programs & services
welcome
Red Cross
Avalon
The Red Cross holds several area blood drives throughout the year. The Bloodmobile often parks at shopping or business locations for convenience. To find out how to give the gift of life, call the Colonial Virginia chapter of the Red Cross, 253-0228 or visit http://cvc.redcross.org or visit www.givelife.org.
Avalon: A Center for Women and Children provides care to women and children looking to escape abusive environments. Avalon’s mission is commitment to intervention in and reducing the incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault. Call the Avalon 24-hour helpline at 258-5051. Avalon has downloadable brochures, safety plans and resources online. Visit www.avaloncenter.org. Avalon can use donations and volunteers. To help or donate, call 2585022. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800 7997233.
NAMI The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Williamsburg Area is a support, education and advocacy organization for and by individuals with serious mental illness. The affiliate is dedicated to improving the quality of life and attaining the highest potential of recovery for people with brain disorders, including schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. Support groups meet each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Educational programs and special events are also offered. For more information, call 220-8535 or visit www.namiwilliamsburgarea.org.
Relay for Life The annual event is held in May at Jamestown High School. It is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, with proceeds benefiting cancer research. The event draws hundreds of cancer survivors and those whose lives have been touched by the disease in some way. It is a wonderful way to honor or remember those who have been faced with the disease. Visit www.relayforlife.org to find out more or to start or join a team.
Early Childhood Music Early Childhood Music School of Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Rd., is available to children, ages 2 months through 7 years and also offers adult keyboard classes. Children’s natural musical instincts are nurtured through a balanced program of singing, chanting, focused listening, playing instruments and movement. Two five-day summer sessions are available in June and July. The next two-semester program begins in September. Call Cindy Freeman, director, at 229-1771, ext. 108 or visit www.williamsburgumc.org for times and fees.
K-9 Connection K-9 Connection Pet Therapy dogs often visit Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and other facilities. The animals enhance the emotional well-being of those they visit through unconditional love and can help cheer those who are hospitalized. Dogs and their owners receive special training and are certified in pet therapy. Visit www.k9connectionwmbg.org for more information. 48
CDR Child Development Resources provides services to young children and families and training and technical assistance for the professionals who serve them. Each year the Bid n’ Buy Auction raises money for the worthwhile cause. The auction features hundreds of items up for bid, and people can walk away with great bargains, all for a wonderful cause. It is held at Lafayette High. The tentative date for 2013 is March 17. Call Child Development Resources at 566-3300 or visit www.cdr.org
Arc of Williamsburg The Arc of Greater Williamsburg provides support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through educational, life and job skills, health and wellness, and social and recreational opportunities. The Arc has served young adults to senior citizens in the community for 35 years. Volunteers are always needed. Call 229-3535, e-mail info@thearcw.org or visit www. thearcgw.org.
Tourism Alliance The Greater Williamsburg Area Chamber & Tourism Alliance is a group of business people united to enhance, promote and serve the local business community. There is an array of benefits worthy of a business joining and remaining a member. Chamber & Tourism Alliance networking groups provide members a direct opportunity for networking to share ideas, contacts and a continuing source for referrals for their businesses. Call 229-6511 or visit www.williamsburgcc.com/ The chamber gallery also houses an art gallery, which changes regularly. It features the work of Alliance artist members. TREASURES 2012