“Frank Blocker was a man with a generous spirit who wholeheartedly supported the University throughout the years. He cared deeply for our school and saw the value it brings to Coastal Virginia and beyond. His vision and the Foundation's generosity have had a profound impact on the lives of more than 1,500 youth (18 and under) who experienced the Blocker Youth Center during the most recent academic year, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.”

“Historic Ida Barbour Early Learning Center is a welcoming, safe, healthy, and stimulating environment that facilitates the educational, personal, and physical development of children and their families.’ Ida Barbour Early Learning Center has been operating in the Portsmouth Community since 1910 and continues to uphold the legacy of its founder, Miss Ida B. Barbour. 

In 2004, the Board of Directors voted to change the name of Miller Home and Day Nursery to Ida Barbour Early Learning Center, in honor of its founder. The center is in the United States Library of Congress Archives as one of the oldest daycare establishments in the state of Virginia. 

As a non-profit organization, 100% of the families are low-income, however, many, many residents received their start at Ida Barbour. The COVID pandemic hit us hard, as we faced challenges with staffing and enrollment. Much needed financial support from The Blocker Foundation has helped us persevere in providing quality staff that will engage our children with the necessary skills for early development, strong foundation for entering school, and future success in this challenging society.”  

“PIN is a faith-based organization that exists to connect people experiencing homelessness to a loving God who will heal and restore hope. This hope comes through meals, showers, medical care, job training, recovery groups, and emergency shelter. We are thankful for the generosity of The Blocker Foundation who provided funding for a program called Winter Shelter. During the winter PIN runs an emergency shelter program where we house people experiencing homelessness in Churches in Virginia Beach. Not only do they get a safe warm place to sleep, they also get a home cooked breakfast and dinner. Being homeless is always difficult, but it is especially dangerous in the winter. The funding from The Blocker Foundation will go a long way to give people a safe warm place to sleep during the cold winter months.”