Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) is pleased to announce Project Literacy has been selected to receive the 2024 B.R. Ashby, M.D. Award for Outstanding Community Service.
This award, in the amount of a $60,000 general operating grant, honors outstanding community service in the region by a nonprofit organization based on success in helping families and individuals overcome significant challenges.
“For over 40 years, Project Literacy has offered one-on-one tutoring for adults in our community – at absolutely no cost,” said Clark Casteel, President and CEO of Danville Regional Foundation. “Their network of volunteer tutors invests their time and expertise to help their clients become better readers so that they can better understand medical materials, employment forms, community signage and more. DRF is pleased to award the 2024 B.R. Ashby, M.D. Award for Outstanding Community Service to Project Literacy.”
Project Literacy offers free confidential tutoring to individual adult clients who wish to become better in reading, writing, math, technology, English speaking and writing. In the past two years, they have assisted clients to ready themselves for GED programs and to achieve proficiency in writing for college entrance examinations. This tutoring aims to help learners be proficient, confident and enthusiastic about learning.
“We at Project Literacy are honored to receive the Ashby Award,” said Todd Helms, executive director. “We’ve often been called the best kept secret in Danville, but no more!”
In addition to tutoring, through a partnership with the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Project Literacy has been able to offer Book Buds Book Clubs at the Southside Community Learning Center at Cardinal Village and at Cedar Terrace. These clubs are designed for those that can read but would like to better understand what they are reading.
“We will use the Ashby Award funds to support the general operating expenses of our program so that we can expand our services further into Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina,” said Helms. “We also plan to increase promotion of our services because we believe that every person, no matter their age, income or background, should be able to read and comprehend the materials they are required to complete in everyday life.”
To learn more about Project Literacy, visit their website at www.danvilleliteracy.org.
In 2009, DRF created the B.R. Ashby, M.D. Award for Outstanding Community Service to honor outstanding community service by an area nonprofit in appreciation of the exemplary service and selfless leadership of B. R. Ashby, M. D., a founding Board Member and first Chair of the DRF.
Nominations for nonprofit organizations were accepted from within the DRF service area that includes the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, VA and Caswell County, NC. Community members were encouraged to nominate an organization they feel has demonstrated a commitment to caring, generosity of spirit, and improving the quality of life for residents in the region. An Advisory Committee of five community members and a DRF Board representative reviews all nominations before selecting the recipient.
Past recipients of this award include County Outreach Ministries, Inc. (2023), Caswell Parish (2022), Grace & Main Fellowship/Third Chance Ministries (2021), Just Kids Child Development Center, Inc. (2020), Danville Speech and Hearing Center (2019), Pittsylvania County Community Action (2018), Caswell Family Medical Center (2017), Danville Cancer Association (2016), God’s Storehouse (2015), the Northern Pittsylvania County Food Center (2014), Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew (2013), God’s Pit Crew (2012), Danville Church-Based Tutorial Program (2011) and Caswell Parish (2010).
DRF works to encourage revitalization and renewal in the Dan River Region. We do so by making long-term investments to improve education, economic vitality, community wellness, financial stability, and civic capacity for citizens throughout the City of Danville, Virginia; Pittsylvania County, Virginia; and Caswell County, North Carolina.
DRF envisions thriving Dan River Region communities where all residents are encouraged and equipped to build healthy and productive lives for themselves and their families. DRF’s mission is to be a catalyst for long-term transformation through the development, promotion and support of impactful activities and programs that address the health, education, and well-being of all the Dan River Region’s residents. The Foundation is one part of a large collaborative network of partners from all sectors working together as agents for innovation promising a sustained positive impact on the entire region.
Since its establishment in 2005, DRF has committed more than $180 million through more than 580 grants. For more information on DRF, our programs, our partners and other grant making opportunities, please visit our website at www.drfonline.org.