Events

Annual Awards Banquet 2024

Tedlich Award Winner- Roxie Perryman - People, Inc. Fredericksburg, VA

Roxie Perryman

I’m Roxie Perryman and this is a true story and a prime example of a second chance in life. When all was said and done my journey wasn’t and hasn’t been so easy. I’ve never had anyone to stand by my side when things get tough and to show or prove that they cared about my wellbeing, or even to see me better myself to strive for the greater good. Not until I learned about an agency called “Virginia CARES” and the people who are behind this wonderful cause. I’ve never had that consistency in my life, and I didn’t think it existed until I was completely out of my good space and had lost myself back in 2022 wanting to die and could care less to live anymore for my 2 daughters that I live for and do right for since I became a mom in 2005. I’m 39 years old and for the ﬁrst time I became a convicted felon when I was 38 years old. Me catching charges to losing it all on what I had in such a short amount of time, I knew GOD was trying to tell me something, and getting in trouble with the law and going to jail with NO ONE and nothing by my side but Him and my family. And through the worst time in my life, He brought people like Mr. Marshall Williams and Mrs. Chrissy Anglin of Virginia Cares. They helped me get the start back to my life when I ﬁrst got out of jail and on probation trying to get all that I lost and needed to begin a fresh start. They showed compassion and honesty, and most of all kept their word to me on helping me in what they said they would help me with. I hold them near and dear to my heart and will always remember them and have a close but sincere professional bond with them as they are always commending me and checking up on me to see how I’m doing. They always make sure they keep in some type of contact with me if they go some time without contact with me. They genuinely care about “Roxie” without any kind of judgment or thinking negative about me. I have their support as I hope they know they have mine and will always recommend them to another person in need who could use their help. I can’t thank them enough for how they helped change my life for the better. I hope to continue to make them proud. As the saying goes If “I can do it, anyone can do it.” someone who has had EVERY LIFE STRUGGLE that has been thrown at them and getting knocked down to your lowest and thinking there is no coming back from it. I’m here to tell you that YOU CAN! Never give up, ﬁght your way back to the person you want to be in life, and even if you feel you’re by yourself at the time you need someone the most. Just know you went through what you encountered in that part of your journey, to ﬁnd those extra special and rare few people in this world, to be there to help you get back to where you want to be in your life.

THE ROSANA ANDERSON AWARD at the Annual Awards Banquet 2024

Christopher Snipes - People Inc. Abingdon, Virginia

My current role at People Inc. is Case Manager for VA CARES (Community Action Reentry System) program. I have been with People Inc. for 8 years. I assist formerly incarcerated individuals, try to help them overcome barriers to reentry into the community such as housing, employment, driver’s license, ID, family reunification, and restoration of rights. In 2001, hired by the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control as clerk and acting assistance manager. In 2004, received Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Who’s Who Among Students in Americas Junior Colleges, volunteered with local fire rescue and two town police departments. In 2005, hired as Detention Officer. Promotions to Team Lead, Corporal FTO, Sargent, DCJC General Instructor, OC Pepper Spray Instructor, Lieutenant and PREA Sexual Assault Investigator. In 2009, received Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and National Scholars Honor Society and two-time dean’s list, letter of recognition from Sheriff’s Department, letter of commendation from jail, and developed Employee Recognition Program. In 2016, I started work as an VA CARES Employment Specialist with People Inc. I would search for employers that were open to hiring formerly convicted individuals and if not, which charges they would not hire. Build relationships with potential employers, Educating and advocating benefits to hiring formerly incarcerated How to apply for job openings, and provide job readiness class. A short time later I was promoted to Case Manager. I have been trained in facilitation skills for ex-offenders, risk assessment, mental health and first aid, ROMA, volunteered for Employee Engagement Committee, Health and Safety Committee and representative to several reentry councils.

Christopher Snipes Case Manager - Virginia CARES - People Abingdon, VA.

THE LEGENDARY “TEDLICH” AWARD WINNER “23-24”

Shannon Lowery - New River Community Action - Radford, VA.

Born and raised amidst the picturesque landscapes of Giles County, Shannon Lowery embodies the spirit of community and dedication. A proud graduate of Giles High School, she embarked on an academic journey that led her to excel at Virginia Tech, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting with honors (Summa Cum Laude) in 1999. For over 15 years, Shannon has been a steadfast Program Coordinator at Causeway Community Action, where she serves as the compassionate face of the Virginia Cares Program. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others has earned her the prestigious VA Cares Site of the Year Award in both 2017 and 2023. Beyond her professional endeavors, Shannon's heart extends to various community initiatives, notably her involvement with the Down Syndrome Association of the New River Valley, inspired by her son Kam. As a devoted wife to Gary Lowery for 24 years, she shares a nurturing home with their two sons, Ty and Kam. In Shannon's eyes, every individual deserves the chance to rewrite their narrative. Her dedication to justice-involved clients stems from a profound belief in the transformative power of support and guidance. She passionately crafts personalized case plans, driven by the profound joy of witnessing her clients' triumphs as they embrace self-sufficiency and success.

Shannon Lowery

FY 23-24 Virtual Board Meetings

Schedule Board Meetings 2023 & 2024

Fiscal Year 2022-2023
April 20th, 2023
Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Annual Meeting: Election Officers:
October 26th, 2023
January 18th, 2024
April 18th, 2024

Cindy Martin Award

Virginia CARES Inc. has decided to honor a participant at each site with the Cindy Martin Award. Cindy was a former Executive Director of this agency and she was instrumental in making this agency the agency that it is today. Cindy was a champion of the cause of Virginia CARES Inc.

We decided that every site will choose a participant that they feel is the best participant in their program. This participant will be awarded the Cindy Martin Award. And out of the Recipients only ONE participant will receive the Lin Edlich Award at the YEAR 23-24 Statewide Banquet.

Cindy Martin Recipients for FY 2023-2024

Christopher Gatlin- Hampton Roads Community Action

Chase Irvin -Lynchburg Virginia Community Action

George Lewis-New River Community Action

David Bishop- People Incorporated of Abingdon, Virginia

Kyanna Johnson-People Incorporated of Fredericksburg, Virginia

Stacy Bohannon-Pittsylvania County Community Action

Carl Burch-Total-Action for Progress- Covington, Virginia

Aaminy Williams-WINGS Program Roanoke, Virginia

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL BANQUET 2024 STATEWIDE STAFF BANQUET AND AWARDS EVENT

Tickets are now available at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virginia-cares-annual-staff-recognition-banquet-tickets-850997044067?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Annual Banquet 2023 Awards, Awarded To

Tedlich Award Winner- Marshall Williams - People, Inc. Fredericksburg, VA

Marshall provides re-entry services for men and women coming out of incarceration who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. He works together with clients to identify barriers to a successful transition including, but not limited to Mental Health, Substance Disorder, Housing, and Employment. Marshall, network with many professional to find them the best recourses that would meet their needs.

Marshall, has received awards for the Unsung Hero from the Office of the Attorney General. Employee of the quarter for District 21 Probation and Parole, the Labor of Love Award from the Greater Prince William Coalition for Human Services, Hall of Change Award and Speaker of the Year from Falisafe Era . Appreciation Award for Commitment for Haynesville Correctional Institution.

Marshall, is a Deacon at Growth Church he married to his lovely wife Towanda who he has been married to for 25 years they have two beautiful daughters Nicole and grandson Nikko.

Marshall thank you for your Hard Work and Dedication to our Participants and Program!
Keep Up the Great Work!

VirginiaCARES Central Office

Lin Edlich Award Winner-Kayanna Johnson- People, Inc. Fredericksburg, VA

Kyanna, was released from prison on August 23rd, 2022. In 2008 I was arrested convicted and sentence to 15 years for robbery, I left behind my 2 year old daughter, during incarceration I had a lot of time to reflect on my life and my daughter. While incarcerated I completed several educational programs such as Business Software, Digital Imagery and Computer Literacy just to name a few. Kyanna, said that she can me more than a number to identify herself, so she made a plan to obtain her CDL and focus on parenting her daughter Harmony and taking life one day at a time.
The new chapter has been filled with amazing people and support. One of the first organizations that I encountered was People Inc. Chrissy was great, she was friendly and made me feel welcome, without any judgement. She put me in contact with WIOA Program, through these program I was able to obtain my CDL license and gain employment. Marshall and Chrissy were in constant contact with me to offer any help that I need. Sometimes they would call just to say HELLO.

I love MYLIFE!! I am Happy, Sober, Successful and Blessed! Most of all I am a mother to my daughter Harmony I am excited to see what the rest of my story looks like.

Thank you Kyanna for sharing your story with us; we wish you the best today and the days ahead we wish you WELL in all of your endeavors!

VirginiaCARES Central Office

Rosana Anderson Volunteer Award Winner- Devin Benson, TAP Roanoke, VA

Devin Benson, enrolled in VirginiaCARES program in January 2020. He has participating in Peer Group Support meetings every Tuesday since enrolling in the program. He has facilitated many Peer Group Session as well as helped participants with online applications for employment and helped them with their taxes.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your willingness to volunteer your time and dedication to our program.

Thank you Devin for doing a great job!
VirginiaCARES Central Office!