Ascension is a member of several community associations. These groups focus on the betterment of the citizens of Virginia Beach and/or the State of Virginia by advocating for such issues as homelessness, affordable housing, health care, financial empowerment, and our environment. They charge themselves with eliminating issues at the source, and keeping the needs and rights of the marginalized at the forefront, as they work toward justice and the common good.
Bank-On: This ten-month program guides individuals/families toward adequately funding basic living expenses. Participants meet with a financial coach throughout the program. A matched savings incentive upon successful completion creates a financial cushion against unexpected costs, reducing the need for predatory lending. If you have a financial background or would like to be trained as a coach, email Ruth Brogan or phone 495-1886 x414. Visit Bank On for additional information.
Open Table: The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is partnering with local faith communities to help individuals and families facing complex life challenges. This shift from charity to sustainability requires supportive relationships with volunteers from our parish and many others throughout Virginia Beach. To learn more, email Teresa Alfes or phone 495-1886 x427. Visit The Open Table for more details.
Sowers of Justice: This advocacy group offers a wide range of topics for discussion and action. Issues include the environment, affordable health care, immigration, the death penalty, and other current topics. Email Marie Thompson or phone 495-1886 x428. Visit Tidewater Sowers of Justice for more details.
Interfaith Alliance at the Beach (IAB): The IAB is an informal coalition of faith-based congregations, non-profit organizations, and City service providers working to address unmet needs and social justice issues through nonpartisan advocacy and initiatives. Visit Interfaith Alliance at the Beach to learn more.
Virginia Catholic Conference: In late 2004, Virginia’s Catholic bishops founded the Virginia Catholic Conference to represent them and their dioceses of Arlington and Richmond by advocating for public policy that reflects natural law, advances human dignity and serves the common good. Visit Virginia Catholic Conference for current action items.
One way to advocate for issues you care about is to contact your local, state and/or federal government representatives. Determine your representatives by visiting Who's My Legislator, then type your address in the upper right box. If you live in Virginia Beach, click here for local, state, and federal contact information (updated February 2019).
Additional volunteer opportunities can be found on our Service and Events pages.
View some of our volunteers and ministries at work in the Social Ministry Photo Gallery.
