Nearing the End…

As my time with Embrace draws to a close, I am happy to report this experience has taught me a lot, and I have enjoyed being here.
I have learned many things ranging from parallel parking, to how to relate to clients, to where the MCV Emergency Department is [to the left once you come out [...]

National Night Out in Hillside!

We had a blast at National Night Out in Hillside Court last night! Lots of people showed up for food, fun, and to learn about comunity organizations. The police came out and although the kids were hesitant to talk to them at first, they soon were asking a million questions and peeking into the squad [...]

Tuesdays at Embrace

You are probably wondering what exactly goes on at our offices every day, so we would like to fill you in on just one of the many things we do! Every Tuesday for about an hour and a half or so, we go to Hillside and play games with the kids in the neighborhood, just [...]

Photos from Horseback Riding

Outside of Fox Horn Stables
On Friday, July 31, we were invited to bring a few of our friends from Hillside to Fox Horn Stables to ride horses. We were able to bring four of our youth from Hillside Court, and the daughter of one of our Americorps members along on our adventure. None of us [...]

Youth Invasion Update

We would like to begin introducing you to some of the wonderful people we have met in getting to know the community. This month we would like you to meet Yasia Clinton. Yasia is 15 years old and lives in Hillside Court. She says that she often does not have things [...]

The Adventures of Koni and Lindsey-Part 3!

So, for the last week and a half we were Wendy-less. She went on a much deserved vacation and Tiffany, Sylvia, Koni, and I were left to hold down the fort. Our Wendy-free time actually started off really well with a trip to Maymont for some of our Hillside friends. We didn’t really know how [...]

New Backpacks and School Supplies Needed!

Every year at back to school time, the Hillside Court Tenant Association gives away bookbags full of school supplies to the neighborhood kids who otherwise may not have new school things to use. As a part of our partnership with the Tenant Association, we would love to be able to provide some backpacks and supplies [...]

We need potting soil!

We are doing a craft with our Thursday morning youth leaders group which would create decorative animal pots from old soda bottles and milk jugs, but we need your help to get the potting soil and flowering annuals! We need about four large bags of potting soil and a few packs of flowers for our [...]

Got Old Bikes or Locks?

Our friends in Hillside would love to have them! Just the other day, we were in Hillside at the community center during the time they give out lunches to neighborhood kids. The kids have to eat their lunches inside, and while they were eating, two boys bikes were taken by older boys. Most of the [...]

Community Development Efforts Underway in Hillside Court

Homeward statistics indicate that an estimated 25% of all homeless individuals exiting Richmond shelters will be homeless again within a year with estimates of up to 40% reentering homelessness within five years.  Those at highest risk for experiencing homelessness in the future are those who exit the shelter without having secured employment.  In the spring [...]