As the economy struggles to drag itself out of the recent recession, organizations such as Beans and Rice Inc. play an increasingly vital role in assisting Radford residents who need help meeting basic needs.

Founded by retired Radford University Sociology Professor Nelda Pearson, Beans and Rice is a community economic development organization that builds assets and develops capacities in low- and moderate- income families through economic and educational programs, including after-school programs for children; hunger relief programs such as a food pantry; and financial services such as individual tax preparation.

Every year my education students who volunteer in the after-school program describe how much they have learned through their service learning experience and reflection assignments. The one-on-one and small group experiences in working with children have helped to prepare my students with many valuable skills related to their future teaching careers. They lead mathematics activities, learn strategies for student behavior management, collaborate with peers to plan and lead activities, and help children with homework.

The students do all this while also getting to know the individual children, their social and emotional needs, and the challenges related to poverty that exist in the Radford community. Your CVC donation will help Beans and Rice offer these services to the growing number of people in our community who need them.