Chr nicle CHRISTMAS 2018
A Very Fond Farewell CCC Executive Director Joanne Nattrass to Retire
F
rom her very first days with CCC, Joanne Nattrass reflected on her new position as executive director in the 2006 Annual Report by saying, “Each day at CCC brings both the expected and unexpected; a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day and a sense that there is still more to be done; an environment to celebrate life’s joys with co-workers and friends and to seek or give support when needed; a workplace where day-to-day activities make a very real and positive difference in the lives of children, adults and seniors.” “The expected and unexpected in her 12 years have been handled with visionary and compassionate leadership,” said Cliona Robb, CCC Board of Directors Chair. “Joanne has guided us into a future that continues to address the needs of the most vulnerable with greater capabilities.” In her time at the helm, the agency has made tremendous strides in expanding its services and footprint throughout the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, in having greater financial stability, in moving the Richmond offices to a building that is better able to serve clients and staff and to see the completion of a new chapel in that building. Her leadership of the agency is recognized and praised by board members and staff. “The first time I met Joanne, I knew we had selected someone special,” said Joseph Boisineau, long-time CCC Board Member. “We were a nice, local non-profit before Joanne’s arrival. But we became a world-class charity when she came on board. I have worked for many managers in my professional career who had some of the qualities of a good manager. Joanne has all of them." Joanne’s ability to lead and nurture staff is also reflected in this statement by Lori James, CCC Human Resources Director. continued on page 2 www.cccofva.org • Our mission is to provide quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.
Farewell Continued from page 1
“When I accepted the job at Commonwealth Catholic Charities in 2012, I was looking to advance my career by getting experience in a different industry. In reality, my career advanced because I worked under the leadership of Joanne Nattrass. She has been such a wonderful mentor to me and helped me recognize and strengthen abilities I never knew I had. She leads by example and I hope to effectively emulate the leadership skills I admire most in her.” Joanne’s attention to making staff feel valued was evidenced by her dedication to the personalized notes she wrote for birthdays and other special accomplishments. Many staff expressed this sentiment from Josie Williams, Aging & Disability Services Program Manager about Joanne’s thoughtfulness. “I want Joanne to know how nice it was to receive handwritten birthday cards from her each year. I would display the birthday card in my home along with other cards I received during that month. I never told her how much it meant to me, but they made me smile and feel appreciated.” Others expressed their admiration for Joanne’s ability to include them and feel empowered in their positions. “I can remember clear as day talking to my husband about what an amazing opportunity I fell into because most young supervisors don’t get weekly supervision with an
"My desire has always been to learn from those around me and for all to feel respected, heard and valued."
2 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
executive director,” said Abby Boyd, Supportive Housing and Homeless Services Director. “I enjoyed those meetings so much because, not only did I learn a lot from Joanne, but she always made me feel like I mattered and that my input was valuable. I never felt like a brand-new supervisor meeting with the executive director, it was much more of a team feeling. Over the years, Joanne has always made me feel that my input is valuable, and I’ve had a lot of great experiences because of that confidence she had in me.” When asked about her leadership philosophy, Joanne reflected, “My desire has always been to learn from those around me and for all to feel respected, heard and valued. I trust that people will do their job and will do the right thing.” Of many accomplishments through the years, Joanne was most gratified to be able to strengthen the financial stability of the organization, to ensure that CCC offices around the state were improved and accessible for both clients and staff, and, most recently, establishing a housing corporation that will provide affordable housing opportunities. Always caring for the least of these is a trait recognized by Marge Thornton, Adoption and Pregnancy Counseling Manager. “Over the years, Joanne has been incredibly supportive of the children and birth parents in our adoption and pregnancy counseling programs. There have been situations where we have had infants with very special needs, knowing that we will have a child in care for a long time to enable us to find the right family for them. No matter how great the need, we have always been able to say yes to those referrals. To quote Joanne, ‘Caring for these children is what we are about.’” The depth of her caring and dedication given to the least of these and to a grateful CCC staff will be greatly missed.
" Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
T
his Christmas, help us help others by checking items off of our wish list. Visit cccofva.org/wishlist to see the rest of our list.
• Baby and toddler items • Diapers • Backpacks for children and teens • Bicycles • Bottled water • New car seats • Children's dictionaries • Craft and art supplies • Games and puzzles for seniors • Devotional books • Diaper bags • Grocery store gift cards • Gas cards Chronicle • Christmas 2018 | 3
A Victorian Christmas T
he Christmas season is a time for remembrance and reflection. A time to observe traditions and to remember those who came before us. This year, CCC began the Christmas season in true remembrance of the past—specifically the Victorian past.
"It was such a pleasure to see the community enjoying a Christmas movie together," said Development Manager Donald Miller. "The whole theater applauded when the movie was over. It was really just a lot of fun for everyone."
A few days later, on the Monday following Thanksgiving, the Victorian Christmas theme continued with CCC's 27th annual Holiday Festival of Music at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, featuring the Richmond will honor Christmas in my heart, Symphony and the VCU Commonwealth Singers. The and try to keep it all year." musicians played a selection of Victorian Christmas classics - Charles Dickens along with a mix of more contemporary songs.
In honor of the 175th anniversary of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, written in 1843, CCC's Christmas celebrations took on a Victorian theme this year. "The lessons of A Christmas "I Carol are still so relevant today," said CCC Marketing Manager Paige Peak. "The story has such a beautiful message of hope, redemption, and caring for others. It mirrors what we offer every day at CCC so incorporating it into our Christmas celebrations was natural."
The Victorian Christmas festivities began the day after Thanksgiving with an exclusive showing of the movie, The Man Who Invented Christmas, at the historic Byrd Theater in Richmond.
4 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
A highlight of the evening was the symphony's rendition of Overture to Merry Christmas honoring CCC's retiring executive director, Joanne Nattrass. "It was such a delightfully special evening for me, the agency, and for all who attended," said Nattrass.
Bishop Knestout enjoying a moment with the Victorian Carolers at Holiday Festival of Music..
The Richmond Symphony and VCU Commonwealth Singers perform at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart to a sold-out audience—including Queen Victoria herself! Queen Victoria attended courtesy of WCVE.
The Christmas trees at Holiday Festival of Music were decorated with special Victorian-era tussie mussies. During Victorian times these cone-shaped decorations were ornately decorated and filled with treats like candy or fruit and hung on Christmas trees. The ones decorating CCC's trees this year were created by the residents of Little Sisters of the Poor. Chronicle • Christmas 2018 | 5
Through the Eyes of a Foster Child F
or the third consecutive year, teens and pre-teens in CCC's foster care program worked on a variety of art projects that were displayed at the Spotlight Gallery in Richmond. "Art is therapeutic," said BeBe Tran, CCC foster parent specialist and coordinator of the exhibit. "It's so important for the kids to have an outlet to express themselves. Many of them have gone through some very traumatic experiences so it's important to have an outlet."
The exhibit ran throughout November. By the end of the month, every piece of art was sold with the proceeds going directly to each of the artists. "The kids were so excited when their pieces sold. They were so proud," said Tran, who is already planning for next year's art show. If you would like to help with this project, a donation of art supplies or money for supplies is always welcome! Visit CCC's website for instructions on how to give.
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of every day life." Picasso
6 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
W
e are so grateful for all of the volunteer hours and donations that we receive all year long. Our work in the communities wouldn't continue without them! We'd like to give a special shout-out to some groups who helped to make Christmas extra special for our clients this year. Thank you to the youth group of Our Lady of Nazareth in Roanoke for making goodie bags for our foster families this Christmas!
s a m t s i r h C ut-outs! o h S
Thank you to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart who donated more than 4,500 diapers, 9,000 wipes, and 12 bags of clothes for our Baby Clothes Closet. Thank you to the St. Gabriel's, St. Benedict's, and Church of the Redeemer for the room full of Christmas presents for children and teens in our foster care program. And, thank you to St. Mary's in Richmond for the donation of gifts for adults in our Guardianship program. Thank you!
Chronicle • Christmas 2018 | 7
918 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.974.6880
1601 Rolling Hills Drive Richmond, VA 23229 804.285.5900
12284 Warwick Boulevard Suite 1-A Newport News, VA 23606 757.247.3600
511 West Grace Street Richmond, VA 23220 804.648.4177
7813 Halprin Drive Norfolk, VA 23518 757.256.6272 507 Park Avenue SW Norton, VA 24273 276.679.1195 111 Perry Street Petersburg, VA 23803 804.733.6207
820 Campbell Avenue SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.7561 541 Luck Avenue SW Suite 118 Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.0411
www.cccofva.org
Turn your old car into something beautiful this Christmas by donating it to CCC. Call 804.545.5942 or email donald.miller@cccofva.org to learn more.
