Mrs. Valan Savis Garland was born in Columbia, South Carolina on the 23rd of September 1983. Her parents are John DaVeiga and Maria DaVeiga of Providence, Rhode Island (by way of the Cape Verde Islands & Portugal). Mrs. Garland is the youngest of her parents’ children.

Mrs. Garland has always had a heart for helping others. May it be by making others laugh or being a shoulder to lean on, she’s there to show that she genuinely cares. She has also worked and volunteered in the fields of hospitality and humanitarianism. Her tasks included providing home health care, cooking for the elderly in nursing or rehabilitation facilities, and advocating for people in her community, just to name a few.

Eventually, Mrs. Garland saw how individuals and families within the community are struggling to meet their basic needs (e.g. food, clothing, shelter, and personal hygiene items). She then decided to do something to help and created The Garland Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2007 (formerly DBA Chowan Community Center in Edenton, NC; DBA and location changed in June 2018).

With the assistance of various individuals, groups, and organizations, Mrs. Garland is able to begin her vision and mission of helping others be great. She hopes that these beneficiaries will, in turn, help others do the same.

Mrs. Garland currently has certifications in Dietary Management and ServSafe. She has completed 144 hours of coursework toward her bachelor’s degree at the Elizabeth City State University. She plans to finish the entire course in the near future.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 💚