The Up Center
Benita Thompson is a seasoned professional in the field of family support and mental health services, currently serving as a Healthy Families Family Resource Specialist at The Up Center since January 2022. Prior experience includes roles as Interim Building Supervisor, Lead Mental Health Technician, and Mental Health Technician at Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health, as well as Program Coordinator at Divine Care, LLC. Benita's background also features significant contributions as Program Director at Church of Faith & Works, Inc. and as High Needs Case Manager at Southwest Network. Additional roles include Volunteer Coordinator at Kingdom in the Valley Christian Church and Direct Support Professional at Arizona MENTOR. Benita began their career with tutoring at Oak Ridge Juvenile Correctional Center and an administrative internship with Virginia Mentoring Partnership. Educationally, Benita holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and African American Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, completed in 2010.
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The Up Center
The Up Center, headquartered in Norfolk, Va., is the region's oldest and largest non-profit family services agency dedicated to helping people live better lives. Founded in 1883, the agency responds to the needs of our community's most vulnerable citizens by providing comprehensive, effective and innovative services in four core areas: Protecting our children, Strengthening families, Empowering people in crisis and Maximizing independence for those with disabilities. The Up Center has four locations throughout Hampton Roads and serves over 10,000 people each year. Our Vision is a healthy community where children and families thrive. We believe that families are at the foundation of a thriving community. When we invest in all families, children are ready for school, parents are prepared to invest their talents in the workplace, home is a place of security, love and hope, and neighborhoods flourish. Our community becomes a better place to live, work and give. Our mission is: We are committed to partnering with children, families, and communities to improve lives and outcomes through prevention, intervention, and support services. Through innovative services and community collaboration, we build strong families- the foundation of a resilient, flourishing community. Our programs meet the diverse needs of children and families, including: - Counseling and mental health skill-building - Early childhood education and youth mentoring - Foster Care - Financial and housing education and counseling - Workforce readiness and development - Disability Services