Mark Stevens highlights decades of volunteer work with StandUp for Kids and services for homeless youth

Mark Stevens, a longtime Virginia Beach volunteer who serves on the city's Human Rights and Resort Advisory Commissions, described at a city gathering how adopting his son led him to focus on homeless and at‑risk youth. "I just can't see something and not do something about it. I'd rather be involved and get my hands dirty," he said.

Stevens said his commitment grew into sustained involvement with StandUp for Kids, where he has volunteered for decades. "Hundreds of kids out here. And I was like, 'Wow,'" he said, describing the scale of need he encountered. He described a drop-in center that opens three nights a week to serve meals and to reassure young people that "adults aren't bad."

A presenter introduced Stevens' record, saying he has volunteered with StandUp for Kids for more than 25 years and also worked with Hope (Helping Our People Excel), a local effort the presenter described as bringing nonprofits together to address mental health, homelessness and addiction. The presenter also noted Stevens is a business owner who has provided jobs to people who were homeless.

Stevens closed his remarks by identifying himself to the meeting: "I'm Mark Stevens and I volunteer with the city of Virginia Beach." The remarks focused on direct service, outreach and civic volunteerism rather than policy or formal actions by the city.