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November 25, 2002 Henrico County's Hermitage Enterprises recently expanded its facilities to better serve area businesses searching for extra help with a special job or holiday project as well as better support its unique workforce. Hermitage Enterprises, a program of Henrico Area Mental Health & Retardation Services (MH/MR), specializes in packaging and mailing services. But the county program, which could be one of the best-kept secrets in the area's business community, specializes in something else as well - providing opportunities for the area's mentally disabled adults. Initially designed as a sheltered workshop, the program now provides vocational training, employment and life-skills support for adults with mental disabilities. Its workforce has grown to 160 since it opened in 1985. "Our workers are constantly trained and challenged to enhance their work skills," said Marketing Specialist Gordon Martin. "But we also want to help them grow as individuals. Ultimately, our goal is to help them become independent, productive members of society." Hermitage Enterprises unveiled its expanded and renovated Hermitage Road facility in October. The updated facility features additional floor space for specialized jobs and allows MH/MR staff to work more closely with the program's adult workers. The program offers area businesses a variety of services, including bulk mailings, packaging, labeling, light manufacturing and assembly, bindery services and quality control. It provides free courier service and substantial warehouse space at its facility and also sends teams of supervised workers to businesses for on-site jobs. Hermitage Enterprises isn't a complete secret, though, made evident by a customer list that features some of the area's leading companies, including Aramark Corp., Crown Cork & Seal, Owens & Minor and Wella Manufacturing. In addition to receiving quality service, Hermitage customers get something more - the opportunity to help mentally disabled adults develop skills, earn a living and grow toward self-sufficiency. "Many businesses want to give back to the community, but the bottom line means a lot right now, so their ability to give back is often limited," Martin said. "We give area businesses the chance to save money and support the community's mentally disabled adults at the same time." For more information about Hermitage Enterprises, call 262-6665 or visit its Web site at /mhmr/mental-retardation/hermitage-enterprise/. November 13, 2002 Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will honor public schools in the Varina District for their achievements at his next town meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Eastern Government Center's Glen Echo Building, 3810 Nine Mile Road. Donati and Henrico School Board member Hugh Palmer will recognize Varina public school principals for the performance and accreditation status of their schools. Residents are invited to attend. Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information. November 12, 2002 The Virginia League of Social Service Executives recently named longtime Henrico County Social Services staff member Alice W. Matthews the recipient of its 2002 Public Service Award. Matthews, a social work supervisor and volunteer coordinator/community resource developer for the Department of Social Services, received the award for her exceptional contributions to the people of Virginia through her work in the social services field. Recently retired, Matthews has played a key role in Henrico's social service efforts since beginning her county career in 1970, said Social Services Director Gordon Ragland. "Alice has always shown a great willingness to pursue community support for people in need," Ragland said. "She is a very effective mover-and-shaker in mobilizing community resources." Matthews was key to the formation of Interfaith Services of Henrico (ISH) in 1983 and was a catalyst for the organization's development. ISH, which now includes some 100 churches and faith-based associations, has helped more than 5,000 local families, generating more than $1 million in donations and 90 tons of food contributions. Other community projects organized by Matthews include a scholarship program that has allowed more than 150 underprivileged children to attend summer camp and the Duffel Bag Project, which serves Henrico's foster children. "Alice has been an exemplary employee and has shown a tireless concern for this community and its people," Ragland said. "She is very deserving of this award." November 4, 2002
She began her career with Henrico County 19 years ago. NACo's task forces and steering committees, each comprised of 60 to 100 county officials from across the country, form the association's policy-making arm. They meet several times annually to examine issues key to local government and to make recommendations on legislative policies and goals. The only organization representing county governments before Congress and the White House, NACo works to improve county government and increase public understanding of the role of counties. November 4, 2002 The Henrico County Health Department will offer a special flu clinic on Friday, Nov. 8, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., at the West Clinic, Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. Appointments are not necessary to attend the clinic. Shots will cost $12 each. The Health Department will accept cash, check or Medicare Part B as payment. After Nov. 8, flu vaccinations will be available during regular walk-in hours at the West Clinic. The shots are currently available during walk-in hours at the Health Department's East Clinic in the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road. For more information, call 501-4522 or visit the Health Department Web site at /health/. November 6, 2002 The Henrico County Extension Office will offer the money-management workshop "How to Make Your Money Go Further" on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Human Services Building Board Room, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. Workshop participants will learn basic money-management tips as well as ways to help stretch their income. Other topics include setting financial goals, creating budgets, keeping financial records and understanding credit. Participants will receive a money-management workbook and additional materials. The workshop is free and open to the public. The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 18. Call 501-5160 for additional information. Return to Public Relations & Media Services Page |