VOACC Contact: Nicholle Granger
ngranger@voaches.org
VOACC Contact: Rev. Jules Christian
jchristian@voaches.org
March 6, 2025 | Chesapeake, VA
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Bridging the Gap Colloquium. This event will take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4 PM to 9 PM at the Joynes Road Church of God in Hampton, VA. The colloquium is a free event designed to bring together community members, leaders, and advocates to engage in meaningful discussions about the social challenges impacting the Tidewater Region. It will also explore the role that faith and community can play in developing impactful solutions.
We are excited to have Hampton City Vice Mayor Steven Brown and Newport News City Councilwoman Tina Vick as this year’s keynote speakers. Their participation will foster dialogue, raise awareness, and promote collaboration on the following pressing social issues:
- Access to Care
- Mental Health & Substance Use
- Violence
- Human Trafficking
- Isms & Othering in Communities of Faith
- Generational Divides
- Overcoming Poverty Through Entrepreneurship
The Bridging the Gap Colloquium is made possible in partnership with Hampton University, Virginia Peninsula College, HTJFI Legal Services for Human Trafficking, Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Church of God Virginia, Truist Bank, Zion Church and Christopher Newport University. By providing a platform for open conversation, we seek to create a space for understanding, empathy, and community-driven solutions.
“If ever there was a time to be bridge builders of hope, it is now. The societal issues we face are serious and seem insurmountable. As we work together, I am confident we can bridge the gap to eliminate poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, violence, and more. These are the challenges we see in our communities daily. This colloquium is a must-attend for compassionate and socially conscious individuals who believe that a three-fold cord is not easily broken.”
Vice Mayor Steven Brown, Hampton City
“As a City Councilwoman of Newport News, I am honored to be a speaker at Volunteers of America’s Colloquium. I look forward to the transformative workshops and services that Volunteers of America will bring to our community, enriching and enhancing lives.”
Councilwoman Tina L. Vick, City of Newport News
Why Attend?
The Bridging the Gap Colloquium offers a unique opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and contribute to the discourse surrounding social challenges impacting the Tidewater Region and beyond. Attendees will have the chance to hear from experts, share experiences, and explore collaborative initiatives that go beyond conventional responses.
Key Features:
Prizes
Insightful panel discussions
Musical performances
Engaging community dialogues
Networking opportunities with local leaders and advocates
Resource sharing
Complimentary dinner
Vice Mayor Steven Brown, Hampton City
“It is the call from God that we bridge the gap and do our part to make a difference! VOACC’s Bridging the Gap Colloquium is an opportunity for you to be inspired and obtain the tools needed to better our community!”
Councilwoman Tina L. Vick, City of Newport News
In addition to attending, community members are encouraged to volunteer and donate to the colloquium. All donations will support VOACC’s crisis ministry services.
To learn more about the Bridging the Gap Colloquium, register, volunteer, or make a donation, visit www.voachesapeake.org/btg.
About Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (“VOACC”) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire self-reliance, dignity, and hope through housing, health and human services.
At VOACC, we have been helping to create Healthy Communities for All for over 128 years by aligning housing, health and human services. We actively pursue health equity by filling the gap in housing and care for underserved populations, including those who are experiencing homelessness, low-income, underinsured or uninsured, justice-involved and veterans. By offering integrated housing and care, we address the social determinants that impact the long-term stability for those in need.
Through a dedicated team of management, staff and volunteers who are guided by our Core Values – Visionary, One Body, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Faith – we are the safety net for thousands of men, women and children each year across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the Carolinas. We operate over 49 programs focused on 8 areas of service: homeless services, affordable housing, mental health, substance use recovery, intellectual/developmental disabilities services, community re-entry, veteran services and workforce development.
VOACC has over 900 staff members and more than 2,000 volunteers. The organization helps over 11,700 individuals and families every year from Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. For more information on VOACC, please visit www.voachesapeake.org.