VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Laura Baxter and her team at the Armed Services YMCA Hampton Roads are passionate about their jobs.
"We consider ourselves small, but mighty," said Baxter, the organization's executive director.
Through several programs, the ASYMCA is a support system for active-duty service members and their families. The group provides services to help families whether their loved ones are home or on deployment, and it helps new families to the region find community.
“That is really our mission," said Baxter. "That we are their home away from home.”
The Hampton Roads location is one of 12 branches across the nation, as part of an organization that dates back to 1861. The Armed Services YMCA Hampton Roads offers free or low-cost resources without requiring dues or membership fees.
Some of their offerings include free monthly events, a pre-k program, and a pantry, which opens three times weekly for active-duty service members who need emergency assistance.
More than 85 percent of their employees have a military affiliation, according to Baxter.
"Either military spouses or dependents or have retired or veterans from the military," she said.
So their employees are familiar with the experiences of military families. That includes staffers like Tessa Davis, whose family moved here because of the military years ago.
"I love this job. This is my heart. This is my joy," said Davis.
Davis oversees the organization's early learning programs, including Operation Little Learner, a school readiness class for parents and their young children (up to age 5). She said it warms her heart to help military families form new bonds.
"Something so simple as who can I invite to a birthday party," said Davis. "A lot of people don't think about it. But that's big as a parent."
Baxter said they want to ensure active-duty service members can focus on their mission while knowing their loved ones are in good hands.
"They are taking care of our families by protecting our country and in turn, we are making sure that we are taking care of their families," Baxter said.
As part of Military Support Spotlight Week, 13News Now Daybreak Anchor Eugene Daniel surprised Baxter and her staff with a $1,000 donation.
"This is going to go a long way," said Baxter.
"Well, we are not done," said Daniel.
Representatives from STIHL also showed up with their own $1,000 donation for the Armed Services YMCA Hampton Roads.
"Thank you so much!" said Baxter. "We could not do what we do without the support of all these generous donations, so thank you!"
The ASYMCA Hampton Roads is funded through donations and grants.
If you would like to support their mission or learn more about their organization, find that information on their website.