Made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor and in partnership with Opportunity Alliance Re-entry (OAR), Sheriff C.T. Woody, Jr. announced the creation of a memorial scholarship fund which will benefit residents leaving the Richmond City Justice Center. The scholarship is named after two former Richmond City Sheriff Office employees who passed away earlier this year – the Rosa Fowlkes and Kenny Anderson Memorial Scholarship.
“We’re grateful for the generous donation of $10,000 to OAR, our partner in this scholarship, which will make a huge difference in the lives of our residents,” stated Sheriff Woody. “The men and women who leave the Justice Center, many who have been in the REAL Program, are looking for a new way of life, which remains difficult, due to the numerous barriers still present in the community. Having the opportunity for a Workforce Development Scholarship, not only motivates them to continue to work toward a different life, but further equips them to be marketable and skillful, enabling them to find a job making a living wage.”
Sheriff Woody continued on to say, “I can’t think of two better people to have this fund named after. Sergeant Rosa Fowlkes was a dedicated servant to her community. She loved being with people and loved representing the Sheriff’s office at events; she was a true bridge between law enforcement and the public, and she was very good at her job. Major Kenny Anderson was the head of our Training Division before he passed away. Almost every single deputy in this agency had Major Anderson as an academy instructor at some point in their career, and he loved teaching. He loved the students. Putting his name on this memorial scholarship honors the appreciation he had for learning and growing.”
The Rosa Fowlkes and Kenny Anderson Memorial Scholarship will help fund job training for certifications and licenses in various fields such as plumbing, the electrician trade, and auto mechanics. It can also be used to give scholarship opportunities to those who wish to enroll in a community college or attain their GED. Opportunity Alliance Re-Entry (OAR) of Richmond accepted the donation and will manage the memorial scholarship. OAR will also oversee the application process for those who are interested in applying for a scholarship.
Donations will be accepted year-round. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the scholarship fund may do so by sending a check to OAR of Richmond, Inc., putting it to the attention of Executive Director Sara Conlon. Checks can be mailed to 3111 West Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230. Please site ‘The Fowlkes/Anderson Memorial Fund’ on the check. Donations can also be made online www.oarric.org by clicking donate, and citing ‘Fowlkes/Anderson Scholarship Fund’ in the “in honor/memory of line. All donations are tax deductible. For more information on OAR, you may contact Sara Conlon at (804) 643-2746.