VirginiaNavigator

We’re incredibly proud to share that VirginiaNavigator’s own Teresa Lavinder Zeigler has been named the recipient of the 2026 Debbie Petty Memorial Community Resource Specialist – Database Curator of the Year Award!

A heartfelt thank you to and WellSky for recognizing the vital work of Community Resource Specialists and Community Navigators across the country. Teresa’s passion for this work is deeply personal, rooted in her own caregiving journey. She brings exceptional attention to detail, compassion to every interaction, and extensive expertise as a Community Resource Specialist. Teresa also holds both the CRS–DC and CRS–A/D certifications.

Congratulations, Teresa, on this well-deserved nationally recognized honor, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to helping individuals, families, caregivers, and communities connect with the resources they need to thrive. We’re beyond lucky to work alongside you every day!

Learn more about Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) and how to maximize your SNAP benefits with healthy fruits and vegetables! VFM has a network of farmers markets, mobile markets, and community food stores across Virginia. Find out about locations near you.
https://virginianavigator.org/article/78393/virginia-fresh-match

Your family might be eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks to help with the cost of groceries during summer break when most schools are not in session. In 2026, each school-age child that meets the program requirements receives a one-time payment of $120. Learn more about this program:

https://virginianavigator.org/article/94116/virginia-sun-bucks

🎉 25 Years of Impact. One Mission. 🎉 Our online journey began on February 5, 2001—launch day for SeniorNavigator.org.

For a quarter century, VirginiaNavigator has helped people navigate complex systems with confidence—because access to the right information at the right time changes lives.

As one team member put it: “We do the hard things, and we do them well.”

Every day, we meet complicated needs head-on—using innovative technology and deep community knowledge to guide people forward.

We’re proud of our impact, grounded in our mission, and grateful for everyone who makes this work possible.

Thank you to our stellar partners, communities, and incredible team for making this milestone possible! Now, here’s to the next 25 years! Let us know how we can help you & your family & friends. ❤️

Wishing families across Virginia and beyond a joyful holiday season. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to support and serve communities statewide— thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. ❤️

Today, and every day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our nation’s veterans. Your service has allowed us to be free and strengthened our communities in ways that words cannot express. 🇺🇸 We’re deeply grateful and at the ready to support you! Cover picture courtesy of Virginia’s own homestead and farmstand, located in Nelson County.

Happy (belated) 60th Birthday to the Older Americans Act (OAA)! Thanks to for throwing a thoughtful & fun celebration commemorating this legislation that created the infrastructure for senior services in the US starting on July 14, 1965. It represented the first major federal commitment to aging Americans 60 and older— recognizing their right to live independently and with dignity. It was great to see old and new friends in the aging network, celebrating the milestone and renewing our focus & committed to effective programs for older adults. HBD OAA!

Caregiver Conversations: What is good dementia care? Knowing what to ask your doctor, and how to ask it.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 12 PM | Virtual

This free virtual program for caregivers offers an interactive conversation between family caregivers and a team of healthcare professionals. After listening to a brief presentation, caregivers will be able to ask questions, discuss issues presented, and share ideas. Following each session, a resource “toolkit” will be shared by email with all registrants.

After attending this program, caregivers will:
be able to recognize the elements of good dementia care, including recognition, diagnosis, and treatment.
understand approaches to asking questions of the healthcare team.
appreciate the interconnections between dementia, brain health, and caregiver well being.
Program sponsored by the Virginia Geriatric Education Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, VirginiaNavigator, the Virginia Memory Project, and VCU’s Virginia Center on Aging and Department of Gerontology, and the Virginia Department of Health.
Register Today using the QR code in the second picture!

Remembering the sacrifices of the brave men and women who lost their lives so we could be free. Our offices are closed in observance of the holiday, but we’re available 24/7 on our websites to support you. Veterans and their families can utilize VeteransNavigator.org to find vital community-based supports. ❤️🤍💙

We’re doing a February FB chat with the folks from AARP’s Family Caregivers Discussion group on our Caregiver Tech Tool Finder. Tell us about your experiences...

• Are you using technology? If so, how?

• Do you have trouble finding apps and tech gadgets that can be helpful due to not knowing where to look or not having time to research?

• Do you have trouble choosing the best options for you and your loved ones due to confusing info or too many options and being unsure about which is best?!