Cassandra Calendar-Ray was honored Feb. 22 for her dedication to improving the lives of Virginia families at a ceremony held at The Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center in Louisa. The NAACP Branch #7085 recognized her with the NAACP Phenomenal Woman Plaque and the Harry Leroy Nuckols Memorial Certificate of Recognition for her exceptional community service.

As executive director of The Family Matters Family Resource Center in Louisa, Calendar-Ray has been a strong advocate for families, working to ensure access to resources for safe and healthy living. She also has received the NAACP Image Award for her significant impact on the community.

In addition to her work in Louisa, Calendar-Ray has supported families in Richmond through her involvement with the Richmond Opportunities Industrialization Center and her leadership of Virginia One Church One Child. The nonprofit recruits foster and adoptive families, with a focus on African American children.