TAP Turns 60 — A Weeklong Traveling Celebration of Community and Impact

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!

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!

Help us mark the milestone by making a symbolic birthday gift of $60 or more in support of TAP’s life-changing programs.

TRAVELING BIRTHDAY PARTY SCHEDULE

Monday, April 28

  • 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

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.