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Chesterfield Human Services Quarterly Newsletter
February 2026 |
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Dr. Worsley serves as the Deputy County Administrator for Human Services
 2026!!! – The years seem to roll by faster and faster and here we are together tackling a brand-new year full of engagement opportunities where we all can find different ways to connect and assist.
Needs continue to expand within and outside of our scope and the Human Services team continues to find ways and paths to introduce and provide comfort and care to those in need. You continue to make some of our citizen’s worst days better with resources that give them the tools to move forward. With patience, persistence and hope, ALL is possible!
As I said back in our November article, fall may have eased by, but winter came crashing in with lots of snow and weather-related issues for us all to navigate. Days are shorter in regards to daylight, but more continues to be packed into each of them.
Thanks to each of you that were able to participate in your way to support CCHASM and Christmas Mother to assist those in need. Many volunteer opportunities continue to present themselves where you can connect. Thank you for any assistance you can give.
Black History Month will have a full line up of events that you can attend and participate in. I encourage you to check out all the many opportunities to engage and educate yourselves and those around you.
Read on to hear many more stories from across the Human Services division of engagement, encouragement and education.
Thank you for all you do – continue to take care of yourselves so that we can properly help others.
Chesterfield Celebrating 37 years in 2026
“A Century of Black History Commemorations”
Join us for Chesterfield County Black History Month programs!
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Community Corrections
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9th Annual Go Purple! Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event
The 9th Annual GO PURPLE! Domestic Violence Awareness Month event, presented by the Chesterfield Domestic Violence Task Force (CDVTF), was held on Monday, September 29, 2025. The program featured remarks from Chesterfield County survivors impacted by intimate partner violence and was presented before an invitation-only audience. It was also broadcast live on the CDVTF and Chesterfield County Government Facebook pages.
During the event, the CDVTF’s 7th Annual Outstanding Service Award was presented to Grace Kerstetter, Senior Family Services Specialist with the DSS Child Protective Services Unit. Five additional nominees—J.B. Bellamy, Kaitlin Bendle, Barbara Cooke, Sissy Dance, and Adrian Murray—were recognized for their exemplary efforts in addressing domestic violence.
The Chesterfield Domestic Violence Task Force is a coalition of dedicated professionals committed to providing leadership in addressing domestic violence within our community. This fully volunteer, nonprofit organization includes members from local county government agencies (health department, mental health, social services), victim advocates, law enforcement, probation officers, prosecutors, schools and higher education institutions, and community organizations, including the faith community.
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CDVTF Board - Tana Mooney (CCPD), Rebecca Lint (CMHSS), Lindsay G. Cassada (DSVRC) and Melissa Claud (CCS) |
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Career Conversations
Career Conversations is a dynamic series of events focused on career advancement and economic mobility through networking, education and community resources! Multiple events were hosted in Oct. and Nov.
- 10/7/25 Beulah Recreation Center
- Discover educational and employment programs designed to help you grow and advance in your career and connect with employers and educational institutions offering direct pathways to employment.
- 10/25/25 Community Development building
- Translating Skills into a Career session will provide tips and techniques to apply your strongest skills into a career that is perfect for you!
- 11/6/25 Stonebridge Recreation Center
- Create or refine your elevator pitch and put it into action with real business professionals during this interactive session. Whether you're networking, job hunting or building your brand—this is your moment to shine.
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Senior Law Clinic
The Office of Aging and Disability Resources (ADR), hosted a successful Senior Law Clinic on Oct. 30. This important event was made possible through partnerships with the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation and the SPAN Center.
The clinic provided free legal assistance to 19 eligible participants, helping them prepare essential life-planning documents, including:
- A basic will
- Power of attorney
- Advance medical directive
Participants met one-on-one with volunteer attorneys, received personalized guidance and gained a clear understanding of these critical documents.
ADR hosts the Senior Law Clinic twice a year to ensure continued access to these vital services. A hybrid virtual option is also available, depending on the availability of pro bono legal partners, allowing more individuals to benefit from this support.
Through strong community partnerships, ADR continues to expand its outreach and ensure that older adults and individuals with disabilities have access to the resources they need.
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2025 Fall Government Citizens Academy Graduation
On Nov. 19 at the Board of Supervisors meeting, the eleventh session of the Government Citizens Academy (GCA) graduated 15 participants. GCA provides a hands-on learning opportunity and is designed to enhance and grow the county’s communications efforts to increase citizen engagement. Citizens learn about their local government and interact with a wide variety of departments and programs, and most important, they provide valuable feedback to the county.
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Celebrating Telephone Reassurance Volunteers
On Tuesday, December 2, we gathered to celebrate the dedicated volunteers of our Telephone Reassurance Program. Guests enjoyed a warm pasta lunch, festive holiday games, and the opportunity to share stories from their experiences. Many volunteers expressed that they feel they receive even more from the program than the individuals they call.
The Telephone Reassurance Program helps us stay connected with older adults and individuals with disabilities in our community who may feel alone or isolated. Volunteers from Aging and Disability Resources connect daily or weekly to check on their well-being and offer a friendly voice.
We are deeply grateful for the compassionate efforts of our volunteers—your calls truly make a difference.
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Recovery Court Art Exhibit
On September 24, 2025, Recovery Court held its first annual Art Exhibit at Beulah Recreation Center. The art illustrated the client's recovery journey through creativity. Approximately twenty-five clients submitted their artwork, which was displayed at the event.
The program was a success with a diverse audience, including Chesterfield citizens and employees from partnering agencies, as well as Board Supervisor members and County Administration.
Thank you all for your support in making our First Annual Art Show a success.
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Connected and Caring Team
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