For the past two years, NCCF provided grants to the Nelson County High School, Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC).  NCCF partnered with Nelson County Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge to start the program in September 2024.  The council was created to provide youth in the community with an opportunity to experience philanthropy firsthand.

The YPC program is modeled after the approach NCCF uses to solicit and accept applications and to review and award financial grants to those who need a little assistance across Nelson County.   At the encouragement of high school senior, YPC President Christian Proctor, the council wanted to play a more active role in the community by engaging with leaders to better understand the needs of Nelson County.

 YPC Hosts Panel Discussion with Nelson County Leaders

As a result, YPC recently hosted a panel discussion with ten community leaders including the Board of Supervisors Chair, Ernie Reed; Nelson County School Board Chair, Margaret Clair; Marian Dixon with the Nelson County Pantry; and Rose Farris, Nelson SPCA Shelter Director.  The panel helped YPC understand the most critical needs within Nelson County and to provide YPC members with advice on how young people can help address the problems.

Areas that were identified as needing the most attention include:

• Mental Health
• Transportation Issues
• Veterinary Bills
• Lack of Books for Teachers
• Affordable Housing

YPC will use this information to inform future grant award decisions.

Other Opportunities for YPC

Another idea that surfaced was for the YPC to look for opportunities to work with elementary and middle schoolers to get them acclimated to philanthropy since community service is a requirement of all students to graduate high school.   Engagement with elementary and middle school students expands the impact of the YPC beyond funding by encouraging the youth of Nelson County to get involved with the community.

Two ideas were identified where YPC could enhance their value that goes beyond financial awards. 

• YPC is planning a book drive to help increase the book inventory available to teacher classroom libraries in Nelson County, and
• YPC will be working with the Nelson SPCA by creating field trips or a summer program where elementary and middle school students can visit the Nelson SPCA to volunteer and to read to the animals.   

The YPC is well on their way to creating a lasting impact for Nelson County.

Foothills Child Advocacy Center is deeply grateful to the Nelson County Community Fund for its generous support to fund critical Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) services for Nelson County children. This funding directly supported forensic interviews, medical exams, and family advocacy services exclusively for Nelson County children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Use of Funds

The grant was used to provide the following core services to Nelson County children and their families:

• Forensic Interviews: Conducted by trained professionals in a child-friendly environment to gather accurate information in a trauma-informed manner.

• Medical Exams: Provided by specialized pediatric medical professionals to ensure the health and safety of the child and to document any evidence of abuse.

• Family Advocacy: Ongoing support and resource navigation for non-offending caregivers to help them support their child’s healing and access needed services.

Outcomes and Impact

• 15 forensic interviews conducted
• 4 medical exams completed
• 11 families received advocacy and support services

A recent high-profile case in Nelson County has underscored the critical need for coordinated, trauma-informed responses to child abuse. Foothills’ played a vital role in ensuring the children’s voices are heard and their needs are met through a collaborative approach.

This work was carried out in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, the Commonwealth Attorney and medical professionals, creating a comprehensive and compassionate response that prioritizes the well-being of each child..

Success Story

One particularly impactful case involved a 10-year-old non-verbal child. As a result of persistent, coordinated efforts facilitated by Foothills CAC, the child was safely removed from an unsafe environment.

The case underscored the importance of trauma-informed, disability-aware practices and the critical role of the CAC in advocating for children.

Thank You Nelson County Community Fund!

Thanks to the support of the Nelson County Community Fund, Foothills was able to provide vital services to children and families. NCCF has helped ensure that children in Nelson County receive the care, protection, and support they need to begin healing.