VirginiaNavigator

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is leading the effort to prepare Virginia’s next State Plan for Aging Services.

We want to hear from adults age 60+, caregivers, and professionals all across Virginia!

We invite you to join us for a series of in-person and virtual listening sessions:

Fairfax - October 9 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Norfolk - October 30 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Roanoke - November 18 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Richmond - December 3 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Virtual (Zoom) - December 1 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Learn more about these listening sessions and let us know you coming by visiting the DARS State Plan for Aging Services webpage: https://dars.virginia.gov/about/divisions/aging-services/state-plans/

New SNAP EBT Chip Cards Coming Fall 2026

Virginia is issuing a new chip-enabled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card beginning September 2026 through December 2026. The new cards will replace current magnetic stripe-only cards to help further safeguard your nutrition benefits and reduce fraud. Your card balance will transfer to the new card — only the card technology is new!

For more information:
https://virginianavigator.org/article/100378/new-snap-ebt-chip-cards-coming-fall-2026
https://virginiachipcard.com/

Join the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council, Amazon Military, and American Legion Post 16 for these upcoming events!

Never ever forget. On this 25th anniversary of September 11, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the veterans, service members, military spouses and families who joined us this week at the Virginia War Memorial for a memorable program.

We were honored to experience a powerful program with Master Sgt. Chris Spence, as he shared his firsthand story of service following 9/11, along with rarely seen photographs of the legendary Horse Soldiers—but it was his humility, humanity and genuine connection with those in the room that stayed with us most.

That same spirit of service is alive in Lynchburg---led by the LYNCHBURG AREA VETERANS COUNCIL INC. Today, for an extraordinary 1,294th consecutive Friday, members of the LAVC and the Lynchburg area community will gather at Monument Terrace to remember, honor, and stand alongside veterans and their families. And their commitment extends far beyond Fridays—they quietly help local veterans with real needs--from homelessness to home repairs—complementing the fellowship they offer.

We’re grateful to Christopher Spence and his son, Brandon; LAVC President Tom Current and board members Gail Stokes, David Stokes and Martin Freerkes; Clay Mountcastle and Benjamin H. King and the Virginia War Memorial; Jeanie Koliadko Allen; and Mark Casper and Joshua Barber of Tech For Troops for helping bring us together in a meaningful way.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Amazon Global Military Affairs and Joshua Vaughan for their generous support and for spending time with our veterans, military families and other attendees on Wednesday.

Today, we remember those we lost on September 11, honor those who answered the call to serve, and are reminded of the good that comes from simply showing up for one another.

Join VirginiaNavigator on September 9th! Registration required. REGISTER HERE: https://www.veteransnavigator.org/event

It is VirginiaNavigator's honor to help bring this special event to the Richmond area. We hope you will join us. REGISTER HERE: https://www.veteransnavigator.org/event

We’re incredibly proud to share that VirginiaNavigator’s own Teresa Lavinder Zeigler has been named the recipient of the 2026 Debbie Petty Memorial Community Resource Specialist – Database Curator of the Year Award!

A heartfelt thank you to and WellSky for recognizing the vital work of Community Resource Specialists and Community Navigators across the country. Teresa’s passion for this work is deeply personal, rooted in her own caregiving journey. She brings exceptional attention to detail, compassion to every interaction, and extensive expertise as a Community Resource Specialist. Teresa also holds both the CRS–DC and CRS–A/D certifications.

Congratulations, Teresa, on this well-deserved nationally recognized honor, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to helping individuals, families, caregivers, and communities connect with the resources they need to thrive. We’re beyond lucky to work alongside you every day!

Learn more about Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) and how to maximize your SNAP benefits with healthy fruits and vegetables! VFM has a network of farmers markets, mobile markets, and community food stores across Virginia. Find out about locations near you.
https://virginianavigator.org/article/78393/virginia-fresh-match

Your family might be eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks to help with the cost of groceries during summer break when most schools are not in session. In 2026, each school-age child that meets the program requirements receives a one-time payment of $120. Learn more about this program:

https://virginianavigator.org/article/94116/virginia-sun-bucks