Grantee Spotlight: Williamsburg Community Growers

Feb 28, 2025 | Grantee Spotlight, News, Spotlight

Grantee Spotlight: Williamsburg Community Growers

By: WHF Staff

Williamsburg Community Growers (WCG) is more than a community garden; it also serves as an educational destination for local schools and contributes fresh, locally grown, organic produce for hunger-relief organizations in Greater Williamsburg.

WCG, located on an 11-acre site near Warhill Sports Complex, has transformed the easement underneath Dominion Energy’s powerline into an integral part of Williamsburg’s fresh food ecosystem. What began as a small community garden in 2016 with 15 plots has grown into a flourishing seven-acre farm with nearly 110 community garden plots, a two-acre teaching farm, open space, constructed wetlands, apiary (beehives), and a mulching/composting area.

Education

WCG cultivates a healthier community through their various education programs, health promotion initiatives, and sustainable gardening workshops. In partnership with schools and local organizations, WCG offers hands-on learning experiences for students of all ages. These programs cover lessons on sustainable farming practices, environmental conservation, and healthy eating habits. Additionally, WCG offers free workshops covering a multitude of topics, including composting, pest management, food preservation, and home gardening, allowing the broader community to benefit from their wealth of knowledge.

Feeding the Community

Local volunteers work side by side with Joseph Carlin, the Farm Manager, to grow fresh produce, much of which is donated to local food banks, including Grove Christian Outreach Center, St. Olaf Catholic Church’s Food Pantry, and Williamsburg House of Mercy. With the increasing price of fresh produce making healthy eating a challenge for many families, the fruits and vegetables donated by WCG help to offset grocery costs and increase access to nutritious, high-quality food. In 2024 alone, the garden produced over 13,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables and donated over 8,000 pounds of produce to local organizations serving Greater Williamsburg area families in need.

In addition to donating fresh produce to local organizations, WCG also operates a weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. For 24 weeks each year, individuals can purchase a share of the farm’s harvest, including various seasonal fruits and vegetables. The CSA proceeds support the farm’s operations, including WCG’s fresh produce donations.

WHF’s Grant Support

WCG’s work aligns with WHF’s Strategic Plan by targeting behavioral and social risk factors that influence the health of individuals throughout the life span by increasing access to healthy eating opportunities. WHF has supported WCG’s work to improve Williamsburg’s healthy food ecosystem through four grants totaling over $200,000 since 2021. To learn more about WCG’s programs, community garden plots, CSA, and upcoming free classes, visit https://www.growwilliamsburg.org/. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is an independent private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Grantee Spotlight: W-JCC Recreational Soccer League

Feb 3, 2025 | Grantee Spotlight, News, Spotlight

Grantee Spotlight: W-JCC Recreational Soccer League

By: WHF Staff

The W-JCC Recreational Soccer League, operated by the Virginia Legacy Soccer Club, offers free spring and fall recreational soccer for children ages 4 through high school in Greater Williamsburg. As the largest recreational soccer program in Greater Williamsburg, this program aims to ensure that every child, regardless of skill level or family income, can play, learn, and grow through soccer.

Building Skills and Promoting Health

By eliminating the cost of participation, the W-JCC Recreational Soccer League welcomes children from all backgrounds to progressively improve their soccer skills along with their friends and peers from school. Participants receive coaching and an opportunity to practice fundamental soccer skills while building their confidence and learning the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. For youth participating in the league, the program’s impact goes beyond the actual soccer game. Other benefits of recreational soccer include improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced body fat, and improved mental health and well-being.

Access for All

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 300 students in Greater Williamsburg participated in free afterschool recreational spring soccer through the Virginia Legacy Soccer Club. In the fall season of 2021, seeing a decline in mental health among children in the community, Virginia Legacy approached the Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) for a grant to expand access to all children in the community. This led to an increase in that season’s registrations of about 500 children, for a total of 800 players. Today, approximately 1,500 children participate in the free spring and fall seasons, enjoying one practice per week and Saturday games at the Warhill Sports Complex.

WHF’s Ongoing Support

The W-JCC Recreational Soccer League’s goals align with WHF’s Strategic Plan by targeting behavioral and social risk factors that influence the health of individuals throughout the life span, specifically by promoting active living. WHF has supported the soccer programs of Virginia Legacy Soccer Club and their charitable arm, the Williamsburg Soccer Foundation, through 22 grants since 2005. Registration for the 2025 Spring Season closes February 28 and practices begin March 10. Visit www.valegacysoccer.com/rec to sign up and learn about volunteer opportunities.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is an independent private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Williamsburg Health Foundation Welcomes Timothy Cross to the Board of Trustees

Jan 22, 2025 | News

Williamsburg Health Foundation Welcomes Timothy Cross to the Board of Trustees

By: WHF Staff

WILLIAMSBURG, VA– The Williamsburg Health Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Timothy Cross to their Board of Trustees.

Tim, originally from Northern Virginia, has called Greater Williamsburg home for over 30 years. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from William & Mary, he completed a Master of City and Regional Planning at Rutgers University. Following graduate school, Tim returned to Greater Williamsburg and began a distinguished 35-year career in planning with York County. Tim culminated his career as York County’s Deputy Director of Planning and Development Services before retiring in 2024. He and his wife, Cathy, reside in Upper York County.

“We are excited to welcome Tim Cross to the Board of Trustees,” said Deanna Van Hersh, President and CEO of Williamsburg Health Foundation. “His years of experience working with area officials, businesses, and residents to address diverse community needs and implement strategies for meaningful improvements will be an asset as we pursue the Foundation’s mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg.”

To learn more about WHF, visit williamsburghealthfoundation.org.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is an independent private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Grantee Spotlight: Child Development Resources Offers a Two-Generation Approach to Improving Health

Jan 2, 2025 | Grantee Spotlight, News, Spotlight

Grantee Spotlight: Child Development Resources Offers a Two-Generation Approach to Improving Health

By: WHF Staff

Every child deserves a strong start in life, but for some, challenges begin before they take their first step. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, the early years can set the course for their entire lives. Recognizing this, Child Development Resources (CDR) has provided early childhood intervention services to children and their families in Greater Williamsburg since 1965. CDR’s early identification and intervention services can significantly enhance a child’s ability to learn new skills, build resilience, and succeed.

Originally established as the Williamsburg Preschool for Special Children, CDR was founded by a group of citizens to address the lack of education programs for community children with developmental delays or disabilities. At that time, public schools could refuse to accept children with developmental delays, and it wasn’t until Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in November 1975 that children with disabilities were guaranteed the right to a free and appropriate education. In response to the new law, the organization changed their name to Child Development Resources and shifted their focus to providing services to infants and toddlers and training for childcare professionals.

Today, CDR serves about 3,100 children and their families in Greater Williamsburg and Poquoson through 10 programs. Their two-generation approach supports the child and provides skill-building for the parents and caregivers. CDR’s 85 specialists provide a variety of services from physical, speech, and occupational therapy to helping parents find community resources such as housing, healthcare, and nutrition assistance.

CDR’s work aligns with WHF’s Strategic Plan by targeting behavioral and social risk factors that influence the health of individuals throughout the life span. WHF is a longtime supporter of CDR. Since 1997, the Foundation has awarded 90 grants totaling over $5.2 million to help CDR advance their mission and purpose “to inspire and empower children, families, and early childhood professionals to reach their full potential, whatever their challenges.”

CDR recently began renovations on a new facility off Waller Mill Road in Williamsburg to consolidate their four locations and five buildings into one centralized Family Resource Center. The new facility, expected to open in March 2026, will allow CDR to provide wrap-around, comprehensive, and coordinated services to more children. WHF is pleased to support CDR’s efforts to bring its services under one roof.

To learn more about CDR’s programs or the status of their new facility, visit their website: www.cdr.org.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Williamsburg Health Foundation Awards $1.6 Million to Local Organizations

Dec 17, 2024 | News

Williamsburg Health Foundation Awards $1.6 Million to Local Organizations

WILLIAMSBURG, VA – December 17, 2024: The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees recently approved grant requests totaling $1.6 million from nonprofit and government organizations that work to improve health and well-being in the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. The Board approved requests within the Foundation’s funding areas of Healthy Eating Active Living, Two-Generation Family Services, Healthy Aging, and Behavioral Health Services.

Recognizing healthy eating and regular physical activity as important forms of primary prevention to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, WHF is pleased to invest in initiatives that encourage active lifestyles and make nutritious foods more accessible. “These grants strategically align with WHF’s mission and represent WHF’s continued commitment to fund programs and initiatives that remove barriers and increase opportunities for healthy eating and active living in Greater Williamsburg,” said Deanna Van Hersh, WHF President & CEO.

During this grant cycle, the importance of programs and services to support independent living for older adults in our community has also become increasingly apparent. According to USAFACTS, the 65+ population in Greater Williamsburg was the fastest-growing age group from 2010 to 2022. Specifically, there were increases in the older adult population of 49% in the City of Williamsburg, 56% in James City County, and 61% in York County. “We are happy to contribute to efforts designed to help older adults as they age in place,” said Bill Pribble, Vice President of Programs. “These grants fund essential services for approximately 975 older adults, including meals, medical transportation, in-home support, and various physical, social, and educational activities.”

In line with WHF’s mission and strategic focus, grants were also awarded in the Foundation’s Two-Generation Family Services and Behavioral Health Services focus areas. Please refer to the attached document for a list of grants.

In 2024, WHF awarded a total of $5.95 million to improve health and well-being in Greater Williamsburg. To learn more about the Foundation’s grant opportunities, visit www.williamsburghealthfoundation.org.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Organization Name	Project Title	Program Description	Board Approved Amount
Grants for Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL)
The Arc of Greater Williamsburg	Fitness Program	To provide both clients and caregivers with activities and tools to improve the health of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.	$37,500.00
Virginia Legacy Soccer Club	Virginia Legacy WJCC Recreational Soccer Program	To provide recreational soccer free of charge to youth in the City of Williamsburg, James City County and surrounding areas.	$40,000.00
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank	Mobile Food Pantry	To provide fresh produce for the Williamsburg area mobile food pantry program.	$68,125.00
Williamsburg Community Growers	Increase Our Impact	To increase the impact of the community garden and teaching farm in James City County.	$68,912.00
Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency	Feed The Need Food Pantry	To support a community food pantry in the Norge area that provides access to nutritious food and essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurities.	$15,000.00
Williamsburg-James City County Public School Division	WJCC Middle School Cross Country Running Club	To support the middle school cross country running club in collaboration with the School Health Initiative Program (SHIP).	$13,200.00
Grants to Support Two-Generation Family Services
Child Development Resources	Healthy and Emotionally Attuned Relationship Therapy (HEART) Program	To support a two-generation mental health program providing individual counseling to parents/caregivers and play therapy to young children, with joint sessions to work on attachment.	$80,000.00
Child Development Resources	Capital Campaign Contribution for CDR’s Family Resource Center	CDR is consolidating its operations from four locations and five buildings into a centrally located building (“Family Resource Center”) at 312 Waller Mill Road with the goal of providing wrap-around, comprehensive, and coordinated services. The new building will provide CDR and their partners with a space for the growing number of children and families in the community facing disabilities, developmental delays, poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, challenges accessing childcare, and other special needs.	$400,000.00
Virginia Down Syndrome Association	Williamsburg Community Coordinator	To support a Williamsburg staff position to provide family care coordination and programming for Greater Williamsburg Area families who have a member with Down syndrome.	$35,100.00
Grants for Healthy Aging
Peninsula Agency on Aging	Nutritious Noontime Meals	To contract with a local provider for home-delivered nutritious meals for low-income, aged 60 and older, residents.	$75,000.00
Peninsula Agency on Aging	PAA RIDES	To provide non-emergency medical transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.	$130,000.00
Williamsburg Area Faith in Action	In-Home Services	To provide free, in-home support services for isolated older adults aged 60 and older living in Greater Williamsburg.	$7,500.00
YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas	Active Older Adults	To support social, physical, and educational efforts available to older adults in the Williamsburg area.	$11,250.00
Grants for Behavioral Health Services
Bacon Street Youth and Family Services	Support for Operations	To support Bacon Street’s operations.	$240,000.00
Center for Child and Family Services, Inc.	The Reboot Program	To provide trauma-informed assessments/treatment for adults who are perpetrators of violence in intimate partner, family, or community relationships, as well as those struggling with substance abuse not requiring withdrawal management.	$133,000.00
Postpartum Support Virginia, Inc.	Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies	To increase opportunities in the Greater Williamsburg Area for recovery from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and to create awareness among maternal and child-focused service organizations, healthcare, and behavioral health providers about PMADs.	$20,000.00
Other Grants
The Doorways	Support for Operations	To help underwrite lodging and support services for patients (children and adults) and their families from the WHF service area.	$3,750.00

Grantee Spotlight: Peninsula Agency on Aging Links Older Adults to Services

Dec 2, 2024 | Grantee Spotlight, News, Spotlight

Grantee Spotlight: Peninsula Agency on Aging Links Older Adults to Services

By: WHF Staff

For most older adults, an important goal as they age is to continue living independently in their own homes. With the support of Peninsula Agency on Aging (PAA), nearly 8,400 older adults on the Peninsula can enjoy aging in place. Through collaborations with a broad network of local agencies, PAA offers services that address older adults’ diverse needs — including assisting with transportation to medical appointments, improving access to nutritious meals, care coordination, care support, and veterans’ services. For the past fifty years, PAA’s services have enhanced quality of life, fostered independence, and reduced social isolation in older adults.

Founded in 1974, PAA was born out of a desire to enhance the well-being of older adults on the Peninsula by linking them to services designed to empower, nurture, and sustain independence. Fifty years later, PAA remains a trusted community resource, connecting older adults, aged 60 and over, to services that support every aspect of healthy aging.

In 2023, with support from Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) grants, PAA served 1,372 older adults — including 26,812 service encounters — in Greater Williamsburg, and the need for services is expected to grow. Research from WHF projects nearly one-third of the population will be over age 60 by 2030. This demographic shift underlines the importance and need for PAA’s programs and services, which provide evidence-based, community-focused support for healthy aging.

WHF is a longtime supporter of PAA’s work, having awarded 66 grants totaling nearly $5.2 million since 1998 to help advance their mission to support independence and quality of life for older adults. Current WHF grants focus on providing nutritious noontime meals, non-emergency medical transportation, assessments, home visits, and care coordination for older adults. By providing essential resources and services, PAA upholds a commitment to helping older adults across the community stay healthy, independent, and engaged and creates healthy aging opportunities in our community. To learn out more about PAA’s programs and services, visit their website: https://paainc.org/.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.