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 The ROC
Reaching out and providing hope to people in need
By Lisa Schaffner
Photos by Matt Stanton
THE ROC
A name like The ROC doesn’t emit warm, fuzzy feelings. But warm and fuzzy is how The ROC — also known as The Richmond Outreach Center — leaves people feeling. A dear friend who is a ROC volunteer is always gushing about the place. Which had me asking, “Why? What is The ROC? And how do I get involved?”
“What is The ROC?” is the big question! You need to come here, be here, to experience it,” exclaims Jammie Chasteen, the center’s director of public relations. “It is a church that is focused on outreach ministry. It’s definitely an experience like no other ... in a good way. We focus everything we do on reaching out to people and meeting their needs.”
That outreach touches some 9,000 metro Richmonders weekly through more than 160 programs, which include church, community and after-school ministries. On average, I’m told, you’ll find 800 ROC volunteers per week making everything run smoothly. 
I’m starting to get that fuzzy feeling!
Key to one of the three most important outreach ministries at The ROC, the bus ministry, are the kids. (The other two ministries: discipleship homes and church service.) Every Saturday, volunteers pick up 1,000 children from low-income, violence-plagued neighborhoods such as Gilpin Court and bus them to The Richmond Outreach Center for lunch and church services.
“We need help so badly. We have so many kids, but there are many more kids to be picked up. To do that, we need more bus drivers and bus workers. We also need volunteers for parking, security and lunches. Our volunteers – along with the staff – do it all,” says Chasteen. “Youth in Richmond need to hear a positive message of hope and change to help them rise above the drugs, violence and poverty around them.” ROC volunteers make that happen.
I’m definitely feeling warm and fuzzy now!
On the center’s website, TheROC.com, you can view dozens of volunteer opportunities, from teaching adult reading classes to coaching youth sports, but Chasteen warns that it can be overwhelming. “There is so much here to offer.” 
Chasteen recommends that potential volunteers do one of three things: e-mail
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, fill out the volunteer form on the website or pick up a volunteer application at The ROC’s front desk, at 5501 Midlothian Turnpike. A background check is required for all volunteers working with children.
One of the center’s current volunteers is testament to The ROC’s success. Glenn started riding the ROC bus when he was 6 years old and living in an area motel with his sister and mother. He went to the South Side church each Saturday with dozens of other children to get a good lunch and do something positive with his day.
Glenn is now 14 and volunteering as a bus worker each Saturday. He’s also Giving Back through dance classes and doing “Christian rap” at The ROC.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve gone from feeling warm and fuzzy to feeling downright mushy! Sign me up!
Lisa Schaffner, a former WRIC-TV anchor, is public relations and marketing director for UNOS. Contact her at
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 A SAFE HAVEN
Safe Harbor, which breaks the cycle of domestic violence through education, advocacy, counseling and shelter, is gearing up for its final volunteer training session of the year. Volunteer training starts in September, with class participants registering now for the six-week class.
“As a fully accredited domestic violence program, volunteers must undergo 20 to 40 hours of training. Those who have gone through it say it’s a life-changing experience,” says Angela Verdery, Safe Harbor’s public information manager. “Participants talk about intimate partner violence, culture and society. It’s a powerful experience with a lot of aha moments.”
Safe Harbor volunteer opportunities include being a member of the Court Advocacy Team, the House Team or the Hospital Accompaniment Team, among others. And those aren’t just fancy titles. “Volunteers do a lot of the same work as paid staff. They are truly part of the Safe Harbor team,” says Verdery. “We have lots of needs. We encourage volunteers to go where their passion is. We work with each volunteer to give them what they need.”
If your need for Giving Back can be met through Safe Harbor, apply at safeharborshelter.com.
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