Lorrie is a Board Member of the Danville Pittsylvania County Community Services Board and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – VA Chapter. She uses her voice on both of these Boards to make better known the needs of those in our community. She has been consuming trainings for the last 2 years and is using what she has learned through the trainings to make the community she lives in a better place and to be a resource for those around her who are struggling.
I chose Lorrie to be a 2017 Community Strong Person of the Year for her commitment to bringing change to HER community and using HER voice to make a difference in the lives of others who have similar lived experience.”
– LeAnne Hardy, 2016 Showcase Magazine Community Strong Person of the Year
Why is community involvement so important to you?
Community involvement is important to me because this is where we live…together. In order for it to be the community we want, we all need to work together.
What inspires you to volunteer?
Volunteering allows me to help others and to inspire others to be active in the community.
How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?
Sometimes I don’t. There are times when I am behind on everything from work to laundry. I have had to learn better organizational skills and prioritizing. This is still an ongoing process for me.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
A college professor told me once that I had a voice and should use it. I didn’t take his advice at the time, but I never forgot those words.
Who are your real-life heroes and why?
People who have overcome. People who are not defined by what happened to them but by how they thrived in spite of.
What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?
Danville is my home. It is not perfect, but we are the only ones that can change things for the better.
How do you recharge. What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?
I love to spend time with my husband. My boys are grown and living their own lives, but I enjoy being able to spend time with them and the rest of my family.
What is your idea of happiness?
Finding true joy on the inside. Being able to enjoy the small things that you don’t really see if you don’t take the time to look and enjoy.
Do you have a favorite quote, and if so what is it?
Be the change you wish to see in the world. – Gandhi
What are your favorite things to do in Danville?
I love to dance so anytime I can participate in an activity with a dance floor, I’m in. I also enjoy the Farmers Market and the downtown activities.
What are your visions for the future of Danville?
I hope to see more young people coming back to Danville after college. It would be great to see better access to resources for everyone in our community.
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
Continuing the roles I began this year. My work on the DPCS Board—specifically in Prevention. The role as Lead Walk Chair for the AFSP Board and new opportunities that we have worked on this year coming to fruition. I want to continue learning and being as efficient and effective as I can be in my business and personal life.