Community Empowerment: Empowering Communities, Changing Lives
The Ames Foundation is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to changing lives by empowering communities and advancing health equity, access, and prevention across Virginia.
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The Ames Foundation for a Better Future
New Project Announcement
The Ames Foundation is proud to announce our participation in the Building Bridges Learning Community, in partnership with the Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts and connected to the American Public Health Association’s Center for Public Health Policy.
This project supports our mission to advance health equity, strengthen community trust, and improve access to prevention-focused health education. Through this partnership, we will work to bridge the gap between community voice, public health systems, and practical tools that help residents better understand their health numbers and take early action.
As part of this work, The Ames Foundation will support community-centered engagement focused on chronic disease prevention, heart health, kidney health, health literacy, and stronger connections between residents and trusted public health resources.
This work is deeply personal and aligned with our commitment to helping communities feel informed, supported, and empowered in their health journey.
More updates coming soon as this project develops.
Get Involved
Join us in making a difference in our community. Volunteer your time, donate to our cause, or attend one of our events. Together, we can create a better future.
Plant a seed for prevention, early awareness, and healthier
Help Put Home Health Monitoring Kits Into the Hands of Famil
Your gift helps The Ames Foundation provide community members with practical tools to monitor their heart and kidney health at home.
Each Home Health Monitoring Kit is supports early awareness, health education, and daily tracking for people at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
The Ames Foundation for a Better Future
Community Voices Session
Listening. Learning. Shaping a Healthier Community Together.
The Ames Foundation, in partnership with the Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts, is preparing to host a Community Voices Session focused on listening directly to residents about the health needs, barriers, strengths, and priorities within their community.
This session is part of our ongoing work through the Building Bridges Learning Community, connected to the American Public Health Association’s Center for Public Health Policy. The goal is simple but powerful: make sure community voices help shape the programs, resources, and solutions designed to support them.
Through open conversation and shared learning, residents will have an opportunity to talk about what impacts their health, what resources are missing, and what support would make prevention, early awareness, and chronic disease management more accessible.
Why This Matters
Community health programs work best when they are built with the community, not just for the community. These sessions will help guide future health education, outreach, and prevention efforts focused on heart health, kidney health, diabetes, blood pressure awareness, health literacy, and access to care.
Stay Connected
Details about upcoming session dates, locations, and registration will be shared soon.
Together, we can listen, learn, and build healthier communities across Hampton Roads.
The Ames Foundation for a Better Future
Now Forming: The Peninsula Community Wellness & Prevention Alliance
The Ames Foundation is proud to lead the development of the Peninsula Community Wellness & Prevention Alliance, a collaborative network of local partners, public health leaders, faith organizations, and community advocates dedicated to changing lives and empowering communities by improving health outcomes across Hampton Roads. Our shared goal is to strengthen early detection, disease prevention, and equitable access to care for residents of Newport News, Hampton, and surrounding areas.
Our Focus Areas
Chronic disease prevention (Kidney, Heart, and Diabetes Health)
Mental health and wellness
Nutrition and food access
Physical activity and aging
Environmental and neighborhood health
Join the Alliance
Help us build a stronger, healthier Peninsula. We’re inviting organizations, providers, and residents to join the conversation and help shape our 2025 action plan.
Advocate for Change
Join us in advocating for policy change that empowers communities and helps in changing lives for a better future for all. From lobbying to public demonstrations, there's always something you can do with The Ames Foundation to make a difference.