My name is Frances Robin. I am the mother of four wonderful young adults. My husband and I have raised our children in this wonderful community. We are both originally from the Caribbean Island of Dominica. We know and understand what it is like to be a part of a village because we both grew up in one. I have been fortunate to benefit from this amazing community, where I have built beautiful relationships with parents and students. I served as a teacher at St. Micheal’s Academy and I like to say my student graduated from K-3 to the major Ivy League schools. I loved my students and their parents dearly. It was while I was working at St. Michael’s Academy when the Yellow House across from the street from the Academy belonging to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church became available for rent. The timing was perfect as I was in a six year search for a house to open what was then Carried To Full Term, a home for women who are pregnant and homeless and their children.
About Frances Robin
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Andy, and I have four young adult children, Tyler, Ryan, Micah and Kendall. All raised in Gainesville, VA. All our children graduated from Patriot High School. Tyler went on to graduate from VCU, Ryan Graduated from George Mason University, Micah is in his fourth year at George Mason and Kendall is currently completing year two at Northern Virginia Community College. Our children are talented and funny. They are four of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently a director at the Virginia Women and Family Support Center formerly known as Carried To Full Term. We provide long-term housing for women who are pregnant and homeless and their children. Our goal is not just housing, we offer a comprehensive range of services to help women break cycles of homelessness. Because change takes time, our program is a 24-month comprehensive program designed to take women from homelessness to eventually get on a path toward home-ownership. Women in our program are given the tools, education, and support to regain control of their lives to become independent and self-sufficient, We believe that every woman deserves the chance to build a better life for herself and her child, and we support them every step of the way in breaking cycles that lead to homeless. We recently opened a thrift store to assist in sustainability efforts. We are currently opening a Maternal Health program to give access to all women in our community and not only women in our program. Our goal is to raise awareness, provide support, educate and empower women to advocate for themselves.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I am a helper. When it comes to giving advice, I listen, hear and then provide support that best suits the individual’s situation. I believe in community. I always encourage women to get connected. Our store has unexpectedly become a connection and community building space.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself fully immersed in teaching on the impact of trauma, speaking on healing, maternal health, faith and justice. I also should be done with my PhD program and should me mid-way through law -school. I will be spending a lot more time in Dominica.
Frances Robin & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Trummers, Benjins Asian Bistro, Cuppi Coffee, Afghan Famous Kabob, The Culture Cup and Hidden Jules. These are a few of my favorite spots.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked in the area for the past 24 – years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Joanne Tang, she is smart, beautiful with a heart to serve and support women.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I loved the Gainesville, Haymarket Food Pantry. Jiffy Lube Live, formerly the Nissan Pavilion. I absolutely loved Mimi’s Cafe carrot muffins, Beijing Gourmet, Trummers, Cold Stone Ice Cream
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how everyone looks out for each other. My youngest son and his brothers are always out with friends or just in the community. I love how each time they come home, we get an update on the great time he’s had whether at B-Dubs or the Gym.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Bryan Stevenson, I would have lunch at The Culture Cup. I would love to sit and learn from his work. The Culture Cup is appropriate and matches honoring legacy, ancestry and truth.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movies are Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Sinners by Ryan Coogler. Amazing! I love Transformers, and Avengers. And, TV shows, I love K-dramas, Alchemy of Souls, Itaewon Class, Weak Hero are a few of my favorites.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I lived in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. and I started a Talent Agency when my children were little.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Thrifting at StrongHer Generation after grabbing a coffee at Culture Cup
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Grandmother
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Dominica, My grandmother, and my family.
