RACSB Honors Community Volunteers

The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) recently hosted a series of clinic open house events as an opportunity for RACSB to provide local and state elected officials as well as area organizations with an update on the community-based mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, prevention, and early intervention services offered by RACSB.

RACSB annually recognizes individuals for their volunteer efforts in the areas of mental health, intellectual disability, and substance abuse.

The 2013 Distinguished Mental Health Volunteer Award was presented to Gabriel and Scarlett Pons of Stafford County. For the past three years, the Pons have taken an active role in the planning, marketing, and installation of the annual “Art of Recovery” exhibit featuring original artwork of individuals with mental illness. In hosting the exhibit, the. Pons has expressed their desire to have a public discussion about mental illness and to be supportive of individuals with mental health challenges.

The 2013 Distinguished Intellectual Disability Volunteer Award was presented to Bob Williams of Spotsylvania County. Mr. Williams has donated his time to Rappahannock Adult Activities for the last 22 years as a performer at Mayfest. According to his nomination, “RAAI participants look forward to his performances because he engages them as part of his show.”

The 2013 Distinguished Substance Abuse Volunteer Award was presented to Billie Ann Sutton of Stafford County. Over the past five years, Mrs. Sutton has assisted more than 130 families served by Project LINK through a diaper fund she established. Recognizing mothers impacted by addiction need additional support to improve their lives and that of their children, Mrs. Sutton’s diaper fund assists mothers who are actively participating in substance abuse services and pursuing their goals. 

For more information or to request a copy of the RACSB Fiscal Year 2013 annual report, contact Michelle Wagaman, Public Information Officer, at mwagaman@racsb.state.va.us or 540-940-2314.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. RACSB operates five outpatient clinics which provide individual, group and family therapy; specialized counseling and case management services; psychological assessment; 24-hour crisis intervention; and medication management services. RACSB operates 11 group homes and the Myers Drive Respite Group Home for adults with intellectual disability providing 24-hour intensive and structured support. RACSB also offers mental health day support, residential services, and crisis stabilization at The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery. The Parent-Education – Infant Development Program provides developmental, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as service coordination to infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.