GET INVOLVED

 

Visit www.HanoverVolunteers.org to view an array of volunteer opportunities within county departments and throughout the Greater Richmond area. Here are just a few local opportunities…

Do Your Part! Honor an Outstanding Volunteer!

Hanover's annual Spirit of Volunteerism Award Nomination process is now OPEN.  Share  your stories of outstanding volunteers within one of 8 categories.  Hanover will honor all nominees at the Countywide Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration this spring. Award recipients will be announced at this free event of music food and more.  In addition to receiving an engraved award, each selected award recipient within each category will be further recognized with a contribution of up to $300 made in their honor to the organization or program for which they have volunteered.  Award categories recognize Youth, Youth Groups, Adults, Senior Citizens, Adult Groups, Long-Serving Volunteers, Families and Community Minded businesses.  Deadline for nominations is March 16th.  To review the nomination packet and submit you-- nomination, visit www.hanovervolunteers.org  or call us at 804-365-4300.

Hanover 300th Birthday Committee Seeking Event Sponsorships

Help support Hanover's tri-centennial celebrations. Visit the county's 300th Birthday webpage.  Several signature events will take place throughout 2020, including Patrick Henry's Scotchtown on May 30, 2020; Strawberry Faire on June 6, 2020; Tomato Festival on July 11, 2020 and Hanover Courthouse October 17, 2020 which will include an official opening of Hanover's Museum of History and Culture.

Congratulations to Local "History Maker"
Mechanicsville resident and long time volunteer, Charlie Rasnick was recently chosen as one of six Richmond History Makers, nominated for his impact in the region related to "Improving Regional Transportation".  All honorees will be celebrated at a ticketed event on March 10.  For more information visit RHM2020.event.brite.com or call 804-649-0711 ext. 339.

 Community: Henry Clay Elementary-Adult Mentors

A little time can make a big difference.  Caring adults can a positive connection for a elementary school students. Each mentor is matched with a particular students and commits to spending approximately 30 minutes per week during the student's lunch period ( times range from 10:30 to 1:00 pm. Mentors often read or play board games or just talk and listen.  For more information contact Paula Drumheller at [email protected] or call 804-365-8120, or complete a volunteer application at www.hcps.us/community/get_involved   

Community: Night To Shine Prom-Volunteers/Buddies
The Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine Prom will be held at Richmond's Altria Theater on Saturday March 14th.  It is a magnificent night of celebration, laughter and fun.  Over 1,200 people will share in the fun.  Please consider volunteering as a buddy paired with a guest with disabilities for the night.  Buddies need to be 16 and over.  You will receive training and support in the evening.  Contact Clint Dowda at [email protected]  or call 814-7433.  Register to volunteer here  Night to Shine . 

Community: Hanover County Young Life Capernaum   Young Life Capernaum   gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities.  Join in as a friend (middle or high school student with disabilities) or as a buddy (Middle school age and up).  Contact Jen Dowda, Capernaum Coordinator for more details at [email protected]  or 804-852-5366
 
Community: Hanover Habitat-Mid Day Crew
Despite the chill of Winter,  volunteers are needed to continue the work of making dreams come true as the mid-day work crews.  Construction continues despite the cold.  To offer  your help visit https://www.hanoverhfh.org/volunteer-opportunities/ .

Community: Hanover Senior Rides - Volunteer Driver

This program provides limited transportation to residents over 60 or persons with disabilities who do not have the resources to obtain their own transportation to doctors or other daily activities such as grocery shopping. Volunteer drivers are well screened and trained. They may select the schedules (individual rides) that they drive. Volunteers use their own vehicles but insurance coverage is provided. To volunteer to transport residents of Mechanicsville Area call 804-357-9360; to volunteer to transport in Ashland/Central and Western area call 804-543-6115.


JOB POST

   US Census Positions- The US government is currently seeking applicants for Census taker positions with starting salaries of  $19/hr and mileage.  Must be 18 or older.  Apply on line at  www.2020census.gov  or call 1-855-562-2020. 

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Hanover DASH

Hanover County now offers specialized transportation services for persons 60 and over and for persons with a short term or long term disability. Riders pay a co-pay of $6 for one way trip.  Transportation offers on demand service,  those needing a wheelchair accessible vehicle are asked to book with at least 24 hour notice to ensure coverage.  Qualifying trips include medical appointments, grocery shopping, banking, trips to Hanover county government buildings and trips to formal social/recreational programs within Hanover county and 7 mile boundary beyond the county border.  Service is also available to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA facility. To complete an application or view the program details visit www.HanoverDASH.org or call 804-365-3274. 

This service is funded by a Federal / State grant from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and local funds. Service is contracted with Roundtrip health transportation.

Census 2020

Once every decade the federal government conducts a census of the entire population to count everyone in the United States and record basic information. It is estimated that local communities could gain as much as $2,000 per individual counted during census as result of federal and other funding determinations.

Notifications will be mailed to households beginning in March 12th.  Plans are also in place to count residents of group settings and homeless populations.

Toolkits and fact sheets are available at www.2020census.gov .  All resources are available in multiple languages.  Outreach events/strategies are encouraged for dates such as "Census Sabbath" March 27-29th, designed to engage the faith community in educating members about the importance of the process; and Census Day April 1st--another national day of awareness to encourage participation. 

Households may respond by calling the phone number listed on the mailer, responding on line or by using the paper form.  NO ONE SHOULD COME TO YOUR DOOR IF YOU SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSES BY ONE OF THESE METHODS. 

Questions may be directed to the Regional Office in Richmond at 804-799-6410 or the National Census Information Center at 1-800-923-8282.

Have Questions About The Coronavirus or COVID-19?

Get your information directly from the national Center for Disease Control. Visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19 . Information is also available at the Hanover Health Department 804-365-4313 .

Free Tax Prep Assistance

On Tuesday evenings from February 4  through April 7, the Hanover County Department of Social Services is offering free help with tax returns for qualified individuals and families. This program is offered through United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. To be eligible to receive the assistance, income cannot exceed $56,000. You must bring the following: original W-2’s, Social Security Card, dependent Social Security Card, photo identification, and any original tax documents regarding Affordable Health Care - Form 1095 A.  When married filing jointly, your spouse must be present.
The Hanover Department of Social Services is a United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site, staffed by IRS-certified volunteers and located at 12304 Washington Highway Ashland, VA 23005. The tax preparation services are available beginning at 5 p.m. on a walk-in basis. Services are first-come, first-served. For more information, call 365-6646.

Social Services  Crisis Assistance

Applications for Crisis Assistance ends March 15th, based upon availability of funds.  This assistance is intended to assist with emergency heating needs when no other resources are available. It is a one time only service for heating security deposit; and/or heating equipment repair or purchase. Income guidelines must also be met. Applications will be available at social services offices, or at the Virginia CommonHelp website.  Applicants may also receive assistance to apply by calling 855-635-4370.

Immunizations and Shingles Shots

 The Hanover Health Department provides immunizations by appointment. All school required and recommended vaccines for children as well as all recommended vaccines for adults are available. The Health Department currently has the new Shingles vaccines for adults 50 years and older.  The flu vaccine is still available for anyone ages 6 months and older. Vaccines are available for those with or without health insurance. If you have any immunization or vaccine related questions, please call the Nurse Supervisor, Carolyn Garcia: 804-365-4326.
To schedule a vaccination appointment, please call the front desk: 804-365-4313. Appointments are available every Wednesday afternoon as well as every 1st and 3rd Tuesday morning.

 
Hanover Human Services Network Meeting

 The next meeting of the Hanover Human Services Network will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 3pm to 5pm at the large conference room of the Hanover Human Services Complex. This quarterly meeting allows an opportunity for human service agencies, faith community and local government programs to come together to network, provide program updates and collaborate with the goal of partnership and strengthening of human service delivery for Hanover residents.  We with have a presentation by a representative of the 2020 Census and a presentation by a local organization  on the use of Aunt Bertha resource directory as a case management tool. There will be opportunity for local service programs to provide roundtable updates as well.  RSVP to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HanNetwrk422020

Senior Connections Benefit Enrollment Center

This new program is available to persons receiving Medicare and designed to assist with application processes for benefits such as SNAP; Cooling Assistance and others.  Call 343-3000 to make an appointment.  

Community Events
 

Finding Value In Your Prime Active Aging Event

Hanover Council on Aging, Hanover County Sheriff's Office, AARP, Ashland Police Department, Hanover Triad and Hanover County Parks and Recreation will be hosting Hanover’s 5th Annual Finding Value in Your Prime, Hanover’s Active Aging Event . This fee event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm at Mechanicsville Baptist Church, 8016 Atlee Road.
Participants will enjoy complimentary morning coffee and lunch, presentations and opportunities to meet representatives from local agencies and businesses that promote active lifestyles and positive aging. Again this year, appraisers will be offering free appraisals of small table top sized items or jewelry.  There will be a limit of two items per senior attendee.
The organizing committee would like your help to invite and recognize residents of Hanover County who are 90 years young or above, particularly 100 years … and above!!
If you are 90 years and above, please register by calling the Hanover County Department of Community Resources at 804-365-4300.
Register by visiting www.hanoverparksrec.com and typing “Finding Value” into the Filter box on the left. Select “Event Attendee” and follow the website’s directions from there. Please register by Thursday, April 9th.  
Vendor table registrations can also be found at the above link.  Limited Event Sponsorships are also still available by calling Susan Richards at 804- 365-4300.


YOU ARE INVITED to SAVE THE DATE.... May 5, 2020

What are we celebrating?  Hanover's annual Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration of course!  Join us from 7pm to 8:30pm at LEE-DAVIS High School. This free event is open to the community to celebrate all of Hanover's active volunteers serving in our places of worship, schools, nonprofit agencies, civic clubs and government based programs. As always the program will include live music, entertainment, presentations, awards and light reception. Watch for more details coming soon. 

Hanover Senior Law Day 
The Hanover Council on Aging is partnering with Senior Connections and Williams Mullen to provide free preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Advanced Directives for persons over 55 or those with a disability.  Individuals or couples must meet low- income guidelines  (1 person household: $2,792/month or less; 2 person household: $3,782/month or less).  Appointments are limited to 16 persons. All participants must complete and submit preliminary documents to Senior Connections in order for paperwork to be prepared prior to the event date on May 14th. Participants will be notified of the exact appointment time and location in Ashland area. (1 hour appointments will be scheduled from 1-3pm).  
Similar sessions are being offered throughout the Greater Richmond Area.  Senior Connections will provide details on options. Interested parties must contact Pat Giesen with Senior Connections at 804-343-3059 or email [email protected]  for registration forms.

Be A Part of YEAH (Youth Engagement Advocates of Hanover)

Hanover Community Resources is convening a new coalition or collective impact group to bring together adult leaders who are engaged in youth programming across our county.  The goal is to share resources, network, identify and enhance programming and services to youth of all ages. The next YEAH meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, from 10:30 to Noon at the Mechanicsville Library.  For more information contact Kristina Yager at [email protected] or call 804-365-4180.