August 2024

Update on Our Path out of Poverty Initiative

We are nearing the launch of two incredible Path Out of Poverty initiatives in The Hub and The Academy.  We welcome your involvement!

Opportunities to Serve Through The Hub:

Our community help desk, The Hub, is making remarkable progress thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers. This innovative program aims to meet immediate needs and provide lifelong skills to promote a path out of poverty. We are excited to announce that Phase One of The Hub will launch on October 1st, 2024, and multiple volunteer opportunities are now available.

If you are interested in learning more about The Hub and how we are connecting those in need to community partners.  Please email Chip Measells at chip@thepointva.com. A member of the team would be glad to call you to discuss The Hub and the opportunities to serve in the following roles:

The Hub Connector Volunteer Role:  Join our Path Out of Poverty within The Hub initiative at The Point as a Connector, providing direct support to individuals in need. In this role, you will guide individuals to resources for immediate and urgent needs, such as shelter or food. You will connect with individuals requesting assistance, assess their needs using provided guidelines and technology, and ensure they receive the appropriate support by leveraging the hub to connect them with community organizations positioned to support their needs.  Extensive training to prepare you for this role will be provided.

The Hub Community Partner Liason Volunteer Role: A large part of The Hub is working through other not-for-profit organizations that are doing amazing work in the community. We are looking for volunteers to build relationships with a handful of community partners and support our Connectors as they recommend participants of The Hub for potential services.  If you have a talent of networking, this would be a great opportunity to use your gifts to make an impact in the community.  We are looking for a person to support clothing/material goods and one for employment services.

The Hub Admin Volunteer Role:  There are several administrative opportunities to serve through The Hub. If you have the gift of administration and are interested in supporting our other volunteers at The Hub, contact Chip Measells at chip@thepointva.com - a member of the team will reach out to you.


OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER AT THE ACADEMY

For You Networkers: Join The Academy’s Street Team
Are you a connector and networker in the community? Join our Street Team for The Academy and help spread hope and opportunity throughout our community! By engaging with local residents and businesses, you can make a lasting impact, empowering individuals with the tools they need to achieve financial independence. We are building Street Teams at each of our campuses.  Contact us at theacademy@thepointva.com to be a part of this transformative initiative.

Be a Classroom Host for The Academy

Do you have the gift of hospitality and service? Do you enjoy making people feel welcome? Join us in bringing The Point's next-level hospitality to The Academy by being the host for classes at our locations in Charlottesville, Louisa, and Waynesboro, ensuring our students feel welcomed and cared for. Contact us at theacademy@thepointva.com to be a part of this transformative initiative.

More Updates From The Academy:  Classes Starting September 24th!

We are thrilled to announce that The Academy will begin classes on September 24th. These classes will run each Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM for ten weeks, with a break during the week of Thanksgiving. To show our appreciation for the front-line work they do in the community, we are offering The Academy to educators, first responders, and employees of non-profit organizations. This is a unique opportunity for us to learn and grow together, strengthening our community bonds and enhancing our skills.

Open to The Point Community

In addition to the groups mentioned above, we want to extend this opportunity to anyone who calls The Point their home. This is your chance to experience The Academy firsthand, become a graduate ambassador, and launch your own business or side hustle. The classes are limited to those 18 and older; however, we will have classes for students in the spring.

Locations and Addresses

Classes will be conveniently held at multiple locations to accommodate our growing community:

  • Mt. Zion's First African Baptist Church in Charlottesville - 105 Lankford Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22902  

  • Our Louisa Campus in Louisa - 406 E. Main Street, Louisa, VA 23093

  • The Rise Organization in Waynesboro - 1320 Ohio Street, #D Waynesboro, VA 22908

Volunteer Opportunities Available

We also have several volunteer spots available for those who wish to support The Academy. Your involvement as a volunteer can make a tremendous impact, and we encourage you to consider this rewarding opportunity.

Sign Up Today

Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to sign up today to secure your spot. If you or someone you know is interested in joining The Academy or volunteering, please visit www.thepointva.com/theacademy to register.

Your participation and enthusiasm can make a significant difference.

Blessings,

Chip Measells

Executive Director