 To support equitable access to information, culture and community for individuals with disabilities through technology and the human voice.
Visual Arts Center of Richmond - $20,000 To continue the growth of art education and youth mentoring programs.
Leadership Metro Richmond - $10,000 To support two Leadership Quest scholarships for community leaders in low-wealth communities.
Re-Establish Richmond - $10,000 To support programs that empower refugees and immigrants in Richmond to rebuild their networks and become self-sufficient.
Sports Backers - $50,000 To advocate for equity-based transportation infrastructure through the development of safe and accessible places for people to bike and walk in greater Richmond.
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities - $30,000 To fund inclusion and equity workshops, retreats, and assemblies for students, educators, business leaders, law enforcement, elected officials, and citizens.
Blue Sky Fund - $20,000 To provide educator support and hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for elementary school students facing disadvantages.
Capital Trees - $15,000 To complete the Low Line and restore 2.5 historic acres of land between the 17th Street flood wall and Great Shiplock Park.
Enrichmond Foundation - $28,000 To provide landscaping- and horticulture-based job skills training for Richmond residents working to reclaim Evergreen, East End, and Paupers Cemeteries.
James River Association - $15,000 To protect the James River, improve water quality and connect people to the river for enhanced community vibrancy and individual health.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - $30,000 To support a corps of community volunteers trained to lead urban greening initiatives in their own neighborhoods.
Maymont Foundation - $20,000 To implement the Maymont Explorers Program for Richmond youth.
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that the region’s resources are sustainable, and its residents are economically stable and secure.
Better Housing Coalition - $60,000 To support operations and fund consulting work to develop a business plan for resident services.
Habitat for Humanity Powhatan - $15,000 To support general operating costs and enable hiring of additional Habitat Store staff.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia - $75,000 To support work with housing choice voucher clients to help them find affordable housing in high opportunity neighborhoods.
Partnership for Housing Affordability - $25,000 To support collaborative work among community members, nonprofit leaders and local government representatives to create the Regional Housing Framework.
project:HOMES - $50,000 To support the Immediate Response Fund that quickly addresses hazardous living conditions of low-income families.
Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity - $50,000 To revitalize homes in the Maymont and Randolph neighborhoods.
CARITAS - $35,000 To support case management and shelter staff in the CARITAS shelter.
HomeAgain - $20,000 To support general operations of emergency shelters and community housing programs.
Homeward - $50,000 To support Homeward’s collaborative work with over 30 public and nonprofit homeless service providers of the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (third year of a three-year grant).
Housing Families First - $35,000 To support general operations, expand housing program capacity, and prepare for future rapid re-housing program expansions.
St. Joseph’s Villa - $40,000 To support families and individuals in Greater Richmond who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Virginia Supportive Housing - $35,000 To help our community end homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing services to ensure formerly homeless individuals remain stably housed.
Side by Side - $15,000 To support programs for LGBTQ+ youth ages 18-25 who are experiencing housing instability in the Richmond region.
HumanKind - $30,000 To support individuals as they build their financial well-being through employment, financial and benefits coaching or through facilitation of a fair-interest vehicle loan.
Neighborhood Resource Center - $30,000 To support NRC Works, Out-of-School-Time and Food Programs.
Richmond Opportunities, Inc. - $150,000 To support the Executive Director's salary, technology and data, and strategic communications.
Sacred Heart Center - $30,000 To support the general operating costs of the Sacred Heart Center, in providing educational and human service programs to adults, children, youth, and families.
Thriving Cities Group - $30,000 To support RVA Thrives' efforts to increase neighborhood leadership in the Jefferson Davis Corridor and disseminate the Community Voice Blueprint to improve how local organizations engage historically marginalized communities.
Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corporation - $20,000 To support continued work convening residents and partners to develop plans and actions that uplift the Northside neighborhood.
Center for Nonprofit Excellence - $15,000 To provide salary support for the consultant coordinating the Workforce Development Coalition.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia - $50,000 To support co-locating skill-building training, career advising, digital literacy and job placement and retention services at two pilot sites in coordination with the Work Access Collaborative.
IT4Causes - $20,000 To support programs that help low- to moderate-income technology students build on-the-job experience, soft skills and professional networks.
Reynolds Community College - $50,000 To support the new Kitchens at Reynolds facility located in the East End.
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that young people achieve in school, engage in their community and are prepared for the workforce.
FutureRVA - $50,000 To support FutureRVA’s three-year talent development and school-to-job strategies in high schools (third year of a three-year grant).
Partnership for the Future - $35,000 To support programming for low-income, college-bound students.
Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond - $50,000 To support high-quality staffing, learning programs and mentorship programs in Richmond and Petersburg.
Chesterfield Education Foundation - $25,000 To grow the operating capacity to support a growing school division.
Communities In Schools of Chesterfield - $25,000 To support expansion of programming to L.C. Bird High School.
Communities In Schools of Petersburg - $25,000 To support Integrated Student Support services in all Petersburg City Public Schools.
Communities In Schools of Richmond - $100,000 To deliver the Integrated Student Support model across 32 high-poverty Richmond Public School sites.
Henrico Education Foundation - $25,000 To support a Trauma-Informed Education Coordinator position at Glen Lea Elementary School.
Higher Achievement - $50,000 To support Summer and Afterschool Academies for underserved middle school students.
Junior Achievement of Central Virginia - $20,000 To provide financial literacy, workforce readiness, career discovery and entrepreneurship education for middle and high school students.
The Literacy Lab - $35,000 To support rigorously-trained, full-time tutors in high-need K-3 classrooms.
NextUp RVA - $200,000 To coordinate and deliver high-quality afterschool programs in four Richmond middle schools and expand services into Albert Hill Middle School.
Peter Paul Development Center - $50,000 To support afterschool and summer educational programs that help strengthen the academic performance of students in grades 2-12 in Richmond's East End.
The Podium Foundation - $15,000 To continue youth writing programs in Richmond, expand into Henrico County, and implement a trauma-informed care approach.
Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation - $25,000 To support general operations as the Foundation transitions its focus to fundraising in support of RPS' strategic goals.
Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation - $75,000 To continue the Richmond Teacher Residency - Petersburg program, creating a sustainable pipeline of highly effective teachers committed to the students of Petersburg City Public Schools for the long term.
Virginia Mentoring Partnership - $20,000 To support training, technical assistance, quality assurance and evaluation services for youth mentoring programs.
YMCA of Greater Richmond - $50,000 To support out-of-school time programs for low-wealth students in Richmond and Petersburg,
Family Lifeline - $25,000 To sustain the Early Childhood Home Visiting initiative serving vulnerable families in Richmond.
FRIENDS Association for Children - $25,000 To provide high-quality early childhood, preschool and school-age development programs.
Partnership for Families - $35,000 To implement programs that ensure Northside youth have the literacy skills necessary for kindergarten.
Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond - $100,000 To provide capacity building support (third year of a three-year grant).
Smart Beginnings Southeast - $25,000 To support quality and access to the early childhood system in Petersburg through Westview Early Learning Center.
SOAR365 - $25,000 To support services for children with disabilities by supporting therapists' travel to the child's natural environment and translation costs for non-English speaking families.
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation - $20,000 To support a Community Liaison position to work with families and service providers in the East End.
Virginia Literacy Foundation - $25,000 To support a project that helps achieve equity in kindergarten readiness and family literacy among children and families in Petersburg and Richmond's Southside.
YWCA of Richmond - $40,000 To provide operating support to create access to opportunities, strengthen resilience, and advance equitable systems for lifelong success.
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that community members are healthy and safe.
Central Virginia Health Services - $50,000 To establish a school-based health center at Petersburg High School.
Conexus - $25,000 To support mobile vision clinic services in Chesterfield, Petersburg, Henrico and Richmond schools.
Free Clinic of Powhatan - $15,000 To support operating expenses vital to patient care, including salary support, prescriptions, dental services, medical and office supplies and marketing resources.
Richmond City Health District - $75,000 To support the Community Health Worker program.
Feed More - $50,000 To deliver healthy meals to food-insecure and homebound seniors and disabled adults in Central Virginia.
Greater Richmond Fit4Kids - $15,000 To equip parents and amplify their voices to lead policy and systems change efforts to improve their children's health and wellness.
Shalom Farms - $25,000 To improve the health and increase self-sufficiency of low-income communities with limited access to healthy food, resources, and supports to improve health.
Tricycle Urban Ag - $20,000 To increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Richmond and Henrico.
ChildSavers - $50,000 To support quality early care and mental health care to help children overcome trauma through resilience.
Greater Richmond SCAN - $25,000 To reduce the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), build community resilience, and reduce the prevalence of ACEs in the region.
The James House Intervention/Prevention Services - $25,000 To provide trauma informed care, safe shelter, and advocacy for children and adults in the Tri-Cities affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse and neglect.
Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging - $25,000 To support education and advocacy programs that increase equitable access to services, address the changing needs of our community, and enable more people to remain in their homes and communities.
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, together with its donors, is pleased to announce Community Impact grant awards for 2018, totaling $2.83 million to 78 organizations across the region. Community Impact grants support local nonprofits whose strategies and outcomes align with the Foundation’s four focus areas: community vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health and wellness. Over the past year, the Foundation has adopted funding priorities in education, housing, and workforce development initiatives that will increase access and opportunity for low-income residents in Richmond.
A significant number of grants were awarded in the City of Richmond, where economic challenges tend to be the highest, with a focus on the East End, Northside and Southside (including the Jefferson Davis Corridor) neighborhoods. Ten grants were also awarded in the Petersburg area, primarily in education. The awards support nonprofit partners who are focused on high quality programming, systems, and advocacy and policy.
Art 180 - $25,000 To create and deliver innovative arts-based programs to youth in challenging circumstances.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia - $30,000 To execute and expand Hands on History, the BHMVA's ongoing mission of providing invaluable opportunities to experience history and culture.
CultureWorks - $40,000 To support CultureWorks service and leadership for the Richmond and Tri-Cities region. (second year of a three-year grant)
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance - $25,000 To transform and expand Early Literacy Learning through the Arts programs to additional Pre-K classrooms.
Richmond Symphony - $20,000 To fund community-led Big Tent festivals and programming.
SPARC - $20,000 To support operating costs of SPARC’s outreach programs.
The Valentine - $30,000 To provide free access to interactive Richmond history programs in partnership with RPS and CIS.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation - $20,000 To expand and diversify its presence in the community through its Family and Community Outreach programs.
Virginia Repertory Theatre - $20,000 To support operations of the model access program.
Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers - $50,000 To advocate for equity-based transportation infrastructure through the development of safe and accessible places for people to bike and walk in greater Richmond.
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities - $25,000 To fund inclusion and equity workshops, retreats, and assemblies for students, educators, business leaders, law enforcement, elected officials, and citizens.
Capital Trees - $15,000 To restore and enhance Richmond's urban green spaces and to support agency infrastructure.
Maymont Foundation - $30,000 To support operations and Immersive STEM Summer Camp pilot in partnership with Peter Paul Development Center.
Children's Home Society of Virginia - $20,000 To support the Possibilities Project, a collaborative program providing youth who age out of foster care with housing and life skills.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, Inc. - $40,000 To support planning for GCCVA to lead a consortium of partners to improve workforce development services for challenging populations.
RVA Rapid Transit - $20,000 To advance the work of educating, organizing, and advocating for regional public transportation.
The READ Center - $20,000 To support adult literacy programs that include reading, writing, math and digital skills to at least 250 adults in our community.
CARITAS - $40,000 To support case management staff in the CARITAS shelter.
HomeAgain - $20,000 To support general operations of emergency shelters, bridge housing for veterans, rapid rehousing, and permanent and supportive housing.
Homeward - $50,000 To support Homeward’s collaborative work with over 30 public and nonprofit homeless service providers of the greater Richmond Continuum of Care and the development of strategic cross-sector partnerships (second year of a three-year grant).
Housing Families First - $40,000 To support strategic plan implementation and operation of Hilliard House and Building Neighbors.
St. Joseph’s Villa - $40,000 To support general operations of the Flagler Housing and Homeless Services Program, and educational and mental health services.
Virginia Supportive Housing - $40,000 To help our community end homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing services to ensure formerly homeless individuals remain stably housed.
HumanKind - $40,000 To support individuals as they build their financial well-being through employment, financial and benefits coaching or through facilitation of a fair-interest vehicle loan.
Neighborhood Resource Center - $40,000 To serve 460 individuals through NRC Works and Case Management, Out-of-School-Time, gardening, and food programs.
Sacred Heart Center - $40,000 To support the general operating costs of the Sacred Heart Center, in providing educational and human service programs to adults, children, youth, and families.
Thriving Cities Group - $40,000 To further develop the RVA Thrives steering committee and the development of collaborative, community-rooted projects on the Jefferson Davis Corridor.
Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corporation - $20,000 To implementation neighborhood revitalization strategies in Highland Park.
Better Housing Coalition - $40,000 To support BHC’s operations as they address the affordable housing shortage in our community and work to empower their 2,100 residents.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia - $75,000 To provide mobility counseling to deconcentrate poverty, integrate schools, and reduce barriers that prevent Housing Choice Voucher holders from living in neighborhoods of opportunity.
Project:HOMES - $40,000 To support the Immediate Response Fund that quickly addresses hazardous living conditions of low-income families.
Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity - $40,000 To revitalize 12 homes acquired from RRHA in the Maymont/Randolph neighborhood into safe, affordable, mixed-income housing for local individuals and families.
FutureRVA - $50,000 To support FutureRVA’s three-year talent development and talent attraction strategies (second year of a three-year grant).
Partnership for the Future - $40,000 To support programming for low-income, college bound students.
Blue Sky Fund - $20,000 To support the Explorers program to over 2,700 Richmond Public School students.
Chesterfield County Education Foundation - $25,000 To grow the operating capacity to support a growing school division.
Communities In Schools of Chesterfield - $25,000 To support expansion of programming to Meadowbrook High School.
Communities In Schools of Petersburg - $25,000 To support Integrated Student Support Program at the elementary level and develop and implement a Middle School Transition Program.
Communities In Schools of Richmond - $100,000 To support coordination services for students in RPS, including targeted services for Latino students in Southside Richmond.
Goochland Education Foundation - $25,000 To provide broadband devices for at-risk students to actively engage in learning outside the classroom.
Henrico Education Foundation - $25,000 To develop and implement trauma-informed care practices at Glen Lea Elementary School.
Junior Achievement of Central Virginia - $25,000 To provide financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship education for 900 middle and high school students at JA Finance Park.
Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation - $25,000 To support general operations and the strategic needs of the RPS Superintendent and School Board.
The Literacy Lab - $25,000 To support 47 rigorously-trained, full-time tutors in high-need K-3 classrooms.
VCU Foundation - $100,000 To support the Richmond Teacher Residency program and a pilot in Petersburg to create a sustainable pipeline of highly-effective teachers committed to the students of RPS and PCPS for the long term.
Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond - $50,000 To support work in out-of-school time including creating and implementing trauma-informed systems within the five clubs and four neighborhoods they serve.
Higher Achievement Program, Inc. - $25,000 To support intensive program of expanded learning, mentorship, and opportunity for underserved middle school students.
NextUp RVA - $150,000 To expand a citywide afterschool network for Richmond’s youth through a unique model that multiplies the impact of investments by eliminating fragmented, duplicated services and removing cost and transportation barriers.
Peter Paul Development Center - $50,000 To support the after-school and summer educational program that helps strengthen the academic performance of students in grades 2-12 in Richmond's East End.
The Science Museum of Virginia Foundation - $25,000 To support the first-year programming and strategic audience development of a broad range of applied STEM skills and affiliated career pathways through project-based learning.
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg - $50,000 To support delivery of continuous improvement process for up to 50 sites, improvement of Richmond YPQI, expansion of professional learning community to regional youth program providers, and design/delivery of advanced trainings for staff.
Virginia Excels - $15,000 To support pilot operations and programming of comprehensive advocacy training to parents and community members of Richmond Public Schools.
YMCA of Greater Richmond - $50,000 To support youth and teen programs in Richmond and Petersburg.
FRIENDS Association for Children - $25,000 To support early childhood, preschool, and school-age development programs.
Greater Richmond ARC- $20,000 To support services for children with disabilities by supporting therapists' travel to the child's natural environment and translation costs for non-English speaking families.
Partnership for Families - $40,000 To support a comprehensive planning process for a model that ensures child/parent success in early learning.
Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond - $100,000 To provide capacity building support (second year of a three-year grant).
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation - $20,000 To support Richmond Area Service Alliance (RASA) and steps to bolster two-generation supports for families in concentrated poverty.
Virginia Literacy Foundation - $40,000 To support a project that helps achieve equity in kindergarten readiness, and family and health literacy among Richmond’s Southside children and families.
YWCA of Richmond - $50,000 To provide operating support to create access to opportunities, strengthen resilience, and advance equitable systems for lifelong success.
Family Lifeline - $25,000 To support early childhood development initiatives.
ChildSavers - $50,000 To support general operations and programs in outpatient children’s mental health and child development services.
Side by Side - $20,000 To support transgender youth by increasing access to mental health services.
Central Virginia Health Services - $25,000 To give access to behavioral health services for underserved areas in the Petersburg region using interns in counseling and case management.
Daily Planet Health Services - $25,000 To provide specialized trauma-informed care.
Free Clinic of Powhatan - $25,000 To support various operating expenses vital to patient care.
Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services - $25,000 To support medical, dental, and mental health services.
Pathways - $40,000 To address otherwise untreated mental health issues for youth participants. (third year of a three-year grant)
Richmond City Health District - $75,000 To empower leadership and connectivity in public housing residents and providers through a collective impact model.
Virginia League for Planned Parenthood - $25,000 To support the operations for comprehensive, high-quality primary health care.
FeedMore - $50,000 To support Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition Programs.
Virginia Home for Boys and Girls - $20,000 To support the Group Care Services program to help children heal from trauma so they can transition to foster care, adoption or biological family.
Virginia Voice - $20,000 To give individuals with vision impairments equitable access to newspapers, magazines, and live theater performances.
(RICHMOND, VA) – The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation recognize 30 outstanding public school teachers selected as finalists for the 2016 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these exceptional instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 102 nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 17 winners and 13 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $185,850.
This year’s awards are bittersweet with the recent loss of the program’s benefactor, Rudy Bunzl. Together with his wife Esther, Rudy was a faithful champion for public education and believed that strong teachers are pivotal to its success. The R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence is among their most notable and continuous contributions in philanthropy, distributing $3.4 million in professional development grants to over 740 public school teachers since 1988.
“The Bunzls have touched countless lives through this unique program,” said Sherrie Armstrong, President and CEO of The Community Foundation. “In a profession that is often under-recognized, their vision has made dreams come true. By gifting opportunities of a lifetime through travel or continued education, teachers return to the classroom with innovative ideas and a renewed sense of energy that inspires both their students and fellow educators.”
This year’s recipients will build on the lasting legacy of Rudy and Esther Bunzl. Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all of the 2016 awardees will have a chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to refuel their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.
Hanover County Winners
LIST OF 2016 WINNERS
Sarah Anzelmo-Steele, Lucille Brown Middle School (RI) $11,000 to explore the classic tale, Anne of Green Gables, including a visit to Poland where Anne played a significant role in the Polish Resistance.
Whitney Wells-Cornfield, John M. Grandy Elementary (HA) $10,500 to explore the rich culture and landscape of New Zealand while capturing images of fractals for use in math and science lessons.
Mindy Dobrinski, Holman Middle School (HE) $11,000 to explore the diverse climates, cuisines, and cultures of the four corners of the United States.
Alfonso J. Favale, Springfield Park Elementary (HE) $8,000 to create a series of videos that compare and contrast the cultures, landscapes and ecologies of Alaska and Hawaii.
Tiffany Floyd, James H. Blackwell Elementary School (RI) $12,000 to travel to Finland during the winter season.
Lisa Grossman, Maude Trevvett Elementary School (HE) $8,000 to explore of the furthest corners of Virginia – from Williamsburg to the Eastern Shore, Northern Virginia to the Valley, the small towns of Southwestern Virginia and beyond.
Micheal Harvey, Chesterfield Career and Technical Center (CH) $9,800 to learn about alternative and emerging energy sources through visits to various plants in the United States including the Hoover Dam, Copper Mountain Solar Facility and Kodiak Electrical Company’s wind turbines.
Terry Lautzenheiser, Chesterfield County Technical Center (CH) $11,000 to study hybrid and heirloom breeding techniques and explore community-supported agriculture by touring community gardens, small farms and markets.
Lisa R. Mitchell, William Fox Elementary School (RI) $12,000 to travel to Portugal and England to experience and research the food traditions of her ancestors through cooking classes and food workshops.
Robert Motrynczuk, Spring Run Elementary School (CH) $11,000 to travel to Hawaii and New Zealand to study and experience the math and science of extreme sports by Heli-boarding, Kiteboarding, and Bungee Jumping.
Amy Petersen, Midlothian High School (CH) $11,000 to journey to Southern France where she will participate in an immersion language course and tour ancient sites related to the Roman expansion in Gaul.
Richard (Paul) Rozecki, Atlee High School (HA) $8,000 to attend the 2017 Spirit of America Visual Design Retreat and study Pyware and Pygraphics, which will help him design new and innovative band drills.
Tonya Sikkar, South Anna Elementary School (HA) $11,000 to participate in the MOVE Program, an international program that focuses on movement as a way of life for individuals with disabilities.
Eugene Streett, Cosby High School (CH) $11,000 to visit Rome, Istanbul and Jerusalem – three cities at the intersection of history and religion.
Kevin Trent, Patrick Henry High School (HA) $10,800 to explore history and culture of South America by connecting with a former exchange student in Brazil and visiting the family of an Argentine friend in Argentina.
Sara Vogt, Glen Allen High School (HE) $10,000 to participate in the High School Teacher Program at CERN, The European Organization for Nuclear Research, and to travel to Southeast Asia.
Kyla Zabala, Highland Springs High School (HE) $10,000 to tour historical theatres to compare current and historical trends by focusing on the lives of several famous poets and playwrights.
Learn more about the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence
(RICHMOND, VA) – The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation recognize 30 outstanding public school teachers selected as finalists for the 2017 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these exceptional instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 112 nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 16 winners and 14 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $180,800.
The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. For Minh Jergens, an 6th grade history teacher at Bailey Bridge Middle School in Chesterfield, an R.E.B. Award of $10,000 will allow her to return to her home country of Vietnam, which she left to come to the United States with her father at the age of 9. While there, she will visit war sites to deepen her understanding of this chapter of American history that affected millions of lives, including her own.
Christine Muse, the lead teacher at Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy, is driven to expose her students with significant cognitive disabilities to activities and experiences that will help prepare them for fully independent lives beyond the classroom. With her award of $9,500, Christine will research entrepreneurial opportunities for her students by visiting a business that employs individuals with intellectual disabilities in North Carolina, traveling to Grenada to explore an emerging program of the Grenada Downs Syndrome Association, and attending the 2018 World Downs Syndrome Congress in Glasgow, Scotland.
Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all the 2017 awardees will have a chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to refuel their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.
2017 Henrico County Finalists
Tiana Addai-Mensah, Miles Jerome Jones Elementary School (Richmond) $12,000 to visit libraries across the globe with the purpose of exchanging ideas to elevate students’ love of reading for pleasure.
Helena Agnew, Cosby High School (Chesterfield) $12,000 to study Native American crafts at the Taos Art School in New Mexico by taking classes taught by renowned Hopi, Navajo and Acoma artists.
Heather Andre, Cosby High School (Chesterfield) $12,000 to travel to Italy and England, where a cappella music originated, to gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of how to teach and perform this popular style of choral music.
Karen Barber-Olajuwon, George Mason Elementary School (Richmond) $12,000 to attend workshops in the U.S. and Barbados that promote the art of poetry writing, the use of poetry as an instructional tool, and poetry as a constructive outlet for traumatic experiences.
Alicia Broughton, Laurel Meadow Elementary School (Hanover) $10,500 to explore the ancient civilizations and architecture of Greece and Rome to make relevant elementary STEM connections; and to attend the 2018 ISTE conference in Chicago, Illinois.
Michaela Dismann, Chesterfield Career and Technical Center (Chesterfield) $12,000 to gain perspectives from former students and experts at rural colleges, universities and places of rural employment to encourage student interest in large animal veterinary careers; and to gain hands-on experience with stockmanship at a Wyoming Working Ranch.
Jerome Fleming, Short Pump Middle School (Henrico) $10,300 to explore America’s historic cities and create a photo/video diary of each city to illustrate the culture and history that has made America into the diverse nation it is today.
Eliza Gemmill, South Anna Elementary School (Hanover) $8,500 to participate in conferences, tours and interviews to learn how companies encourage innovation and how educators can connect business frameworks and philosophies to educational strategies.
Jennifer Gradwell, Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home School (Chesterfield) $11,400 to explore the connections between poverty, education and students’ hope for the future in Niger, Uganda, and Kenya; and to gain perspective through stories of resilience in parts of Africa with the lowest literacy rates in the world.
Minh Jurgens, Bailey Bridge Middle School (Chesterfield) $10,000 to visit war sites in Vietnam to deepen the understanding of a chapter in American history that impacted millions of lives.
Jonathan Lauder, Mills E. Godwin High School (Henrico) $6,500 to explore the ideas of the Enlightenment and the social and political revolutions brought to the western world by travelling to Paris, Vienna, Munich, and Philadelphia.
Christine Muse, Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy (Richmond) $9,500 to study entrepreneurial opportunities for people with disabilities by visiting and networking with other organizations in North Carolina, Scotland and Grenada.
Lindsey Pantele, Glen Allen High School (Henrico) $12,000 to study the Heroic and Classical Greek, Renaissance, and Modern literary periods through visits to several European cities.
Todd Ritter, Henrico High School (Henrico) $10,600 to participate in Commedia Dell’arte and mask-making workshops in Florence, Italy and to visit several theatres spanning from ancient Rome to modern day.
Frenishee Smith, J.E. B. Stuart Elementary School (Richmond) $9,000 to visit schools across the country that use innovative ways to engage students living in poverty; and to attend The International Conference on Urban Education in Nassau, Bahamas.
Gregory Townsend, Douglas Freeman High School (Henrico) $12,000 to explore the culture, archaeology and geology of Central and South America while learning the Spanish language in an immersive setting.
Each year, a portion of The Community Foundation’s grantmaking is awarded through a competitive process, in which local organizations apply for funding for programs and operations. We invite submissions in partnership with The Jenkins Foundation, one of TCF’s six partner foundations, which focuses its grant program on improving health care in the region. The process is guided by a framework in which the Foundation identifies nonprofit partners that are effectively, and many times collaboratively, working to lift up Richmond as a place where all of its residents can thrive.
As part of this collective vision for our community, our grants align with four priority areas – Cultural Vibrancy, Economic Prosperity, Educational Success and Health & Wellness – that we believe are the cornerstones to a healthy, vibrant community.
We are pleased to announce our latest grant awards, totaling just over $2 million, to the following organizations:
CULTURAL VIBRANCY Goal: to ensure that community members have access to and an appreciation for arts and cultural opportunities.
Capital Trees $25,000 to provide programming and operational support for projects to restore and enhance Richmond's urban green spaces. CenterStage Foundation $25,000 to facilitate the strategic planning process. CultureWorks, Inc. $120,000 to support awareness of the rich arts and cultural offerings in the Richmond region. Richmond Symphony $30,000 to fund community-led Big Tent festivals. School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community $40,000 to advance performing arts education outreach programs. Virginia Repertory Theatre $30,000 to support work with TRG Arts.
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY Goal: to ensure that the region’s resources are sustainable and its residents are economically stable and secure.
CARITAS $50,000 to support the CARITAS Shelter and Case Management Program. Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, Inc. $50,000 to support Business Development integration and Customer Service certification training. Greater Richmond Bar Foundation $25,000 to expand the Pro Bono Clearinghouse program. Homeward $150,000 (over 3 years) to support the convening and coordinating of 30+ public and nonprofit homeless service providers. Housing Families First $30,000 to provide families and single women experiencing homelessness with permanent housing and stabilization services. Junior Achievement of Central Virginia $50,000 to support programming to tenth-grade students and sponsor of the Philanthropy Center at Junior Achievement Finance Park. Neighborhood Resource Center $35,000 to support NRC Works as well as youth development programs for individuals and families in Greater Fulton. Sacred Heart Center $40,000 to build organizational infrastructure to grow and serve the Latino population in Greater Richmond. Virginia Supportive Housing $50,000 to support permanent supportive housing services to ensure formerly homeless individuals remain stably housed.
EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS Goal: to ensure children enter school ready to learn and receive effective academic and social support throughout their educational experience.
Armstrong Priorities Freshman Academy $30,000 to support the Third Pilot Year of the Armstrong Priorities Freshman Academy. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond $50,000 to support ongoing core programs to over 400 youth daily at four Clubs in the City of Richmond. ChildSavers $50,000 to support quality early child care and education. Communities In Schools of Richmond, Inc. $100,000 to support coordination services for students in Richmond Public Schools. Friends Association for Children $30,000 to provide operating support for childcare and youth development programs. Higher Achievement Program, Inc. $50,000 to support the growth of programming focused on expanded learning, caring role models, and high expectations for low-income 5th-8th grade children. Partnership for the Future $50,000 to support programming for low-income, college bound students as well as to support a strategic plan to evaluate program expansion. The Literacy Lab $30,000 to support 36 full-time tutors. The Podium Foundation $15,000 to support middle and high school academic-year writing programs. VCU Foundation $54,000 to support the Richmond Teacher Residency. Virginia Mentoring Partnership $25,000 to provide general operating support. YWCA of Richmond $50,000 to support the Sprout School.
HEALTH & WELLNESS Goal: to ensure that Central Virginia residents are safe and healthy.
Access Now Jenkins $40,000 to support access to donated specialty medical care for low-income, uninsured patients. Better Housing Coalition Jenkins $40,000 to support the Senior Coordinated Care program, which provides health and wellness supports to older adults. Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation Jenkins $15,000 to expand a prevention-based mental health program into additional high schools. Chesterfield CASA Jenkins $20,000 to support training and supervision for volunteers serving as court advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CHIP of Virginia $30,000 to support the merger of CHIP of Virginia and Prevent Child Abuse Virginia.
The Daily Planet Jenkins $50,000 to provide access to medical transportation for older adults, promoting health and wellness in underserved communities.
Family Lifeline Jenkins/TCF $75,000 to support early childhood home visiting programs. FeedMore Jenkins/TCF $100,000 to support Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition Programs. Full Circle Grief Center Jenkins $25,000 to support community-based bereavement support groups. Gateway Homes Jenkins $40,000 to provide training, counseling, and support for individuals with serious mental illness. Greater Richmond SCAN Jenkins/TCF $100,000 to support Trauma Informed Care services that provide weekly intensive treatment groups for families affected by abuse. Henrico CASA Jenkins $25,000 to support training and oversight of additional volunteers serving as court advocates for abused or neglected children. Honoring Choices Jenkins $35,000 to implement an electronic health record system. Jewish Family Services Jenkins $12,500 to implement an electronic health record system. McShin Foundation Jenkins $25,000 to provide residential and wraparound services to clients in substance abuse recovery. Senior Connections Jenkins $25,000 to support Family Navigators who help families navigate and access children's mental health resources. Side by Side $30,000 to support transgender youth by increasing access to mental health services. St Joseph’s Villa Jenkins $30,000 to develop patient and family-centered educational tools. Virginia Dental Association Foundation Jenkins $25,000 to support the Crisis Stabilization Unit, which serves youth experiencing mental health crises. Virginia Treatment Center for Children Jenkins $40,000 to support a Clinical Practice Manager position to oversee operations at the Children's Mental Health Resource Center.
Learn more about how to apply for a grant
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