September 26, 2026
Day of Caring volunteers bring new life to 782
Contributed by Eddie Howard On September 16, dedicated volunteers participating in the United Way's annual Day of Caring blessed us with their time and talents. We were thrilled to welcome them into our community to breathe new life into 782 Prospect with a fresh coat of paint. We want to especially shout out Katrina, Vera, Sally, Tonya, Janelle, and Alana for the dedication you all...
February 27, 2026
Lifting Black Voices: Mrs. Lula Rogers, Abundant Life Co-Founder
Today, in celebration of Black History Month, we honor our co-founder and spiritual grandmother, Mrs. Lula Rogers. Born in Charlottesville in 1917, Lula Wicks married Charles Rogers, who died in 1946. Mrs. Rogers worked as a housekeeper and then an educator for 30 years. She served in the cafeteria at Burley High School before becoming a teacher’s assistant at McGuffey School. After McGuffey’s...
June 30, 2025
Antoine Davenport: From Community Member to Successful Entrepreneur
Charlottesville native, Antoine Davenport, began his journey on Charlton Avenue, being raised by his grandparents. He attended Charlottesville City Schools, going from Greenbierer Elementary to Walker Upper Elementary, to Buford Middle, to Charlottesville High School. Davenport recalls having a close-knit family on his father’s side. He would often visit local community-centered facilities, as...
May 15, 2025
Meet Kanesha Reilly: Abundant Life’s New V-Trades Coordinator
Kanesha Reilly, whose parents are former Prospect Avenue community members, joined the Abundant Life team as the new V-Trades Coordinator. Having grown up in the earlier parts of her childhood here in Charlottesville, Kanesha watched her mom’s childcare business grow, which started in Prospect to support the families in the community. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,...
February 21, 2025
Black History Month 2025 Highlights: Pastor Desmond Glenn
For the second week of Black History Month, we will be highlighting Community Care Pastor and leader, Pastor Desmond Glenn of Portico Church. Raised by his grandparents after losing both parents at an early age, Pastor Desmond Glenn grew up in Southeast Arkansas in a small town called Marvell, Arkansas. He grew up on a pig farm and spent most of his youth playing outside and helping his...
February 14, 2025
Black History Month 2025 Highlights: Kim Sheffield, Community Leader
Abundant Life Ministries is celebrating Black History Month 2025 by taking time to reflect on notable people and community leaders who have contributed to our unique Charlottesville community. Creating history isn’t easy, and we are thankful for all who led and continue to lead the way to a better tomorrow. To kick off this month of noteworthy stories is Community Leader, Kim Sheffield. Coming...