Read Dan River

Our Book Buddies program has been successful for our students here at Stony Mill Elementary School. Our students respond positively to having a Book Buddy. They look forward to the days when they can sit down and have special time reading with this individual.

Educate Dan River

Curtis became a Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentor in 2010 after hearing an announcement at his church of the need by the organization for male mentors. He quickly became a school-based mentor to a third-grade youth who had moved to the area. The youth’s teacher felt the student could use a mentor, since he was new and had a quiet nature. Curtis visited the youth weekly during his school lunch time where the youth openly talked with Curtis. When the youth moved on to middle school, he wanted to continue being matched with Curtis. When Curtis came to lunch, other students talked with Curtis as if he was their Big Brother as well.
In time, the youth moved from the area and Curtis was matched with another boy who had no males in his life. He had been bullied in school and mainly interacted only with family. As the youth grew out of his shyness, Curtis encouraged him to transition from homeschool back into public school. He improved his ability to interact with others and made new friends. They remained matched until the youth graduated from high school.

 Work Dan River

Mr. Harden has been coming to use the free services at the Danville Career Center operated by Goodwill for about one year. He comes every Tuesday and Thursday. During this time, Mr. Harden has participated in the basic computer classes offered and often logs into the NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessment website to enhance his computer and social media skills.
He has received several certificates from NorthStar, including basic computer skills, using email, and internet basics. We’re very proud of his accomplishments.

Get Healthy Dan River

Before Brandon found House of Hope, he had been left with nowhere to go. Once he got settled in, House of Hope connected Brandon to STEP (Solutions to Empower People), a housing program based out of Rocky Mount, VA. They helped Brandon find placement at a nearby apartment in Danville so he could have his own place to stay. While those arrangements were made, Brandon worked full-time at a local catering company, slowly building his savings as he prepared for his transition. Now, Brandon has his own place to stay, a full-time job, and volunteers at House of Hope!
Because he was helped along his journey to find stable housing, he wants to give back and has been a terrific addition to our volunteer team.