welcome to the Incoming Executive Director,
Mr. William "Anthony" West
Anthony West
Executive Director
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Message from: Mr. William "Anthony" West
Greetings all. Ann Fisher, our current Executive Director, will be retiring at the end of June. Upon her retirement, I was blessed and selected by our Board of Directors to become the new Executive Director of this great agency! As I am stepping into the role of Executive Director of Virginia CARES Inc., July 1st. I wanted to reach out to each one of you. My leadership and vision for the agency is different from that of past leadership. My vision is to see the agency grow and expand, providing more reentry services to unserved areas throughout the Commonwealth. Every area deserves to have resources available to assist the many returning citizens that are being released into those areas. I know this is not an overnight matter and it will take time. But I feel with the right group of people working together on the common goal of making sure that every returning citizen has a chance for a successful transition, it could be done. It has been a pleasure working with you all in my capacity as the Deputy Director, and I look forward to continuing our work as the new Executive Director. I appreciate all that everyone has done to assist me, the staff, and the agency. And rest assured, that my level of support and dedication to this agency will not change. I am here! Sincerely, Anthony |
Incoming Deputy Director - Aisha Bailey
Aisha Bailey
Deputy Director
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Message from Aisha Bailey - Deputy Director
I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to step into this new position as the Deputy Director for the Virginia Cares Statewide Program. Although I’m not new to the Team and have been dedicated and committed to the Vision/Mission of Virginia Cares for 19 ½ years. I’ve respectfully and humbly accepted this promotion to Deputy Director at the Virginia Cares Central Office, effective July 1, 2025. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this new role, and I am excited to contribute to the team at this new capacity. I want to thank Anthony West, the Board of Directors, and the Cares Team for believing in me, and I am grateful for their support and guidance, which have been instrumental in my growth and development throughout the years. In my new role, I look forward to building on the Vision, Mission, and Growth of Virginia CARES. A future where everyone has the chance to thrive, with access to resources and opportunities. A second Chance. I want to build on and continue to provide our staff with the access, support, resources, and tools to make the Program a success. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to the team, and I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you again for your support, and I am looking forward to working with you all in this new role. Best regards, Aisha Bailey |
Growing up as an only child in Richmond, Virginia, Kemba Smith graduated high school and continued her education at the prestigious Hampton University.
What happened to Kemba in her new campus environment was a nightmare, and led to a 24.5-year sentence in a federal prison.
Her case drew national attention and support from organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and after serving 6.5 years, President Bill Clinton granted her clemency in 2000. Since then, Kemba has become an author, public speaker, and advocate for criminal justice reform.
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Ann Fisher
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Ann Fisher, the Executive Director of the Virginia CARES Statewide Reentry Agency, is saying goodbye after 29 1/2 years of loyal hard work and dedication to the Program. She will be dearly missed. May your days ahead be filled with happiness health and new adventures.
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Happy Retirement!
Statement from Ann Fisher
As we begin to close out the final few months of this fiscal year, the community action world is faced with uncertainty. But, as has been done many times in the past, community action will find a way to not only survive but continue to serve those less fortunate. It is important to take note that the individuals we serve often have nowhere else to turn, no one else to look to. But each and every time, the staff of Virginia CARES has risen to the occasion. We work with our program participants with love and compassion. We put some measure of comfort and hope back into lives once thought hopeless. We give dignity, courage and strength back to those who thought they might never have it again. We show them they deserve the respect we give them.
As I begin to close out the final few months of my career with Virginia CARES, I am proud to have worked beside the staff across the state. Each one of you has left an indelible print on my life. Not unlike our participants, I have learned something from each of you. Your strength and resilience are the hope for the Virginia CARES of the future. I have no doubt that the CARES star will shine brightly under the direction of the new Executive Director, Anthony West, and his team. I am proud to have known everyone connected with this life-changing program and count my life well-lived for my time with it.
Effective June 30, 2025, after 29-1/2 years of service with Virginia CARES, I will retire and Anthony West will take the helm. All I can say is, thank you, I love you all, and hang on tight to the shooting star that is your new director! 😊
"A person who has courage and faith will never die in misery". Anne Frank
Ann M. Fisher
As we begin to close out the final few months of this fiscal year, the community action world is faced with uncertainty. But, as has been done many times in the past, community action will find a way to not only survive but continue to serve those less fortunate. It is important to take note that the individuals we serve often have nowhere else to turn, no one else to look to. But each and every time, the staff of Virginia CARES has risen to the occasion. We work with our program participants with love and compassion. We put some measure of comfort and hope back into lives once thought hopeless. We give dignity, courage and strength back to those who thought they might never have it again. We show them they deserve the respect we give them.
As I begin to close out the final few months of my career with Virginia CARES, I am proud to have worked beside the staff across the state. Each one of you has left an indelible print on my life. Not unlike our participants, I have learned something from each of you. Your strength and resilience are the hope for the Virginia CARES of the future. I have no doubt that the CARES star will shine brightly under the direction of the new Executive Director, Anthony West, and his team. I am proud to have known everyone connected with this life-changing program and count my life well-lived for my time with it.
Effective June 30, 2025, after 29-1/2 years of service with Virginia CARES, I will retire and Anthony West will take the helm. All I can say is, thank you, I love you all, and hang on tight to the shooting star that is your new director! 😊
"A person who has courage and faith will never die in misery". Anne Frank
Ann M. Fisher
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It is Community Action Month!
The 60th anniversary of community action will be front and center this month as we celebrate National Community Action Month. Take this opportunity to, not only educate the public about community action, but also amplify the incredible work your agency is doing in your region. As we kick off the month, join your fellow community action agencies and partners:
• Today, May 1, join your colleagues by reciting the Promise of Community Action on social media.
• Join the 60th anniversary campaign by sharing the 60th anniversary logo on your website, social media sites, and on your email footer. More social media graphics and images
• Advocate for community action by sharing agency success stories on social media, inviting elected officials to visit your agency, submit an op-ed to your local newspaper. More.
• Make a short video telling the world "What Community Action Means to Your Agency," post on your own social media platforms, and share to [email protected] so that we can share widely.
• Utilize the Community Action Month Toolkit and the 60th Anniversary Toolkit for ideas and resources. Take note of the 2024 Community Action Calendar below as you plan your messaging throughout the month.
Donald Jones
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Don Jones
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Note from Don Jones:
Hello all! When I was asked to write something for our newsletter, I was struck with how fast 19 plus years
(almost 20) have gone by. I have truly enjoyed working for VA Cares and the opportunity to work with the Central Office and Statewide staff and Board members over the years.
While I look forward to my retirement, I will miss the family and team spirit of the many friendships I have developed.
Thank you for all you have done to continue the mission to help give second chances to those who need re-entry services, as well as your vital work and growth in serving Community Action in Virginia.
Hello all! When I was asked to write something for our newsletter, I was struck with how fast 19 plus years
(almost 20) have gone by. I have truly enjoyed working for VA Cares and the opportunity to work with the Central Office and Statewide staff and Board members over the years.
While I look forward to my retirement, I will miss the family and team spirit of the many friendships I have developed.
Thank you for all you have done to continue the mission to help give second chances to those who need re-entry services, as well as your vital work and growth in serving Community Action in Virginia.