‘Steadfast advocate’: Alex Wagaman wins one of VCU’s inaugural awards for community excellence
Praised as someone who “creates safe spaces where people can learn and grow” and as a “steadfast advocate with a gentle presence,” Alex Wagaman, Ph.D., was honored with one of VCU’s inaugural Excellence in Community Engagement Awards in May 2025. Wagaman, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, received her award in the […]
Real research: Elaine Williams examines how service providers can better serve needs of homeless youth
When Elaine Williams was in middle school, her family was evicted from its Richmond apartment. Then she became a VCU social work student and joined a participatory action research team to study youth homelessness.
Richmond youth who have faced homelessness and housing instability use research and advocacy to help others in similar situations
Members of the Advocates for Richmond Youth held a “pop-up, drop-in center” at Side By Side, a space in Richmond for LGBTQ+ youth, that offered free food, clothing, hygiene items, computer access for job searches, and legal assistance to any 14-to-24-year-olds experiencing homelessness or housing instability.