Tell us about yourself.

I am Debbie Leidheiser, Senior Advocate for Chesterfield County.  I am the Former Director of Foundation and Public Relations at Brandermill Woods Retirement Community and founder of Chesterfield’s Lifelong Learning Institute.

What is the focus of your work?

I am the Liaison for adults aged 50+ in Chesterfield, helping to educate them on community resources, providing educational programs and being a link between seniors and county departments.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

I have a passion to help older adults. I wake up each day excited to aid this population.

What are some major challenges you have faced?

We receive over 100 inquiries a week, and with our small staff that is quite a challenge.  However, with numerous volunteers, we are able to help fill many of the needs.

What’s coming next for your organization that really excites you?

What excites me is addressing the Age Wave in Chesterfield.  This program represents a roadmap to establish age wave ready communities for people of all ages and generations.  Any citizens interested in being a part of the action committees can contact me.

How are you leveraging ConnectVA to achieve your mission?

We offer close to 200 programs and events each year and are delighted that they are published on ConnectVA.  The website helps us to reach people in the community, both in Chesterfield and the Greater Richmond area.

Anything else you would like to share? 

We have over 50 volunteers and can always use more. We meet the volunteer’s needs by adapting to their schedule – weekly, monthly or special events.  Check out our website at http://chesterfield.gov/senioradvocate.