Volunteer, Alexandria, VA

Carter Flemming, 57, has volunteered for most of her life. Her parents were volunteers and she grew up in a household that placed a strong emphasis on getting involved and making a difference in the community.

Today, as a retiree, Carter devotes her time entirely to volunteering in her local community of Alexandria, Virginia. She enjoys volunteering in all areas, but is particularly passionate about donating her time to helping seniors and youths.

Carter currently volunteers at the Campagna Center -- an Alexandria-based social service agency that administers the RSVP program; operates Head Start and Early Head Start; and runs the After School Enrichment Programs called Campagna Kids at elementary schools in the Northern Virginia area. RSVP is a program that offers “one-stop shopping” for all volunteers 55 and over who want to find challenging, rewarding and significant service opportunities in their local communities.

Carter is a longtime member of the Alexandria United Way Human Services Committee and is a current member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for TC Williams High School in Alexandria. She serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Alexandria community, including Alexandria Red Cross and Seminary Hill Civic Association. Carter is also a commissioner on the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, which is responsible for administering public housing. In addition, she is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children in the court system.

Previously, Carter served for five years on the board of Healthy Families in Alexandria – a program that pairs social workers with new mothers and their young children, ages 0-5, to improve parenting, encourage child heath development, and prevent child abuse and neglect. While volunteering at Healthy Families, Carter was involved in many fundraising activities to help raise needed funds to operate the program that also functions with assistance from state and federal funds.

Carter is a graduate of Tulane University, and is presently serving on the National Alumnae Board of Newcomb College. She and her husband live in Alexandria.