Community Resources E-Newsletter

AUGUST 2023

STAY INFORMED

Hanover Youth Service Council Applications are Open Until September 15

 

Are you interested in creating change, serving your community and inspiring others through volunteerism? The Hanover Youth Service Council, HYSC, is seeking membership applications for the 2023-2024 membership term. Rising 8th through 11th grade students who live in Hanover County and/or attend school in Hanover County are eligible to apply.

 

HYSC is a youth-led countywide organization consisting of middle and high school students dedicated to community service and leadership. The organization is supported by the Hanover County Department of Community Resources.

 

Applications are due to Morgan Lindsay, Youth Services Specialist by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15.

 

For more information or to access the application, visit Hanover Youth Service Council | Hanover County, VA or contact Morgan Lindsay at 804-365-4180.

 

Chickahominy Health District offers Naloxone Training and Education

 

Naloxone is an essential item to have in your first aid kit at home. This life saving prescription medicine is used to reduce opioid overdoses. Walk-up to receive free naloxone nasal spray and learn in 15-30 minutes how to be ready to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone. No appointment needed! 

 

Walk-up naloxone nasal spray and training is available at the Hanover Health Department (12312 Washington HWY, Ashland, VA 23005) on Mondays, 1-3 p.m. and Thursdays 8:30-11:30 a.m.

 

For questions or more information, call the Chickahominy Health District at 804-365-3240 or email CHDwellness@vdh.virginia.gov. 

 

Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence Nominations are Open until September 8

 

Nominations for Hanover Community Services Board’s Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence are open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8. The award honors Hanover-based individuals, families, or organizations that demonstrate outstanding contributions to our community in the areas of developmental disabilities, mental health, or substance use. Nominations for those contributing to these areas in a compensated professional capacity should emphasize the extent to which their service in these areas goes above and beyond their professional obligations.

 

For more information about the award, or to submit a nomination, visit Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence | Hanover County, VA.

 

Save the date for the 2023 Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence Event, Wednesday, October 25.

 

Hanover Access News is now “Here in Hanover”

 

Hanover County has relaunched and revamped their weekly newsletter. With “Here in Hanover” you can gain access to videos, news, and events from Hanover County. You can help build “Here in Hanover” by sharing stories with Hanover County Communications. Hanover County wants to highlight employees going above and beyond, neighbors and organizations that are doing amazing things in the community, and more. For more information, or to share stories, contact communications@hanovercounty.gov. 

 

If you would like to receive the “Here in Hanover” weekly newsletter, you can sign up here. If you are already a subscriber of Hanover Access News, you do not need to do anything to receive the new newsletter. 

 

Virginia Department of Health Launches Healthy Heart Ambassador Program

 

The Virginia Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program is designed to teach participants the proper way to measure their blood pressure. This program is free for eligible participants. Participants will receive blood pressure monitoring cards, additional health resources and a blood pressure monitor, if needed.

 

The 4-month program includes eight 10 minute 1-on-1 consultations with a coach, either in person or virtual, and four monthly nutrition education sessions.

 

To be eligible for the program, you must:

  • Be a resident or community member of Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, or New Kent
  • Be at least 18 years of age or older
  • Be diagnosed with high blood pressure and/or be on anti-hypertensive (blood pressure) medication
  • Have not experienced a cardiac event within the last 12 months
  • Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrythmias (irregular heartbeat)
  • Not have or not be at risk for lymphedema (fluid buildup in the lymphatic system)

For more information, contact the Chickahominy Health District Reach Line at 804-365-3240 or CHDWellness@vdh.virginia.gov. 


GET INVOLVED

Donate School Supplies to Tools 4 Teachers

 

The Hanover Youth Service Council, HYSC, is collecting donations of school supplies throughout August for Tools 4 Teachers!

 

Tools 4 Teachers is a collaboration between ACES and MCEF to support the middle and high school students and teachers of the Hanover County School District. All donations will be used to fill teacher supply requests. Since 2021, Tools 4 Teachers has filled almost 400 supply orders to support the classroom needs of Hanover teachers!

 

To find out more information about the drive and where you can donate, visit Hanover Youth Service Council | Hanover County, VA or contact Morgan Lindsay at 804-365-4180.

 

Circles Ashland launches Fall Recruitment for Leaders and Allies

 

Circles Ashland is dedicated to empowering individuals and families facing socio-economic struggles. They are now launching fall recruitment for Leaders and Allies.

 

As a Leader, you will receive comprehensive training and mentorship to guide and inspire families on their journey towards self-sufficiency. Allies, offer their time, skills, and networks to support families working toward economic stability. By becoming a Leader or an Ally, you can play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and prosperous community.

 

For more information on how to get involved, visit the Circles Ashland Website or contact Circles Ashland at info@circlesashland.org or 804-551-3298.


SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

Are you looking to get involved? Here are some ideas for ways you can give back to your community, support local organizations and get community service hours!

 

Ongoing Service Opportunities

 

The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store is an organization that advocates for the rights and full participation of children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. They are seeking volunteers to work in their store doing cashiering, cleaning and pricing items, replenishing shelves and receiving donations. Store hours are Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Arc of Hanover is seeking volunteers to work split shifts or full days, particularly on Saturday. For more information, contact 804-798-2400 or thrift@thearcofhanover.org. 

 

CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation is an organization that provides assistance to families of children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers are needed to make meals for these families on the first Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit CJ's Thumbs Up Foundation - Home (cjstuf.org) and CJ's Thumbs Up Foundation: CJ's Sandwich Making Crew (signupgenius.com).

 

Hanover Christian Firewood Ministry is an organization that provides wood to more than 35 families who rely on firewood as their primary source of heat. They split and deliver wood every Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-1 p.m., depending on the time of year. For more information, contact Carl Heckel at 804-559-8824.

 

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity Faith Build is a partnership with local faith-based organizations and businesses. Local churches and friends of the faith community gather to help build and fund a home for a local family. For more information, visit Faith Build - Hanover & King William Habitat for Humanity (hkwhabitat.org) or email Amanda Gunter at agunter@hkwhabitat.org. 

 

Hanover Senior Rides is seeking ride coordinators and volunteer drivers for their program that provides free rides to those who can no longer drive, including seniors and people with disabilities. Volunteers use their own vehicles to take people to medical appointments, grocery shopping and for personal business. Volunteers are paid 50 cents per mile as reimbursement for gas. Hanover Senior Rides is operated in Mechanicsville by the Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions (MCEF) and in Ashland by the Ashland Christian Emergency Services (ACES). For more information, contact MCEF at 804-357-9360 or ACES at 804-543-6115 or visit https://4mcef.com and https://aceshanover.org/services. 

 

YMCA Feedmore Food Pantry is seeking volunteers to help with food distribution on the first Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon. Distribution takes place in the Ashland Junction shopping center (located at 123 Junction Drive, Ashland, VA 23005). For more information, contact Bri Kropinack at kropinackb@ymcarichmond.org.


Databases for Finding Upcoming Service Events in Your Community

HandsOn Greater Richmond (handsonrva.org)

JustServe: Home


 

Other Ways You Can Get Involved

 

Inquire about volunteer opportunities at your local nursing home! Reach out to your local food pantry and ask if they are in need of any specific food items or volunteers!

 

If you are part of a local organization and would like to share your service events in an upcoming Community Resources E-Newsletter, email mtlindsay@hanovercounty.gov.


COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, RESOURCES AND SERVICES


Our team at Hanover Community Resources is here to assist you or your clients in finding available resources. We are located in the Human Services Complex on Route 1 at 12310 Washington Highway, Ashland VA 23005, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 804-365-4300 or email volunteer@hanovercounty.gov.



Hanover County Food Pantry Calendar

 

Hanover County has a network of more than 18 non-profit food pantries that provide food to individuals and families in need across the county! Members from the local food pantries meet monthly to address ways to combat food insecurity in Hanover County through collaboration while creating a pathway to enhance food independence for people they serve. To learn more about Food Pantries in Hanover County and how to access their services, view the Hanover Food Pantry Service Day Calendar and Information Sheet on the Community Resources webpage. For more information about the Hanover Food Network, please contact the Department of Community Resources at 804-365-4300 or volunteer@hanovercounty.gov

 

Cooling Assistance Applications Open until August 15

 

The Hanover County Department of Social Services offers cooling assistance for households with individuals aged 60 or older, disabled residents, or children under 6. Applications can be accepted through Tuesday, August 15.

 

Assistance is available for:

 

  1. payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment;
  2. payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment;
  3. repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump;
  4. purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans;
  5. purchase and installation of a window unit air conditioner.

Households who received a one-time benefit of $600 for payment of electric bills tooperate cooling equipment in June will not be eligible to receive additional payments for this type of assistance in 2023.

Applications (available in English and Spanish) can be submitted to a local department of social services, online via CommonHelp, or by calling 1-855-635-4370. Eligibility is determined by the local department of social services. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, August 15. VDSS has provided relief to local residents through the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for over 20 years. Last year, cooling assistance was provided to over 86,000 Virginia households through the LIHEAP.

 

For more information about the Cooling Assistance Program, call 804-365-4100.

 

EnergyShare - Heating and Cooling 

 

EnergyShare is a crisis program of last resort that helps pay energy bills for any type of heating (wood, oil, natural gas, propane, kerosene, electric) or cooling for those who qualify. EnergyShare is not income based, so any customer in crisis is eligible to apply. Applications are accepted year-round, as long as funding is available. Customer applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility. If approved, the benefit is paid directly to the customer’s energy provider. Individuals 60 and older may be assisted twice up to the $600 maximum benefit. If the full benefit is used during the initial request, clients aren’t eligible again until the next season. Military veterans and those individuals living with disabilities may qualify for up to $500 maximum benefit, annually.

 

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Repair Program

 

Habitat envisions a world where everyone has a decent place to live – that includes a home that is accessible, dry, safe and energy efficient. Habitat’s Critical Repair program offers reduced-cost repairs to address safety issues and code violations. Habitat is taking applications for Hanover and King William residents. To learn more, visit https://hkwhabitat.org/critical-repairs or contact Kimberly Bell at 804-569-6108, x105.

 

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

 

Customers of the Hanover County Department of Public Utilities can apply online for assistance from Virginia’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), a temporary federal-funded program created to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. To be eligible for LIHWAP, your household must have a past due water or wastewater balance and a household income below the LIHWAP guidelines based on household size. Priority will be given to households whose water or wastewater has been disconnected or is at a risk of disconnection.

 

For more information or to apply online, go to https://virginialihwap.com/lihwap or call Promise at 1-888-373-9908.

 

Project: HOMES Home Repair Services

 

Project: HOMES helps to address home health and safety concerns for families who would otherwise not be able to address them on their own. The modifications they provide not only alter the health and safety outcomes for these families but also increase the affordability of remaining in their homes. For more information, visit https://www.projecthomes.org/health-and-safety. 

 

Thrive Virginia Crisis Assistance

 

Thrive Virginia is an organization that seeks to empower individuals and families to become self-sufficient, live with dignity and achieve optimum health. They offer utility assistance with limited available funding. Individuals and families are eligible for emergency financial assistance if they have met the income guidelines for the past 30 days. The guidelines are located at https://www.thriveva.org/emergency-financial-assistance. For more information, call 804-966-8770 or email info@thriveva.org.

 

Weatherization Assistance Program

 

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development administers the Weatherization Assistance Program, WAP. WAP reduces household energy use through the installation of cost-effective energy savings measures, which also improve resident health and safety. Common measures including sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and repairing heating and cooling systems. DHCD works with a network of nonprofit organizations around the state, who directly implement the program. More information is available at https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/wx.



Parent and Youth Resources

 

Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church: Start of School Kick Off

 

On Tuesday, August 22, parents and families of Hanover County students are invited to the outside pavilion at the Patrick Henry YMCA (217 Ashcake Rd.). Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church will offer breakfast food, fellowship, and time to share joys and concerns. The church will also have free school supplies for your family.

 

For more information, contact Duncan Memorial at 804-798-7224.

 

Hanover County Safety: Back to School Safety Tips

 

Hanover County’s Safety and Risk Department has compiled a list of Back to School Safety Tips for parents and students alike. These tips can help ensure a safe and injury-free school year!

 

To read the document, visit https://www.hanovercounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9319/Back-to-School-Safety-PDF. 

 

Free In-Home Parenting Education

 

Do you know a parent or parents who could use additional parenting education and support? This service is available to pregnant women or mothers with children up to 5 years old who live in Hanover County and is provided in the family’s own home at no cost. It is designed to offer education related to healthy pregnancies, positive parenting skills, child development activities and knowledge about child developmental stages. The program also assists families to connect with various community resources to help address the needs of parents and children during the stages of early childhood. The program is a partnership between Hanover County and Family Lifeline. For more information or to make a referral, contact Family Lifeline at 804-249-5414 or referrals@familylifeline.org.

 

WIC

 

The WIC program is for pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and for women with infants and children up to age five. The program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, as well as access to nutritious foods and formula. To be eligible for the WIC program, applicants must meet residential, income and nutrition requirements. Mothers and children with active Medicaid or SNAP are automatically eligible. To apply or schedule an appointment, call 804-365-4335.

 

 

Senior and Caregiver Resources

 

Hanover DASH Provides Reliable Transportation to a Healthy Lifestyle

 

Hanover DASH provides personalized transportation to for those aged 65 and up and persons with a disability. 

 

Rides can take you to:

  • Farmers Markets
  • Community Pickle Ball Tournaments
  • Friendship Cafés
  • Banks
  • Group Exercise Classes
  • Community Health Forums
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Medical Appointments
  • And More!

To apply to be a Hanover DASH rider, simply fill out a short registration form with documentation to confirm Hanover County residency and proof of age (65 or over) or disability (short or long term). Rides are offered in collaboration with UZURV, an adaptive transportation network company.

 

Contact Hanover DASH with questions at 804-365-3274 or visit www.HanoverDASH.org for more information.

 

Parks and Recreation: Senior Ice Cream Social

 

Parks and Recreation is honoring Hanover seniors on National Senior Citizen Day with a throwback to those hot summer days at the ice cream parlor. Come out and spend an afternoon reminiscing with friends while enjoying a cool treat! Choose from several different delicious ice cream toppings or a root beer float.

 

The Senior Ice Cream Social will be held on Monday, August 21 from 1-3 p.m. at the Hanover Museum of History and Culture (7496 County Complex Road, Hanover, VA 23069) and is free to attend!

 

Preregistration is required. You can register for the event online at www.hanoverparksrec.com. 

 

National Institute on Aging: Caregiver Worksheets

 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has created a series of caregiver worksheets designed to assist in organizing and managing caregiving responsibilities effectively. These worksheets cover a range of topics, including coordinating caregiving tasks, ensuring home safety, hiring care providers, considering the option of moving an older adult into one’s home, managing medications, and organizing important documents. Caregivers can download and utilize these worksheets to streamline their caregiving efforts and maintain essential information in an organized manner.

 

Click here to view the resources. 

 

Advance Planning Guides for Dementia

 

The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services has four new guides for advance planning for dementia. Advance planning empowers people to make their own decisions about important topics like finances, health care, and living arrangements before the need arises. These guides help people living with dementia and their family members or other care partners know what to plan for and how to get started. The guides cover 4 topics: health care planning, financial planning, care planning, and supporting someone living with dementia in making decisions. The guides are available to download from Dementia Capable Virginia. Hard copies can be ordered by emailing the Dementia Services Coordinator at dementia@dars.virginia.gov or by phone at 804-662-9154.

 

Senior Connections: Caregiver Directed Respite Support

 

Senior Connections now offers a Caregiver Directed Respite Support program to provide a caregiver the opportunity to focus on their own well-being. The program includes consultation for emotional support and education, assistance in developing a Long-Term Care plan, a financial stipend designated to get the plan in action and resources for supplemental services. To see if you qualify for the Caregiver Directed Respite Support grant, contact the Senior Connections Caregiver Support Specialist at 804-672-4498 or dcaras@youraaa.org.


New Streamlined Process Simplifies SNAP Application for Seniors

In March 2022, the Department of Social Services (DSS) launched the Elderly Simplified Application Process (ESAP) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This streamlined application and recertification process seeks to increase participation for SNAP benefits among the older adult (60+), low-income population.

In Virginia, ESAP will extend the certification from 12 to 36 months for ESAP households, remove the requirement of interim reporting and simplify the reporting process. Older Virginians who may be eligible for SNAP benefits may apply online through CommonHelp by completing and submitting the “ESAP Application for Benefits” form on the VDSS website and returning it to their local Department of Social Services or by calling the Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.

 

 

Additional Resources

 

Hanover Health Department: Vital Records

 

The Hanover Health Department Provides certified copies of birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates (as long as the event occurred in Virginia) Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. These can be obtained for and are available to immediate family members only (mothers, fathers, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents with valid ID). Birth records can also be issued to the legal guardian with proof of custody papers. For more information on associated fees, health department locations, and more, please visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/vital-records-birth-marriage-divorce-and-death-certificates/.

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YMCA Social Needs Navigator

 

The YMCA’s Social Needs Navigator shares information about free and reduced-price resources in Hanover, such as food, clothes, childcare, housing and healthcare. For more information, visit https://help1rva.org or call 804-798-0057.


MEETINGS AND TRAININGS


Hanover Human Services Network Meeting

 

The next Hanover Human Services Network meeting will be held on Thursday, October 5, 3-5 p.m., at the Hanover Human Services Meeting Room located at 12310 Washington Highway, Ashland, VA (in the back of the complex). All human service organizations, including governmental, faith-based, non-profit and civic clubs serving the Hanover community are invited to participate in this quarterly collaborative roundtable. Program representatives will have an opportunity to network with one another, present information about their programs, identify common issues and connect to develop solutions. RSVP for the October Hanover Human Services Networking Meeting here.

 

For additional questions, contact the Department of Community Resources at 804-365-4300 or email at volunteer@hanovercounty.gov.