The Up Center's Winter Newsletter 2024

Our Journey

Continues...

The Up Center enters 2024 following a series of remarkable achievements, solidifying our commitment to serving our community and making a profound impact. With over 140 years of service, we are thrilled to share some of our successes made possible by your support.

The Up Center has proudly achieved the coveted 4-star rating with Charity Navigator. This recognition signifies our financial strength and stability and our dedication to responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

For over 140 years, we have been a steadfast resource, providing critical services and support to thousands of children, families and communities across Hampton Roads. Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and impact has been central to our mission. Receiving this 4-star rating from Charity Navigator reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in all that we do.

In 2023, The Up Center impacted more than 10,000 people in South Hampton Roads

Happy 2024!

I invite you to explore our latest accomplishments made possible by supporters like you. Stay tuned for even more exciting updates on our new office, our new programs, and our new partnerships.

President & CEO

OPERATIONAL

The Up Center has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023 through the prestigious Top Work Places program. This award honors the incredible team of professionals and volunteers who make The Up Center a welcoming, affirming, and empowering environment.

Our staff and supporters are the heartbeat of our organization, and this recognition reflects their passion, dedication, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the people we work with. We are immensely proud to be a place where people are not just employees but part of a close-knit family working together towards a common goal improving lives and outcomes for our community.

Last but certainly not least, The Up Center is honored to have received the Gold Award from Candid, formerly known as Guidestar. This award recognizes our transparency and commitment to sharing meaningful information about our impact, financial health, and governance.

We believe that transparency is key to building trust with our donors, supporters, and partners. The Gold Award demonstrates our commitment to providing clear and comprehensive data about our programs and finances, empowering our stakeholders to make informed decisions about their support.

As we celebrate these achievements, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our community, supporters, and dedicated team members who have made this journey possible. We look forward to another year of making a lasting impact, empowering lives, and building a stronger, more compassionate Hampton Roads.

MAKEAGIFT

Support the incredible work that The Up Center is doing in our community

We invite you to make a gift online. Your support enables us to continue serving those who rely on our programs and services, and together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Christina Slater, Sam Warren, Alyson Kershaw, Tina Gill, Lauren Rucker, Steve Kocen, Richelle Burney, Kati Calletto, Tristan Carter Warren

Swinging for a Cause...

D-BAT VIRGINIA BEACH SUPPORTS OUR SERVICE MEMBERS

In November 2023, D-Bat Virginia Beach, extended their support to our service members by holding a Veteran’s Day Hit-a-thon! D-Bat’s commitment to making a difference led to a partnership with The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic and Word of Honor Funds—organizations that play a pivotal role in improving the lives of our military families by providing mental health counseling and connections to other resources.

D-Bat Virginia Beach was presented a $10,000 check to both agencies. Their $20,000 donation exceeded their initial goal of $18,600, an amount that signifies the number of veterans who have taken their own lives in the past three years.

“It’s OK not to be OK,” emphasized Pat Stafford in an interview with WTKR. Stafford serves as the general manager at D-Bat Virginia Beach.

One of the goals of our clinic is to not only provide counseling, but also familyfriendly events that foster community within the military population out here.

— Ashli Hill to WKTR

That sentiment is at the heart of D-Bat’s mission to let our service members know that seeking help, speaking up, and getting the support they need are not signs of weakness but courageous acts of strength. The Up Center’s Cohen Military Family Clinic provides counseling and support services to veterans, service members and their families.

The Up Center extends our thanks to D-Bat Virginia Beach for their incredible support of our Military Family Clinic. When we come together as a community, we can raise funds and provide much-needed support system for our service members and their families.

Thank you, D-Bat Virginia Beach, for swinging for a cause that truly matters.

(pictured left to right)

Cory Alexander (D-BAT), Ashlee Hill (Cohen Clinic at The Up Center), Tina Gill, Pat Stafford (D-BAT), Craig Colucci (D-BAT), Brian Singer (Word of Honor Fund), Kara Stafford (D-BAT)

Giving Thanks...

COMMUNITY AND COMPASSION

The Up Center is grateful for the outpouring of support and generosity experienced during its 2023 Thanksgiving Food Drive. This annual event, led by our Outpatient Mental Health Counseling team and made possible through the support of Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation and Winfield Farms, was a resounding success, providing meals to approximately 175 families in our community.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation has donated over $18,000 to The Up Center’s Thanksgiving food drive since 2014.

Thank you

Food Lion Feeds and Winfield Farms

THE COHEN CLINIC MEETING ADDITIONAL REQUESTS

Winfield Farms

Supporting our Heroes...

GEICO’S GENEROUS DONATION OF DEPLOYMENT KITS

At The Up Center, we are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated partners who share our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of our community. GEICO’s partnership with The Up Center recently led to a donation of over 100 deployment kits for our active-duty clients at The Steven A. Cohen Clinic at The Up Center.

100 DEPLOYMENT KITS FOR OUR ACTIVE DUTY CLIENTS

GEICO volunteers put together these kits to support men and women in uniform as they embark on their deployments, providing them with essential items and a piece of home to carry with them.

Because of the popularity of these deployment kits, the Cohen Clinic at The Up Center received requests for more. Our staff put together more kits for many deploying military members in our local community.

Our partners at GEICO donated $5,000 to The Up Center to secure supplies for the kits and the broader range of services and programs offered by the Cohen Clinic.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to GEICO for their steadfast partnership and their support of our active duty clients. Their generosity made a significant difference in the lives of those who serve our nation. We also thank GEICO for their past support of The Up Center’s Annual fundraiser, Step Up.

Celebrating Togetherness,Joy, and Giving...

THE UP CENTER’S HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY PARTIES

During the 2023 holiday season, The Up Center celebrated with clients in our various programs, creating unforgettable moments for families, children, staff and volunteers.

FOSTER CARE HOLIDAY PARTY

A MAGICAL DAY THANKS TO ATLANTIC BAY MORTGAGE

The Foster Care Holiday Party, a highlight of our holidays, was made possible by the incredible support of Atlantic Bay Mortgage. Held at the Norfolk State University Student Center, this event provided a winter wonderland for the kids.

This year, the Foster Care Holiday Party brought joy to more than 20 families, reminding us all of the power of coming together and making the holiday season brighter for children in this important program. An appearance by Santa, along with toys, activities, and treats and filled the room with smiles and laughter. The Up Center appreciates the ongoing support from Atlantic Bay Mortgage to our Foster Care Program and for making this event possible.

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND HOME VISITING (ECHV) A LLAMA PAJAMA PARTY

In December, infants, toddler and their families gathered to celebrate the holidays together wearing their favorite pajamas! The children were treated to an array of delightful surprises, including a photo booth, story time, gifts, games, and sweet treats.

The Up Center extends its appreciation to our employees and to an anonymous donor for making the ECHV Holiday Party a joyful experience for these young families.

TEAM UP MENTORING HOLIDAY PARTY A PAJAMA JAM TO REMEMBER

Team Up Mentoring also joined in on the holiday festivities with their own unique twist. The Holiday Pajama Jam was a hit, thanks to the generous support from community partners, including Aramark, Old Dominion University, an anonymous donor and our employees from The Up Center.

Everyone donned their coziest pajamas for a night of games, delicious food, cookie decorating, and well-deserved recognition for our youth's accomplishments. Team Up's Holiday Jam was a joyful opportunity for mentors and mentees to come together, strengthen their bonds, and create lasting memories.

Thank

EmpoweringforFathersStronger Families

The Up Center is excited about a new initiative in our Prevention Services Dad2Dads. This fatherhood program, made possible through the generous support of the Anthem Foundation, is designed to provide essential services for fathers and father figures, and the best part is that these services are entirely FREE.

The Dad2Dads program is an essential part of The Up Center’s Early Childhood Home Visiting and new parent support hub, a one-stop resource for addressing the diverse needs of families in our community. This program provides a safe and supportive space for fathers and father figures to learn more about the critical role they play within the family.

KEY GOALS

Increased Awareness

Promoting Positive ParentChild Interaction Strategies

Birth Preparation and Advocacy

Mental Health and Coping Strategies

Whether you’re an expecting or new father, a father figure, or simply someone looking to connect and learn with other dads, Dad2Dads has something to offer:

Dads under Construction

A group designed for expecting and new fathers.

Dad2Dads

A support group specifically for fathers and father figures.

Coach’s Corner

One-on-one parent coaching and connections to community resources.

Dad2Dads recognizes and celebrates the value fathers bring to their families. Our father-centered approach allows us to meet fathers where they are, support them in understanding their critical role, provide valuable resources, and create opportunities for them to be actively involved in their children’s lives. Are you interested in getting involved with Dad2Dads or learning more about our program? Please contact our team at dads@theupcenter.org.

PromotingDiversity,Equity, and Inclusion

TEAM UP MENTORING’S EQUALITY CAMP 2024

Team Up Mentoring recently hosted their second annual Equality Camp 2024 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Portsmouth, VA. This event champions the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

The Equality Camp, which occurred on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, stands as a day-long celebration of EDI principles. It’s not just a camp; it’s a powerful educational experience designed to foster a deep understanding of the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our society. In January, the camp had 20 participants, ranging in age from 5 to 17.

Jessica Simmons, Program Manager at Team Up, expressed her admiration for the young attendees, saying, “[The youth] were so knowledgeable about celebrating diversity, treating everyone with respect regardless of gender, culture, and race, and all about the important foundational work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

Beyond the Equality Camp, Team Up Mentoring has been making a significant impact in the community. In 2023, they successfully paired more than 130 mentees with mentors, including 58 new matches.

INTERESTED?

Learn more about Team Up Mentoring or enrolling in the program at: theupcenter.org/team-up

IN 2018, THE UP CENTER MADE THIS COMMITMENT TO EDI:

We aim to live in a world where society and its systems are characterized by justice, fairness, and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual can participate and reach their full potential. We acknowledge challenges posed by systemic and institutional inequities, and recognize them as significant barriers for individuals and communities striving to reach their full potential.