FAQ

Our Lord Jesus is the Head of RVA Light.

"And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in *everything* he might be *preeminent*." Colossians 1:18

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Board of Directors

Matthew Drabenstott- Chair

Mental health advocate with a lot of heart, Matt brings a decade of non-profit work helping vulnerable youth flourish in their schools and communities. Most recently, Matt completed his PhD exploring the role of connection in suicide prevention. He sees RVA Light’s hopeful presence as a place that is not only warm and welcoming; but a place to be seen, a place to believe in better, and a place to belong.

Beth Lansing - Vice Chair

Mother of 4 and grandmother of 14, Elizabeth retired after nearly 30 years as a Reading/English teacher and Literacy Specialist/School Administrator, working in poverty schools and special education settings. Since retirement, she has enjoyed volunteering as a Master Gardener in Ohio and making short trips to Richmond to spend time with us at RVA Light. Recently, Elizabeth has spent 4 months volunteering 3-4 days a week with us. Beth especially appreciates the Faith-Based motivation for our mission and enjoys doing daily Bible Studies with our friends and Neighbors.

Todd Lindeblad- Secretary

Husband and father of four young children, Todd is the co-owner of Lindeblad Piano Restoration & Lindeblad School of Music. The pressures of life have driven him to learn to lean on Jesus. Todd wants to help RVA Light spread the gospel which he believes is all about the Lord Jesus, loving your neighbors, bearing one another's burdens, and waiting for the revelation of the Lord Jesus to set up God's Kingdom on earth.

Sarah Sanders- Treasurer

Sarah was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and now lives in NW Arkansas with her husband Stuart. She has 13 years of banking experience and is currently a Senior Vice President of Treasury Management at Arvest Bank. She is working towards a Business Management degree at the University of Arkansas and is glad she's able to put her banking experience to use at RVA Light. Sarah is very appreciative of the "on the ground" work that is being done by the many volunteers and hopes to be able to get involved in that way soon.

Connor Pratt

A former teacher and mother of two, Connor holds a master's degree in education and a passion for connecting with families and individuals in the community. She currently tutors at-risk youth within the public school setting. Connor holds a special interest in mental health advocacy, a driving force in her dedication to RVA Light as a board member and as a volunteer.

Ruth Ann Hewitson

Ruth Ann has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an associate’s degree as a Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). She has been a COTA for eight years, working closely with the geriatric population. Ruth Ann has a passion for helping people thrive in their home environment and become as independent as possible with their activities of daily living. Ruth Ann first started volunteering with RVA Light in 2018. While volunteering Ruth Ann was impressed with RVA Light’s ability to connect with others through their actions. RVA Light makes a point of getting to know neighbors personally and help them along the way to access much needed resources.

Rachel Ruiz

Rachel has eleven years of experience in mental health and public health nursing which has made her passionate about connecting those who have fallen through the cracks of the social services system with the resources they need to thrive. She recognizes that not only do our neighbors need access to services, but that like all of us, they need social support, respect, and dignity. Rachel is excited to be able to offer our neighbors experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental illness, and the disease of addiction a place where they can be recognized as valuable human beings who have been made in God's image.

We do not provide professional counseling or case managment services. RVA Light offers our neighbors social support and connections to professional and clinical resources in our community. We try to be "good neighbors" by offering assistance with navigating technology, setting up appointments, using the phone, and filling out paperwork. None of what we do is clinical, however a number of our staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid.

RVA Light Inc is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and exempt from federal income tax. Donors may be eligable to deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 70. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devices, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106, or 2522.