Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board

“This place appears to be broken. My experience with it explains a great deal about the concerns I have regarding systems of care and accountability in Hampton, Virginia. Attempting to communicate with this organization became a two-month ordeal that lacked transparency and was incredibly difficult to navigate. During that process, I began researching how the organization operates, including its relationships with hospitals, governing boards, and oversight structures. What I found raised serious concerns for me about transparency, accountability, and public trust. Based on my experience, I encourage community members to bring a trusted advocate whenever they are dealing with a hospital stay, mental health crisis, or complex healthcare situation. Keep records, ask questions, and document interactions. Years later, I discovered that an interaction I did not even invite at the time continued to affect me. That left me deeply concerned about how difficult it can be for ordinary citizens to obtain information and answers. I understand that other employees may be trying to do their jobs and help people. My concern is that bureaucracy, poor communication, and systemic failures may be preventing good people from providing the level of service and accountability the public deserves. I am saddened by the number of people in our community who have struggled, suffered, or felt unheard. I have known too many people who have died by suicide or lost their lives under difficult circumstances in Hampton Virginia. When I see how difficult it can be to obtain help, answers, or accountability without resources, connections, or privilege, it deeply concerns me. Hampton deserves open conversations about transparency, oversight, public trust, and whether existing systems are truly serving those who need help. May those in leadership reflect on the impact their decisions have on the people they are supposed to serve. #ChooseHampton”

“This is an agency that has an extremely high turnover rate for Peer Recovery Specialists. They treat the PRS as if they are not worthy of respect, dignity, value. The PRS are over worked, and underpaid. Case workers have no idea how to work with a PRS. The main focus for this agency is to build the insurance. Those in need of service do not receive proper care. And allegations of staff misconduct are not investigated, and if it is reported, retaliation will come. Charon Dubose is the worse in management, as well as (Carrie), case management coordinator for the behavioral docket in Newport News)”

“The Hampton–Newport News Community Services Board does incredible work, and I want to take a moment to recognize several of the people there who go above and beyond every day. Lakeisha Jenkins, Jennifer Small, Anthony Howard, Jasmine Parker, Che Barnes, Janice Wilkes, and Lynn Fields all stand out for their professionalism, dedication, and compassion. Every time I’ve had the chance to interact with them, they’ve been conscientious, approachable, and committed to helping people get the resources and support they need. It’s not easy work, but they carry it with patience and care, and it shows in the way they treat people. In a community, having an organization like the CSB makes all the difference — but having staff members who really care about the people they serve is what takes it to the next level. These six individuals in particular deserve recognition for the outstanding job they do, and I’m grateful for the impact they’re making here in Hampton and Newport News.”

“So, I am currently enrolled in a program at the Hampton Newport News CSB. Here they offer a warm welcome and compass to complex situations such as mine. It is imperative to know that it only works If you work it. Honesty not only with them, but with yourself as well can grant you the life that you've been waiting for. They have a wonderful staff, and they are dedicated to your recovery and make themselves available to you during your journey. It not as hard as you think, you just have to want it that bad, So if you or anyone you know needs help or is struggling and mental illnesses and want help please reach out to Hampton Newport News CSB immediately, Don’t wait. Your life matters and they will help you inner stand that! Done”