Allie Cole spent her early twenties focusing on her family, putting her own career aspirations on hold to ensure her children had everything they needed. But as her children grew, so did a quiet, persistent calling toward mental health work. Today, Allie isn't just answering that call; she's leading the charge as May's Volunteer of the Month.
Allie's journey began at Rappahannock Community College (RCC), where she enrolled to study social work. It was there that the opportunity to serve in the Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC)-an AmeriCorps program-caught her eye. The YMHC program proved to be the perfect bridge between service, education, and career. In addition to earning six credits toward her social work degree, she has earned the necessary training hours required to earn the Qualified Mental Health Professional Trainee credential through the Virginia Department of Counseling.
Her service as a Youth Mental Health Corps member began at the Community Services Board (CSB) of the Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck, where she initially shadowed clinicians and observed assessments. As her experience grew, Allie moved into serving on the COPE line, a vital crisis hotline connecting residents to urgent resources. The impact was immediate. Allie quickly transitioned from volunteer to employee of the Community Services Board. "One of the great things about this program is how it directly connects you to real employment opportunities," she says. "You can kick-start your career before you even have your degree." | 
