About Helping Hands of Crestwood

Our principles

We believe in actively involving community members in our initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Empathy and Compassion

Collaboration and Partnership

Community Engagement

We strive to build strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to maximize our impact and resources.

We approach our work with empathy and compassion, recognizing the unique challenges and needs of individuals and families in our communities.

Helping Hands of Crestwood was originally an Outreach program initiated to help preserve, protect, and promote the history of the Crestwood community in Chesapeake, Virginia. After a large surge in growth and support for the mission and goal of the program. The NPO (Non-profit Organization) “Helping Hands of Crestwood” was formed and registered as a Non-profit Organization with the State commission. Since its’ initial formation, Helping Hands has partnered with numerous local businesses and organizations to help promote community health and the improvement of Quality of Life. In not only the Crestwood community, but all across the Hampton Roads area.

Helping Hands of Crestwood is committed to rebuilding and reestablishing the values and support needed to improve the quality of life in our communities. We believe in the power of community and strive to make a positive impact through our various programs and initiatives. Helping Hands of Crestwood was established as a tool to not only serve the Hampton Roads communities. But to also pass the HISTORY of one of the most self-efficient African American communities in Virginia.

"Crestwood" located in Chesapeake, Virginia is a community which prided itself on self-efficiency and utilizing the power of COMMUNITY. Originally, Crestwood was a "Black's Only" community before desegregation became illegal in the States. It was because of this strong sense of community and tightly knit camaraderie that important individuals such as Tim Ried (Actor; mainly known for his role as the father on the sitcom "Sister, Sister), Jerry Gaines (First Black athlete on Scholarship at Virginia Tech), James Staton (Creator of the Norfolk State University Slogan "Behold the Green and Gold!", Clarence Clemons (World Renown Musician inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2014), Charlie Stukes (Former NFL player, VA Sports Hall of Fame), Eric Moody (Judge for the Chesapeake General District Court for 24 years), Ray Jarvis (Former NFL player), Donnie Green (NFL Player), Erwin Williams (NFL Player). And so many more! That the Crestwood community flourished and became one of the Hampton roads most diverse and self-efficient communities. All of these individuals, and so many more, were all from a small African American community, which excelled during a time when all of the odds were against them.

"Remembering our PAST to create a better FUTURE"