After years of difficulty trying to start a family, Karl and Stefanie Smith were overjoyed to hear that Stefanie was pregnant with twins. From the beginning, Stefanie’s pregnancy was followed carefully, with many visits to the perinatologist for ultrasounds and…
“Mommy, that man on the corner is homeless. Can we help him?” It is common for children to be curious about homelessness and panhandlers, as it can be hard to imagine that someone does not have a permanent place to…
When most Virginia citizens think of Richmond, they associate the capital city with the bright lights of downtown, amazing restaurants, vibrant arts, rich history, and an abundance of energy fueled by a diverse culture. Richmond’s parks, community gardens, and shared…
Picture this: You have finally, after months of worry and stress and hurt feelings, moved your aging mother into an assisted living facility. It has been a long road, but it’s really the best thing for her health and well-being.…
Veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and former president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Hugh Keogh graduated from UVA on an ROTC scholarship. Following a 7-year tour with the Navy, he earned his master’s degree in mass communications from VCU on…
What do you picture when you think of litter? Crumpled cups, plastic shopping bags, a candy bar wrapper maybe? While many people don’t consider cigarette butts a big deal or a significant part of litter, according to Mike Baum,…
Bina Shah is a mom, a real estate agent, a member of the India Association, and a supporter of the Community Idea Stations. When she came to America with her husband and young daughter more than three decades ago, she…
When 5-year-old twins, Trevor and Lucy, along with their older brother Jordan, lay down at night, there are smiles on their faces and a shared feeling of comfort that they haven’t had in a long time. Life hasn’t been easy…
Your child, who just yesterday seemed to be learning to read, going on playdates, and talking about what he wanted to be when he grows up, is suddenly a senior in high school. Peers are making plans. There is talk…
At age nine, Michael was desperate for a new hope. He was living in atrocious conditions – a home littered with garbage, without reliable electricity or heat, and often without enough food to eat. His father severely abused and…
