Author: Sarah Reid

Do you know about TAP Books?

Posted on January 25, 2023

TAP Books sells pre-owned books online and uses the profits to fund other TAP services. It also provides jobs to those who need to build their résumé. It’s a win-win situation, but we need the help of volunteers to keep the program running smoothly.

More than just books

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.

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. But its mission extends beyond simply generating financial support—it’s also about providing reliable work to encourage growth in job skills. With an open mind and an “outside-the-box” mentality, staff have the chance to strengthen the program, gain valuable work experience, build their résumés, and convert their skills into something of greater value.

How you can help

Our staff work hard, but they can’t run the program alone. We need the help of volunteers like you to keep TAP Books running. Sign up as an individual or a group and help support this valuable program.

Donations are also needed. If you’d like to contribute, simply visit one of our 24/7 donation bins stationed throughout the community. A list of drop-off locations can be found here.

Supporter Story: Project Discovery Scholarship Fund

Posted on December 19, 2022

Dr. Bush Kavuru knew he wanted to help young people pursue their dreams of a career in medicine. He just didn’t know where to start. When he saw the work that TAP Project Discovery was doing, he decided to reach out. Together we found the perfect opportunity to make an impact.

Project Discovery Helps Students Find Hope

Project Discovery helps students find an appreciation for learning. With this appreciation comes hope for the future. The program prepares them for college and life beyond high school. It also provides them with a place to build character and gain self-esteem. Students receive help with college applications, the financial aid process, college tours and more.

A Group of Doctors Believe in Project Discovery Students

Dr. Kavuru knew many of our Project Discovery students come from families that struggle financially. With this knowledge he set out to create a college scholarship fund. He reached out to his colleagues and the response was overwhelming. Nine people from the medical community—all of Indian descent—contributed to the fund. “I sincerely believe that every person has the innate capacity to grow and achieve great things. Sometimes circumstances may become roadblocks in that journey,” says Dr. Kavuru. “What I can do as an individual is to remove a small roadblock, but as a group we can help more!”

Project Discovery Scholarship Fund Helps Five Students with the Cost of Nursing School

In two years, the Project Discovery scholarship fund has helped five students with the costs of nursing school. The donors knew that by giving to these students they were helping to build brighter futures. “Nurses are very vital and pillars for the healthcare team,” says Dr. Kavuru. “We love to support people who [take] up this path and help them or mentor them as much as we can.”
Each of the donors wanted the students to know that their community believes in them. They wanted to show them that a fulfilling career is possible. “It’s our urge and desire to tap the young talent from underprivileged communities and give them support in fulfilling their own dreams and career goals,” explains Dr. Kavuru.
TAP exists because the people of southwest Virginia believe in working to make life better for everyone. This group of doctors embodies the true spirit of our community. Because of them, these students will have support in achieving their dreams.
 

2021-2022 TAP Annual Report

Posted on November 8, 2022

You helped TAP serve over 4,700 people last year

We are proud to share with you some bright moments and encouraging stories from the past year. Please peruse our 2021–2022 Annual Report. Be inspired by the good work you are helping to make possible right here in your backyard by supporting TAP.

Words from TAP clients

“If not for AACCI, I would not have learned how to meditate. Now I use meditation any time I am feeling stressed.”

“Our biggest goal is to show students that there is something beyond the zip code they live in.”

 “We’ve had more families that have been able to go to work and have an income.”

These are the words of a few TAP clients, staff, and partners who are featured in our most recent annual report. The report details how TAP provided opportunities for our neighbors—and yours—to overcome obstacles in their lives and achieve their vision of success.

TAP’s Annual Report highlights the work we do in the community

At the heart of our work is the goal to help people get out of and stay out of poverty. And we do it by creating opportunities through our more than 20 programs in the areas of education, employment, affordable housing, and creating safe and healthy environments for families. The TAP annual report provides a glimpse into these programs and the life-changing results they helped nearly 5,000 people in our community achieve over the past year.   

Please enjoy the inspiring stories of the changes two of our programs have made in the lives of individuals and the communities they live in. Through a partnership with TAP Head Start, the Craig County Child Care Center expanded and improved services for families. With the help of AACCI and Project Discovery, local student Ireland found her confidence and the desire to attend college.

None of this is possible without your support

While we celebrate their stories, we are also mindful that their victories didn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes all of us working together to support the work of community action. Thank you for your support.