Henrico submitted entries to the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) awards competition. General government agencies and HCPS won a combined four Achievement Awards from VACo. Henrico’s four VACo awards were the second-most among Virginia counties. Overall, the VACo awards competition recognized 57 programs from 155 entries submitted by member counties across the state.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Program
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services (HAMHDS) was the first Community Services Board (CSB) in the region to offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy services in a community mental health setting. PCIT is designed to strengthen parent-child relationships through live coaching and is available in English, Spanish, or Lebanese Arabic.
Regional Recovery Day
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Henrico partnered with three neighboring localities to host the first Regional Recovery Day. The event drew over 700 participants and provided education and resources on substance use treatment.
Cook & Book
Public Library
This program is designed to connect the community through food and reading while also providing local businesses an opportunity to share new recipes and food. Local chefs can introduce diverse foods and kitchen techniques and participants are able to explore foods and recipes supported by titles they can take home. The program offers a social learning environment with open discussion.
Elementary Students Design and Build a New School
Henrico County Public Schools
In fall 2024, R. C. Longan Elementary School in Henrico County, Virginia launched the “If I Built a School” project, a schoolwide STEAM initiative that engaged students in designing a new school as the existing building prepared for reconstruction. Through research, design thinking, and prototype development, students explored careers such as architecture and engineering while developing collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.