New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Foundation

06/09/2026

At 19 years old, Mally knew she wanted a career where she could help people and make a difference in her community.

But pursuing her EMT certification wasn't easy. Between work, school, daily responsibilities, and financial pressures, there were plenty of reasons to give up.

Instead, she kept going.

Today, Mally has earned her EMT certification and is building a future in emergency medical services—a career she's passionate about and one that will allow her to serve others when they need help most.

Stories like Mally's remind us why the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Foundation exists. Sometimes the difference between reaching a goal and giving up is having access to training, support, and resources when they're needed most.

As we prepare for GiveLocal NRV, we're celebrating the determination of individuals like Mally and the community that helps make success possible.

"The hard work is worth it when you reach your goals."

We couldn't agree more. 💚

Want to learn more about how the Foundation helps individuals overcome barriers to employment? Visit: https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/New-River-Mount-Rogers-Workforce-Development-Foundation

-WorkforceFoundation

05/31/2026

What if the only thing standing between someone and a good job… was one barrier?

Access to training.
A car repair.
A certification fee.

That’s where the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Foundation steps in.

During 2026 (noon June 24 to noon June 25), you can help remove those barriers and help someone go from unemployed to earning a paycheck.

Early giving begins June 1st!
https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/New-River-Mount-Rogers-Workforce-Development-Foundation

We’ve always believed in “teaching a person to fish.”
Now, we’re making sure they can actually get to the water.

💙 Give.
🔁 Share.
🤝 Be part of someone’s path to a better future.

03/10/2026

👔👗 Help Someone Dress for Their Next Opportunity!

The New River Valley Job Fair Expo is partnering with Foster’s Closet (PCCH) to provide a Job Fair Clothing Closet for job seekers in our community.

We are currently collecting donations of professional and business-casual clothing to help individuals feel confident and prepared as they meet with employers.

✔️ Men’s and women’s professional attire
✔️ Business casual clothing
✔️ Clean, gently used items in good condition

Donation Drop-Off Opportunities:

📍 March 11 | 1–3 p.m.
NRCC Christiansburg site (parking lot)

📍 March 17 | 1–3 p.m.
New River Community Action
206 3rd Ave, Radford

Community members will be able to “shop” the clothing closet before the NRV Job Fair Expo on March 25 at New River Community College.

Your donation could help someone walk into an interview feeling confident and prepared.

Thank you for supporting workforce opportunities in the New River Valley! ❤️

-Foundation

02/10/2026

Virginia Employers: Let’s Build the Future Together! #

Join the Employer Webinar Series, hosted by Works in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership.

This year-long series is designed to help employers strengthen workforce strategies, from building talent pipelines to retention solutions.
Session feature:
✔ Expert presentations from state and national thought leaders
✔ Peer networking
✔ Practical strategies and resources
✔ Downloadable tools and recorded sessions for registered participants

📅 First Webinar: Building Virginia’s Talent Ecosystem Together
Date: February 17, 2026 | Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST

👉 Register now for one or all sessions: https://virginiaworks.gov/im-an-employer/plan/employer-webinar-series/

Let’s connect, learn, and create a stronger talent ecosystem for Virginia!
-MountRogersWDB

01/12/2026

What does it really take to move people from crisis to career and strengthen a regional economy at the same time?

In our latest podcast episode, we dive into how the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Foundation is building long-term impact by investing in capacity, innovation, and people. From smarter systems and AI to expanded supportive services, this conversation explores what it means to create sustainable career pathways that work for both job seekers and employers.

If you care about workforce development, economic stability, or equity in access to opportunity this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now: https://vcwnewrivermtrogers.com/e75funding-the-future-of-work-a-new-model-for-workforce-foundations/

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, help teach someone to “fish.” 🎣
https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/organization/New-River-Mount-Rogers-Workforce-Development-Foundation

We don’t just help people get by; we help them build pathways to meaningful, lasting employment.

Your donation provides the funding for critical support our participants need: training programs, personal effectiveness courses, travel to training, childcare, credentialing fees, food, emergency housing, and more. Every dollar directly helps someone gain the skills and stability needed for a better future.

✨ 100% of donations go directly to participant support.
✨ The power of work truly changes lives and communities.

Give today. Change a life forever.

The power of work transforms lives and strengthens communities. We believe this! The New River/Mount Rogers Foundation (Foundation) supports the work of the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board (WDB) and the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area ...

11/19/2025

Join us on Giving Tuesday! https://ow.ly/igRM50Xu4wA Some of the people we serve are youth without a diploma. Some are in recovery. Some are returning from incarceration. All of them are fighting for a second chance and all of them want the same thing: a better life for themselves and their families. The New River/Mount Rogers Foundation helps remove the barriers standing in their way!

Every dollar you give goes directly to support participants in meeting their goals.
Help someone take their next step toward meaningful, sustainable employment.

🌟 Your support truly changes lives. Will you help change a life today?

Boost your GivingTuesday campaign with Mightycause! Access free nonprofit fundraising tools, trainings, tips, and resources to help you raise more.

10/10/2025

🎉 Exciting News!

The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Foundation has been awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) READY Implementation Grant as part of the READY Appalachia “Grants to Grow” initiative!

This competitive program supports organizations across Appalachia in building capacity, strengthening local leadership, and advancing economic vitality in underserved communities.

Through this funding, we’ll continue to expand our region’s ability to develop innovative workforce solutions, build stronger partnerships, and create lasting opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

By the end of the grant period, we anticipate:

Increased access to supportive services for at least 200 participants, with higher completion and placement rates.
At least 160 individuals completing workforce training, with 75% securing employment or advancing in their careers within six months.
5 new industry-aligned workforce initiatives and multiple new partnerships that align local training capacity with employer need.
Workforce Ready strengthens our regional workforce ecosystem so that jobseekers, businesses, and workforce professionals have the tools, partnerships, and systems needed to adapt and thrive in a changing economy.

Learn more about the ARC READY Appalachia initiative ➡️ [link to ARC page]

09/30/2025

In this special Workforce Development Month episode of Work Talk, we turn the spotlight on the people who make it all happen. Listeners will hear directly from the dedicated staff of the New River Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board as they share what they love most about their work and the impact it has on individuals, businesses, and the community. From helping job seekers find meaningful careers to supporting local employers and strengthening regional growth, these personal reflections reveal the heart and passion behind workforce development in Southwest Virginia.
https://vcwnewrivermtrogers.com/category/work-talk/

09/29/2025

💡 Workforce Development = High Return on Investment

Every dollar invested in workforce development creates ripple effects—building stronger communities and brighter futures. Check out our ROI reports to learn more: https://vcwnewrivermtrogers.com/resources/documents-of-interest/