RICHMOND

Sponsor Bio 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.

Sponsor Bio 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.

Learn About Sponsor 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.