JustServe helps Virginia group join and serve

As they work to serve their communities, nonprofit organizations and faith-based teams within the Shenandoah Valley space of Virginia are discovering out they are often stronger collectively they usually collaborate and share assets.

On Sept. 29, a various group of those group organizations gathered in a single spot for the inaugural “Neighborhood Join and Serve,” hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Representatives of almost 40 nonprofit teams from Clarke and Frederick Counties and the town of Winchester arrange cubicles within the Winchester Virginia Stake heart and shared data with one another and with the general public.

The collaboration was sponsored by JustServe — an internet site an app the place group teams can record their volunteer wants — in addition to Neighborhood Basis of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, Prime of Virginia Regional Chamber, United Method of Northern Shenandoah Valley, Valley Well being, and the Nonprofit Alliance of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

A member of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, group speaks with a consultant of a nonprofit group at JustServe-sponsored occasion in Winchester, Virginia, on Sept. 29, 2022.

For the primary two hours, exhibitors have been in a position to join and share greatest practices with one another earlier than the doorways have been open to the general public, which was useful for Jeffrey Stern, director of group engagement at Sinclair Well being Clinic. 

“It was terrific. I loved the chance to community with organizations I do know nicely, and people I didn’t know earlier than,” Stern stated.

Valley Well being’s director of group well being, Jason Craig, additionally spoke in regards to the collaboration and connections constituted of the inaugural effort.

“This was an exquisite occasion that was profitable by the collaboration of a group that cares in regards to the people who reside in it,” Craig stated. “Organizations have been in a position to join, many expressing that they discovered about their pals and allies in the neighborhood, and the JustServe volunteer community got here out to study and align their need to serve.” 

Exhibitors on the inaugural Neighborhood Join and Serve occasion educate potential volunteers on the various alternatives obtainable within the Shenandoah Valley on Sept. 29, 2022, in Winchester, Virginia.

JustServe specialists like Shannon Atkinson-Ganoe performed a pivotal position in planning the occasion. “I consider this kind of occasion was lengthy overdue,” she stated. “I’m so honored to have been part of such a terrific crew.”

Melinda Topham, who serves because the Winchester communications director for the Church, stated all of the taking part organizations and group members appeared very blissful they attended and with the connections they made.  

“I used to be very moved by how a lot folks genuinely care about their neighbors, their needs to achieve out to these in want, and their efforts to make a distinction within the lives of our group members,” Topham stated.

Topham defined that whereas the organizations have completely different pursuits and clientele to serve, they’ve the identical total aim — “to bless the lives of these in want and work collectively to make our group a stronger, more healthy place.”

Lisa Learn from the Shenandoah Valley Ward received concepts for service tasks for the youth in her ward and in addition for her household.

“I used to be stunned to find out about a few organizations that will probably be useful to our autistic son, as he’s rising into adolescence,” she stated.

The American Crimson Cross and different organizations share data on the inaugural Neighborhood Join and Serve sponsored by JustServe in Winchester, Virginia, on Sept. 29, 2022.

She additionally discovered of organizations that might be capable to assist with healthcare, housing and meals for girls she ministers to in her ward: “I used to be amazed by the willingness and eagerness to assist folks with these fundamental wants.”

Contributors included the Highland Meals Pantry, Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity, Faithworks, American Crimson Cross, Wheels for Wellness, and the Alzheimer’s Affiliation.

Emily Deardeuff of Winchester famous all of the assets represented by the completely different teams on the occasion. 

“I liked seeing all the ways in which group leaders are joyfully giving of their time to serve the group in causes they’re keen about. There are such a lot of folks in our space attempting to like and handle one another,” Deardeuff stated.

She noticed how organizations labored to match volunteers’ expertise and skill with their service. And if their organizations weren’t a superb match, they steered different avenues.  

“There was undoubtedly a sense of pleasure, love, and unity within the room.”

Jason Wright contributed to this report.

Exhibitors finalize preparations earlier than the doorways open to the general public at a JustServe occasion to attach group teams and nonprofit organizations with volunteers within the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, space. The occasion was held within the Winchester Virginia Stake heart on Sept. 29, 2022.