EMY is an integrative practice, uniting the ancient healing methods of energy medicine and the time-honored tradition of yoga. This union works to align and balance the body’s nine energy systems that form the foundation for our health. Classic yoga postures are interwoven with ancient traditional healing modalities including working with the meridian system, tapping, self-massage, holds to calm and regulate the body’s stress responses, and much more. This class with certified EMY practitioner Annette Hyde is for all levels of fitness and familiarity with yoga. Modifications are available.

More about Energy Medicine Yoga here.

Energy Medicine Yoga is held in the group fitness room at Powell Wellness Center, located at 1005 Golf Drive in Culpeper. Please call the PWC front desk to register: 540-445-5406. You may wish to bring your own yoga mat. Fitness mats will be available for use.

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The Free Clinic of Culpeper and the Fauquier Free Clinic have launched peer recovery programs to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), thanks to a grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.

Both clinics are replicating a proven peer-focused recovery program, The HOPE Initiative, pioneered at the Bradley Free Clinic.  The service connects adults navigating addiction with trained peer recovery specialists and community‑based treatment resources.

This expansion is funded through a $500,000 grant awarded to the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC) in 2023. The investment supports the growth of HOPE Initiative programs across Virginia’s free and charitable clinic network.

To deliver the program locally, the clinics are partnering with Encompass Community Supports, the region’s community services board. This collaboration brings together clinical care and community‑based behavioral health services, an innovative approach proven to reach individuals who may otherwise struggle to access support, especially in underserved areas.

The HOPE Initiative leverages Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), individuals with lived experience in long-term recovery from SUD who are trained to guide others through treatment and recovery. Peer recovery specialists help patients connect to treatment, navigate complex systems, and access holistic healthcare services that support long-term recovery.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, more than 18,200 emergency department visits and 1,500 deaths in 2024 were linked to drug overdoses. Peer recovery programs are proven to improve quality of life, decrease hospitalizations and inpatient days, and reduce the overall cost of services.

“Peer recovery programs work,” said Rufus Phillips, VAFCC CEO. “We’re grateful to the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation for the generous grant that will help bring the HOPE Initiative to more clinics and people. Our clinic members are trusted community partners that can help patients access recovery and brighter futures.”

Peer recovery specialists help patients connect to treatment, navigate complex systems, and access holistic healthcare services that support long‑term recovery.

In addition to Culpeper Free Clinic and Fauquier Free Clinic, the following clinics offer HOPE Initiative models:

• Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke
• Crossroads Medical Mission in Bristol
• Northern Neck–Middlesex Free Health Clinic in Kilmarnock
• Shenandoah Community Health Clinic in Woodstock

HOPE Initiative services are free and available to any adult age 18 or older.  You do not need to be an established patient of the free clinic to speak with a peer.

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About VAFCC

The VAFCC’s mission is to provide essential advocacy, support, and resources to the Commonwealth’s free and charitable clinics, helping to ensure Virginia’s medically underserved have access to quality health care. To learn more about VAFCC, our membership, and who they serve, visit www.VaFreeClinics.org.

For more information about eligibility for Virginia’s free and charitable clinics, including how to access recovery support resources as well as healthcare services, visit www.VaFreeClinics.org.

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The 2026 grant recipients & their programs include:

The Arc of North Central Virginia, $10,000 – Connected Wellness Project serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social and wellness programs and support groups.

Aging Together, $5,500 – Conference focused on strategies to address social isolation among older adults.

Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia, $10,000 – Implementation of Triple Play: A Game Plan for Mind, Body & Soul, a research-based program offering physical activities, games, cooking and nutrition, sports and programs that promote social and emotional wellness for youth in Madison and Orange counties.

Bridge Ministry, $10,000 – Program encompassing behavioral and mental health programming, vocational classes, counseling and more for individuals transitioning from addiction or incarceration.

Culpeper County Public Schools, $10,000 – Middle & high school programming to promote healthy relationships with opportunities for victims or witnesses to sexual misconduct or domestic violence to receive support.

Culpeper Food Closet at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, $5,000 – Program pairing nutrition and recreation; distribution of healthy to-go summer snack and information on free area outings for families.

Girls on the Run Piedmont, $5,000 – Program implementation and financial aid to expand health & wellness program access to girls in the Culpeper homeschool community and Madison public schools.

Hero’s Bridge, $7,500 – Battle Buddy program connects older veterans with volunteers trained in Community Health Worker approach to reduce social isolation, increase advocacy, and provide preventive support.

Hospice of the Piedmont, $5,000 – Grief and healing programs for bereaved children ages 4-18.

LOWLINC, Inc., $5,000 – Expansion of social, nutrition, health & wellness education programs for older adults.

Madison Learning Center, Inc., $2550 – Expansion of Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids program to all MLC age groups to support healthy eating awareness through hands-on planting and harvesting of herbs and vegetables.

Manna Ministry at Culpeper Presbyterian Church, $10,000 – Inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables and hygiene items in Manna Ministry’s take-home service for community members in need.

People Incorporated of Virginia, $7,000 – Residential health programs and education serving affordable communities Culpeper Crossing and Lightfoot Apartments.

PlayDate: A Children’s Museum, $7,500 – Free admission to support visitation opportunities for families in need.

Services to Abused Families, Inc., $10,000 – Expansion of pantry storage and food services for residents in the shelter program.

Town to Trail, Inc., $10,000 – Enhancement of pathways for park revitalization and improved public access and use in Gordonsville, Orange County.

Foundation president Shari Landry said, “Each year the grant applications we receive reflect the tremendous commitment of local organizations to respond to important health and wellness needs in our three-county service area. It’s an honor to help support their efforts to build communities that will be healthier through improved food security, access to recreation, and social support and integration.”

The Healthy Living Grants program was launched in 2015, the Foundation’s first full year of operation.

The Culpeper Wellness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, invests its time and resources in community initiatives that improve health and wellness in Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties. The Foundation operates the Free Clinic of Culpeper, the Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic, PATH Recreation & Fitness Center, and Powell Wellness Center, one of only two fitness centers in Virginia certified by the Medical Fitness Association as a medically integrated facility. culpeperwellnessfoundation.org

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The Culpeper Wellness Foundation, which manages the Free Clinic, has purchased the building at 767 Madison Road and begun designing the new space. With 70% of the $3 million goal already committed, just $900,000 remains to be raised by July 1 to keep the project on track. This includes a transformational $1.5 million lead gift from the PATH Foundation, which helped launch the project and build early momentum.

“We are deeply grateful to the PATH Foundation for their extraordinary investment in this community,” said Shari Landry, President of Culpeper Wellness Foundation. “Their transformational leadership gift made this project possible. Now we are asking others to help us finish strong.”

The new facility will expand the clinic from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet, allowing for increased patient capacity, reduced wait times, and improved clinical efficiency. Renovations are focused on creating a space that protects patient dignity, enhances privacy, and supports high-quality care. The clinic anticipates moving into the new facility in early 2027—provided the remaining campaign funds are secured this summer.

“Right now, we are operating in a space that limits how many patients we can see,” said Clinic Director Tammy LaGraffe. “This expansion allows us to meet growing demand and serve patients in the way they deserve.”

A key component of the project is the planned integration of dental services, helping address a critical gap in access to care. Currently, patients are referred to Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic in Orange, also managed by the Culpeper Wellness Foundation.

The new location will also provide improved accessibility, additional parking, and greater visibility, while maintaining proximity to the hospital for important follow-up services.

The Free Clinic currently serves approximately 600 patients annually and continues to grow, averaging 16 new patients each month in 2025. Services include primary care, chronic disease management, diagnostic testing, nutrition counseling, prescription medications, and referrals to specialists. The clinic also operates an onsite Food Pharmacy in partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Since 2020, the clinic has earned a Gold rating each year through the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Quality Standards Program, reflecting its commitment to excellence.

With construction plans in progress, the timeline now depends on closing the remaining funding gap.

“We’ve made incredible progress, but the final dollars are the most critical,” Landry added. “Reaching our campaign goal by July 1 ensures the project stays on schedule and the doors open as planned. This is the moment for our community to come together and make it happen.”

For more information about the campaign or to make a contribution, please visit freeclinicofculpeper.org/donate or contact Shari Landry at slandry@culpeperwellness.org or 540-445-5414.

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• Blue Ridge Seafood Restaurant for providing an abundance of fresh oysters, seafood, barbeque, & handcrafted classic sides.
• Our hosts at Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth, a premier winery on the East Coast, and a premier host site for events. OysterFest returns to Prince Michel in 2026!
• A.P. Project – their music is always crowd pleasing!
• The local community businesses who donated generously to support the event’s Silent Auction.
• Our volunteers!

Oyster Fest is the Free Clinic’s largest fundraiser. The event helps support patients like Frank, who was diagnosed with diabetes prior to a clinic visit and felt overwhelmed. At the Free Clinic, Frank received medical care and prescriptions. He also participated in  diabetes education sessions to learn more about the disease and how to manage it successfully. He expressed appreciation to clinic staff, and told them, “I’ve been working hard on watching my diet and getting exercise. … My blood sugar is right where it is supposed to be and I feel so much better.”

Your support of Oyster Fest can help put a clinic patient on the path to better health.

Mark your calendar for Oyster Fest 2026 on October 3!

CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets online!

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The outdoor recreation area will include:

• 6 pickleball courts with lights
• Playground for ages 2-12
• Pavilion with restrooms & picnic tables
• Open lawn for yard games

All available to our members, guests & community partners!

Why this project matters 

✔️ Pickleball is hugely popular with all ages. It’s where strangers become friends. 

✔️ Children and families need more places to grow and play together. 

✔️ Outdoor fun lowers stress, builds connections and strengthens communities.

We’re almost there – please help close the final $150,000 by 12/31/25!

Your support will make it happen!

Be a Pavilion Patron – $10,000

Be a Playground Champion – $5,000

Be a Pickleball Court Sponsor (6) –  $5,000 per court

Additional opportunities where your gift will have an impact:

Help support the PICKLEBALL COURTS

$250 – Serving Up Fun

$500 – Ace Supporter

$1,000 – Kitchen Commander

$2,500 – The BIG Dill

Help support the PLAYGROUND

$250 – Friend Maker

$500 – Super Slider

$1,000 – Playground Pal

$2,500 – Dream Builder

Your generous support will be recognized on a plaque in the new pavilion.

Please make your donation here

Questions? Please contact Shari Landry at slandry@culpeperwellness.org or 540-445-5414.

Gifts also accepted by check, Donor Advised Fund, IRA QCD or stock.

Thank you for your support of this exciting new recreation area!

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The 2025 grant recipients & their programs include:

Aging Together, $5,000 – Conference focused on Alzheimer’s research, treatment and strategies for care of persons living with dementia.

Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia, $10,000 – Implementation of Triple Play: A Game Plan for Mind, Body & Soul, a research-based program offering physical activities, games, cooking and nutrition, sports and programs that promote social and emotional wellness for youth in Madison and Orange counties.

Bridge Ministry, $10,000 – Program encompassing behavioral and mental health programming, vocational classes, counseling and more for individuals transitioning from addiction or incarceration.

Carver Food Enterprise Center, $10,000 – Equipment to expand capacity in the Feeding 500 food preparation program supporting food rescue organizations (free clinics, food pantries & banks) in tandem with nutrition, food safety, and culinary skills education for food preparation students.

Community Development Redistribution (CDR) Resource Center, $7,500 – Provision of personal hygiene, household & school supplies, as well as holiday gifts, for Culpeper, Madison and Orange County residents in need.

Culpeper Food Closet at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, $5,500 – Distribution of healthy summer snacks for families without access to school meal programs.

Manna Ministry at Culpeper Presbyterian Church, $10,000 – Inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables and hygiene items in Manna Ministry’s take-home service for community members in need.

Girls on the Run Piedmont, $5,000 – Financial aid to expand program access.

Hero’s Bridge, $10,000 – Battle Buddy community health worker program supporting older veterans.

Hospice of the Piedmont, $7,500 – Grief and healing program for bereaved children ages 4-18.

Mom2Mom, $10,000 – Infant formula for families in need.

Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby, $6,000 – Super Kids car restoration and facility improvements to expand program access for children with developmental challenges.

Playdate: A Children’s Museum, $5,000 – Expansion of financial aid program to support visitation by families in need.

Orange County Free Clinic, $10,000 – Food Pharmacy program to address food insecurity and support access to healthy foods.

Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, $10,000 – Healthcare vocational training and career readiness skills for at-risk individuals.

Foundation president Shari Landry said, “As with previous grant application periods, the 2025 applications reflect the tremendous commitment of local organizations to supporting the health and wellness needs of residents of our three-county service area. These programs are broad in scope, serving the entire population from infants to the elderly, and area needs, from health care vocational training to food security.”

The Healthy Living Grants program was launched in 2015, the Foundation’s first full year of operation. The grants have been offered yearly with the exception of 2020, when funds were diverted to COVID response.

The Culpeper Wellness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, invests its time and resources in community initiatives that improve health and wellness in Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties. The Foundation operates the Free Clinic of Culpeper, the Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic, PATH Recreation & Fitness Center, and Powell Wellness Center, one of only two fitness centers in Virginia certified by the Medical Fitness Association as a medically integrated facility. culpeperwellnessfoundation.org

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Every day, every dollar at Culpeper Wellness Foundation is focused on improving health and promoting wellness in Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties.  And, we do it in SO MANY WAYS.  But, it is only possible with the support of donors like YOU.

Your gift during Give Local Piedmont helps us:

• take care of people who are sick
• get children and adults up and moving
• build stronger families
• keep our seniors healthy
• encourage positive relationships
• make dental care accessible to all

and so much more.  The needs and possibilities are endless.  We appreciate your contribution to the health and wellness of our community!

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The 2024 grant recipients & their programs include:

Aging Together, $5,000 – Conference focused on Alzheimer’s research, treatment and strategies for care of persons living with dementia.

Blue and Red Santa Project, $7,500 – Provision of school supplies, clothing and personal hygiene products to economically challenged Culpeper County residents of all ages.

Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia, $10,000 – Implementation of Triple Play: A Game Plan for Mind, Body & Soul, a research-based program offering physical activities, games, cooking and nutrition, sports and programs that promote social and emotional wellness for youth in Madison and Orange counties.

Bridge Ministry, $5,000 – Purchase of laptops to increase access to behavioral and mental health classes, professional certification classes, college-level courses and more for individuals transitioning from addiction or incarceration.

Carver Food Enterprise Center, $10,000 – Feeding 500 food preparation program supporting food rescue organizations (free clinics, food pantries & banks) in tandem with nutrition, food safety, and culinary skills education for food preparation students.

Community Development Redistribution (CDR) Resource Center, $7,500 – Provision of personal hygiene, household & school supplies, as well as holiday gifts, for Culpeper, Madison and Orange County residents in need.

Culpeper County Public Schools, $10,000 – Integration of curriculum focusing on healthy relationship building into middle and high school student health classes.

Culpeper Food Closet, $5,000 – Distribution of healthy snacks in summer for families without access to school meal programs.

Culpeper Mid-Day Lions Club, $10,000 – Procurement of digital screening equipment for hearing evaluations and hearing aids for community members in need.

Culpeper Presbyterian Church, $10,000 – Inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables and hygiene items in Manna Ministry’s take-home service for community members in need.

Hospice of the Piedmont, $7,500 – Grief and healing program for bereaved children ages 4-18.

Generations Central Adult Day Center, $6,900 – Expansion of program focused on promoting and maintaining cognitive health for senior adults.

Madison Learning Center, $2026 – Weekly music and movement class supporting social, emotional, cognitive and physical development for children from infancy to school age served by the center.

Orange County Free Clinic, $10,000 – Mental health counseling services for patients.

Reva Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, Inc., $8,800 – Purchase of emergency response equipment: LIFEPAK 1000 automatic external defibrillator and compact suction unit.

Young Lives, $5,000 – 8-month weekly initiative to support teen mothers with nutrition education, cooking, budgeting, and healthy choices.

Foundation president Shari Landry said, “The grant proposals represented a broad spectrum of needs ― some new, some continuing ― within the three counties in our service area. Our grants review committee thoughtfully considers every application, and these applications always convey such commitment to addressing the needs of our communities. We are very fortunate to have so many organizations focused on health and wellness needs for all ages. ”

The Culpeper Wellness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, invests its time and resources in community initiatives that improve health and wellness in Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties. The Foundation operates the Free Clinic of Culpeper, the Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic, PATH Recreation & Fitness Center, and Powell Wellness Center, one of only two fitness centers in Virginia certified by the Medical Fitness Association as a medically integrated facility. culpeperwellnessfoundation.org

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How does the service work?

• The clinic refers a patient in need of mental health support to VTMHI and collaborates as the patient’s medical home base.
• VTMHI conducts an assessment to ensure telemental health care matches the patient’s needs.
• The patient is matched with a volunteer therapist.
• The therapist and patient agree on treatment goals (min. of 10 sessions provided).
•  VTMHI coordinates with the patient’s referring clinic regarding care and social support needs.

Questions are welcome! Please call our clinic at (540) 829-5032.

About the Commonwealth’s first-ever statewide virtual free mental health clinic

As a virtual clinic, VTMHI collaborates with volunteer pre-licensed mental health providers in the process of completing licensure to provide teletherapy services to eligible patients who are referred by participating free and charitable clinics. The VTMHI model both expands access to mental health services and strengthens Virginia’s mental health workforce.

The pilot program originally launched in December 2022.

“We’re so grateful to our partners and volunteers who took part in the program’s successful inaugural year of service. They helped to build an innovative structure that is putting mental health services within the reach of Virginians who otherwise could not afford or access it,” said Mara Servaites, Executive Director of VTMHI. “It’s the first model we know of in the U.S. with a dual mission of providing free mental health services to medically underserved populations virtually while also supporting the next generation of mental health providers with the licensure process so they can enter the workforce faster. We learned during our first year that this new concept works, and we’re now poised for growth by bringing on additional referring clinics to serve more Virginians.”

Since its inception, VTMHI has scheduled nearly 2,000 telemental health sessions with an average of 11 days between referral and a patient’s first appointment – a dramatic improvement compared to the average wait time of three months or longer, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Practitioner Pulse Survey.

Making this all possible, during the inaugural year, were 43 volunteer pre-licensed mental health professionals supported by six clinical supervisors to provide pro bono services to patients across ten participating free and charitable clinics.

In 2024, VTMHI will invite 30 new Virginia clinics to join the program and will collaborate with an additional 75 volunteer mental health professionals.

“Since the launch of VTMHI, we have been able to offer an initial counseling visit to patients within 24 hours in most cases. This has been immensely helpful for patients who have recently been discharged from inpatient psychiatric care or have a more urgent need,” said Shannon Raybuck, Mental Health Care Coordinator at Fauquier Free Clinic. “This partnership allows these patients to engage quickly in services to address concerns such as substance use and anger management.”

This year, VTMHI has welcomed twelve new referring clinics, including:

• ADAMS Compassionate Healthcare Network (Chantilly)
• Augusta Regional Dental Clinic
• Blue Ridge Free Clinic (Harrisonburg)
• Culmore Clinic (Falls Church)
• Free Clinic of Culpeper
• Free Clinic of Powhatan
• Goochland Cares
• Greene Care Clinic (Stanardsville)
• Guadalupe Free Clinic (Colonial Beach)
• Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic (Woodbridge)
• Ohlen R. Wilson (Galax)
• Sinclair Health Clinic (Winchester)

The new clinics join existing partners Bradley Free Clinic (Roanoke), Brock Hughes Medical Center (Wytheville), Charlottesville Free Clinic, CrossOver Healthcare Ministry (Richmond and Henrico), Fauquier Free Clinic, Free Clinic of Franklin County/Bernard Healthcare Center, Health Brigade (Richmond), Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic (Tappahannock), Page Free Clinic (Luray), and Shenandoah Community Health Clinic (Woodstock).

“Virginia’s free and charitable clinics have seen a 10% increase in patient demand for mental health care services,” said Rufus Phillips, the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics CEO. “Partnering with VTMHI has helped put qualified mental health resources just a click away for many Virginians in need who have traditionally experienced barriers preventing them from accessing services. We’re proud of the increased access VTMHI has accomplished over the past year and look forward to working with them to expand this crucial resource.”

Under the leadership of the Virginia Telehealth Network, the program is made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, the University of Virginia Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth, the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center, and VTMHI’s volunteers and free clinic participants.

Interested patients can contact free and charitable clinics directly to determine their eligibility and make appointments. For more information, visit https://virginiatelementalhealth.org/accesscare/.

To learn more about VTMHI, visit https://virginiatelementalhealth.org/.

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