Ashley Hall, the Executive Director for Communities In Schools of Chesterfield, has a career deeply ingrained in nonprofit management. Her extensive expertise, honed through exposure in early education advocacy, youth development and financial stability, enriches her role. She has previously held leadership positions at Capital Region Collaborative and United Way organizations, developing strategies and managing community initiatives. Beyond her professional life, Ashley serves on numerous boards in Richmond and actively volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her love for travel takes her around the world, but she never gets tired of exploring her own city; the phrase "global mindset, local passion" reflects her approach. Guiding Communities In Schools of Chesterfield is her dream job, and she takes pride in their work, especially their upcoming 30th anniversary celebration. Ashley advocates for making the most of every weekend, and looks forward to sharing her favorite kid-friendly regional adventures!
Take it away, Ashley...
Catch a Flick at The Byrd Theatre
The Byrd Theatre is a true gem of Richmond. This Saturday, check out Monsters Inc - tickets are just 5 bucks and the popcorn is heavenly. While this is one of their sensory-friendly shows, other Saturday movies kick off with Bob Gulledge on the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” which is extra special. Post movie, you can pop into tons of family-friendly stores in Carytown, including my favorite bookshop,bbgb. Round your morning off with a snack at Sugar & Twine or lunch at a new favorite, Burtons Grill & Bar. They have a diverse kids’ menu, and the grown-up food and cocktails are delicious too!
Tucked back into Chester Village Green, the Perkinson Center is the region's first public performing and visual arts center to be built from the ground up in the last century. They have tons of great performances, art classes, and community events.
This Saturday is the gallery opening for Eugene Vango’s show “A Retrospective of the Last 25 Years.” His work is inspired by African culture, and is an easy (and beautiful) way to introduce your kids to the arts. Continue the conversation over a drink & snack at Three Leg Run, a locally-owned brewery/winery/meadery. They have a great selection, comfy chairs, and lots of board games.
On Tuesday, February 6th, join Paul Spicer and Erin Provencher at Common House in the Social Hall (4th Floor) for drinks and conversation after the work day. Grab a bite, a drink, and celebrate 200 volumes of Here.Weekly, Grid's online publication that has been a source of community-building and inspiration since 2017. The happy hour will feature former Guest Editors (a.k.a. local change-makers, friends, and partners of Grid), along with a powerful poetry reading from Richmond's Poet Laureate, Roscoe Burnems.
After weeks of frigid temperatures, this weekend looks perfect to get outside. And the timing is great because it’s the last weekend of half-priced admission at Lewis Ginter. You might not think about going to a botanical garden in January, but it’s the best time to see their 200+ orchids bloom and birdwatch. The newly-renovated children’s area is awesome (who knew a sandbox could entertain for so long?). Wrap up the day at a Northside fave, HobNob, and grab a seat on the patio if it’s warm enough.
Communities In Schools of Chesterfield, a nonprofit organization working directly in schools, ensures that every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to succeed. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. By helping our most vulnerable students stay in school, we are building stronger, healthier and more economically stable communities where every person is capable of reaching their greatest potential.
We are proud to implement our evidence-based model across 13 schools, serving 13,000 students and families - but we can’t stop there. As the number of students in Chesterfield living in poverty continues to grow, we are actively working to expand to meet the growing need. Learn how you can get involved here.
We’ve been doing this critical work for thirty years. To celebrate, we are throwing a big party! A Game Night Gala: Feel Like a Kid Again, an elevated version of game night, will be a dressy night of fun games, entertainment, delicious food & grown-up beverages, raffles, and surprises along the way. Join us to celebrate and learn more about how our students are learning, growing, and thriving with the support of Communities In Schools of Chesterfield. Tickets are available for purchase here- get yours today!
