At EO, we envision a region where all communities are thriving and people are well.
We believe that communities benefit from a collaborative and coordinated approach and that the well-being of people increases when they have access to education and economic opportunities.
We are a Virginia-based non-profit with a mission to research, pilot, and scale big ideas into solutions that increase the quality of life. We do this by listening, researching, building, and measuring our impact.
We have a 60-year history developing innovative programs, including the Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub, the Rural Summit, and Ignite Career Expo. At EO, we challenge the status quo and bring positive change to local economies by working with private, public, and philanthropic partners. We design and lead initiatives focused on education, workforce innovation, and wellness so that future generations can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world and thrive.
EO: The Story Behind Our Name
When we began exploring a new name and brand for our programmatic work, we invited community members, partners, and subject matter experts to participate and inform the process at every stage. More than 200 people from all walks of life and throughout our region helped find a name and craft an identity that aligned with our work.
EO, which is Latin for GO, rose as a favorite name among all the participants. GO signals action and is a nod to the idea that positive change requires committed and persistent action. EO also has a double meaning, serving as an acronym for Endless Opportunities, which is our hope for the region.
Focus Area: Education
We collaborate with educators from the cradle-to-career to ensure that future generations receive high-quality care and education.
Focus Area: Workforce innovation
We collaborate with employers, schools, and community partners to build and support a robust, skilled workforce.
Focus Area: Wellness
We provide programs and services to support the social-emotional health and well-being of children, families, and organizations to help transform our communities.
Solutions for Root Cause Issues
Through our body of work within any of our focus areas, we focus on the root cause of issues so that:
- children learn and grow in healthy environments,
- employers and businesses run at their fullest potential and
- young families find good jobs with livable wages right here at home.
The Cradle-to-Career Continuum
EO works along a cradle-to-career continuum that supports early childhood care and education, kindergarten readiness, reading proficiency, career discovery and exploration, internships, professional development, and early career job placement. We prioritize data-informed solutions that leverage community listening and cross-sector convening to build innovative and sustainable social change.
EO currently provides programs in the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford. Our programs and initiatives have a solid track record of success, and demand outside these localities is increasing.
