The Heart of Virginia Foundation

About me:

VISIT US AT www.theheartofva.org .. .. Former Virginia Tech student athlete, Tommy Edwards, responded to the tragic shootings on the VT campus on 4/16/07 by creating the campaign which led to the formation of The Heart of Virginia Foundation. We hope to change the way we, as Americans, deal with the escalation of violence and the deterioration of mental well-being in our country and to show the world that senseless tragedies will not pass quietly as one in a string of violent acts, but call for change. The mission of THE HEART OF VIRGINIA FOUNDATION is to raise awareness of the desperate need for expanded and accessible mental health and well being programs in the state of Virginia and to destigmatize mental illness through education and community outreach. Our Center for Integrated Arts consists of a combination of traditional fine and performing arts, as well as, healing and meditative art. The mission of the Center for Integrated Arts is to advance public awareness and increase opportunities for our community to experience the wellness and healing benefits of expressive arts and therapies. Neighborcore combats community deterioration by promoting community service project participation by individuals with mental health conditions in an effort to reach out to neighbors in a time of need and to enhance self-worth by contributing to our communities. Direct community outreach will include, but not be limited to the victims, families and communities of violence and trauma; community revitalization projects; vocational mentoring programs; and Campuscore.Campuscore, a division of Neigbhorcore, will promote public service projects as an outreach to high school and college campuses geared to inspire you leaders to emerge beyond complacency and become self-empowered active members of their community. Campuscore specifically provides mental health awareness and education to students. We believe with better education and acceptance of mental illness, students will more likely seek/suggest treatment when needed.