Programs

Project EXCEL – is a school based tutor/mentor program, created and implemented in Orange County schools in 1988. Volunteers are trained to work with teachers and with students who need help with reading. Volunteers commit to working an hour a week with a student.

In 2001 and 2002 Project EXCEL was selected as the winner of the National Association of Counties, Acts of Caring Award. Each year it was selected as one of the top three programs in the nation using volunteers to provide services.

Project EXCEL was also recognized by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 and again in 2002. For further information, contact Janice LaPrade or Ruth Anne Paisley or fill out the volunteer sheet and return it to the OOY.

Breakfast Buddies – Breakfast Buddies is a school-based mentoring program established in 1999 to provide an adult “buddy” to a young child who needs an adult friend. It is provided at Orange Elementary and Gordon-Barbour Elementary. Volunteers commit to meet with their buddy 8:00 to 8:30 one morning a week.

Breakfast Buddies received, in 2004, the National Association of Counties, Acts of Caring Award. It was selected as being one of the three top volunteer programs in the nation to serve children. For further information, contact Janice LaPrade or Ruth Anne Paisley or fill out the volunteer sheet and return it to the OOY.

Child Care – The Orange County Office on Youth coordinates childcare provider training and assistance for the Parks and Recreation before/after school care programs and the day care program. Two all-day sessions are held every year to meet the state licensing requirements regarding training. Other shorter sessions are held during the year.

The Office on Youth also produces the Child Care Directory to enable parents looking for child care to review those programs that are licensed and those homes approved by DSS.

After Prom Celebration – The After Prom Committee with the support of the OOY provides Orange County High School juniors and seniors and their dates, a safe, drug/alcohol free environment following the prom. It is funded with community donations and small grants. It offers an incredible, fun-filled evening (midnight - 5:00 a.m.) for our students. It offers an exciting alternative to engaging in the high risk, and dangerous behavior frequently associated with the evening.

Students can attend the After Prom Celebration whether or not they attend the prom. If anyone is interested in being a part of this group, please call the Office on Youth or fill out the volunteer sheet and return it to the OOY.

Backpack Trail to Kindergarten – This program is sponsored through a grant from Skyline Community Action Program and provides school supplies, enrichment activities, and education to parents of children entering kindergarten. This is designed to promote a smooth transition from preschool by providing information to parents along with books, puzzles, and supplies to enhance academic skills. This is for children who will be receiving free lunches. For further information, contact Ruth Anne Paisley or Janice LaPrade.

Michael’s Gift – Michael’s Gift is a charity developed to honor Michael Ridgeway, who died at age 6. It was established as a memorial fund to be used to help Orange County youth reach their potential. Funds are to be used for enrichment and are not used to duplicate existing resources. There is a maximum of $150 a year for services to be provided. For a child to be eligible he/she must be receiving free lunches or be referred by DSS. For further information and an application form, contact Ruth Anne Paisley or Janice LaPrade.