All three of this year's top winners of the Commonwealth Council on Aging's Best Practices Awards are Richmond-based organizations. Between the three of them, local causes won a total of $11,500.

The Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Center at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen in Henrico County won first place, receiving $5,500 for their program. The OMA Center matches “elder artists” with trained volunteers for art projects. The evidence-based program was developed by researchers at the Scripp’s Gerontology Center at Miami University to encourage self-expression and foster inter-generational connections.

Cultural Arts Center President K. Alferio expressed her pleasure with the news, calling art a "powerful tool that transforms lives and communities.”

In second place, Richmond Aging and Engaging's Art, Leisure and Recreation program won $3,500. The program engages older adults living in low-income housing through arts, leisure, and recreation. Richmond Aging and Engaging has an OMA program too, as well as physical activities, games, and a Rollator Repair Program.

Taking third prize, Virginia Voice, Inc. received $2,500 for the Audio Accessibility and Inclusion program. Through volunteer-led readings and live audio descriptions of local events, Virginia Voice serves those with blindness and low vision.

In addition to these three local charities, several other programs around the state received honorable mentions. For a full list, as well as more information on the hometown winners, head to the CCOA's website.