November 7, 2025 • 28 mins
Holiday sparkle can hide tough realities. We open with lighthearted talk about candy and collards, then dig into how families in Chesapeake get real help fast—food, clothing, health access, school registration, and even job connections—through the tight partnership between our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team and Nischelle Buffalow’s all-volunteer Buffalow Family & Friends.
You’ll also hear a clear guide to seasonal supports and if you’re ready to give back, there’s a place for you! The core message is simple and bold: reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and a single call to FACE can open many doors.
Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor who might need it, and leave a review to help more families find these resources. If you can volunteer or donate, step in—ordinary people really are making a difference.
The Stories Behind Our Story
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Matt (00:01):
You're listening to Amplified, the Chesapeake Public
Schools Podcast.
Your front row seat to thestories behind our story.
Jay (00:17):
Hi everyone and welcome back to Amplified.
I'm Jay Lewter and I'm herewith Matt Graham.
Matt, I hope that you had awonderful trick-or-treat
experience with the kids.
Matt (00:28):
It was a blast.
It was an absolute blast.
The kids came home with tons ofcandy.
I'm eating all the candy now,so I have to watch it.
Jay (00:37):
You gotta inspect the candy and take the dad tax.
Matt (00:40):
Right.
The dad tax.
Absolutely.
Jay (00:43):
I love a good dad tax.
Get all those Snickers out ofthere.
Get all those Reese's peanutbutter cups.
Those all go to dad.
Yeah, I used to love to skimthe trick-or-treat bag.
I only have uh, like like youguys know, I have one child at
home now.
She's 16.
So she went to hang withfriends and we dressed up the
dog in her Halloween costume andsat out and saw all the
(01:05):
neighbor kids and we had a greatnight.
And so uh once Halloween isover, we really start
transitioning to the holidayseason and we start thinking
about Thanksgiving, Christmas,all those things.
Matt, when I think aboutThanksgiving, I think about that
plate.
You know, I think about whatkind of things have got to be on
that plate to make it a specialholiday because Thanksgiving
is, you know, all about themeal.
(01:26):
Right.
Everybody's all being togetherwith your family and then having
that big celebratory meal.
What's something that it's notThanksgiving unless it's on your
plate, Matt?
Matt (01:36):
Well, it's a controversy in our family.
Jay (01:38):
Okay.
Matt (01:39):
But I always gotta have that sweet potato casserole.
And that's not the controversy,but that's what I love and look
forward to.
So what's coming?
Here's the controversy is myfamily is from Virginia.
My wife's family is from NewYork.
So when we come together for ameal, I gotta put a little of
that southern flavor in there.
Okay.
(01:59):
And we bring in, or some of myfamily members bring in some
collard greens.
Okay.
Right?
You gotta have it.
Well, my northern crew, myextended family had no idea what
that was, and they say neveragain.
So we have our text messagegoing right now for
Thanksgiving, and one of ourfamilies m made the point say,
(02:21):
Don't worry, I'm not gonna bringthe collard greens.
But I look forward to it.
Like, you gotta have it, right?
What about you?
Jay (02:28):
Well, for me, it's all about the carbs.
It's all about the carbs.
I love the mac and cheese.
I love the the yeast rolls inthe little metal tin that you
that come frozen and you warmthem up.
I love those.
Corn pudding, another big one.
Oh, that's a great one in inour house.
Uh so all about the carbs,mashed potatoes.
(02:48):
And everyone says turkey is thestar of the show, but yeah, I I
love all the sides.
Matt (02:53):
Yeah.
Even a green bean casserole isso good.
I love it all.
All right, now I'm gettinghungry.
Jay (02:58):
I know, I know.
So, so Matt, uh, it's anexciting time of year, but also
a time of year that brings somechallenges for a lot of
families, right?
Matt (03:06):
Correct.
This time of year we have a lotof excitement, a lot of events,
a lot of food stuff like whatwe were just mentioning.
But at the same time, there's alot of needs that need to be
met.
There's a lot of people thatneed some help during this
holiday season, and it's notalways that joyful time.
So today we brought in LisaKerry, one of our family and
(03:27):
community engagement specialistson our face team.
And we also brought iniNischelle Buffalow from Buffalow
Family and Friends, and all thethings that she and her
volunteer program does for ourcommunity and how they work
together.
I mean, Michelle's been doingthis for 16 years.
Jay (03:45):
16 years, that's right.
She's a former Pride of thePeake award winner.
Matt (03:50):
There's just so much that Buffalow Family and Friends do
for Chesapeake Public Schoolsand in our entire Chesapeake
community, as well as our faceteam.
Jay (03:58):
It feels like a really good point for us to stop and thank
Miss Andrea Vail for everythingthat's happening in the family
and community engagement teamover in her office.
There's so much happeningbehind the scenes to support our
families, schools, andcommunities.
And we would be remiss if wedidn't stop and pause to thank
her for all the work that'shappening out there.
Matt (04:19):
Absolutely, 100%.
So I'm looking forward tohearing that collaboration as
well between FACE and theBuffalow family and friends.
Jay (04:26):
And if you are a family that doesn't have a need right
now, but you're saying toyourself, I really want to get
out there and support thecommunity, Buffalow Family and
Friends is a great way to dothat, as well as our face
department, because either ofthose resources will get you out
and supporting the community inwhatever way you and your
family would like to.
So I'm really excited for ourlisteners to hear today's
(04:49):
episode on Amplify.
Matt (04:53):
All right, listeners, we are back.
And with us, we have Lisa Kerryfrom the Family and Community
Engagement Team here withChesapeake Public Schools, and
we also have Michelle Buffalowfrom Buffalow Family and
Friends.
Welcome to the podcast.
Lisa (05:07):
Thank you.
Thank you for having us.
Thank you.
Matt (05:10):
All right.
Lisa, can you share a bit ofyour journey and what led you to
your current role with familyand community engagement?
Lisa (05:18):
Yeah, so um back in 2019, uh, Dr.
Cotton had a vision ofexpanding the Parent Resource
Center to include all familiesso that we can make sure that
we're more supportive to notjust our special needs
population, but to all families,whether they need uh resources
for community resources, um,self-support with school
resources.
(05:38):
So this job came about in 2019,which was ironic because it
happened right before COVID.
Um, and so 2019, COVID hits,and we're in a greater need of
connecting our families withcommunity resources, with the
schools.
A lot of our families were justin the unknown area.
(05:59):
They didn't know how educationwas going to continue, how they
were gonna get food, jobsecurity, all of those things.
So we found that there was agreater need for this role in
helping our community.
This position um allowed me tomeet with community partners,
find out how we can bring thosecommunity partners into our
school district.
I was thrust into the limelightof meeting with a variety of
(06:22):
community partners, such asNischelle Buffalow and Buffalow
and Family and Friends, and howthey could be a resource to
helping our families deal withfood insecurities, helping them
with jobs, helping get um theCOVID testing done and all of
those things.
Jay (06:37):
And for those who don't know, uh Ms.
Buffalow, can you tell us aboutBuffalow Family and Friends and
your connection to Chesapeake?
Nischelle (06:43):
Yes, Buffalow Family and Friends started in November
of 2010 because we saw a need inChesapeake and we saw a need in
our South Norfolk community,and the compassion led us to
start feeding on ThanksgivingDay.
And we started very small, 25uh individuals at the park.
(07:05):
Then we started two years outafter that at the side of the
house feeding about 150.
And we noticed 150 of thoseindividuals that third year of
Thanksgiving, half of those werechildren.
And not only did they needfood, they needed clothing as
well.
So that's how we started doingour food and clothing
(07:27):
initiatives throughoutChesapeake.
And it's just the compassion ofserving our city.
Wonderful.
Jay (07:34):
And Nischelle, I think I I can already hear in your voice
that purpose and passion, youfound the perfect place where
those two things areintersecting for you and
Buffalow family and friends,where you're combining your
purpose and your passion, andthat's when the best work
happens, isn't it?
Yes.
Matt (07:48):
Right.
And so you were mentioningabout how you met the Buffalow
family.
Can you talk to us about that?
How did this partnership cometo be?
Lisa (07:56):
I originally met with Catherine Jesse, who was the
community programs administratorfor Chesapeake, the city of
Chesapeake.
Um, she encouraged me to goout, meet the Buffalow family
and friends, meet Michelle, findout all of the wonderful things
that she was doing as a greatway to kind of get a hold of all
the different communityresources and the needs from our
community.
So, with that being said, Icame to volunteer at one of her
(08:20):
drive-through food banks.
And I mean, it was a well-oiledworking machine.
I didn't realize the need wasso big.
I arrived at probably around11.
The line was already wrappedaround the building.
We were at a church at thattime.
And so it was already onBainbridge Boulevard at that
time.
So I was like, oh my gosh, howare we gonna feed all of these
people?
And Michelle was like, Don'tworry, we've got it all taken
(08:41):
care of.
Um I love that.
And just, you know, gettingout, talking to some of the
families.
We were in COVID, everybodyhad, you know, masks on and
everything, but still just kindof getting to know some of the
families that were comingthrough the line, seeing kids,
knowing, you know, what's goingon, how's your day, and just
sharing those stories helped usreally see what the need was in
the community.
(09:01):
I was really grateful for that,you know, partnership.
And the chell was very openabout sharing resources, talking
about the different communitymembers that come together to
make this food drive such awonderful thing for our
families.
Jay (09:20):
What are some of the programs and traditions that
you're the most proud of?
Nischelle (09:24):
The most proud I am is Thanksgiving to see how it's
grown from feeding 25individuals to last year, we
served 21,000 meals.
So the growth has really beeninspiring in the steps that
we've taken to grow.
We took our footprints throughChesapeake to make sure that
we're serving individuals that'ssuffering from food
(09:48):
insecurities and individualsthat's living in food deserts.
So we've dissected in how howto get food through the
communities.
And as Lisa said, when we firstmet during COVID, it was real,
a real big need then.
Um we were basically the firstindividuals to step to feeding
(10:09):
their children in Chesapeake.
So we took 250 kids inChesapeake and we delivered
their meals to their door everyday until we became smart, maybe
two three months into that, andthen we started delivering
weekly baskets.
But for the first three months,we were door-to-door five days
(10:30):
a week with food.
Matt (10:32):
So you're like your own DoorDash, right?
Nischelle (10:34):
Yes, and that's basically, you know, how we
started just delivering, makingsure meals were given to those
individuals that had notransportation.
Jay (10:44):
And just an army of volunteers, right?
Nischelle (10:46):
And that's how we make it volunteers.
Our core is volunteers.
We have no paid staff.
Our core is our supportivevolunteers.
We reach out to uh Navy groups,we reach out to organizations,
fraternities, sorority churchesto help us make a difference in
the lives of others every day.
We take organizations and letthem go out into the senior
(11:10):
communities with us door to doorand deliver groceries.
Jay (11:13):
Wonderful.
So we know about yourThanksgiving program and what a
fantastic support that is to thecommunity.
What other programs areBuffalow family and friends
helping us with in thecommunity?
There's so much more.
Amazing.
They are amazing.
Nischelle (11:25):
So we actually started teaming up with
Chesapeake Career Center.
This will be our fourth yearwith our community hair salon.
Twice a month, we have theamazing kids from cosmetology
and now come in and service ourcommunity.
They service our children, theyservice our seniors.
And one thing about the kids,it helped them with their
(11:48):
self-esteem and also help withbullying.
You know, a lot of kids getbullied because of the way they
look.
And this and even theself-esteem with our seniors.
And they come and when they'releaving out, they have a
beautiful smile on their face.
And it gives the chance for ourstudents to get more, more
(12:09):
hands-on experience, but alsothat customer service skill.
They're building that customerservice base that they wouldn't
get anywhere else because it'sdifferent when you're dealing
with different types ofclientele.
Lisa (12:21):
And it's really important, you know, for our back to
school uh event that we host,Michelle has a sign-up for kids
to get their hair done rightbefore school starts or get a
haircut.
And I mean, you I even getphone calls after the event.
It's like, we didn't get tosign up and call Michelle.
She says, Listen, my list isfull, but I'm gonna make it
work.
And that's what I love aboutBuffalow Family and Friends.
They are inundated with phonecalls and the need, but Michelle
(12:44):
never says no.
She says, I will make it work.
And that's what I love aboutworking with Nischelle.
She makes it happen.
Jay (12:51):
And you mentioned clothes as well, I think.
Don't you also supportfamilies?
Nischelle (12:55):
So we also support clothes.
Any type of giveaway that wedo, we try to have the essential
needs.
And one essential needs isclothing.
So we do have clothing at allof our needs.
Um we have sometimes socialworkers from the schools that
call us and be like, hey, wejust got this new child that
just enrolled.
Are you able to have such andsuch available for them?
(13:15):
So, you know, normally it givesus a couple of days to get that
turnaround done, but we doprovide different essential
items to the school system.
Matt (13:24):
Well, your efforts are totally bringing families
together, strengtheningcommunity.
Is there a particular instanceor story that really rings a
bell to you that's like, man,this is why I do what I do?
Nischelle (13:38):
I'm gonna take carry salon.
So I would say maybe two yearsago, we had a referral from a um
school social worker for ayoung lady to come in to um get
the services.
And so she was in there gettingservices.
Her mom and her other threesiblings were in our uh lobby
(14:01):
area, you know, just sittingthere.
And um, so I asked them, Isaid, Well, would you like to
get service the next time?
And they said yes.
And so, you know, I'm writingdown what type of service they
would need.
That's not my profession.
However, I could look to seethat we may need some steps
before they can get thatparticular service.
So I go in and get the uhcosmetology instructor, Miss
(14:25):
Rosalind, and one of our uhbarbers, they come out, and and
basically our barber, which is astudent, and he was like, I
think we need to handle thisnow.
And we're gonna say this familywas homeless and they was
living in a hotel.
And once they took the familyback there, and I'm sitting in
(14:46):
the hallway, they startconnecting.
So that connection as someonecaring for you, it really took a
toll, you know, of seeing this.
But not only that, it's seeingthe students that did the job
very professional.
You know, we would have beenlike, you know, what to do, what
to do.
Because in the midst of theservice, you know, just
(15:07):
starting, they found umdifferent things in their hair
that they had to detox andstuff, but they didn't they
didn't fright, they just took onthe job.
And that's one thing that I cansay.
We build Chesapeake buildsgreat students, and we are lucky
to have them in our place ofestablishment.
Jay (15:27):
Wonderful.
Nisha, you guys are doing suchimportant work, and I love being
able to celebrate thepartnership that we have in
Chesapeake schools with Buffalowfamily and friends.
That is um it's really special.
It is Matt.
It's really special.
Matt (15:41):
Lisa, and I'm sure you have one of those types of
stories too, right?
Lisa (15:44):
Yes, again, the partnership with Buffalow family
and friends.
I had unhoused family um neededto register for school.
They were living in a hotel.
I contacted Nischelle.
They needed food.
Uhelle was able to get them,she door-dashed actually, some
food for the family.
We actually got them some giftcards.
I talked to Nelle, I said,These kids need physicals.
She said, Don't worry, we'vegot the mobile, Chesapeake
(16:07):
Regional Mobile Clinic coming.
We'll get them physicals.
That's the same day as ourpop-up.
We can get her more food aslong as we can get her here.
So we were able to get thefamily to Buffalow family and
friends.
Mom got the children thephysicals.
We were able to get themregistered in school.
And the mom says, I still needa job.
And I said, you know, thisisn't my realm.
I said, but I think I can helpyou.
(16:29):
And so together, the mom and Ifilled out the job application.
I am happy to say that the momis now a Chesapeake public
school employee.
So not only do we have the kidsin school registered, the mom
now has a job and is currentlylooking for housing in our area.
And I could not have done thatwithout Nachelle and Buffalow
family and friends.
I mean, the partnership there,we again, together, Nischelle
(16:52):
said, don't worry, we're gonnaget this family taken care of
from point A to point B.
And I am so grateful that wewere able to now not only have
the students in, we've got themom with the job, and hopefully
we'll have the mom with thehouse really soon.
I mean, it's amazing how howcommunity partnerships really
help build our families and giveour families that inspiration
(17:14):
and that empowerment to dosomething better.
Jay (17:17):
And it's beautiful to see how all these services wrap
around one another, from foodinsecurity to the salon to uh
helping families to findemployment and getting them back
on their feet.
Absolutely.
What great work that FACE isdoing with uh Buffalow family
and friends.
You know, when the calendarturns from October to November,
(17:38):
we really start thinking aboutthe holidays.
We've talked a little bit aboutThanksgiving meal preparation
that the Buffalow family doesfor the community, but there's
so many other community servicesthat are related to holidays,
like food assistance programs,toy drives, holiday meal
services.
Lisa, can you tell us a littlebit about what FACE is doing to
support families during theholidays?
Lisa (17:56):
Absolutely.
So we partner with our schoolcounselors and our social
workers to disseminateinformation about different
organizations that are holding,whether it be Thanksgiving food
drives, food basket giveaways,things of that nature.
We also talk about ChesapeakeCare Center is opening up cast.
It's our way of gettingfamilies in during the cold
season so that they don't haveto spend the night outside in
(18:19):
the cold.
So we're starting that back up.
Also, we have pens, which isparents in need.
They work with families withyoung children, helping them get
basic essentials like milk, um,diapers, things of that nature.
Also, the YMCA is partneringwith us.
They're giving away foodbaskets, and they also do an
angel tree for Christmas.
We also are currentlypartnering with Chesapeake
(18:39):
Rotary Club.
Chesapeake Rotary now is doingblessing in a backpack.
Shell's also been helpful withdoing that as well.
And so basically, what we do iswe partner with Chesapeake
Rotary Club.
They provide a little backpackof little food essentials for
kids so that they can have foodduring the weekend, not have to
worry about parents actuallycooking.
But these are things that areself-sustained foods that kids
(18:59):
can eat up in the microwave andthings of that nature.
We tell families, you know,just give us a call.
Call, contact your schoolcounselor, contact the school
social worker, you can contactface.
If we don't have the resource,we will find the resource for
you.
So there's no wrong door.
We want you to be able to cometo us, trust that we will be
there to help and support you.
Matt (19:19):
Well, what do you do for those families that might feel a
little hesitant or maybe even alittle embarrassed?
What advice would you givethem?
Lisa (19:27):
I like to tell families that you're not alone.
We're all going throughsomething at some point in our
lives.
And so I tell families, don'tbe ashamed.
Let's talk.
Tell me what you need.
Tell me what, you know, no,there's nothing that is too big
for us to handle.
I think it's really importantthat we build connection and
build relationships with ourfamilies because then they gain
the trust.
That's what's really huge inthis role.
(19:49):
We want to build the trust sothat they can come to us and
feel like they can sharewhatever their needs are.
Again, you know, I tellfamilies that the hardest part
of this role is to make thephone call.
And once you make that, yeah,the first call.
Just make that home.
Matt (20:04):
And that's that's true for a lot of things, just putting
that first step forward and knowthat it's okay for people to
help you.
I mean, this time of year isseasonal, like a lot of great
things happen during theholidays, but it's also a time
that might be a hard time forpeople.
Lisa (20:17):
Absolutely, absolutely.
And you know, you're you'rethinking about your kids having,
you know, they're seeing allthese things on TV and wanting
all these things, and you'rethinking, how can I provide all
those things for my kids?
But we still want families toenjoy the holidays, enjoy the
good part of being with family.
I mean, it doesn't have to beyour blood relative.
You can have, you can buildfamily with friends and other
connections.
And so we want families to tojust make that first step, make
(20:40):
that phone call, and we willhelp guide you through whatever
resource that you may need.
We're not here to judge anyone.
We're here to walk alongside.
We're all together.
That's what makes Chesapeakesuch a great place to live, is
that we all want everyone tothrive here in Chesapeake.
So no matter what your need is,please just make that first
phone call.
Jay (20:58):
And Lisa, your your programs are are relatively
discreet as well, aren't they?
Lisa (21:02):
Absolutely.
Absolutely, absolutely.
We don't share any information.
Um, and again, if I shareinformation with schools, I
always ask the families, is itokay to share with the teacher?
Would you like me to, you know,so if you don't want anyone to
know your personal business,whether it's a health-related
issue, everything that you sharewith me is confidential.
I'm just about getting you theresource and the and the food
(21:22):
securities that you need.
Jay (21:24):
There may be families that are listening right now and
saying, you know, I don't needany support for myself right
now.
I feel like my family's doingokay.
How do I get involved?
How do I support?
How do I volunteer?
What opportunities areavailable for families that that
want to give back?
Lisa (21:39):
So there are a variety of opportunities for families to
get back.
I always tell families not onlydo you need to reach out to
Buffalow family and friends, butit's also good to reach out to
your churches.
A lot of churches are doing alot of wonderful things for our
families.
The Chesapeake Rotary Club,they are helping us with
blessing in a backpack.
They're also um doing a coatdrive.
So, you know, it's getting coldwith kids are starting to need
(22:00):
coats, hats, mittens, and thingsof that nature.
And again, I always talk aboutthe babies.
Before they enter school age,we need to make sure that we
provide wraparound services forthem.
So the Virginia Department ofHealth has baby care.
Baby care offers diapers, milk.
They also help you fill out anytype of paperwork that you may
need to make sure that yourchild has the nutrition that
(22:21):
they need, things of thatnature.
I can't say enough about theChesapeake Care Resource Center.
Again, that's our homelessshelter.
Families can um go there duringthe day, take showers, wash
their clothes.
They also have a clothing drivethere.
Um, and we donate coats,blankets, and things of that
nature.
So they're always in need ofitems to help our families.
And I encourage families to,you know, reach out to different
(22:43):
entities um to find out whatthe needs are.
And again, call face.
We will get you into the rightdoor.
Jay (22:50):
That is the message I'm hearing more than anything else,
Matt.
There are so many services.
And if families need one placeto call or one place to go to
find out about everything, iscall Lisa at face.
Call me 757-547-0153 orcpschools.com and look for the
face page, and we're going toget everyone the resources that
(23:13):
they need so that they are happyand healthy during the holiday
season.
Absolutely, absolutely.
Matt (23:19):
And the same thing I was gonna ask you if are you you
need some volunteers there at uhat the Buffalow family and
friends?
Nischelle (23:26):
Always, always with Thanksgiving coming up.
We do.
If you follow us on socialmedia, our website, we have
information for volunteers tosign up to come out for the the
week before Thanksgiving.
We will start the week beforeThanksgiving needing volunteers
all the way through December.
We host a warm and fuzzyprogram also in December.
(23:48):
So we would need volunteers,November, December.
So just follow us on thosesocial media platforms.
Matt (23:55):
Lisa, we just heard uh the the things that the Buffalow
family and friends are havingcoming up here in the next month
or two.
What do we have coming up herewith the face department?
Lisa (24:05):
Wow, our office, we stay busy.
So there's never an opportunitywhere we're just relaxing.
We have coming up next the JCAKids Cruise event that's
happening December 7th, andthat's where we um service over
700 Title I students.
They're able to create a wishlist and spend $30 at Walmart.
We create a winter wonderlandfor them.
(24:25):
It's a great way for them toalso give back.
They're learning the idea ofdonating and giving to others
that are in need.
They actually get to go see theholiday lights in Virginia
Beach.
JCA also has an opportunity forpeople to donate.
So if you go to the JCAwebpage, it's JCA
Foundation.com.
Families can donate or peoplecan donate to that event.
(24:46):
I encourage everyone to go tothe uh Chesapeake Public Schools
webpage and in the search menu,type in peak parent catalog.
You'll see all of the differentwebinars that we've already
hosted, events that we'rehosting.
We also have a parent cafe,which is gone going on monthly.
It's the third Tuesday of everymonth at Chesapeake Regional,
and that's just like aconversation piece where parents
(25:08):
can come and just have aconversation about parenting.
Because, you know, parenting issomething else.
So we learn all the time.
Matt (25:16):
Oh boy, is it?
Yes.
Something else.
Yeah, please.
Lisa (25:19):
Listen, we just, you know, we come together and we just
talk about all the things thatare relating to parenting and
how we can cope.
So that's a good thing that wedo on the third Tuesday of every
month.
And then for those familiesthat are raising grandkids or
you're raising someone else'skid, if you have a niece or
nephew that you're raising,Kathy Dial has a kids, kid, and
caregiver event that's hostedthroughout the district.
(25:40):
And so again, check out ourpeak parent catalog.
It's an endless door of events.
Matt (25:45):
You're not kidding, you don't take a break.
No, I mean, goodness.
Jay (25:48):
They are hopping in that family and community engagement
office.
Matt (25:52):
Man, Andrea and the FACE team is really putting it on.
They have so many events thatthey have really grown.
Uh, and uh kudos to Miss AndreaVail for uh doing a wonderful
job getting all theseinitiatives and programs and
events available uh through ourfamily and community engagement
team.
Jay (26:11):
She really has her hands on the on the pulse of what's
happening in our schools andcommunities, and we're so
grateful for the work they'redoing in face.
So let's wrap up with this.
Nischelle, I'm gonna put you onthe spot for a second.
What message would you leave toall of our amplified listeners
in our Chesapeake Public Schoolsfamilies as they are leaning
into the holiday season?
Nischelle (26:33):
As you're leaning into the holiday season, please
know reaching out for support isa sign of strength.
It's not a weakness.
That's beautiful.
And here at Buffalow Family andFriends, we're here to serve.
And our motto is ordinarypeople making a difference in
the lives of others.
So if you need a support,please come see us.
(26:54):
Matt, I don't think I couldhave said it any better than
Michelle just did.
Matt (26:58):
Like, I know I just got goosebumps listening to that.
I mean, it is.
It is totally a sign ofstrength.
And it's hard for some peopleto reach out if you're going
through something.
It's hard for someone.
Yeah, I mean, I I deal withthat too.
It's hard when you're having atough time to say, I need help.
Yes.
What a powerful message.
We're so happy that you're heretoday and telling all the great
things that you and theBuffalow family and friends do.
(27:20):
Lisa, thank you so much forbeing here and sharing all the
wonderful things that uh Face isdoing and the collaboration
between our family andcommunity, the engagement team
and Buffalow family and friendsteam.
I mean, what a partnership.
Lisa (27:35):
Yes, absolutely.
It's a great partnership.
Yes, it is.
And I also want to just remindfamilies that during the season,
remember to stay connected withone another, build
relationships, and the art ofkindness.
I mean, this is a time wherepeople are really going through,
and it just takes a littleeffort to be kind to one
another.
Jay (27:52):
Fantastic.
Well, Lisa, Nischelle, thankyou so much for being a part of
what we do.
And listeners, I hope you joinus next time on Amplified.
Thank you.
Matt (28:04):
We hope you enjoyed the stories behind our story on this
episode of Amplified, theChesapeake Public Schools
podcast.
Connect with us atcpschools.com forward slash
amplified, and be sure tosubscribe or follow us wherever
you get your podcasts.
You're listening to Amplified, the Chesapeake Public
Schools Podcast.
Your front row seat to thestories behind our story.
Jay (00:17):
Hi everyone and welcome back to Amplified.
I'm Jay Lewter and I'm herewith Matt Graham.
Matt, I hope that you had awonderful trick-or-treat
experience with the kids.
Matt (00:28):
It was a blast.
It was an absolute blast.
The kids came home with tons ofcandy.
I'm eating all the candy now,so I have to watch it.
Jay (00:37):
You gotta inspect the candy and take the dad tax.
Matt (00:40):
Right.
The dad tax.
Absolutely.
Jay (00:43):
I love a good dad tax.
Get all those Snickers out ofthere.
Get all those Reese's peanutbutter cups.
Those all go to dad.
Yeah, I used to love to skimthe trick-or-treat bag.
I only have uh, like like youguys know, I have one child at
home now.
She's 16.
So she went to hang withfriends and we dressed up the
dog in her Halloween costume andsat out and saw all the
(01:05):
neighbor kids and we had a greatnight.
And so uh once Halloween isover, we really start
transitioning to the holidayseason and we start thinking
about Thanksgiving, Christmas,all those things.
Matt, when I think aboutThanksgiving, I think about that
plate.
You know, I think about whatkind of things have got to be on
that plate to make it a specialholiday because Thanksgiving
is, you know, all about themeal.
(01:26):
Right.
Everybody's all being togetherwith your family and then having
that big celebratory meal.
What's something that it's notThanksgiving unless it's on your
plate, Matt?
Matt (01:36):
Well, it's a controversy in our family.
Jay (01:38):
Okay.
Matt (01:39):
But I always gotta have that sweet potato casserole.
And that's not the controversy,but that's what I love and look
forward to.
So what's coming?
Here's the controversy is myfamily is from Virginia.
My wife's family is from NewYork.
So when we come together for ameal, I gotta put a little of
that southern flavor in there.
Okay.
(01:59):
And we bring in, or some of myfamily members bring in some
collard greens.
Okay.
Right?
You gotta have it.
Well, my northern crew, myextended family had no idea what
that was, and they say neveragain.
So we have our text messagegoing right now for
Thanksgiving, and one of ourfamilies m made the point say,
(02:21):
Don't worry, I'm not gonna bringthe collard greens.
But I look forward to it.
Like, you gotta have it, right?
What about you?
Jay (02:28):
Well, for me, it's all about the carbs.
It's all about the carbs.
I love the mac and cheese.
I love the the yeast rolls inthe little metal tin that you
that come frozen and you warmthem up.
I love those.
Corn pudding, another big one.
Oh, that's a great one in inour house.
Uh so all about the carbs,mashed potatoes.
(02:48):
And everyone says turkey is thestar of the show, but yeah, I I
love all the sides.
Matt (02:53):
Yeah.
Even a green bean casserole isso good.
I love it all.
All right, now I'm gettinghungry.
Jay (02:58):
I know, I know.
So, so Matt, uh, it's anexciting time of year, but also
a time of year that brings somechallenges for a lot of
families, right?
Matt (03:06):
Correct.
This time of year we have a lotof excitement, a lot of events,
a lot of food stuff like whatwe were just mentioning.
But at the same time, there's alot of needs that need to be
met.
There's a lot of people thatneed some help during this
holiday season, and it's notalways that joyful time.
So today we brought in LisaKerry, one of our family and
(03:27):
community engagement specialistson our face team.
And we also brought iniNischelle Buffalow from Buffalow
Family and Friends, and all thethings that she and her
volunteer program does for ourcommunity and how they work
together.
I mean, Michelle's been doingthis for 16 years.
Jay (03:45):
16 years, that's right.
She's a former Pride of thePeake award winner.
Matt (03:50):
There's just so much that Buffalow Family and Friends do
for Chesapeake Public Schoolsand in our entire Chesapeake
community, as well as our faceteam.
Jay (03:58):
It feels like a really good point for us to stop and thank
Miss Andrea Vail for everythingthat's happening in the family
and community engagement teamover in her office.
There's so much happeningbehind the scenes to support our
families, schools, andcommunities.
And we would be remiss if wedidn't stop and pause to thank
her for all the work that'shappening out there.
Matt (04:19):
Absolutely, 100%.
So I'm looking forward tohearing that collaboration as
well between FACE and theBuffalow family and friends.
Jay (04:26):
And if you are a family that doesn't have a need right
now, but you're saying toyourself, I really want to get
out there and support thecommunity, Buffalow Family and
Friends is a great way to dothat, as well as our face
department, because either ofthose resources will get you out
and supporting the community inwhatever way you and your
family would like to.
So I'm really excited for ourlisteners to hear today's
(04:49):
episode on Amplify.
Matt (04:53):
All right, listeners, we are back.
And with us, we have Lisa Kerryfrom the Family and Community
Engagement Team here withChesapeake Public Schools, and
we also have Michelle Buffalowfrom Buffalow Family and
Friends.
Welcome to the podcast.
Lisa (05:07):
Thank you.
Thank you for having us.
Thank you.
Matt (05:10):
All right.
Lisa, can you share a bit ofyour journey and what led you to
your current role with familyand community engagement?
Lisa (05:18):
Yeah, so um back in 2019, uh, Dr.
Cotton had a vision ofexpanding the Parent Resource
Center to include all familiesso that we can make sure that
we're more supportive to notjust our special needs
population, but to all families,whether they need uh resources
for community resources, um,self-support with school
resources.
(05:38):
So this job came about in 2019,which was ironic because it
happened right before COVID.
Um, and so 2019, COVID hits,and we're in a greater need of
connecting our families withcommunity resources, with the
schools.
A lot of our families were justin the unknown area.
(05:59):
They didn't know how educationwas going to continue, how they
were gonna get food, jobsecurity, all of those things.
So we found that there was agreater need for this role in
helping our community.
This position um allowed me tomeet with community partners,
find out how we can bring thosecommunity partners into our
school district.
I was thrust into the limelightof meeting with a variety of
(06:22):
community partners, such asNischelle Buffalow and Buffalow
and Family and Friends, and howthey could be a resource to
helping our families deal withfood insecurities, helping them
with jobs, helping get um theCOVID testing done and all of
those things.
Jay (06:37):
And for those who don't know, uh Ms.
Buffalow, can you tell us aboutBuffalow Family and Friends and
your connection to Chesapeake?
Nischelle (06:43):
Yes, Buffalow Family and Friends started in November
of 2010 because we saw a need inChesapeake and we saw a need in
our South Norfolk community,and the compassion led us to
start feeding on ThanksgivingDay.
And we started very small, 25uh individuals at the park.
(07:05):
Then we started two years outafter that at the side of the
house feeding about 150.
And we noticed 150 of thoseindividuals that third year of
Thanksgiving, half of those werechildren.
And not only did they needfood, they needed clothing as
well.
So that's how we started doingour food and clothing
(07:27):
initiatives throughoutChesapeake.
And it's just the compassion ofserving our city.
Wonderful.
Jay (07:34):
And Nischelle, I think I I can already hear in your voice
that purpose and passion, youfound the perfect place where
those two things areintersecting for you and
Buffalow family and friends,where you're combining your
purpose and your passion, andthat's when the best work
happens, isn't it?
Yes.
Matt (07:48):
Right.
And so you were mentioningabout how you met the Buffalow
family.
Can you talk to us about that?
How did this partnership cometo be?
Lisa (07:56):
I originally met with Catherine Jesse, who was the
community programs administratorfor Chesapeake, the city of
Chesapeake.
Um, she encouraged me to goout, meet the Buffalow family
and friends, meet Michelle, findout all of the wonderful things
that she was doing as a greatway to kind of get a hold of all
the different communityresources and the needs from our
community.
So, with that being said, Icame to volunteer at one of her
(08:20):
drive-through food banks.
And I mean, it was a well-oiledworking machine.
I didn't realize the need wasso big.
I arrived at probably around11.
The line was already wrappedaround the building.
We were at a church at thattime.
And so it was already onBainbridge Boulevard at that
time.
So I was like, oh my gosh, howare we gonna feed all of these
people?
And Michelle was like, Don'tworry, we've got it all taken
(08:41):
care of.
Um I love that.
And just, you know, gettingout, talking to some of the
families.
We were in COVID, everybodyhad, you know, masks on and
everything, but still just kindof getting to know some of the
families that were comingthrough the line, seeing kids,
knowing, you know, what's goingon, how's your day, and just
sharing those stories helped usreally see what the need was in
the community.
(09:01):
I was really grateful for that,you know, partnership.
And the chell was very openabout sharing resources, talking
about the different communitymembers that come together to
make this food drive such awonderful thing for our
families.
Jay (09:20):
What are some of the programs and traditions that
you're the most proud of?
Nischelle (09:24):
The most proud I am is Thanksgiving to see how it's
grown from feeding 25individuals to last year, we
served 21,000 meals.
So the growth has really beeninspiring in the steps that
we've taken to grow.
We took our footprints throughChesapeake to make sure that
we're serving individuals that'ssuffering from food
(09:48):
insecurities and individualsthat's living in food deserts.
So we've dissected in how howto get food through the
communities.
And as Lisa said, when we firstmet during COVID, it was real,
a real big need then.
Um we were basically the firstindividuals to step to feeding
(10:09):
their children in Chesapeake.
So we took 250 kids inChesapeake and we delivered
their meals to their door everyday until we became smart, maybe
two three months into that, andthen we started delivering
weekly baskets.
But for the first three months,we were door-to-door five days
(10:30):
a week with food.
Matt (10:32):
So you're like your own DoorDash, right?
Nischelle (10:34):
Yes, and that's basically, you know, how we
started just delivering, makingsure meals were given to those
individuals that had notransportation.
Jay (10:44):
And just an army of volunteers, right?
Nischelle (10:46):
And that's how we make it volunteers.
Our core is volunteers.
We have no paid staff.
Our core is our supportivevolunteers.
We reach out to uh Navy groups,we reach out to organizations,
fraternities, sorority churchesto help us make a difference in
the lives of others every day.
We take organizations and letthem go out into the senior
(11:10):
communities with us door to doorand deliver groceries.
Jay (11:13):
Wonderful.
So we know about yourThanksgiving program and what a
fantastic support that is to thecommunity.
What other programs areBuffalow family and friends
helping us with in thecommunity?
There's so much more.
Amazing.
They are amazing.
Nischelle (11:25):
So we actually started teaming up with
Chesapeake Career Center.
This will be our fourth yearwith our community hair salon.
Twice a month, we have theamazing kids from cosmetology
and now come in and service ourcommunity.
They service our children, theyservice our seniors.
And one thing about the kids,it helped them with their
(11:48):
self-esteem and also help withbullying.
You know, a lot of kids getbullied because of the way they
look.
And this and even theself-esteem with our seniors.
And they come and when they'releaving out, they have a
beautiful smile on their face.
And it gives the chance for ourstudents to get more, more
(12:09):
hands-on experience, but alsothat customer service skill.
They're building that customerservice base that they wouldn't
get anywhere else because it'sdifferent when you're dealing
with different types ofclientele.
Lisa (12:21):
And it's really important, you know, for our back to
school uh event that we host,Michelle has a sign-up for kids
to get their hair done rightbefore school starts or get a
haircut.
And I mean, you I even getphone calls after the event.
It's like, we didn't get tosign up and call Michelle.
She says, Listen, my list isfull, but I'm gonna make it
work.
And that's what I love aboutBuffalow Family and Friends.
They are inundated with phonecalls and the need, but Michelle
(12:44):
never says no.
She says, I will make it work.
And that's what I love aboutworking with Nischelle.
She makes it happen.
Jay (12:51):
And you mentioned clothes as well, I think.
Don't you also supportfamilies?
Nischelle (12:55):
So we also support clothes.
Any type of giveaway that wedo, we try to have the essential
needs.
And one essential needs isclothing.
So we do have clothing at allof our needs.
Um we have sometimes socialworkers from the schools that
call us and be like, hey, wejust got this new child that
just enrolled.
Are you able to have such andsuch available for them?
(13:15):
So, you know, normally it givesus a couple of days to get that
turnaround done, but we doprovide different essential
items to the school system.
Matt (13:24):
Well, your efforts are totally bringing families
together, strengtheningcommunity.
Is there a particular instanceor story that really rings a
bell to you that's like, man,this is why I do what I do?
Nischelle (13:38):
I'm gonna take carry salon.
So I would say maybe two yearsago, we had a referral from a um
school social worker for ayoung lady to come in to um get
the services.
And so she was in there gettingservices.
Her mom and her other threesiblings were in our uh lobby
(14:01):
area, you know, just sittingthere.
And um, so I asked them, Isaid, Well, would you like to
get service the next time?
And they said yes.
And so, you know, I'm writingdown what type of service they
would need.
That's not my profession.
However, I could look to seethat we may need some steps
before they can get thatparticular service.
So I go in and get the uhcosmetology instructor, Miss
(14:25):
Rosalind, and one of our uhbarbers, they come out, and and
basically our barber, which is astudent, and he was like, I
think we need to handle thisnow.
And we're gonna say this familywas homeless and they was
living in a hotel.
And once they took the familyback there, and I'm sitting in
(14:46):
the hallway, they startconnecting.
So that connection as someonecaring for you, it really took a
toll, you know, of seeing this.
But not only that, it's seeingthe students that did the job
very professional.
You know, we would have beenlike, you know, what to do, what
to do.
Because in the midst of theservice, you know, just
(15:07):
starting, they found umdifferent things in their hair
that they had to detox andstuff, but they didn't they
didn't fright, they just took onthe job.
And that's one thing that I cansay.
We build Chesapeake buildsgreat students, and we are lucky
to have them in our place ofestablishment.
Jay (15:27):
Wonderful.
Nisha, you guys are doing suchimportant work, and I love being
able to celebrate thepartnership that we have in
Chesapeake schools with Buffalowfamily and friends.
That is um it's really special.
It is Matt.
It's really special.
Matt (15:41):
Lisa, and I'm sure you have one of those types of
stories too, right?
Lisa (15:44):
Yes, again, the partnership with Buffalow family
and friends.
I had unhoused family um neededto register for school.
They were living in a hotel.
I contacted Nischelle.
They needed food.
Uhelle was able to get them,she door-dashed actually, some
food for the family.
We actually got them some giftcards.
I talked to Nelle, I said,These kids need physicals.
She said, Don't worry, we'vegot the mobile, Chesapeake
(16:07):
Regional Mobile Clinic coming.
We'll get them physicals.
That's the same day as ourpop-up.
We can get her more food aslong as we can get her here.
So we were able to get thefamily to Buffalow family and
friends.
Mom got the children thephysicals.
We were able to get themregistered in school.
And the mom says, I still needa job.
And I said, you know, thisisn't my realm.
I said, but I think I can helpyou.
(16:29):
And so together, the mom and Ifilled out the job application.
I am happy to say that the momis now a Chesapeake public
school employee.
So not only do we have the kidsin school registered, the mom
now has a job and is currentlylooking for housing in our area.
And I could not have done thatwithout Nachelle and Buffalow
family and friends.
I mean, the partnership there,we again, together, Nischelle
(16:52):
said, don't worry, we're gonnaget this family taken care of
from point A to point B.
And I am so grateful that wewere able to now not only have
the students in, we've got themom with the job, and hopefully
we'll have the mom with thehouse really soon.
I mean, it's amazing how howcommunity partnerships really
help build our families and giveour families that inspiration
(17:14):
and that empowerment to dosomething better.
Jay (17:17):
And it's beautiful to see how all these services wrap
around one another, from foodinsecurity to the salon to uh
helping families to findemployment and getting them back
on their feet.
Absolutely.
What great work that FACE isdoing with uh Buffalow family
and friends.
You know, when the calendarturns from October to November,
(17:38):
we really start thinking aboutthe holidays.
We've talked a little bit aboutThanksgiving meal preparation
that the Buffalow family doesfor the community, but there's
so many other community servicesthat are related to holidays,
like food assistance programs,toy drives, holiday meal
services.
Lisa, can you tell us a littlebit about what FACE is doing to
support families during theholidays?
Lisa (17:56):
Absolutely.
So we partner with our schoolcounselors and our social
workers to disseminateinformation about different
organizations that are holding,whether it be Thanksgiving food
drives, food basket giveaways,things of that nature.
We also talk about ChesapeakeCare Center is opening up cast.
It's our way of gettingfamilies in during the cold
season so that they don't haveto spend the night outside in
(18:19):
the cold.
So we're starting that back up.
Also, we have pens, which isparents in need.
They work with families withyoung children, helping them get
basic essentials like milk, um,diapers, things of that nature.
Also, the YMCA is partneringwith us.
They're giving away foodbaskets, and they also do an
angel tree for Christmas.
We also are currentlypartnering with Chesapeake
(18:39):
Rotary Club.
Chesapeake Rotary now is doingblessing in a backpack.
Shell's also been helpful withdoing that as well.
And so basically, what we do iswe partner with Chesapeake
Rotary Club.
They provide a little backpackof little food essentials for
kids so that they can have foodduring the weekend, not have to
worry about parents actuallycooking.
But these are things that areself-sustained foods that kids
(18:59):
can eat up in the microwave andthings of that nature.
We tell families, you know,just give us a call.
Call, contact your schoolcounselor, contact the school
social worker, you can contactface.
If we don't have the resource,we will find the resource for
you.
So there's no wrong door.
We want you to be able to cometo us, trust that we will be
there to help and support you.
Matt (19:19):
Well, what do you do for those families that might feel a
little hesitant or maybe even alittle embarrassed?
What advice would you givethem?
Lisa (19:27):
I like to tell families that you're not alone.
We're all going throughsomething at some point in our
lives.
And so I tell families, don'tbe ashamed.
Let's talk.
Tell me what you need.
Tell me what, you know, no,there's nothing that is too big
for us to handle.
I think it's really importantthat we build connection and
build relationships with ourfamilies because then they gain
the trust.
That's what's really huge inthis role.
(19:49):
We want to build the trust sothat they can come to us and
feel like they can sharewhatever their needs are.
Again, you know, I tellfamilies that the hardest part
of this role is to make thephone call.
And once you make that, yeah,the first call.
Just make that home.
Matt (20:04):
And that's that's true for a lot of things, just putting
that first step forward and knowthat it's okay for people to
help you.
I mean, this time of year isseasonal, like a lot of great
things happen during theholidays, but it's also a time
that might be a hard time forpeople.
Lisa (20:17):
Absolutely, absolutely.
And you know, you're you'rethinking about your kids having,
you know, they're seeing allthese things on TV and wanting
all these things, and you'rethinking, how can I provide all
those things for my kids?
But we still want families toenjoy the holidays, enjoy the
good part of being with family.
I mean, it doesn't have to beyour blood relative.
You can have, you can buildfamily with friends and other
connections.
And so we want families to tojust make that first step, make
(20:40):
that phone call, and we willhelp guide you through whatever
resource that you may need.
We're not here to judge anyone.
We're here to walk alongside.
We're all together.
That's what makes Chesapeakesuch a great place to live, is
that we all want everyone tothrive here in Chesapeake.
So no matter what your need is,please just make that first
phone call.
Jay (20:58):
And Lisa, your your programs are are relatively
discreet as well, aren't they?
Lisa (21:02):
Absolutely.
Absolutely, absolutely.
We don't share any information.
Um, and again, if I shareinformation with schools, I
always ask the families, is itokay to share with the teacher?
Would you like me to, you know,so if you don't want anyone to
know your personal business,whether it's a health-related
issue, everything that you sharewith me is confidential.
I'm just about getting you theresource and the and the food
(21:22):
securities that you need.
Jay (21:24):
There may be families that are listening right now and
saying, you know, I don't needany support for myself right
now.
I feel like my family's doingokay.
How do I get involved?
How do I support?
How do I volunteer?
What opportunities areavailable for families that that
want to give back?
Lisa (21:39):
So there are a variety of opportunities for families to
get back.
I always tell families not onlydo you need to reach out to
Buffalow family and friends, butit's also good to reach out to
your churches.
A lot of churches are doing alot of wonderful things for our
families.
The Chesapeake Rotary Club,they are helping us with
blessing in a backpack.
They're also um doing a coatdrive.
So, you know, it's getting coldwith kids are starting to need
(22:00):
coats, hats, mittens, and thingsof that nature.
And again, I always talk aboutthe babies.
Before they enter school age,we need to make sure that we
provide wraparound services forthem.
So the Virginia Department ofHealth has baby care.
Baby care offers diapers, milk.
They also help you fill out anytype of paperwork that you may
need to make sure that yourchild has the nutrition that
(22:21):
they need, things of thatnature.
I can't say enough about theChesapeake Care Resource Center.
Again, that's our homelessshelter.
Families can um go there duringthe day, take showers, wash
their clothes.
They also have a clothing drivethere.
Um, and we donate coats,blankets, and things of that
nature.
So they're always in need ofitems to help our families.
And I encourage families to,you know, reach out to different
(22:43):
entities um to find out whatthe needs are.
And again, call face.
We will get you into the rightdoor.
Jay (22:50):
That is the message I'm hearing more than anything else,
Matt.
There are so many services.
And if families need one placeto call or one place to go to
find out about everything, iscall Lisa at face.
Call me 757-547-0153 orcpschools.com and look for the
face page, and we're going toget everyone the resources that
(23:13):
they need so that they are happyand healthy during the holiday
season.
Absolutely, absolutely.
Matt (23:19):
And the same thing I was gonna ask you if are you you
need some volunteers there at uhat the Buffalow family and
friends?
Nischelle (23:26):
Always, always with Thanksgiving coming up.
We do.
If you follow us on socialmedia, our website, we have
information for volunteers tosign up to come out for the the
week before Thanksgiving.
We will start the week beforeThanksgiving needing volunteers
all the way through December.
We host a warm and fuzzyprogram also in December.
(23:48):
So we would need volunteers,November, December.
So just follow us on thosesocial media platforms.
Matt (23:55):
Lisa, we just heard uh the the things that the Buffalow
family and friends are havingcoming up here in the next month
or two.
What do we have coming up herewith the face department?
Lisa (24:05):
Wow, our office, we stay busy.
So there's never an opportunitywhere we're just relaxing.
We have coming up next the JCAKids Cruise event that's
happening December 7th, andthat's where we um service over
700 Title I students.
They're able to create a wishlist and spend $30 at Walmart.
We create a winter wonderlandfor them.
(24:25):
It's a great way for them toalso give back.
They're learning the idea ofdonating and giving to others
that are in need.
They actually get to go see theholiday lights in Virginia
Beach.
JCA also has an opportunity forpeople to donate.
So if you go to the JCAwebpage, it's JCA
Foundation.com.
Families can donate or peoplecan donate to that event.
(24:46):
I encourage everyone to go tothe uh Chesapeake Public Schools
webpage and in the search menu,type in peak parent catalog.
You'll see all of the differentwebinars that we've already
hosted, events that we'rehosting.
We also have a parent cafe,which is gone going on monthly.
It's the third Tuesday of everymonth at Chesapeake Regional,
and that's just like aconversation piece where parents
(25:08):
can come and just have aconversation about parenting.
Because, you know, parenting issomething else.
So we learn all the time.
Matt (25:16):
Oh boy, is it?
Yes.
Something else.
Yeah, please.
Lisa (25:19):
Listen, we just, you know, we come together and we just
talk about all the things thatare relating to parenting and
how we can cope.
So that's a good thing that wedo on the third Tuesday of every
month.
And then for those familiesthat are raising grandkids or
you're raising someone else'skid, if you have a niece or
nephew that you're raising,Kathy Dial has a kids, kid, and
caregiver event that's hostedthroughout the district.
(25:40):
And so again, check out ourpeak parent catalog.
It's an endless door of events.
Matt (25:45):
You're not kidding, you don't take a break.
No, I mean, goodness.
Jay (25:48):
They are hopping in that family and community engagement
office.
Matt (25:52):
Man, Andrea and the FACE team is really putting it on.
They have so many events thatthey have really grown.
Uh, and uh kudos to Miss AndreaVail for uh doing a wonderful
job getting all theseinitiatives and programs and
events available uh through ourfamily and community engagement
team.
Jay (26:11):
She really has her hands on the on the pulse of what's
happening in our schools andcommunities, and we're so
grateful for the work they'redoing in face.
So let's wrap up with this.
Nischelle, I'm gonna put you onthe spot for a second.
What message would you leave toall of our amplified listeners
in our Chesapeake Public Schoolsfamilies as they are leaning
into the holiday season?
Nischelle (26:33):
As you're leaning into the holiday season, please
know reaching out for support isa sign of strength.
It's not a weakness.
That's beautiful.
And here at Buffalow Family andFriends, we're here to serve.
And our motto is ordinarypeople making a difference in
the lives of others.
So if you need a support,please come see us.
(26:54):
Matt, I don't think I couldhave said it any better than
Michelle just did.
Matt (26:58):
Like, I know I just got goosebumps listening to that.
I mean, it is.
It is totally a sign ofstrength.
And it's hard for some peopleto reach out if you're going
through something.
It's hard for someone.
Yeah, I mean, I I deal withthat too.
It's hard when you're having atough time to say, I need help.
Yes.
What a powerful message.
We're so happy that you're heretoday and telling all the great
things that you and theBuffalow family and friends do.
(27:20):
Lisa, thank you so much forbeing here and sharing all the
wonderful things that uh Face isdoing and the collaboration
between our family andcommunity, the engagement team
and Buffalow family and friendsteam.
I mean, what a partnership.
Lisa (27:35):
Yes, absolutely.
It's a great partnership.
Yes, it is.
And I also want to just remindfamilies that during the season,
remember to stay connected withone another, build
relationships, and the art ofkindness.
I mean, this is a time wherepeople are really going through,
and it just takes a littleeffort to be kind to one
another.
Jay (27:52):
Fantastic.
Well, Lisa, Nischelle, thankyou so much for being a part of
what we do.
And listeners, I hope you joinus next time on Amplified.
Thank you.
Matt (28:04):
We hope you enjoyed the stories behind our story on this
episode of Amplified, theChesapeake Public Schools
podcast.
Connect with us atcpschools.com forward slash
amplified, and be sure tosubscribe or follow us wherever
you get your podcasts.
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