Serving our community with needed programs--Weatherization

Serving our youth with inspirational programs--Project Discovery

Enabling our elderly to serve our community--RSVP and Senior Companion Programs

Clinch Valley Community Action has been located in Tazewell County since 1965.  But our programs and services have extended even beyond those borders as we continue our legacy of helping people help themselves.  Our dedicated employees work diligently to ensure not only that CVCA’s services are delivered, but that our community is a better place to live.  Explore our website to see what is available, but more importantly, call or visit with our people so we can help you succeed in your future.

Vision Statement:  Clinch Valley Community Action casts a vision for safe and prosperous communities, strong and nurturing families, and productive and independent citizens.

Mission Statement:  Clinch Valley Community Action, Inc. provides resources and opportunities to individuals, families, and communities in a supportive environment to improve the quality of life.  Clinch Valley Community Action treats each individual with respect and dignity in a professional manner.

Promise Statement:  Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live.  We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

 

This website is supported by Grant Numbers 03CH012969, 03CH012439, and 03CH012295 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Clinch Valley Community Action  and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

This website is also supported by Grant Number 2501VACOSR from the ACF OCS CSBG.

CVCA Events and Happenings

Want to learn more about Head Start/ Early Head Start?  Click below for an informative video.

Camp Joy looking at more renovations – needs more funding

The concept of organized summer camps began in 1861 with the establishment of the Gunnery Camp.  During the Civil War, Frederick W. Gunn, who was running a homeschool for boys in Connecticut, decided to take his students on a two-week camping trip in nature.  Now, over 160 years later, more than 15,000 summer camps operate across the United States, attracting approximately 26 million campers each year. So, what makes summer camp so special that it has endured for so long? Research indicates several mental benefits for campers, including increased confidence, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved social skills. These positive effects can be traced back to various aspects of the camp experience, but I would like to highlight a few key reasons: the connection to nature, the sense of freedom, the friendships formed, the fun activities, and most importantly, the escape from everyday life.

Imagine this: you’re having a bad day. You feel tired, yet the sun is shining and a cool breeze beckons you as you walk to join your fellow campers. You may feel sad, but for the next hour, you have the freedom to do anything you want. You’re stressed, but you can’t help but laugh with your best friends.  You’re bored, but you just caught your first crawdad. This is the escape that summer camp offers—a beautiful blend of nature, freedom, friendship, and fun that creates an environment separate from the real world.

Camp Joy Summer Camp encompasses all of this and more. Camp Joy originated from an idea sparked by the local community. In the 1940s and 50s, the Town of Bluefield and the residents of Tazewell County collaborated with the Salvation Army to physically build what is now Camp Joy. Over the years, generations have enjoyed attending various activities such as camps, picnics, swimming lessons, and fishing in the streams. Today, due to years of use and the need for repairs, Camp Joy requires the community's support to restore it to its former glory.

Clinch Valley Community Action (CVCA) is the current caretaker of this historic asset. With the help of private donations, several repairs have been completed over the past two years. However, more funding is still needed to make the remaining cabins usable again.

Camp Joy is open to the public year-round and has the potential to offer even more if sufficient funding is secured to complete the renovations. CVCA is a 501(c)(3) local nonprofit agency, meaning your donations are 100% tax deductible. If you would like to contribute to the renovation funds for this community treasure, please contact our office at 276-988-5583. All contributors will be acknowledged on the campgrounds.

Honoring Volunteers-Lauryn Bailey

For most of us, communication is pretty straightforward – say the words out loud or write them on paper. But, at times, depending on the circumstances, communication might not be so simple. Lauryn Bailey, a parent volunteer at our Camp Joy Head Start Center, wants to make sure that our children are able to communicate regardless of the situation. She has volunteered at the center over the past few months teaching students and staff sign language.

Lauryn started studying sign language when she was in high school and then followed up with two additional years of study in college. She was inspired by a cousin who learned sign language when she was young, continued to study it, and now teaches it in her classroom to young people. Lauryn started learning from her cousin when she was young and has continued to study. She says, “I had really good teachers and mentors who have helped me learn, and I continue to use it in my daily life.”

We are glad that she made the choice to be a mentor for our children and to help them learn such a valuable skill.

Reflection on Volunteerism-Rebecca Lester

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community, bringing compassion, dedication, and tireless spirit.  Among them, there are those whose contributions stand out, lighting a path for others to follow.  One such individual is Rebecca Lester, a co-worker who also is a volunteer and whose unwavering commitment has made a profound impact on several programs here at Clinch Valley Community Action.

Rebecca is a mother, wife and teacher, who has been involved with Camp Joy’s Summer Camp and Project Discover for three years now.  She has dedicated much of her time to ensure that chaperons are covered for any trip, and that she is there to help where needed.

What makes Rebecca truly special is her ability to adapt to the circumstances she is faced with.  She most recently assisted along with her husband Isaac with the Charity Motorcycle Bike Ride, to benefit Camp Joys Renovation funds.  Without them volunteering their time, the fundraiser would not have gone off as well as it did.  They helped register bikers and grill the lunch that was provided. Rebecca embodies the notion that every little bit helps and that thought has shone in the things she has done.

As we reflect on the impact of dedicated volunteers in our community, we can all take a page out of Rebecca’s book.  Whether it is a few hours a week or a simple act of kindness, everyone can contribute in their own way.  We celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and the difference one person can make.  We all need to be inspired and look for ways to give back, fostering a community where everyone can thrive.

CVCA Employment
CVCA accepting bids for two used vans

CVCA accepting bids for two used vans

Clinch Valley Community Action Inc. is accepting bids on two 2009 Chevrolet vans. Van 1 has 172,997 miles. Van 2 has 195,994 miles. Bids should be submitted in writing and clearly marked Van 1 or Van 2. Vans may be inspected during normal business hours by calling Sandra Corell and scheduling an appointment.

Bids will be accepted until noon on April 30, 2025. All bids should be submitted to Clinch Valley Community Action; Attention: Sandra Corell; PO Box 188; North Tazewell, VA 24630 or by email to scorell@clinchvalleycaa.org.

Community Needs Assessment Survey

Community Needs Assessment Survey

Clinch Valley Community Action is providing a means to gather information about our community.  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by scanning the QR Code or clicking on the link below.  Thank you in advance for participating.

Link to Form
https://forms.gle/45rhX7sQwfZBDzB46

Drug and Alcohol Screening Services

CVCA has trained staff that can provide Pre-employment, Random, Post-Accident, and Reasonable Cause screenings at your business or at our office.

New Drug Screening Brochure

 

Project Discovery Applications

Applications are being taken for Project Discovery.  Access the application by clicking here.

Check out The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides decent, affordable housing to very low- to low-income individuals and families, including people with disabilities and senior citizens.

Vouchers are distributed through Virginia Housing. in partnership with local housing agency partners. Vouchers allow qualifying prospective tenants to select from a wider range of housing options, as opposed to being limited to designated housing projects. The tenant pays the landlord a percentage of their monthly income towards the rent, with the voucher subsidizing the remainder.

What families are eligible?
Prospective tenants often represent the diversity of your local community. They may be individuals, families and people with disabilities or senior citizens. They tend to be very highly-motivated renters who pay rent in a timely manner and maintain the property.

 

 

Accepting New Senior Companion Volunteers

“I am needed and I help my clients stay independent in their home…where they want to stay” — This is often said by volunteer companions with the Senior Companion Program.

Read More

Single Family Housing Repair Loan & Grant Pilot

What does this program do?

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to verylowincome homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes or provides grants to elderly verylowincome homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

For Additional Questions or an Application, Contact Sandra Corell at 276-988-5583, ext 348 or email at scorell@clinchvalleycaa.org

Click here for more info.

The Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP) is pleased to announce a $20,000 grant to the CVCA Vita Program

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP) is pleased to announce that $485,725 has been awarded to 19 coalitions across Virginia to provide free income tax preparation services under the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VACAP program, called the Virginia CASH Campaign, provides opportunities for taxpayers to file both federal and state tax returns, claim valuable tax credits like the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) and both the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and link taxpayers with financial empowerment opportunities.

Click Here for more details

CVCA Weatherization is accepting bids for a new truck

The Clinch Valley Community Action Weatherization program is accepting bids for a new, gasoline engine Medium Duty Box truck with an aluminum service body with rear door roll overhead and would
prefer a lift gate tuckaway. Truck must include automatic transmission, cruise control, AM/FM radio, and air conditioning.  Weatherization program funding will be utilized to purchase this vehicle.  For
further information, contact Sandra Corell at 276-988-5583 ext. 348 or scorell@clinchvalleycaa.org.  Bids will be accepted through April 30, 2025   Clinch Valley Community Action reserves the right to reject any
and all bids.

CVCA accepting bids for mowing/trimming and landscape maintenance

The Clinch Valley Community Action Head Start program is currently accepting quotes for mowing/trimming and landscape maintenance at Camp Joy Center (2+ acres), Tazewell Center (2+ acres), and Richlands Center (1/2 acre).  Mowing/trimming will be completed weekly beginning the week of April 7 and ending the final week of September, unless conditions warrant further mowing.  Landscape maintenance (including weeding, mulching, etc.) will occur weekly and as needed. Quote should include individual pricing for each service at each location.  For additional information or to schedule a time to inspect grounds, contact Robin Boyd at 276-988-5583 x338 Monday – Friday between 8:00 AM and 4 PM.

Federal funds will be used; contractor must submit three commercial references and current official proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance for all employees at time of quote submission.  Weekly invoices and payroll documentation will be required for payment.  Minority and female owned businesses are encouraged to participate.  Please submit quotes marked HEAD START MOWING to Robin Boyd, Executive  Director; 1379 Tazewell Avenue; North Tazewell, VA 24630 or email to rboyd@clinchvalleycaa.org .  Deadline will be 12:00 PM Friday, March 28, 2025; review of quotes will begin at this time. Clinch Valley Community Action reserves the right to accept or reject any and all quotes.

CVCA accepting bids for mowing/trimming at McCready Center (1+ acre) and Chilhowie Center (1 acre) located in Smyth County, Virginia

The Clinch Valley Community Action Head Start program is currently accepting quotes for mowing/trimming at McCready Center (1+ acre) and Chilhowie Center (1 acre) located in Smyth County, Virginia. Mowing/trimming will be completed weekly beginning the week of April 14 and ending the final week of September, unless conditions warrant further mowing. Quote should include individual pricing for each location. For additional information or to schedule a time to inspect grounds, contact Robin Boyd at 276-988-5583 x338 Monday – Friday between 8:00 AM and 4 PM.

Federal funds will be used; contractor must submit three commercial references and official proof of current liability and worker’s compensation insurance for all employees at time of quote submission. Weekly invoices and payroll documentation will be required for payment. Minority and female owned businesses are encouraged to participate. Please submit quotes marked HEAD START MOWING – SMYTH COUNTY to Robin Boyd, Executive Director; 1379 Tazewell Avenue; North Tazewell, VA 24630 or email to rboyd@clinchvalleycaa.org . Deadline will be 12:00 PM Friday, April 11, 2025; review of quotes will begin at this time. Clinch Valley Community Action reserves the right to accept or reject any and all quotes.

CVCA Weatherization introduces TakeCharge from Appalachian Power

About Appalachian Power

Appalachian Power serves about 1 million customers in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Its headquarters is in Charleston, W.Va. with regulatory and external affairs offices in both Charleston, W.Va. and Richmond, Va. Appalachian Power is part of the American Electric Power system, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation’s largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 32,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP’s transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP’s utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP’s headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, see our corporate website, AEP.com.

About TakeCharge

TakeCharge Virginia is Appalachian Power’s way of bringing its energy efficiency programs together in one convenient place, offering free assessments, incentive programs and rebates for your home or business. These programs let you TakeCharge of your energy use.

Clinch Valley Community Action is excited to announce the program facilities that are participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Project Discovery orientation with parents

Click here for more info.

RSVP Feature with Serve Virginia

CVCA has been an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) site for more than fifty years, coordinating volunteers to serve on-site at food pantries across Tazewell, Russell, and Buchanan counties as well as helping support the thrift stores that accompany some of the food pantries.

Click here for the full article.

2024 CVCA Dashboard