Social Work Calendar
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Horizon Wellness Center at Landover, 2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health and Central Virginia Addiction & Recovery Resources (CVARR)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. According to the CDC, about 64% of adults in the US have experienced at least one ACE, while 17.3% have experienced four or more. Higher ACE scores are linked to increased risks for injuries, chronic health problems, mental illness, substance use disorders, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.
However, ACEs can be prevented. By changing the way we think about childhood trauma and understanding the risk and protective factors of ACEs, we can decrease their occurrence and foster resilience against their impacts.
Come learn more about what ACEs are, how they impact individual health and community wellbeing, and how we can begin the collective work of defending against them and building the resilience to overcome these experiences.
For more information, contact Horizon Behavioral Health at prevention@horizonbh.org.
*15-point social work activity.
Community Roots: Local Nonprofits in Action
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: DeMoss 4326
Join the Social Work Club for a panel-style event hosting several nonprofits in the central Virginia area. Each nonprofit representative will share about the services provided, the impacts they have made on the community, and what it looks like to work for the nonprofit. The floor will be opened at the end for students to ask questions.
Snacks and drinks will be provided!
For more information, contact Hayley Coronado, Social Work Club President.
*15-point social work activity.
Women’s Self Defense Seminar
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Location: Olympic Training Facility
Hosted by Liberty University Taekwondo
A women’s-only self-defense seminar to learn practical self-defense techniques.
For more information, contact Emily Sloane.
*15-point social work activity.
Recovery Court
Dates:
- Wednesday, September 10, 2025
- Wednesday, September 24, 2025
- Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- Wednesday, October 29, 2025
- Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Lynchburg Circuit Court, 900 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Recovery Court is a specialized court docket program that allows individuals to enter long-term drug treatment and agree to court supervision rather than receive jail time. This Recovery Court experience will introduce students to program participants who have legal charges as a result of their substance use. Students will have personal interaction with the Judge and the treatment team.
You will report to the Lynchburg Circuit Court, 900 Court Street, Lynchburg, 24504. Please be prepared to stay from 2 pm – 4 pm. Your attire should be professional casual (no jeans). Please leave cell phones in the car as they are not allowed in court. Please do not skip class to attend.
Participation is limited to five students per event and is first come, first serve. Contact Professor Rhonda Turner if you’d like to attend.
*15-point social work activity.
4th Annual Ride of Our Lives: Mental Health Awareness Motorcycle Ride & Rally
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. start, 12 p.m. rally
Location:
- Registration at Harley Davidson of Lynchburg, 20452 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502
- Rally at Horizon Wellness Center at Langhorne, 2215 Langhorne Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health
Horizon Behavioral Health is sponsoring the 4th annual benefit ride in honor of Mental Health and Suicide Awareness. Registration for riders will begin at the Harley Davidson of Lynchburg at 9 a.m. The ride begins at 10 a.m. and all riders are encouraged to WEAR GREEN to show their support. Jeeps are also welcome to take part in the ride following our motorcyclists!
Don’t ride? Don’t worry! There will be plenty for you to take part in at the finish line. The rally will take place at the Horizon Wellness Center at Langhorne beginning at 12 p.m. – food, music, speakers, and more will be waiting for riders, their families, and the community!
Donations accepted! All donations benefit suicide prevention and awareness in Central Virginia. Additionally, a free oil change & state inspection ($150 in value) at Harley Davidson of Lynchburg will be raffled.
REGISTER NOW with Eventbrite Registration. The first 50 riders to register will receive a FREE event T-shirt.
For more information, contact Januwaa Davis by email at Januwaa.Davis@HorizonBH.org or by phone at (434) 477-5464.
*15-point social work activity.
Annual Roanoke Mental Health Conference on Trauma-Informed Care and Prevention for Refugee and Immigrant Communities
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Location: Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016
Hosted by the Department of Behavioral Health Division (DBHDS) and the Office of New Americans with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
The Department of Behavioral Health Division and the Office of New Americans with the Virginia Department of Social Services cordially invite you to join the Annual Roanoke Mental Health Conference on Trauma-Informed Care and Prevention for Refugee and Immigrant Communities, which will be held in-person on September 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016.
This year’s conference will explore a variety of important subjects, including trauma-informed care practices, strategies for improving language access in the mental health field, approaches to preventing human trafficking, and insights into the behavioral health needs of refugee and immigrant communities in Virginia.
This free event welcomes resettlement agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based program staff, school personnel, interpreters, community and faith leaders, service providers, community health workers, and anyone who may be interested in attending. Participants will be receiving a certification of attendance for their participation in the conference.
Let’s come together to share knowledge, experiences, best practices, and resources. Your involvement is key to fostering change in our refugee and immigrant communities!
Thank you for considering this invitation. We look forward to seeing you at the conference.
For more information, contact Belinda Pino at belinda.pino.@dbdhs.virginia.gov or Liliana Penalver at liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov.
*15-point social work activity.
REVIVE Training
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Presented by Horizon Behavioral Health
Would you know what to do in an overdose emergency? 75% of individuals say they do not feel prepared to help someone experiencing an overdose.
Join a free virtual training:
- Understand the risks of an overdose
- Spot the signs of an emergency
- Respond with confidence
- Receive FREE Narcan
- Help break stigma of addiction
REVIVE! is the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. REVIVE! provides lay rescuer training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone. Opioids include pain medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone, in addition to illicit drugs like heroin.
The REVIVE! training is roughly one hour long. This training covers understanding opioids, how opioid overdoses happen, risk factors for opioid overdoses, and how to respond to an overdose emergency with the administration of Naloxone. Those attending a REVIVE Training instructed by Horizon Behavioral Health will receive a Narcan kit which includes supplies needed to administer and two free doses of Narcan.
The day after each training attendees can pick up their free Narcan kit from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Horizon Behavioral Health located at 2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg (Lower Level).
Register Today: Opioid Overdose Response Training Registration
For more information, contact prevention@horizonbh.org.
*15-point social work activity.
Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Adults
Dates:
- Adult Training
- Friday, September 19, 2025
- Friday, November 21, 2025
- Youth Training
- Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Horizon Wellness Center at Landover, 2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health
Become a three-year certified adult or youth mental health first aider …
Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack — we’d start CPR or call 9-1-1. Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training will cover topics such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Trauma
- Substance Use
- Eating Disorders
- Psychosis
Once registered, you will receive an email from Prevention@HorizonBH.org and will be required to complete less than one hour of pre-work before the training. There is no cost to attend. All training-related expenses are covered by Horizon Behavioral Health.
For more information, contact Horizon Behavioral Health at prevention@horizonbh.org.
*15-point social work activity.
Samaritan’s Purse: Take Your Career to the Nations
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Montview Alumni Ballroom
Hosted by Samaritan’s Purse
Are you interested in using your God-given skills to bring help to hurting people in Jesus’ name? Join the Samaritan’s Purse team to hear more about opportunities to get involved.
Register here: Take Your Career to the Nations RSVP – Zoom
For more information, contact Isabel McInnis at imcinnis@samaritan.org.
*15-point social work activity.
In the Field: Social Work Interns Share Their Journey
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: DeMoss 4326
Join the Social Work Club for a panel-style event focusing on social work students’ experiences as interns in the field to hear firsthand what a placement may look like. They will share personal challenges, how they overcame them, and tips for going into placements.
Snacks and drinks will be provided!
For more information, contact Hayley Coronado, Social Work Club President.
*15-point social work activity.
Collegiate Recovery Program: Night of Recovery
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Green Hall Commuter Lounge (Room 1875)
Hosted by Liberty University CARE and Support
Join the CRP in the Community Lounge for a Night of Recovery! Enjoy refreshments as you fellowship with others and hear from Branden Gard, the Program Director of Eagles Nest Regeneration (located here in Lynchburg). Branden will share his experience and the work he does in substance abuse treatment.
For more information, contact the Liberty University CARE and Support office at care@liberty.edu.
*15-point social work activity.
4th Annual Walk for Recovery
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Miller Park, 2100 Park Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Central Virginia Addiction Recovery & Resources (CVARR)
Join us for CVARR’s 4th Annual Walk for Recovery: Thursday, September 25, 2025.
In recognition of National Recovery month, we will honor recovery voices, celebrate the journey, and uplift those we hope will one day find recovery. Join us for an honorary walk around Miller Park, uplifting speakers, free resources, a community cookout, music, and fun!
More details to come—let’s walk together in hope and healing.
For more information, visit CVARR’s webpage at www.cvarr.org.
*15-point social work activity.
Opportunity to Support SOWK 270 Role Plays
Dates:
- Monday, September 29, 2025, through Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Monday, October 27, 2025, through Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Monday, November 17, 2025, through Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Times:
- Mondays and Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Location: Counseling Labs, DeMoss Hall
Have you completed SOWK 270: Introduction to Social Work and want to give back to the program? We are seeking student volunteers to serve as role-play actors for upcoming class activities.
As a role-play actor, you will step into the role of a “client” in structured scenarios that mirror real-world social work dilemmas. Your participation will give current students the chance to practice empathy, communication, and ethical decision-making in a realistic setting.
Why participate?
- Strengthen your own social work skills through experiential learning.
- Contribute to the success of your peers by helping them learn in a safe, supportive environment.
- Participation counts as a Social Work Activity.
- No acting experience needed—prompts and guidance will be provided.
Use the QR code or this link to sign up to participate: https://forms.office.com/r/ybQkY7D7ds
For more information, contact Professor Aaron Wright. *15-point social work activity.
Empower & Protect: Self-Defense for Everyday Safety
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: DeMoss 4326
Join the Social Work Club and Warrior Success Academy for a self-defense class! Learn basic moves and how to properly defend yourself in a variety of scenarios.
Please note that Warrior Success Academy requires participants to fill out a waiver, either online before the event or physically at the event.
For more information, contact Hayley Coronado, Social Work Club President.
*15-point social work activity.
Re-Entry Simulation
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Lobby, DeMoss Hall
The Helms School of Government will be hosting a Re-Entry Simulation on Tuesday, October 14th at 0930 in the Grand Lobby Ballroom of Demoss Hall. This immersive, experiential program uses a simulated environment to help participants understand the immense challenges individuals face when returning to society after incarceration. This simulation is intended to build empathy and identify systemic barriers to successful reentry. The most valuable portion of this experience is the final debrief with individuals who work with this population; subject matter experts will be in attendance to provide input to students.
*15-point social work activity.
iKids Karnival
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. (volunteer arrival times may vary)
Location: Thomas Road Baptist Church
Hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children
Partner with TRBC’s iKids program to put on a fall festival for kids with special needs and their families. Volunteer opportunities involve being a family buddy, setting up/tearing down, and helping at stations!
See more information and sign up at the link here: Council for Exceptional Children: iKids Karnival
*15-point social work activity.
Financially Speaking: A Night to Answer Your Questions About Debt, Money, and Budgeting?
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: DeMoss 4326
Join the Social Work Club and the Center for Financial Planning & Coaching to answer all your financial questions. Students will learn about navigating loans and modest incomes after graduation.
For more information, contact Hayley Coronado, Social Work Club President.
*15-point social work activity.
Behind the Counter: Voices of Sweet Indulgence Bakery
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: DeMoss 4326
Join the Social Work Club to learn about Sweet Indulgence Bakery, a local business that has partnered with Five18 Family Services and other local nonprofits. Several of their employees have overcome or are learning to recover from trauma through a mentorship program offered by the bakery. Share some sweet treats and hear their employees share their stories!
For more information, contact Hayley Coronado, Social Work Club President.
*15-point social work activity.
World Help Volunteer Event
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Location: 1148 Corporate Park Dr, Forest, VA 24551
Join World Help in remembering former employee Patrick Shaw by volunteering for Serve the World Day! Patrick passed away in 2020. During his time working at World Help, Patrick showed love to every staff member, donor, and volunteer he met and helped ship lifesaving supplies to thousands of people around the world. Even when he was battling cancer, he was always eager to come to work and serve.
To honor Patrick’s legacy and servant’s heart, you are invited to volunteer at World Help’s Humanitarian Aid Distribution Center, packing, organizing, and serving in whatever capacity is needed.
To join the student volunteer group from Liberty, register at World Help Volunteer Event. Fill out the required information and enter “1” in the quantity box for Shift 3 (6-9 p.m.). Each participant will need to register individually to log their t-shirt size and all other necessary details.
For more information, contact Hayley Coronado, Social Work Club President.
*15-point social work activity.
Sending Cheer: Holiday Cards for Meals on Wheels
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: DeMoss 4326
Join the Social Work Club for a fun time of fellowship, writing Christmas cards for Meals on Wheels, which will be shared with community members who utilize Meals on Wheels during the holiday season. Christmas snacks and drinks will be provided!
For more information, contact Hayley Coronado, Social Work Club President.
*15-point social work activity.