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Meet Carl Jones, Project Specialist at The Drop in Center

 CJ at work.         

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Project Specialist, which means I implement all assigned programs, from recruiting, flyering, and talking to the public.

How long have you worked at CCS? 9 years! It will be 10 in June

What is your favorite thing about your job? Meeting people, all different kinds of people. I’ve learned to be tolerant of all kinds. …Also, messing with Pam 🙂

What is your favorite thing about working for CCS? The diversity that it brings to the community.

CJ at home.

Hometown: Born and raised in Roanoke, VA

Where I currently reside: Villa Heights area

Family life: I grew up with my mom in a single parent home. My mom is where I get my jokester side from and I get my blunt personality form my dad. My family is pretty tight knit and most of us come from Franklin County.

CJ at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Thin Crust

Black or cream and sugar: Cream and Sugar! Lots of it.

Facebook or Instagram: Both!

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: “A whole bottle of…something”

My theme song is: In the Air Tonight- Phil Collins {He may have gotten some side eye for that answer! }

Any pets? A 4 year old Rottweiler name “Brewtus” . He’s a big ‘ol baby.

If I were a super hero, I would be: Batman, with a little bit of The Hulk mixed in

The movie version of my life should be titled: “This is Me…So Far. The Life and Times of CJ” {He’s actually currently writing a screenplay!}

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: Roller Coasters! I hate them but I always end up riding them.

Two things I can’t live without are: My friends/family (My Squad) and my Girlfriend Holly.  

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: CARTOONS! Or still sleeping.

The best thing about Roanoke is: There is always something to do if you just look for it, and the people are always very friendly.

One thing I love that everyone dislikes: Impersonations, I do a good Count form Sesame Street and Becky the Valley Girl! {more side eye…}

The first thing I do when I wake up is: Check the time and hit the snooze button

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: More entertainment. Trendy restaurants, shows, places for the under 21 crowd, that kind of thing.

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: I was a boy Scout and I’m really into photography.

The last concert I went to was: Puff Daddy and Family in 1997. I won tickets on the radio. {someone take this man to a concert!}

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: Old School Cartoons: Transformers, Ghostbusters, HeMan, Thundercats, Scooby Doo…etc.

My favorite color is: Red

 

 

 

Meet Shannon Lugar, MIECHV Central Intake Coordinator

Shannon at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? MIECHV Central Intake Coordinator

How long have you worked at CCS? Since July {She’s new!}

What is your favorite thing about your job? Getting the opportunity to be out in the community.

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? The community announcement email {yes!}.  I wanted to work at the Council for awhile and I already knew Alison from working in the community. My suspicions about the Council were correct, it’s a really fun place to work and a much better work environment.

Shannon at home.

Hometown: Born and raised in Roanoke, VA

Where I currently reside: Hollins area

Family life: I’m an only child of a single mother. My mom just moved back from Richmond, VA. She worked at the Department of Juvenile Justice for 30 years, so she knows who I’m talking about (individuals and agencies) and get to work with.

Shannon at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Deep

Black or cream and sugar: Black

Facebook or Instagram: Facebook

Favorite sports team: Star City Roller Girls

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Secretly Sassy

My theme song is: Currently: Uptown Funk

Any pets? A dog named Rai – she’s a baby and a rescue from Angels of Assisi; a cat named Margarita – she’s polydactyl {extra thumbs – like a human}; my dream pet is a potbelly pig

If I were a super hero, I would be: Black Widow

The movie version of my life should be titled: Fake It ‘Til You Make It

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: Teach

Two things I can’t live without are: My phone and dog.

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: Probably downtown on the market, brunching.

The best thing about Roanoke is: There’s so much going on!

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: Brussels sprout

The first thing I do when I wake up is: Brush my teeth and Facebook

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: At the beach! {that would be amazing!}

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: I play roller derby

The last concert I went to was: Joan Jett

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: SpongeBob

My favorite color is: Yellow

 

 

 

 

Meet Ronnie St Clair, Project Specialist, Drop-In Center {July 2015}

Ronnie at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Project Specialist, Drop-In Center

How long have you worked at CCS? 3 years before and I’ve been back for 1.5 years for a total of 4.5 years!

What is your favorite thing about your job? Sharing an office with Jeff Crooke {Scroll down to our December 2014 Employee Spotlight to learn about Jeff!}

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? The first time, Pam Meador (Director, Drop-In Center) offered me the position for a new grant the Center received. {And for the second time? He just missed us!}

Ronnie at home.

Hometown: Bedford, VA

Where I currently reside: Roanoke, VA

Family life: My parents live in Bedford and my sister in Lynchburg with her family

Ronnie at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Thin

Black or cream and sugar: Just cream

Facebook or Instagram: Facebook

Favorite sports team: I don’t have any

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Charming

My theme song is: Home by Michael Buble’ {He’s a self proclaimed homebody}  

Any pets? No

If I were a super hero, I would be: Captain America

The movie version of my life should be titled: Where Do We Go From Here?

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: I can’t think of anything.

Two things I can’t live without are: Family and God

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: practicing my music {He’s an organ player!}

The best thing about Roanoke is: it’s just the right size for me!

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: going to the dentist {Another employee that loves the dentist!}

The first thing I do when I wake up is: look out the window to check the weather.

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: I don’t know that I would change anything.

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: my age {He does look young!}

The last concert I went to was: Olivia Newton John

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: Laverne & Shirley – I still watch reruns!

My favorite color is: Blue

Who’s on deck? TBD

 

 

 

Meet Deborah Cotton, Contact Specialist, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA {June 2015}

Deborah at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Contact Specialist/CIRS – Certified Information & Referral Specialists

How long have you worked at CCS? I’ve worked for CCS approximately one year but have been with 2-1-1 VIRGINIA for seven years. {The Council has all 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Contact Specialist all under one “roof” now}

What is your favorite thing about your job? Helping people

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? I was volunteering at the Planning Council and this position became available. I was drawn to this position because it would allow me to help people in need.

Deborah at home.

Hometown: Folsom, Pennsylvania (suburb of Philadelphia)

Where I currently reside: Chesapeake, VA

Family life: Married to my best friend and soul mate, James R. Cotton, Sr.; I have three amazing sons; James Jr., Marquis, and Isaiah; 2 beautiful daughter-in-laws; Tarra and Tiffany and last but not least two awesome grandsons Marquis Jr. and Jeremiah.

Deborah at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Deep

Black or cream and sugar: French Vanilla Cream and Sugar

Facebook or Instagram: Facebook

Favorite sports team: Basketball – Virginia Wesleyan Marlins & Miami Heat {she’s a Dwayne Wade fanatic!}, Football – Philadelphia Eagles, Baseball – Philadelphia Phillies

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Giving

My theme song is: Dreamgirls

Any pets? Not anymore. {Her dog, Gemini ran off and never came back :(}

If I were a super hero, I would be: Storm from X-Men

The movie version of my life should be titled: Debbie’s Big Happy Family

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: go jet skiing

Two things I can’t live without are: chocolate and my sewing machine

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: baking, working in my craft room or being taken full advantage of by my grandsons

The best thing about Roanoke is: it was where my parents met and fell in love {Awe!}

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: exercising

The first thing I do when I wake up is: pray then put on a pot of coffee

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: I am a lover of the performing arts. I always wanted to be a professional dancer.

The last concert I went to was: Patti Labelle, Ruben Studdard and Frankie Beverly and Maze

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: The Jefferson’s, The Facts of Life and Charlie’s Angels

My favorite color is: Red

Who’s on deck? Ronnie St Clair, Project Specialist, Drop-In Center

 

Meet Alison Jorgensen, Director, Resource & Capacity Development {May 2015}

Alison at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Director, Resource & Capacity Development

How long have you worked at CCS? 13 years {She just celebrated her 13th year this month!}

What is your favorite thing about your job? All of the people I get to work with –  in and out of the Council.

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? In the newspaper – I was so excited to use my new degree!

Alison at home.

Hometown: Fincastle, Virginia {She also spent a good chunk of her childhood in Martinsville, Virginia}

Where I currently reside: Fincastle, Virginia

Family life: Husband, child and a devil dog named Duke {Her words!}

Alison at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Deep

Black or cream and sugar: Cream and sugar

Facebook or Instagram: Both!

Favorite sports team: North Carolina Tar Heels

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Blonde Ambition

My theme song is: American Honey by Lady Antebellum

Any pets? Yes, just Duke right now

If I were a super hero, I would be: Wonder Woman

The movie version of my life should be titled: Legally Blonde {Alison the lawyer?!}

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: get married young {She was 22}

Two things I can’t live without are: chocolate and music

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: at my child’s sports game or doing laundry

The best thing about Roanoke is: the mountains

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: going to the dentist {Interesting!}

The first thing I do when I wake up is: let the dog out

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: bigger airport

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: I’m married to a Norwegian and lived in Norway for a year. I met my husband in a bar in Oslo!

The last concert I went to was: Dierks Bentley

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: The Cosby Show

My favorite color is: Pink

Who’s on deck? Debbie Cotton, Contact Specialist, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA

 

 

In Loving Memory of Emily King Holly {April 2015}

For this month’s Employee Spotlight, we decided to mix things up a bit in light of the passing of one of our employees, Emily King Holly. Emily was a long-time staff member at the Drop-In Center. She was dedicated to supporting and advocating for others through her work at the Center. Sadly, Emily passed away on April 3, 2015, after battling cancer. We will always remember Emily for her brave fight but more importantly we remember her character, dedication to others and her community and the lasting impression she left in our hearts. We asked staff members to share a few words to describe Emily, fondest memories and moments and anything else that came to mind. This was the result:

A few words to describe Emily.

“Emily was genuine, passionate, open and had a great sense of humor. She had a gift for putting people at ease.”

“I would describe Emily as a caring, compassionate young lady with a contagious laugh!”

“Strong and well spoken, filled with joy of living and being who she wanted to be.”

“Emily was such a joy! She was always so upbeat and energetic. She was passionate about what she did and worked hard to advocate for those in the community without a voice.”

“Emily was spirited, passionate and loveable.”

A memory or moment you had with Emily that will always stand out to you.

The day she came to a 2-1-1 VIRGINIA staff meeting. She shared so much information and about herself. Emily made comfortable some very hard questions we had with callers in the past. She opened conversations and shared knowledge.

I remember Emily’s wedding day! She had such joy and happiness written all over her beaming face! She was so happy with Grant! I’m glad that she was able to experience life with her one true love!

Emily and I obsessed over the same books, movies and shows. We loved to discuss them and suggest new books to read, movies to see, shows to watch to each other. It was fun to have someone to share “nerd-geek” moments with! We talked about the Twilight movies series, and how cheesy they were, but we loved them anyway especially the “vampire sparkling” lol!

Emily was so energetic and just a joy to be around. Her spirit will be missed.

Emily was always so cheery and genuine; she made you feel good about yourself. I will forever cherish her fun-loving spirit. I always looked forward to her visits at the main building – she would guarantee a laugh!

Our Thoughts

May her family, friends and all those she touched find true peace.

I did not work with Emily or know her on a personal level but I send my sincere condolences to her family.

Remembering Emily

Life Legacy – A link to Emily King Holly’s obituary.

Informative Q – Before Informative Q, there was the Roanoke Gayzette, a publication from the Drop-In Center that was Emily’s pet project for many years. In this issue, Informative Q included a piece on Emily in her memory.

“Emily may have left us but her legacy will continue to shine within the walls of the Drop-In Center. The SWVA community lost a magical soul but gained a guardian angel.”  – Informative Q

 

 

Meet Jenna Baldwin, Home Specialist, Child & Adult Care Food Program {March 2015}

Jenna at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Home Specialist, Child & Adult Care Food Program

How long have you worked at CCS? 6 months What is your favorite thing about your job? Helping kids get decent food.

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? I first heard about the job when I moved to Staunton, VA. I was interested in it because of the strong beliefs that I have about the power of good nutrition and the importance of making healthy food available to all children.

Jenna at home.

Hometown: Antietam, Pennsylvania

Where I currently reside: Staunton, Virginia

Family life: A stellar mate and an amazing daughter

Jenna at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Deep

Black or cream and sugar: Cream and sugar

Facebook or Instagram: Neither

Favorite sports team: Flyers

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Deep & Goofy

My theme song is: Sun Will Set by Zoe Keating

Any pets? Not at the moment. {We predict a pet in the future!}

If I were a super hero, I would be: Durga

The movie version of my life should be titled: Finding Home

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: Live without electricity and running water in the wilds of Northern Maine {Oh wow!}

Two things I can’t live without are: My daughter and nature

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: doing something with my daughter

The best thing about Roanoke is: the arts {Jenna doesn’t even live here and knows that – bonus!}

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: Scything grass

The first thing I do when I wake up is: Make tea and meditate

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: I think cities should place an emphasis on walking and bicycling and cut out a majority of the automobile traffic and pollution.

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: I’m unsure.

The last concert I went to was: The Krueger Brothers

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: Scooby Doo

My favorite color is: Sky Blue

Who’s on deck? TBD!

Meet Matt Crookshank, Director, Community Housing Resource Center {January 2015}

Matt at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Director, Community Housing Resource Center

How long have you worked at CCS? 8 years next month

What is your favorite thing about your job? Feeling like I have an impact on the community; a service system that’s effective; community collaborations

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? After graduating college, I knew I wanted to go into work that would impact the community and I knew the Council of Community Services was that place – when I first started, I worked in 2-1-1 VIRGINIA as a Community Resource Specialist, then I worked at the Drop-In Center and now I’m at the Community Housing Resource Center. I applied for the director position at the CHRC because I liked the collaborative approach of the program – engaging partners to solve a community problem.

Matt at home.

Hometown: Marshalltown, Iowa {lived there until he was in 2nd grade}

Where I currently reside: Salem

Family life: Both my parents live here, my brother and his wife are in Richmond and my extended family is in the Midwest. {Iowa}

Matt at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Both – depending on my mood

Black or cream and sugar: Black – started with cream and sugar and graduated to black

Facebook or Instagram: Facebook

Favorite sports team: UVA {he’s an alum}, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Quietly Determined

My theme song is: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor {Matt requested a link to the music video}

Any pets? No

If I were a super hero, I would be: Superman – so I can change the world

The movie version of my life should be titled: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas {He wants you to know he’s joking here}

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: attend drag shows at a gay bar (Even though it was for work – I’m glad I had those experiences because it allowed me to meet people I otherwise probably wouldn’t have met and it gave me diversity in my work experience. I met a lot of kind and generous people.)

Two things I can’t live without are: coffee and books

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: drinking coffee and reading the paper

The best thing about Roanoke is: we are becoming more progressive; socially minded – Roanoke cares about people and I think it’s changing in a good way

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: politics and presidential history (though I’m sure not everyone dislikes this)

The first thing I do when I wake up is: hit snooze then start the coffee

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: closer to the equator for warmer weather

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: that I occasionally smoke cigars and play poker {and we hear he’s pretty good at it – playing poker}

The last concert I went to was: Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

My favorite color is: Blue

Who’s on deck? Jenna Baldwin, Home Specialist, Child & Adult Care Food Program

 

Meet Jeff Crooke, Program Coordinator, Drop-In Center {December 2014 Spotlight}

Jeff at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Program Coordinator, Drop-In Center

How long have you worked at CCS? 2 years

What is your favorite thing about your job? At the moment, working at the Drop-In Center with the Ryan White program; it puts the spectrum of prevention to care in place and all under one roof. It’s an honor to have the Ryan White program at the Drop-In Center. {As a result of strategic planning, the Ryan White program moved under the Drop-In Center March 2014.)

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? Through a former employee of the Council. {Yay, for good referrals!} I was impressed by the Council’s reputation in the community and I thought it would be a good organization to work for – the position also provided a full range of experience from a grant writers perspective: sitting down writing the grant, getting awarded the grant and finally compliance with the grant. I’m interested in the experience and being able to pitch yourself well.

Jeff at home.

Hometown: Franklin County – house in the country

Where I currently reside: Vinton

Family life: Me, my son and daughter

Jeff at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: Both

Black or cream and sugar: Black – anything else is a heresy!

Facebook or Instagram: Facebook

Favorite sports team: Manchester City

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Slightly Nutty with Hints of Oak

My theme song is: Spectacular Views by Rilo Kiley

Any pets? An overweight dwarf hamster named Merry – she looks like a fat tennis ball

If I were a super hero, I would be: Hellboy

The movie version of my life should be titled: It’s a Wonderful Life

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: Had kids (2 of them!)

Two things I can’t live without are: My kids and coffee – really they are interdependent on each other, one drives the demand

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: Hiking

The best thing about Roanoke is: The mountains

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: Winter

The first thing I do when I wake up is: Swear {@#%$%^?!} and hit the snooze button

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: The perception of people in Roanoke. I think there’s an unfair perception that a lot of people in Roanoke take without giving but this is not true, I believe there’s a lot of hardworking people in Roanoke

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: My height – I’m really eight feet tall

The last concert I went to was: James McMurty @ Kirk Avenue Music Hall

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: Star Trek My favorite color is: Indigo

Who’s on deck? Matt Crookshank, Director, Community Housing Resource Center  

 

Meet Laura Prevatt, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Operations Manager {November 2014 Spotlight}

Laura at work.

What is your position at the Council of Community Services? Operations Manager for 2-1-1 VIRGINIA

How long have you worked at CCS? 2 months {she’s new!}

What is your favorite thing about your job? The training and facilitation aspect of it and helping people – I like what we do here

How did you hear about this position and what drew you to it? Stalking the CCS website! I was drawn to the health and human services aspect; connecting people, helping find resources and information – things like assisting with their light or water bill

Laura at home.

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina – A boring ole suburb of Charlotte {her words!}

Where I currently reside: Franklin County

Family life: I live in a multigenerational household with my mom, dad and daughter. I haven’t lived with my parents since college but there are pros and cons, the pros outweigh the cons

Laura at leisure.

Deep dish or thin crust: thin crust

Black or cream and sugar: cream and sugar

Facebook or Instagram: Facebook

Favorite sports team: I don’t like sports. If I had to chose I would go with Carolina – UNC basketball

If they could bottle your personality what would the label read: Quirky, unique and a little bit nutty

My theme song is: Benny Hill theme song, Yakety Sax

Any pets? An adorable kitty cat named Gypsy

If I were a super hero, I would be: Wonder Woman

The movie version of my life should be titled: The Never Ending Story

Something I said I’d never do but did anyway was: Leave my hometown

Two things I can’t live without are: Music and having something cool to do on the weekends/”me time”

It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If I’m not sleeping, I’m: Out having an adventure with my family or boyfriend like at a museum, shooting range or sitting on the porch listening to birds

The best thing about Roanoke is: The mountains and all of the locally owned restaurants. I don’t think people from here realize how cool Roanoke is

One thing I love that everyone dislikes is: I like odd food – I can’t give specifics but I like a lot of exotic food

The first thing I do when I wake up is: Put on my music and take a shower

If I could change one thing about Roanoke, it would be: Higher wages and more work for people

One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: I’m a bit of a rebel

The last concert I went to was: Yo La Tango at The Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte

My favorite TV show to watch as a kid was: The Cosby Show and Growing Pains

My favorite color is: Green

Who’s on deck? Jeff Crooke, Program Coordinator, Drop-In Center