Author: Sarah Reid

Bringing Hope Home: Thank You!

Posted on July 13, 2021

We’ve just reached the end of our very first Bringing Hope Home campaign to raise annual support for TAP. As we look back on the year, we have one thing to say: thank you!

Record Support

We set an initial goal of $150,000 for Bringing Hope Home, but even during a time when many people’s budgets were lean, the community surpassed that goal again and again. In this challenging time, we’ve received record support from generous individuals and businesses.

Anything but an Ordinary Year

In an ordinary year, TAP focuses on removing barriers to economic and personal independence by providing job training, childcare, and other services. But this year was not an ordinary year—we’ve had to adapt to address urgent needs created or worsened by the pandemic.

This year, we saw our clients’ emergency needs increase by 60%, and the community helped us meet those needs by donating in record amounts.

At the height of the pandemic, with support from the community:

• We distributed 12,000 meals to families in food crisis.
• Our Domestic Violence Services responded to a 20% increase in hotline calls.
• We provided 400 families rent or mortgage assistance.
• We housed 60 families in hotels and kept them off the streets

That’s only a sample of what TAP has accomplished in the past year thanks to community donations.

Look for more details about the impact you have helped to make possible in our annual report, which will be released this fall. In the meantime, know that without your support, we would never have been able to serve so many community members in need.

Our work is never finished, of course. But we want to take a moment to thank everyone who has donated money or time to TAP over this past year. You have had an amazing impact!

RESTORE: One Graduate’s Story

Posted on May 26, 2021

Getting the support she needed: TAP’s Re-employment, Support, and Training for the Opioid-Related Epidemic (or RESTORE) program.

It’s fair to say that the pandemic has been tough on everyone over the past 16 months. But for those people already struggling before the pandemic, life got much harder. Before COVID-19 reached the Roanoke Valley, Tabitha Harper had gained full custody of her grandchildren but was unemployed and seeking a job. The economic downturn made that search much more difficult. “Life was rough. We were struggling,” she says. That’s when Tabitha joined our Re-employment, Support, and Training for the Opioid-Related Epidemic (or RESTORE) program.

TAP’s RESTORE Program

TAP is one of five agencies in the country granted US Department of Labor funds to operate RESTORE. The program assists people impacted by the opioid epidemic by offering support, career services, job training, and certifications to women in recovery and their affected families—including Tabitha, who found herself with greater financial responsibility for sustaining her household due to the opioid crisis. “I joined RESTORE to get assistance with training and employment so that I could better myself for my grandchildren,” Tabitha says.

RESTORE ‘s training options include food service and safety, nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant, and various construction education and research certifications. Tabitha chose to build on her past experience and work toward a career in medicine. “I had previously worked in the medical field as a CNA. I wanted to further my career in the medical field and continue to help those in need,” she says.

Working Hard for Success

Working through the RESTORE program while taking on family responsibilities and the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t always easy. At times, Tabitha was stressed about squeezing in her studies while dealing with the pressure of her other obligations. She admits, “I did not think I was going to be able to finish the class.” However, she persevered, with a little help. Tabitha credits Program Mentor Jennifer Miller and Instructor Deborah Greimel (known as “Dr. G” to the students) with encouraging her to reach the finish line. “They helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and pushed me to succeed,” Tabitha says.

Now a certified clinical medical assistant, Tabitha started a new career with Carilion Clinic in April 2021. She recommends RESTORE, and other TAP programs, to others struggling as she was. Tabitha has a message to those people: “Keep moving forward. Do not be afraid to ask for help. The help is there.” 

Click here to find out more about RESTORE and other TAP programs.

Mentoring in the Alleghany Highlands

Posted on May 18, 2021

TAP’s Alleghany Highlands Youth Mentoring program needs your help!

We are looking for adults to mentor youth, ages 10 to 17, affected by the opioid crisis.

Why should you consider mentoring?

• Purpose
• Connection
• Experience
• Increase positive connection for both the youth and the mentee
• The skills you learn and practice as a mentor will come in handy in everyday life.

Mentor Qualifications

Mentors agree to be screened and complete a background check, attend training, be a positive role model, get matched and have fun!

How to Sign Up

The TAP Alleghany Highlands Youth Mentoring Program, paving the way for youth in our communities.

For more information, contact us at 540-962-6328. You can also fill out the contact form below, or stop by the office at 118 South Lexington Avenue in Covington.

Supporting Sabrina’s Place

Posted on April 26, 2021

“Sabrina’s Place means a lot to us, because Sabrina Reed’s life was taken suddenly and tragically and she was one of our sorority members,” says Katina Hamlar, president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Chi Omega Chapter.

“The sorority sisters loved [Sabrina] and felt a great sense of loss. They see [Sabrina’s Place] as a personal opportunity to give back to the community and to honor her legacy in a meaningful way.”

It’s no surprise then that the sorority has been there for the program from the beginning and remains one of its most ardent supporters.

A Personal Touch

Although Sabrina’s Place is the only free supervised visitation and safe exchange center in the western half of Virginia, during recent years funding has been lean. The sorority sisters have found myriad ways to show their support for the program through gestures small and large.

One recent effort was at Christmastime, when the sisters purchased Christmas gifts for the children who benefit from the program. “Last year there was so much happening, and those children are already in a tough situation,” says Katina. “We felt good that we were in a position to bring smiles to their faces at Christmas.”

TAP gave the sorority a list of gift ideas for each child, and the sorority sisters set to work. One little girl loved horses, and the sisters went out of their way to see that she received a gift certificate to a local stable so she could go on a horseback ride.

Remembering Sabrina’s Place during the Holidays

More recently, the sisters have supported the program by delivering snacks for the children and holding a successful water bottle drive. Other efforts have included a toilet paper drive and a Zumba fundraiser. “[The AKAs] have been faithful, and they have been there from the beginning,” says Melody Robinson, program coordinator. “Their consistent involvement is the theme. They have been ideal program supporters.”

A Bigger Picture

Sabrina’s Place remains a much-needed resource in the community, despite recent funding cuts. TAP has seen increased incidents of domestic violence during the pandemic, largely due to the additional stressors on families.

The AKAs have a firm grasp on how dire the situation is. “[People] should know that there are not many places like Sabrina’s Place that are creating safe havens for families to share in the lives of their children without fear of domestic violence or disputes,” says Katina.

“People should also know that there are significant numbers of women and children and even men who are being abused. Those situations can become tragic, but we can help avoid them by creating spaces like Sabrina’s Place where families feel they can be protected.”

If you would like to join the AKAs in supporting Sabrina’s Place, please contact us or make a donation today. You can designate your donation to “domestic violence and family services” and write in the comments “Sabrina’s Place.”

Inspiring Others to Give

Posted on March 22, 2021

One local business man is inspiring others to give.

When Bob Fetzer, president of Building Specialists, Inc., heard about our efforts to raise funds during the pandemic, he was struck by our vision during a time of crisis.

He received a call from Annette Lewis, our president and CEO, asking if Building Specialists would continue its financial support of TAP even though we had to cancel our annual in-person fundraiser. Annette shared with Bob our plans to raise $150,000 this year through our Bringing Hope Home campaign. He decided not only to contribute, but to inspire others to give. 

“We’ve been very fortunate that construction was considered essential, [and] despite the pandemic construction was going very well. We asked some of our major teammates, who work with us daily, if they would come together to support [TAP]. Every single subcontractor we approached contributed to the campaign and allowed us to raise over $6,000 for this cause,” says Bob.

Inspiring Others to Give

When he told them about TAP, many of the subcontractors had not previously realized the breadth of TAP’s operations. They were all eager to join in and provide their support. “We leveraged folks in the community who had not given to TAP before and opened their eyes to the benefits of having such an incredible nonprofit organization in our community.”

A Family Tradition

Bob is a longtime supporter of TAP, having served on our board and still serving on one of our many committees.  Giving back to the community is a family tradition for Bob, who hails from Elizabethton, TN. His parents lived through the Great Depression and World War II, and his family’s trajectory was forever changed by the opportunities created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt through the New Deal and particularly the Tennessee Valley Authority, a New Deal initiative. His parents went on to become civic leaders in Elizabethton, and to this day his mother, who is 102, still asks Bob about the contributions he is making to his community.

“Our parents embedded in my siblings and me to give back to the community,” says Bob. “Every day we can make another individual stronger in Roanoke, makes Roanoke stronger for the future… Part of my goal is to inspire others to give and get involved with TAP and their mission and the great things TAP is doing for our community and for our future. It is an organization that gives people hope. It also gives them a springboard for a better life.”

We are grateful to the following companies that Bob Fetzer rallied to support Bringing Hope Home. If you would like to join them in supporting TAP, please visit https://tapintohope.org/donate/.

Bud Weaver Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Building Specialists, Inc.
Carpet Village
Creative Masonry, Inc.
Gary Russell Construction, LLC
Glavas Decorative Concrete
John T. Morgan Roofing & Sheet Metal Company, Inc.
Keenan Electric Company, Inc.
Layman’s Contracting, Inc.
Premier Painting of Virginia
Nichols Welding Inc.
Responsive Technology Partners

How to Pre-register for Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on March 5, 2021

Help your friends and family register for a COVID-19 vaccine by sharing this information with them. You can also call the vaccine hotline at 877-829-4682 if you prefer to speak with someone by phone.

You can pre-register for a vaccine on the Virginia Department of Health’s vaccine website. 

The vaccine is free for everyone. 

Transportation Information

Medicaid will cover transportation to medical services if you need a ride. Learn more about how to schedule a ride.

COVID-19 Relief Fund

Posted on March 5, 2021

The COVID-19 Relief Loan Fund is offering loans up to $3,000 for businesses impacted by the pandemic. Read on to learn how you can take advantage of this for your business.

Has COVID-19 affected your small business?

Eligible businesses must be located in the City of Roanoke, be at least two years old, and have less than 25 employees. Give us a call to find if you have questions about your eligibility.

How to Apply for the COVID-19 Relief Fund

Click the link below to download the application.

How to Find Out More

For more information, contact Curtis Thompson (curtis.thompson@nulltapintohope.org) or Sean Adkins (sean.adkins@nullroanokeva.gov).

Brought to you by the City of Roanoke, the Economic Development Authority, Wells Fargo, and Total Action for Progress.

TAP Books at Work in the Community

Posted on February 26, 2021

Today it seems like even entry-level jobs require some form of work experience. It’s a Catch-22: you won’t be hired without experience, but you can’t gain experience without being hired. Marquayna Hamm lived that journey. She went from working at a job that didn’t inspire her to landing a job at Roanoke Memorial Hospital—and she did it with the help of TAP Books.

Marquayna always wanted a job that helps people, and she knew she needed to build her résumé. While searching online, she came across a job posting for TAP Books. It seemed like a win-win. She would get work experience toward her career goals and help support TAP’s programs in the process.

Beyond our mission

TAP Books is a social enterprise that opened in 2018. Staff scan, file, and warehouse donated books in order to sell them online to generate profit. This financially supports other TAP programs. Its mission extends beyond simply generating financial support—according to Ben Wilborn, the program’s coordinator, it’s also about providing reliable work to encourage growth in job skills.  Staff contribute to the business in a variety of ways. With an open mind and an “outside-the-box” mentality, they have the chance to strengthen the program, gain valuable work experience, build their résumés, and the opportunity to convert their skills into something of greater value. That’s exactly what Marquayna did.

A typical week as a TAP Books employee

In a typical week, Marquayna helped in all aspects of the business: accepting donations, scanning, organizing, shelving, and shipping books to buyers. In the process she learned both hard and soft skills, gaining computer experience, researching, mastering the software, and learning work communication with customers, donors, and colleagues. “Her consistency is the biggest attribute that she brings,” says Ben. “She is always happy and brings a positive outlook. I have been happy to work with her.”

New beginnings

Today in her new position at the hospital, equipped with experience from TAP Books, she has a job in which she gets to help people get healthy. Ben says he’s proud that Marquayna is moving forward in her growing career. “She has worked to develop an A+ résumé,” Ben says, “and secured a new job because of her efforts.”

To find out more about how to donate, volunteer, or work at TAP Books, go to www.tapintohope.org/books.

Volunteer Spotlight: Angie and Sarah of Covington

Posted on January 29, 2021

The Second Chances Clothing Closet started small, but with the belief that small efforts can make big impacts. Beginning as a clothing drive offering donated men’s suits for job interviews, it now operates year-round at 118 S. Lexington Avenue in Covington, providing free clothing for men, women, and kids, housewares, and even furniture. The success of Second Chances is largely due to the work of Angie Campbell and Sarah Burnette.

Thinking bigger

A “labor of love” is how Angie describes Second Chances. Before it even had a name Angie and Sarah were involved in the closet’s early development, when it focused on providing job interview attire for TAP Virginia CARES clients. Steadily, the donations started to include clothing for all genders, ages, and needs. Both women saw the potential for growth, and decided to enlist some help from the community. “Angie was instrumental in recruiting area businesses,” says Sarah. Angie soon found the Covington branch of Balchem Corporation, who generously remodeled and—via employee vote—named the new Second Chances Clothing Closet.

Opening doors

On November 30, 2020, Second Chances officially opened. It has since served 50 families in the Alleghany Highlands, allowing clients to come and “shop” for themselves and anyone in their households. From the outside, clothing may seem like a small gesture to a struggling family, but Sarah and Angie know that it can change someone’s confidence and outlook on life. Through the closet, people can get needed items—such as suits, shoes, and winter coats—with “the respect and dignity they deserve,” says Sarah. The goal of Second Chances isn’t simply to provide clothing, but to improve quality of life and break the cycle of generational poverty.

Eyeing the future

These two women have done everything possible to keep the success rolling. “Sarah has sacrificed hours to bring the closet together. She has tirelessly given her heart and love to this project,” says Angie. The story doesn’t end here—Angie and Sarah are constantly thinking of ways to innovate and improve. “There are so many ways we all can help others,” says Angie. “I encourage everyone to think outside of the box. You never know whose life you will impact.”

Second Chances Clothing Closet is always accepting donations, especially for children’s clothing. To make a donation, call 540-962-6328.

Thank you to the Alleghany Journal for allowing us to use their photo of Angie and Sarah. You can also watch an interview they did with Angie and Sarah here.

Becoming Financially Independent

Posted on January 29, 2021

TAP’s Financial Services component offers a way for clients to become financially independent through an array of programs, including offering personal finance coaching, providing small business loans, assisting in the purchase of a house, and maximizing annual tax refunds. Now, perhaps more than ever, these programs are important avenues to give people the opportunities to succeed, even in difficult times.

The last year has been tough on everyone. We were all hoping for a fresh start with the new year, but the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still linger. Communities across the Roanoke Valley and beyond are still feeling the effects of high unemployment, affecting financial independence. Small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. TAP recognizes both the need to help and the need to keep clients and staff safe.

Encouraging entrepreneurs to become financially independent

Financial Services’ business loan and entrepreneurship programs assist businesses ranging from those with several employees to home businesses. Throughout the pandemic we’ve recognized the need to continue these programs.

While we are still providing low-interest loans, business plan assistance, and business coaching, things look a little different. Whenever possible, we are meeting with clients using virtual platforms. If those options aren’t available, we do allow in-person meetings when needed. During these meetings, clients and staff wear face coverings and respect the CDC’s guidelines on social distancing. This way, entrepreneurs can continue to pursue their small business dreams. We can get the economy back on track while keeping safe.

Free tax assistance

Each year, TAP offers free tax return preparation at its annual Tax Clinic. A team of certified tax preparers maximize clients’ refunds and secure any additional deserved benefits, such as earned income tax credits. The 2021 Tax Clinic opens on February 5, but this year, we are offering no-contact tax preparation. Taxpayers can either set up a virtual appointment or use our drop-off services. For the latter, clients schedule a drop-off time, collect the necessary tax information, drop it at the Dumas Center, and return for confirmation of filing. Despite the challenges, we expect to serve the same number of clients, assisting them in receiving their maximum refund quickly, easily, and safely.

Housing counseling

TAP’s Housing Counseling services help clients purchase their first homes through free workshops and one-on-one counseling. The program also offers down payment assistance for eligible clients as well as mortgage default and foreclosure prevention assistance. This year, our popular homebuyer workshops have moved online. In partnership with Virginia Housing, we are offering self-paced modules that go over the ins and outs of buying your first home. For potential homebuyers with more specific needs, our certified housing counselor continues one-on-one appointments. These sessions can be scheduled virtually through several platforms or in-person as space allows for proper social distancing.

We know that the community is struggling right now. Things are different but we are working hard to provide the same services to anyone who needs it and to do it safely. Community donations make this possible. Find out more about supporting TAP’s Financial Services or other TAP programs.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Posted on December 17, 2020

Our Partners Make a Difference

We would like to thank our corporate sponsors, whose contributions have helped lead the way in our Bringing Hope Home campaign. Our sponsors, shown below, collectively contributed $40,000 toward the campaign.

Their generosity has directly benefitted the people TAP serves, helping us to offer life-changing programming in the areas of education and employment, domestic violence and family services, housing, and financial services. Thank you, sponsors!

Empower Sponsors

Courage Sponsors

Inspire Sponsors

Special Thank You to Bob Fetzer, president of Building Specialists, and the following companies:

Bud Weaver Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Building Specialists
Carpet Village
Creative Masonry, Inc.
Gary Russell Construction, LLC
Glavas Decorative Concrete
John T. Morgan Roofing & Sheet Metal Company, Inc.
Keenan Electric Company, Inc.
Layman’s Contracting, Inc.
Premier Painting of Virginia
Nichols Welding Inc.
Responsive Technology Partners

To join these sponsors in supporting our Bringing Hope Home campaign, make your gift today!