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Meet The Sponsors

Sheila Scott - A Passionate Advocate for Growth and Connection Sheila Scott is a dedicated individual who believes that life is about more than just oneself. As a real estate agent and sponsor, she is committed to helping and educating others, working closely with her husband, Ben. Driven by the desire for a more fulfilling life, Sheila prioritizes time management, allowing her to balance her real estate career with her role as a sponsor. Sheila's strong bond with her 23-year-old client exemplifies her ability to nurture meaningful relationships. She treats her client like family, creating a warm and supportive environment that fosters growth and empowerment. Sharing experiences with her client brings Sheila pure joy and reminds her of the positive impact one can make in someone's life. Over the years, Sheila's work as a sponsor has also enabled her to develop greater patience, particularly in supporting her client through anger issues. The client appreciates the space Sheila gives her to make her own decisions, further strengthening their connection. With her unwavering commitment to personal growth, Sheila Scott continues to be an inspirational figure in both her professional and personal life.

Jennifer Kessler - A Committed Advocate for Special Needs Care and Community Support Jennifer Kessler is a devoted mother and experienced professional in the field of special needs care. Driven by her personal journey with her son, who has Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and is non-verbal, Jennifer has dedicated herself to creating a nurturing and supportive environment both at home and within her community. The sponsorship program has provided Jennifer with a unique opportunity to receive financial support for the care she was already providing to her son. This has allowed her to balance her responsibilities and continue offering the best possible support to her family. Prior to relocating to Virginia, Jennifer served as the supervisor of a care facility for individuals with special needs and disabilities. This experience, which involved overseeing the care of 80 individuals, has proven invaluable in her personal life as she applies her professional knowledge to her son's care. Jennifer's son attends a day program from Monday through Friday, which gives him the opportunity to engage in various activities and socialize with others. In his downtime, he enjoys relaxing, listening to music, and watching TV. On weekends, they take advantage of nice weather to venture out and spend quality time together. Despite the demands of her role as a caregiver and professional, Jennifer still finds joy in personal interests such as traveling, gardening, and tackling DIY projects at home. Although travel has been limited since the pandemic, she hopes to embark on new adventures in 2025. Jennifer deeply appreciates the sense of community provided by HOU, as caring for someone with special needs can be both rewarding and tiresome. The support and camaraderie within the sponsor program have allowed her to maintain a balance and find solace in shared experiences. With her unwavering dedication to special needs care, Jennifer Kessler serves as an inspiring example of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of community support.

Jermaine Ross - An Emerging Advocate in Mental Health Support Jermaine "Chuck" Ross is a passionate individual dedicated to making a difference in the mental health field. Driven by his experiences in mental health skill-building, Chuck was inspired to expand his professional portfolio and become a sponsor, further enabling him to support individuals in need. Chuck's current work with a client in day support exemplifies his commitment to providing hands-on assistance and fostering growth and development. Despite being new to sponsoring, his desire to become a better professional drives him to continuously learn and adapt. In his personal life, Chuck enjoys various hobbies, including sports, fishing, and watching classic comedy movies. His shared love of sports and specific shows like wrestling and Sanford and Son with his client Ty demonstrates Chuck's ability to connect with individuals on a personal level and build rapport. Through his experiences in mental health support, Chuck recognizes the importance of being prepared for change and adapting to the unpredictable nature of working with clients. He understands that what may work today might not work tomorrow and views the unknown as a challenge to be embraced. With his genuine passion for helping others and dedication to professional growth, Jermaine "Chuck" Ross is quickly emerging as a valuable advocate in the mental health community.

Glenna McVoy - A Devoted Mother and Dedicated Caregiver Embracing a New Opportunity Glenna McVoy is a remarkable mother and caregiver who has turned personal challenges into an opportunity to provide a nurturing environment for her daughter. Faced with difficulties in finding suitable schools and programs for her nonverbal child, Glenna was inspired to become a sponsor and take on the responsibility of caring for her daughter herself. With 22 years of caregiving experience, Glenna has transitioned from her previous career in computer programming to dedicate herself full-time to her daughter's well-being. This shift has allowed her to address her daughter's unique needs and foster a deeper connection between them. Glenna and her daughter spend their days engaging in various activities together, including exercise and learning experiences. Sharing a love of music, they enjoy attending live concerts and festivals, creating cherished memories and nurturing their special bond. Glenna has found that becoming her daughter's sponsor has enhanced her ability to interpret her nonverbal child's emotions, leading to improved communication and understanding. This invaluable experience has allowed Glenna to provide more personalized and attentive care for her daughter. In her personal time, Glenna enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and attending art events. Combining her passion for music and art, she brings her daughter along to share in the joy of music while she paints and relaxes. For Glenna, becoming a sponsor has been a transformative experience, allowing her to prioritize her daughter's care without sacrificing her own well-being. By embracing this opportunity, she has discovered new ways to balance her role as a mother and caregiver while enriching the lives of both herself and her daughter.

Byron Porcher – A Dedicated Advocate Providing Compassionate Care Byron Porcher has always been driven by a passion for helping others. With a background in clinical work and a Master’s in Social Work, he brings both expertise and empathy to his role as a sponsor. His knowledge of case management, individualized service plans (ISP), paperwork, and progress notes provides him with valuable tools to support his clients effectively. Currently, Byron sponsors a client who enjoys being out in the community. His client’s family is very involved in his life, frequently taking him on outings. Together, they have explored places like Maymont Park and The Metro Zoo, where his client finds joy in nature and animals. One of Byron’s proudest moments was taking his client to a movie theater for the first time—a memorable milestone. Beyond his caregiving role, Byron enjoys continuous learning, exercising, and immersing himself in music. However, his true peaceful retreat is maintaining his yard. Friends and family know that when Byron is cutting the grass, he is in his zone, fully focused and at peace. For Byron, being a sponsor with HOU has been both rewarding and demanding. He acknowledges the challenges but remains grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives. As he looks to take on new clients, he is committed to ensuring a harmonious dynamic within his household.

Tamara Lester (03/03/25 at 2:30 PM) Tamara Lester is a strong advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, particularly individuals with mental health challenges and nonverbal disabilities. Her extensive background in healthcare has prepared her for the complexities of caregiving, having worked on medical crisis teams, served as a licensed nurse, and obtained certifications in hospice and wound care. Her experience in Christian counseling allows her to provide emotional and spiritual support, ensuring a holistic approach to care. To ensure her client remains engaged, Ms. Lester has introduced creative solutions such as using a bell to help with navigation and wearing the same perfume daily so her client can recognize her scent for comfort. She has also secured a wheelchair to help them continue attending day support programs. She remains deeply committed to her client’s well-being. Ms. Lester enjoys cooking and taking trips to the beach whenever possible. She is also open to welcoming a new client and is currently exploring opportunities to expand her sponsorship. For Ms. Lester, being a sponsor is more than just a job—it is a calling. She finds fulfillment in advocating for those in need and using her medical expertise to provide the best care possible.

Gail Evans (03/05/25 at 12:00 PM) Gail Evans’ journey into sponsorship began when the group home she worked at for several years closed. Having built strong relationships with the residents, she decided to transition into Sponsored Residential Services so she could continue caring for them. With decades of experience in caregiving, including nursing and working with elderly individuals, she has developed the patience and expertise needed to provide a nurturing and structured environment. Gail currently sponsors two individuals, ensuring that their daily routines are met with consistency and care. She makes mealtime an engaging experience by offering choices and even preparing separate meals to accommodate preferences. In the evenings, she spends time with one of her clients watching classic television shows like Good Times and Sanford & Son, fostering a sense of familiarity and comfort. Family is central to Gail’s life, and she makes it a priority to create a strong community for her clients as well. She enjoys grocery shopping, attending church every Sunday, and dedicating two Sundays each month to visiting her clients’ churches. Saturdays are reserved for fun outings such as bowling, movie nights, and dining out. She also hosts family cookouts, bringing loved ones together and fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. For Gail, caregiving is not just a profession—it is a way of life. She finds fulfillment in providing companionship and structure while ensuring that those in her care experience joy and connection. Through her role as a sponsor, she continues to create a home that is both supportive and enriching.

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Kenneth Hobbs - A Compassionate Advocate for Mental Health and Personal Growth Kenneth Hobbs is a dedicated individual driven by his passion for helping others navigate mental health challenges. Drawing from his personal experiences with family members facing mental health issues and his own journey of healing from trauma, Kenneth has a deep understanding of the transformative impact of support and guidance. Kenneth's professional background in fashion design, honed during his six years in New York, has taught him valuable skills in reading clients and meeting their needs. This ability to connect with individuals and tailor his approach has proven invaluable in his role as a sponsor, enabling him to guide clients toward reaching their full potential. Despite the learning curve and challenges that come with being a sponsor, Kenneth finds personal reward in witnessing the growth and progress of his clients. Both clients are actively working, engaging in community events, and volunteering their time, which serves as a testament to Kenneth's positive influence and commitment to their development. In his spare time, Kenneth continues to express his creativity through various artistic endeavors, including fashion design and styling. His diverse interests and experiences have contributed to his well-rounded approach to supporting clients and fostering growth. Kenneth also expresses heartfelt appreciation for Ms. Pam, acknowledging the invaluable support and guidance she has provided since his orientation. Her willingness to listen and offer a supportive outlet reflects the strong sense of community within HOU, which Kenneth deeply appreciates. With his unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy and his ability to empower individuals on their personal growth journeys, Kenneth Hobbs serves as an inspiring example of compassion and resilience in action.

Ms. Ransome – A Compassionate Mother and Committed Advocate Creating a Life of Support and Growth Ms. Ransome is a dedicated mother and caregiver who has spent years ensuring the well-being of her daughter, who is hearing impaired and has ADHD along with other mental health challenges. Through Hands of Unity (HOU), her daughter was able to secure meaningful employment, and Ms. Ransome continues to collaborate with her daughter's caseworker to integrate her into community activities that enrich her life. With 25 years of experience as a nurse, Ms. Ransome has worked in hospitals, senior homes, and various healthcare facilities, bringing compassion and dedication to every role. Her caregiving extends beyond her profession, as she and her daughter share a love for gardening, using homegrown cucumbers and tomatoes in their meals. They also enjoy nature walks, working out at the gym, shopping, attending church, and dining out—especially at Texas Roadhouse, her daughter’s favorite restaurant. Ms. Ransome's husband works in the reentry field at RUMI, further reflecting the family’s commitment to serving their community. As a sponsor with HOU for about a year, Ms. Ransome has found a strong sense of community within the organization. She values the support and knowledge she has gained through HOU, which has helped her grow in her role as a caregiver and advocate for her daughter’s success.

LaPorsha & Lashawn (03/03/25 at 1:00 PM) For LaPorsha, the decision to become a sponsor was deeply personal. Growing up in a family with loved ones who had mental health challenges, she witnessed firsthand the struggles they faced. With an uncle who experienced a stroke at a young age and a godbrother with autism, she saw how society often overlooked individuals with disabilities. These experiences fueled her passion for helping others and led her to a career in mental health. LaPorsha has worked as a mental health counselor and has been part of organizations such as Life Services, Community of Faith, and now Hands of Unity. She also has experience in surgical order management at Bon Secours and private duty nursing, making her well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of sponsorship. She enjoys spending time with her client at family events, such as her son’s basketball practices and games. She ensures her client remains physically active by encouraging them to walk around the gym or hallways while the kids practice. Fridays are dedicated to dining out, while Saturdays are reserved for lunch outings and quality time together. During the week, her client enjoys assisting with cooking, making mealtime a shared and engaging experience. Outside of caregiving, LaPorsha loves to travel, shop, and surround herself with positive energy. Whether she is exploring new places or simply spending time with friends, she finds joy in uplifting experiences and meaningful connections. For LaPorsha, being a sponsor is more than just a career—it is a way to give back and provide the support that so many individuals with disabilities need. She believes that sponsorship is an ideal role for those looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

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