History
The WHOA Foundation was created to provide a safe haven and a helping hand for those in need. The foundation began as an idea to simply reach out to those in underprivileged communities. As a foundation, WHOA strives to be a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
WHOA has been established for 15 years and serves lower-income demographics all over the Tri-City Area/ Richmond and Surrounding Counties.
Board Members
Larry Pope
As director and founder of WHOA, Mr. Larry Pope is responsible for the leadership and direction of the organization. It is his goal to ensure that each individual who receives services from WHOA excels and succeeds personally and academically.
Growing up in the city of Richmond has allowed Larry to see the ins and outs of an inner city, and how that environment can negatively or positively affect the youth. As a child, Larry attended J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School, T.H. Henderson Middle School, and John F. Kennedy High School. As a young child, Larry knew he wanted to be able to give back to the community and that has molded him into the person he is today.
In his spare time, Larry enjoys volunteering with the youth, as well as spending time with his family and mastering the art of taekwondo.
James Dandridge
As a member of the Board of Directors for WHOA, James Dandridge is responsible for providing leadership assistance and operational guidance for the organization. James strongly believes that those receiving services from WHOA will be inspired to reach their fullest potential both intellectually and socially.
James is an active member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church and was elected as a member of the Trustee board and co-founded the New Life Victorious Group for recovering drug addicts and served on the male usher board. Throughout his endeavors, he remained true to his upbringing and exhibited his traditional values by embracing all he meets. It has been through James’ life experience and his religious journey that he is easily relatable and spiritually inspiring.
In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, attending church and live music events.
Kristi Jackson
Kristi Jackson works for the General Counsel at Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority where she takes pride in serving the community by providing quality affordable housing. Kristi earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at VCU and a Master of Business Administration at Averett University. She’s also completed her Six Sigma certification at VCU.
She’s passionate about art, and in 2013 started her own business Kreativ Studio, where she creates custom artwork based on the needs and requests of her clients. Kristi also enjoys sharing her passion for art with kids who are underserved or lack the resources to express themselves creatively.
