Honoring SAARA of Virginia with the 2024 Freedom Award

Juneteenth—Freedom Day—marks the moment in 1865 when Union troops informed enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two years earlier. 

This year, we celebrated Juneteenth at the National Museum of African American Culture. We sought to honor a Black-led organization based in Metro Richmond that provides communal support, promotes equity, and drives social change with our 2024 Freedom Award.

We were honored to recognize the Substance Abuse & Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia and donate over $1k to support their incredible work. 

SAARA of Virginia

SAARA is a Virginia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting recovery and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by substance use disorder and addiction. Through advocacy, education, and peer support services, SAARA empowers individuals to achieve and sustain recovery while also working to reduce the stigma associated with addiction. The organization offers various programs, including recovery support groups, educational workshops, and community outreach initiatives. By collaborating with stakeholders and leveraging the lived experiences of its members, SAARA aims to create a supportive environment that fosters long-term recovery and resilience.

With a vision for a better future, these changemakers drive progress, inspire others, and create lasting impacts in our community.

Learn More and Get Involved

We encourage you to learn more about SAARA's transformative mission and how it is making a difference in Virginia communities. Visit their website at SAARA of Virginia to discover ways you can support their efforts, whether through donations or spreading awareness.

Thank you to everyone who voted and supported this year's Freedom Award. Your involvement highlights the power of community and the importance of working together to create change. 

Congratulations once again to SAARA, our 2024 Freedom Award recipient! Your work inspires us all to strive for a more equitable world.