TAP Turns 60 — A Weeklong Traveling Celebration of Community and Impact
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What better way to mark 60 years of service than by hitting the road? That’s exactly what Total Action for Progress (TAP) did to celebrate a major milestone: six decades of empowering communities across the region. From April 28, to May 2, 2025 TAP took its birthday on tour, hosting a Traveling Birthday Party that brought smiles, sweet treats, and heartfelt gratitude to every stop.
A Celebration on the Move
Rather than hosting one large event, TAP chose to celebrate its 60th anniversary in true community spirit—by coming to the people. Each stop on the tour featured a warm, 30-minute celebration that included:
Delicious birthday treats
Words of thanks from TAP leaders
Connections with longtime partners and new friends
A shared moment to reflect on TAP’s journey and future
From Roanoke to surrounding areas, the traveling party brought together supporters, partners, and local media in a celebration of legacy and impact.
Day One! Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke!
Day Two! Botetourt County!
Day Three! The City of Salem and Craig County!
Day Four! The City of Covington and Bath County!
Our Final Day! The City of Buena Vista and the City of Lexington!
TAP Turns 60—Join the Birthday Celebration!
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Since April 28, 1965, and born out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, Total Action for Progress (TAP) has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the Roanoke Valley and Allegheny Highlands achieve sustainable, equitable economic and personal independence. Today, TAP offers over 20 programs that create opportunities and change lives through education, employment, affordable housing, and safe and healthy environments.
🎉 TAP Turns 60 – You’re Invited to the Celebration!
To mark these 60 years of service, TAP is offering a year-long 60 for 60 Challenge and celebrating our official birthday throughout the week of April 28 to May 2—and you’re invited to join the celebration!
10:00 AM – Roanoke County Roanoke County Administration Center, 3rd Floor Training Room 5204 Bernard Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018 Roanoke County RSVP
2:30 PM – City of Roanoke North Atrium, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011 City of Roanoke RSVP
Tuesday, April 29
9:00 AM – Botetourt County Botetourt Administration Center, Auditorium Room 212 57 South Center Dr., Daleville, VA 24083 Botetourt County RSVP
Wednesday, April 30
10:00 AM – City of Salem Council Chambers, Salem City Hall 114 N Broad St, Salem, VA 24153 City of Salem RSVP
11:30 AM – Craig County DSS Conference Room 177 Court St, New Castle, VA 24127 Craig County RSVP
Thursday, May 1
11:30 AM – City of Covington Covington TAP Office 118 S. Lexington Ave., Covington, VA 24426 City of Covington RSVP
1:30 PM – Bath County Room 115, District General Courtroom 65 Courthouse Hill Rd, Warm Springs, VA 24484 Bath County RSVP
Friday, May 2
10:00 AM – Buena Vista TAP Head Start 2164 E Midland Trail, Buena Vista, VA 24416 Buena Vista RSVP
12:00 PM – City of Lexington Police Department Training Room 11 Fuller Street, Lexington, VA 24450 City of Lexington RSVP
Honoring Melrose Plaza: A Transformative Force in Our Community
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As Total Action for Progress (TAP) celebrates 60 years of service, we proudly honor the people, organizations, and projects that continue to uplift our region. Among the most inspiring is Melrose Plaza—alongside the Market on Melrose—a shining example of community revitalization and empowerment in Northwest Roanoke.
Recognized during TAP’s Black History Celebration on March 18, 2025, Melrose Plaza is more than just a redevelopment project—it’s a symbol of progress, resilience, and what’s possible when we invest in our neighborhoods.
Tackling Food Insecurity in Northwest Roanoke
The origins of Melrose Plaza date back to 2017 with the launch of the Northwest Food Access Initiative. This collaborative effort—led by local residents, Dr. Liz Hackley of Roanoke College, and the City of Roanoke—set out to solve a critical problem: the lack of access to fresh, healthy food.
For years, Northwest Roanoke residents had limited grocery options. Many relied on fast food or had to travel long distances for fresh produce. The result? Poorer health outcomes and economic barriers.
The Melrose Market was created to change that narrative. Today, it offers:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
High-quality meats and dairy
Essential pantry items
All available right in the heart of the community—convenient, affordable, and nourishing.
The Impact: Revitalization Beyond Food
Melrose Plaza is more than a marketplace. It’s a catalyst for change in Northwest Roanoke. Here’s how it’s making a lasting impact:
Economic Revitalization By supporting local vendors, creating new job opportunities, and encouraging local investment, the plaza is helping build a self-sustaining local economy.
Health & Wellness The Market promotes healthy lifestyles, combats food insecurity, and provides access to nutritious food—improving the overall well-being of residents.
A True Community Hub Melrose Plaza is a place to gather, connect, and celebrate. With community events, cultural programming, and a welcoming environment, it brings people together.
How You Can Help
The continued success of Melrose Plaza depends on community support. Here’s how you can get involved:
Shop Local Support businesses that are committed to serving our neighborhoods.
Spread the Word Share the story and encourage others to visit.
Attend Events Participate in activities and invest your time in community growth.
A Promise to Our Community
Melrose Plaza and Melrose Market are more than just buildings—they are a promise. A promise that:
Our neighborhoods matter
Our businesses deserve to thrive
Our residents deserve access to healthy food and economic opportunity
As we reflect on Melrose Plaza’s achievements, let’s also recommit to a shared vision: building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community for all.
Watch the full event video, including the recognition of Melrose Plaza and the heartfelt acceptance speech from Richmond Vincent, President & CEO of Goodwill.
