We are proud to announce the 2024 Lynchburg Living Community Champions—a group of dedicated individuals whose unwavering commitment to advocacy and service has significantly enhanced our community.
These champions work both within organizations and directly in the community to support vulnerable populations, providing essential resources and support to those in need. Their tireless efforts and selfless dedication exemplify the spirit of community engagement, making a profound impact on the lives of many.
We honor their contributions and celebrate their role in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all residents of Lynchburg. Their work inspires us all to join in the effort to create lasting positive change in our community.
Joe Girandola
Joe Girandola
Horizon Behavioral Health Project Director – Grant to Benefit Homeless Individuals
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
Through perspective and life experiences, I’ve always had a personal disposition toward helping people in need, which evolved into academic and professional pursuits over the years. I’ve continued to develop this mindset, and I can recall specifically when it gave life to a principle I hold dear, “If not you, then who?” Later in my journey, I developed another motto: Just show up. These words often inspire me to do the things I can do for people or volunteer when opportunities present, and they push me to challenge myself.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? My work primarily focuses on populations experiencing disparate access to resources, such as youth or other vulnerable populations. Currently, alongside many other champions and organizations, I work with youth and families experiencing homelessness.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Many local champions for the community thrive off the generous giving of time and resources. To get involved, a person simply needs to ask, i.e., call a local organization whose mission you’d like to support, and they will provide guidance on how to get involved. Just show up.
In what ways can local businesses, organizations, or individuals better support community efforts? Any time a local business, organization, or individual gets involved to support the community the immediate and downstream positive impact can be overwhelming, even for just one person whose life circumstance significantly improves. To that end, simply start somewhere: if you have time, housing, work opportunities, or other resources, make those known by connecting with the agencies and individuals who serve to funnel these to people in need. The most important thing is to start somewhere.
Kristin Marsti
Kristin Marstin
Central Virginia Regional Rescue (CVRR) Volunteer / TNR Program Manager
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
My journey into community service began with a profound passion for animals. It started when I volunteered at a local shelter, where I was deeply moved by the stories of homeless animals. Witnessing their resilience and the difference compassionate care made sparked a commitment within me. The experience ignited a broader sense of responsibility to help those in need, leading me to explore various avenues of philanthropy. What began with a love for animals evolved into a lifelong dedication to community service, driven by the belief that every act of kindness, big or small, can make a meaningful impact.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? I am deeply passionate about helping stray, homeless cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return). TNR helps reduce overpopulation, ensures healthier colonies, provides vulnerable kittens with a chance for a better life, and reduces both overcrowding and euthanasia in shelters. My commitment to these animals and those who care for them fuels my drive to create lasting, impactful change.
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? One moment that will always stay with me is rescuing a kitten out of a storm drain manhole at Kroger here in Lynchburg; the community really came together to save that kitten. Employees of Kroger, my friend Shannon, and passerby all pitched in and cheered me on to help rescue this little kitten. I fostered the scared little kitten through CVRR and named her after the Kroger employee who first saw/heard the kitten and reached out for help—Bayley. Several weeks after her rescue, Bayley was then adopted by a manager from Kroger. Being a part of a rescue that brought the community together and had a happy ending really sticks with me.
Kaleb Gay
Kaleb Gay
Love LYH Market/Punk Rock Flea Market Lynchburg Coordinator & Curator
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
Our Market was born out of necessity: a desire for grassroots (wild, pollinating spaces) and free in every sense of the word. Our market fee is always sliding scale/negotiable—we want anyone who would like to participate to be able to do so.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? Punk Rock Flea Market Lynchburg is about true community and the possibility of making a connection and some extra money through expression of self. Good for the whole soul (and in this economy)!
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? Over the five years that this project has been growing, we have had all ages and types of folks set up with us. If you feel comforted even for just a few moments, it is a victory in my eyes. The LoveLYH Market is a glimpse at wholeness within our pocket of the world. “Tend to the part of the garden you can touch,” says Jack Kornfield.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Going forward I would love to see more youth/children art. Speaking as the curious child in myself (“the creative adult is the child that survived”) I know the feeling that is kindled when something I made is enjoyed by another person. That connection is as pure as any I can think of.
Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the community? The Market is a project of love—and it has so much potential.
Nathaniel X. Marshall
Nathaniel X. Marshall
BWX Technologies, Inc. Community Engagement Specialist
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
I became involved in a number of on-campus activities while at Lynchburg College, now the University of Lynchburg. After graduation and upon getting a job at BWXT, I found that I had some time on my hands to give back to the community. I decided to volunteer as a Big Brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. My community engagement took off from there.
What organizations or projects are you currently involved with? In what capacity do you work with these organizations? These are a few of my current activities: University of Lynchburg Board of Trustee (former Chair); United Way of Central Virginia volunteer (former chair and campaign chair); Virginia Board of Workforce Development board member (former Chair); Regional Workforce Investment Board board member (current Chair); Interfaith Outreach Association board member (current Chair); Vector Space board member, Salvation Army board member; Iron Lives, Inc. board member, Lynchburg Area Center for Independent Living (LACIL) board member (current Chair); CVCC member of various committees (former Chair of Local Board); Roads to Recovery board member. And then there is LAYSi – Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative! It has been one of the best groups that I have been associated with for bringing businesses, non-profits, universities, colleges, schools, sororities, fraternities, teams, students, and volunteers together for a common cause.
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? Through my various volunteer opportunities, I have met and shook hands with President Obama; discussed workforce issues with state leaders from across the country; worked with the last 5 governors of Virginia on workforce issues; sat at the table with presidents of state and private universities to discuss training needs. That’s pretty good for an old Bedford County kid.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Raise their hand! And show up – more than once!
Sarah Quarantotto
Sarah Quarantotto
Miriam’s House Executive Director
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
As a child I was always inspired by the stories of incredible individuals like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Theresa who gave so much of themselves to improve the world around them. While I knew that my story would not be quite as grand, I also knew that I wanted the story of my life to reflect one of service to others. When selecting an education and career path, the field of social work really resonated with my values and I have loved being a social worker throughout my career.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? Early in my career I worked in community mental health with low-income families but quickly realized that it was very challenging for a household to focus on their mental health when their basic needs were not being met. Switching from a primary focus in my career from mental health to basic needs like housing has been incredibly fulfilling as this is the very foundation to an individual’s, families’ and community’s wellbeing.
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? I am really proud of the ways I have led the growth and expansion of Miriam’s House over the past decade. Growing from an agency that served less than 50 people experiencing homelessness a year to now serving over 500 has required a great deal of commitment and partnership from our staff, board, volunteers, donors and partners and I am really proud to have led this effort.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? It has been so encouraging to see the variety of ways individuals have contributed to ending homelessness in this community. From landlord partners who have provided our families with a second or third chance at housing, to local employers who have provided job opportunities for single moms trying to support their families, to individuals who contribute small monthly amounts to support our mission, to volunteers who make Miriam’s House welcoming to those who live here.
Mark Dalton
Mark Dalton
Terry Volkswagen Subaru General Manager
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
At Terry, Inc., giving back has always been part of our DNA. Working alongside the team, especially in partnership with Subaru of America, has inspired me to embrace the importance of paying it forward. Their unwavering commitment to the community reminds me that success transcends business—it’s about making a real difference in the lives of others. I feel privileged to have the resources and support to contribute, and I take that responsibility to heart.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? At Terry, I’ve found a strong commitment to supporting youth and pets in need, which aligns perfectly with my own values. Through Subaru’s Love Promise initiative, we give back monthly and take pride in participating in events like youth turkey and duck hunts and technical center partnerships. These initiatives not only create growth opportunities but also ensure we’re making a difference in the lives of vulnerable groups. Being part of a company that prioritizes these values inspires me to contribute even more to our community.
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? One of our most impactful initiatives has been partnering with the Campbell County Technical Center. Each year, we host students at Terry, Inc., offering them hands-on experience in the automotive industry. Over the years, several students have transitioned into full-time employees, which speaks to the success of the program. Watching them grow from students to professionals has been incredibly rewarding and reinforces our commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development.
Additionally, through our work with Subaru’s Love Promise, we’ve made a difference by supporting organizations like the Lynchburg Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, and local schools. These partnerships have allowed us to stay connected to the community, contribute to causes that matter, and give back in ways that positively impact lives.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Volunteering time can make a huge impact. Organizations like Meals on Wheels and the Lynchburg Humane Society always need help. Even a few hours of your time can contribute meaningfully and strengthen the community.
Bishop S.Y. Younger. Photo courtesy of Bishop Younger.
Bishop S.Y. Younger
The Ramp Church International Senior Pastor
What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
My philanthropic inspiration has to be my mother and grandmother. We didn’t have a lot of worldly possessions but whatever we had they were more than willing to share it. I watched my mother take a plastic bag and go through our cabinets to give a lady in the neighborhood food for dinner. My grandmother took care of other people’s children while the parents got on their feet. The house was small and was already filled to capacity, but she and grandfather always had a way of squeezing one more.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? I often feel that my heart is pulled into so many directions that I get overwhelmed. I’m learning to serve what’s in front of me. Recently I discovered that the City of Lynchburg had a homeless bed deficit. I’ll be honest I tried to look away hoping that someone else would pick up this torch, but I couldn’t ignore the need. I shared with my church that the mandate to take care of the homeless is a core value of our Christian faith. Our own Savior was faced with a similar problem at his birth. Our church along with other local churches will be partnering together opening the Refuge on Memorial this December. This facility will house the unsheltered in our city.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? With all of our initiatives we’re always open to collaboration and partnership with like-minded people and organizations. Contributions are always needed but the contributions do not always have to be monetary. There are individuals who may be willing to contribute time. Anyone interested can go to our website www.therampchurch.com for the Refuge on Memorial and they can go to bishopyounger.com for the B. Younger Academy in Pakistan.
How do you stay motivated and energized in your work, especially during challenging times?
Doing nonprofit work while utilizing mostly volunteers with limited funds can be very exhausting. What keeps me energized and motivated is that I actually believe that I’m walking out a purpose that’s greater than me. I sincerely do not believe that any of us are successful until we have made someone else’s life better. When I start feeling overwhelmed, I stop and center myself. I remind myself of how far we have come and then rehearse the testimony of that journey.
By the time I’ve been considering those things I am quickly reminded that anything that I’ve accomplished is because God provided. I often say if it’s God’s will then it’s God’s bill.
Sarah E. Blankenship
Sarah E. Blankenship
Community Enthusiast
Organizations: Central Virginia Academy for Nonprofit Excellence (CVANE), Pierce Street Gateway & Pierce Street Community Garden, Literacy Advisors of Campbell County, LYH Nonprofits, Social Solutions
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
During my time at Bank of the James, I had the privilege of meeting Vickie Spencer, who selflessly dedicated herself to serving her community. She was a great inspiration to me and taught me the importance of contributing to meaningful causes, not just through financial support, but also through acts of service. My involvement in Leadership Lynchburg further fueled this passion, as it presented us with a community challenge and allowed us to brainstorm the best ways to address it. This is how the Pierce Street Community Garden came to fruition.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about?
Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? I am deeply committed to breaking down barriers in our community. Issues such as food insecurity, job preparedness, and financial wellness not only impact individuals directly but also hinder our entire community from reaching its full potential.
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? The most significant accomplishment in my endeavors thus far has been the establishment of the Pierce Street Community Garden. As a member of Leadership Lynchburg Class 45, our team was tasked with addressing food insecurity. Leveraging our diverse skill sets, we conducted thorough research on the issue and developed viable solutions. Through engagements with various non-profit organizations, we identified a substantial food desert within the Pierce Street Historic Renaissance District characterized by inadequate access to fresh produce, limited transportation, and the absence of nearby grocery stores. To address this issue, our team, known as Big Hearts, collaborated with Pierce Street Gateway to construct a raised bed garden on their premises. Our garden’s dimensions and design were informed by research into Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommendations for raised bed gardens. By partnering with local establishments such as Lowe’s in Madison Heights and JMJ, The Landscape Supply Center, we managed to construct the garden without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses. Engaging with the local community enabled us to ascertain their produce preferences, and subsequently, we collaborated with Lynchburg Grows to acquire the appropriate seeds. The success of this project has been made possible through the contributions of numerous organizations, which continue to support the initiative to this day.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? I strongly encourage anyone with the desire and capacity to make a difference to take action. There is no greater satisfaction than giving without expecting anything in return. SHARE Greater Lynchburg provides a valuable directory of nonprofit organizations, their requirements, upcoming events, and additional information. If you are considering getting involved,
I recommend starting by exploring their resources.
Dr. Mason Bates
Dr. Mason Bates
Bates Family Orthodontics
Orthodontist / Owner
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
From its inception, Bates Family Orthodontics has been committed to building lasting relationships that allow our team to love, serve, empower, and impact our community. I consider it both an obligation and a calling to give back to the wonderful community that not only supports my practice, but also that I am raising my family in. I once heard a speaker say in regards to living generously, “we are meant to be rivers, not reservoirs.” That stuck with me and I decided that no matter where I was at in my career, I would strive to operate from a position of constantly flowing generosity towards my community.
Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? Several areas that I am particularly passionate about are: youth ministry/mentorship, helping those who are lacking in resources, oral hygiene/dental health education, and preventing/ending human trafficking.
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? The leadership of Park View Community Mission and I have been working on an Oral Health Initiative which would incorporate dental hygiene items into their already established Food for Thought program. Unfortunately, many children in our local community do not have access to essential dental hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.), placing them at a significant disadvantage in maintaining good oral health. This is partly because the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does not cover hygiene items, and the price of these items has increased. This contributes to an increased risk for dental problems (early childhood caries, early loss of teeth, etc.) that can detriment the overall well-being of these children (psychosocial problems, inability to focus on learning due to pain, negative perception by peers, etc.).
How do you stay motivated and energized in your work, especially during challenging times? Passion. I love what I do. I’ve also got a pretty great support system in my family, my team at work, and my friends which certainly helps.
It’s important to be honest and lean on those around you for encouragement or help when it’s needed. We aren’t meant to operate alone.
Blake Bryant
Blake Bryant
Puzzled Car Shows/Puzzled Events CEO/Founder
How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?
My wife, Andrea Bryant, and my sister, Jennifer Bryant Foster, inspired me with all the good work they do and that made me want to do more.
What organizations or projects are you currently involved with? I am passionate about anything having to do with children and autism awareness. I am involved with Amazement Square, the Foster Foundation, and Puzzled Events. For the Foster Foundation and Amazement Square I am an advocate. I am the CEO of Puzzled Events.
What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? I’ve won lots of awards, been on the cover of magazines, and been on multiple media platforms, but none of that is as rewarding as seeing the smiles on the children’s faces that I have helped.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work in the community? Are there individuals, organizations, or experiences that have shaped your approach to service?
The biggest influences in my life have been my sister, Jennifer Bryant Foster, and my wife, Andrea Bryant. Seeing them give to the community has been the spark that I needed to begin giving back to the community.
How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Others can help by volunteering and offering a hand to a child in need.
How do you stay motivated and energized in your work, especially during challenging times? Whenever I get down, I think about the children I am helping and that helps me to keep going.
Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the community? Children on the autism spectrum struggle everyday. We all can take some of their struggle away by offering a helping hand to them.
