News & Community Updates
Stay in the Loop
This is your home for the latest happenings from the Liberian Association of Virginia — announcements, event recaps, member spotlights, and news relevant to the Liberian community in Virginia and beyond. Check back often, as we'll continue to update this page throughout the year.
Latest Updates
LAVA Welcomes New Members for the 2026–2027 Term
We're proud to welcome a new group of members to the Association this year. If you're interested in joining, reach out to learn more about membership and how to get involved.
Save the Date: Monthly Meetings Continue Through 2026
Our general meetings remain set for the last Sunday of every month. Visit our Upcoming Events page for the full fall and winter schedule, including special programming paired with each gathering.
LAVA Strengthens Community Partnerships
In keeping with our commitment to cooperate with organizations that share our mission, LAVA continues to build relationships with community groups across Virginia to expand our collective impact.
Nonprofit Status & Transparency
As a registered nonprofit charitable organization, LAVA remains committed to transparency with our members. Updates on our nonprofit standing and how resources support our programs will be shared here as they become available.
Community Voice
Have news, an announcement, or a community concern you'd like featured on this page? LAVA exists as a vehicle for our members' voices — reach out to share what matters to you and your family.
Have Something to Share?
We welcome submissions from members: milestones, achievements, community initiatives, or stories worth celebrating. Contact us to have your update considered for a future post. We can be reached at: info@liberianassociationofvirginia.com
Education & Learning Initiatives
Discover our commitment to fostering educational growth within the Liberian community and beyond. This section highlights the workshops, seminars, and learning initiatives we organize to empower individuals and promote understanding across our community. Our aim is simple: to build a stronger, more knowledgeable community, one opportunity at a time.
One highlight of our recent efforts brought youth and students from our community on a tour of college campuses in and around Richmond, Virginia — giving them a firsthand look at higher education opportunities close to home, connecting them with campus resources, and helping spark early conversations about their academic futures.
Health & Financial Wellness Workshop
As part of our commitment to community engagement, LAVA hosted a workshop focused on health and financial wellness — equipping members with practical tools to strengthen their well-being and long-term financial stability. Community members had the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals on topics ranging from preventive health care and wellness resources to budgeting, savings, and financial planning.
The workshop reflects our broader mission to promote understanding and empower our members with the knowledge they need to thrive not just culturally and socially, but in the everyday decisions that shape their lives and futures.
Business and Entrepreneurial Workshop
LAVA is committed to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit within our community. Our Business & Entrepreneurial Development Workshop brought together members interested in starting or growing a business, offering practical guidance on topics such as business planning, access to capital, marketing, and navigating the resources available to small business owners in Virginia.
By connecting members with experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals, this workshop reflects our commitment to empowering our community not only culturally and socially, but economically — helping members turn ideas into sustainable ventures that strengthen our community from within.
Back-to-School Support for Students
Each year, LAVA rallies around our community's students as they head back into the classroom — from our youngest kids to our college-bound young adults. Our Back-to-School initiative provides school supplies, backpacks, and essential resources to help children start the year off strong, while offering college students guidance, mentorship, and support as they navigate the demands of higher education.
This initiative reflects our belief that investing in our youth is investing in the future of our community — ensuring every student, no matter their age or stage, feels supported and set up for success.
Upcoming Events
Stay Connected
LAVA members gather on the last Sunday of every month for our general community meeting — the heartbeat of our organization, where members connect, stay informed, and help shape the direction of the Association. Alongside these monthly meetings, we host cultural, educational, and community-engagement events throughout the year in line with our mission and programs. Here's what's ahead for the rest of 2026.
September 27, 2026 — General Meeting & Back-to-School Community Support
Our September gathering kicks off the fall season with our monthly business meeting, followed by a community support drive focused on local Liberian students and families as the school year gets underway — school supplies, mentorship sign-ups, and educational resources for members.
October 25, 2026 — General Meeting & Cultural Heritage Night
This month's meeting is paired with a Cultural Heritage Night celebrating Liberian traditions — traditional dress, food, music, and storytelling — open to members and friends of the community who want to experience and learn about Liberian culture firsthand.
November 29, 2026 — General Meeting & Community Thanksgiving Gathering
We close out November with our monthly meeting followed by a Community Thanksgiving Gathering, bringing members and their families together for a shared meal, gratitude, and fellowship as we reflect on the year and give back to those in need within our community.
December 27, 2026 — General Meeting & Year-End Celebration
Our final gathering of the year combines our December business meeting with a Year-End Celebration honoring the milestones LAVA has achieved in 2026, recognizing volunteers and partners, and looking ahead to the new year.