Help for right now, support for what comes next.

Uplift Community Action is the Community Action Agency serving Richmond, Petersburg, Prince George, and Dinwiddie.

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Uplift Community Action's mission is to replace poverty with stability and hope.

A missed paycheck can become an overdue utility bill. A car problem can make it harder to get to work. Rising grocery costs can force impossible choices between food, rent, and everything else a family needs.

These challenges are connected. So is our support. 

UCA brings immediate assistance, one-on-one coaching, financial support, and community partnerships together around one goal: helping people move from instability toward a future with more options.

We start with what you need now, and when you’re ready, we help you look ahead.

Six decades of showing up

Uplift Community Action began in 1965 as the Richmond Community Action Program, part of a national movement to address poverty at the local level. What started in Richmond grew to support people in Petersburg, Hopewell, Prince George, and Dinwwide.

Our name has changed, our programs evolved, and challenges facing our neighbors shifted. Yet the work remains the same: showing up when people need support, listening to what communities need next, and helping create more pathways toward stability.

Meet the Team

  • Alyssa Johnson

    Community Engagement Specialist

  • Cynthia Patrick

    Receptionist

  • Dakota Camp

    Financial Coach

  • Hannah Skudlarek

    Director of Community Engagement

  • James Lee

    Finance Director

  • John Lewis III

    Facilities Manager

  • JoLinda Underwood

    Family Coach

  • Keith Mulvin

    Director of Progams

  • Melita Prosise-Riley

    Basic Needs Program Coordinator

  • Michael Rogers

    Executive Director

  • Saundra Laws

    Basic Needs Director

  • Shanyelle Bynum

    Client Support Coordinator

Board of Directors

  • Sam Parker

    Chair
    Keynote Speaker
    Richmond City Appointee

  • Katy Latimer

    Secretary
    Reynolds Community College
    Richmond City Appointee

  • Misty Peloquin

    Treasurer
    Fahrenheit Advisors

  • Afton Pryor

    Peoples Advantage Financial Credit Union
    Petersburg Appointee

  • Altise Street

    DentaQuest

  • Ben Rogers

    Brightpoint Community College

  • Chloe Van Zandt

    Wealth Crossing

  • Donna Harrison

    Dinwiddie Department of Social Services
    Dinwiddie Appointee

  • Edward Richards

    SupportWorks Housing

  • Halimah Shepherd

    Community Volunteer

  • Janei Lofty

    Enterprise Community Development

  • Laura Faulcon

    Community Volunteer

  • Mollie Montague

    American Cancer Society
    Richmond City Appointee

Help build the path forward

Uplift’s work is powered by people who believe neighbors shouldn’t face crisis alone. Join the group of people whose support improves lives.

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