November 8, 2024
Students facing challenges that could keep them from completing their education have many resources to turn to at Laurel Ridge. One of those caring resources is Tiffany Matthews, campus social worker.
A 2017 alumna of Laurel Ridge, Matthews became the college’s first social worker in December 2023. She provides case management and crisis intervention services for students.
“I’m really responsible for supporting students as they manage non-academic challenges and barriers that may impact their academic wellbeing,” she said.
Matthews, who divides her time between Laurel Ridge locations, said she employs a strength-focused and trauma-informed approach with the students she assists. She liaises with federal, state and local human services providers, such as departments of social services, food pantries, community services boards, nonprofits and medical providers.
Matthews, who participated in Laurel Ridge’s TRiO program herself as a student due to her status as both low-income and a first-generation student, has noticed trends among the challenges students are facing these days. These include access to safe and affordable housing, childcare costs, healthcare needs and a lack of reliable transportation.
As part of her role, Matthews serves as the program manager for Single Stop, a short online screening tool that students can access to see what supplemental resources they may be eligible for, such as government benefits, educational resources, health insurance options and community support.
“Those services exist to be used,” said Matthews. “I follow up with every student who creates a Single Stop profile, and have them meet with me one on one.”
If the student doesn’t qualify for government services, she works on finding other resources to meet their needs.
“I feel like when the college created this position, it really demonstrated its commitment to the community by helping make education attainable to anyone who comes here,” said Matthews.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.