Anne Mitchell prefers the slow pace, peace of nature and quality of life of the rural “Rivah Country” of King and Queen County. She spent her career helping people as a social worker. Now she serves on the board of directors for the Community Awareness of Rappahannock Electric Charity (CARE).
It’s where the languid Rappahannock River eases through the place she’s called home the last 50 years. The lifestyle is slow, the garden beckons, the twin grandsons are nearby. But there’s no slowing Mitchell down in the core of her being: she helps.
She spent her career helping people as a social worker. Now she serves on the board of directors for the Community Awareness of Rappahannock Electric Charity (CARE). Mitchell represents Region 9, the counties of Essex, King and Queen, and King William.
Each month, thousands of REC members voluntarily give to The Power of Change (TPOC), a member-supported initiative that supports local nonprofits. Gifts can be a set monthly amount, a one-time donation or members can round up their bill to the next whole dollar.
Through TPOC, more than 36,000 REC members contribute directly to community projects by rounding up their electric bill each month, averaging just 51 cents. Together, these contributions make a powerful difference for those in need.
Mitchell is a native of Chatham, Va., moving to the river region in 1975 after working for several years in Richmond. She enjoys tending to her plants and sitting outside to catch a golden hour sunrise or sunset and wildlife. She also likes that she hears nature instead of the sounds of the city — crickets over cars, songbirds over sirens.
It’s Easy to Help
Working for the CARE Board aligns with Mitchell’s career in social services, in which she retired as director for King William County Department of Social Services. Mitchell said it’s also a natural fit to enroll in the Power of Change.
“Everybody should take part in helping individuals who need help and rounding up is not a big deal,” she said. “I think it’s important to help other people if you are able to. It’s satisfying and a good thing to do.”
It’s easy to take part in the Power of Change, Mitchell said.
“It’s not like you’re writing a check at the end of the year for a contribution,” she said. “With my contribution, I am helping somebody do something worthwhile. It’s so easy just to check the box and round your bill up. If everyone did it, there would be more money to give out.”
The CARE Charity Board
On the CARE Charity Board, Mitchell reviews applications and helps make decisions on awards. Many people need help but don’t ask for it.
“Making the community aware of these programs is important so we can receive applications from people with a wide range of needs.”
Other nonprofits in the communities do the same thing, but they are not always able to help, she explained.
“This is another opportunity if they get turned down by that board, they can apply here (TPOC),” Mitchell said.
Mitchell is determined to make a difference in the lives of people around her.
“I think that there are a lot of people who have needs that are not seen,” she said. “It’s important that we have something in place to help folks who are in need.”
Can you give 51 cents a month?
That’s the average amount that more than 36,000 Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) members give each month by rounding up their electric bill to the next whole dollar.
And that’s all it takes to help people in your community. Join us in helping support food insecurity, housing and shelter assistance, health and education programs, and other needs in our communities. Since 2005, REC has awarded $1.7 million to our communities. Interested in The Power of Change? Learn more
