TAP Volunteer

Supporter Spotlight: Lawrence Thornhill

From One Veteran to Another

Lawrence Thornhill knows that sometimes the best person to help a veteran is another veteran—that’s why he’s interning with our Veterans Services while he studies for his master’s degree in social work through Rutgers University. Through his internship, Lawrence, who is a veteran himself, works directly with vets to help them with housing and employment. Recently, he chatted with us about his passion for his work and why these services are so vital to veterans.

Q: Are there any particular stories or instances where you felt like you really made a difference through your volunteer work?

A: With every veteran I talk to, I can relate to their situation. The military provides structure, and when you get out, you don’t have that structure anymore. Some people don’t know how to deal with that… I can see why [veterans] are in the situation of being homeless or jobless, so I try to relate to them and take a non-judgmental approach. It’s about motivating them and helping them to know there are people who are not going to judge them.

Every time I work with a veteran I give them my all, and try to build that rapport. I want them to know that we are here to help you get to your goals. We are going to help pick you up when you fall down because that’s what social work is all about.

Q: What good things do you see our Veterans Services doing in the community?

A: TAP’s veterans programs focus specifically on the veterans’ needs—the ones who fell on hard luck and are not where they want to be in life. Either they’re underemployed or not employed at all. Perhaps they got into drugs and other barriers that are going to hinder them from being successful. The veterans program gives them the opportunity to get their foot back into the door of society and reintegrate back into a lifestyle of being able to maintain their own household. We are there to help them all the way, to counsel them, to motivate them, to empower them to get to where they want to be and get to the point that they no longer need our support.

Q: Sometimes we have individuals who make donations to our Veterans Services. Do you think TAP’s veterans programs are a good investment, and if so, why?

A: I believe it’s a good investment because you’re absolutely helping someone who wants to reintegrate back into society. The veterans TAP is serving—it’s not like we are going out there finding them—they are coming to us asking for help to get back on their feet. It’s not just talk that will get them where they want to be, it’s having donations for the program so we can buy a veteran new boots when he starts a job, or providing a bus pass for a veteran who lost his car. Having those donations helps the program continue to help veterans get off the street, back into society, and participating in the American Dream.

Client of the Year 2019

Client of the Year: Bill Tynes, US Military Veteran

Bill Tynes has worked with TAP over several years to better his housing and life situation. On a recent fall morning, he sat down with our staffers to recount the story of overcoming challenges in his life, including abuse, drug addiction, and near homelessness, to later becoming a homeowner.

Growing up, Bill found himself in and out of foster homes and suffered abuse at the hands of adults in his life. He continued on to a career in the navy, but the scars of his childhood stayed with him. “Going from all that abuse and disappointment and not trusting people, that’s when I entered the realm of drug abuse, after the navy, because I thought nothing would ever work out,” he said. After two DUIs, Bill eventually lost his license.

When Bill first came to us he had managed to put his substance abuse behind him, but he had other problems at hand. The apartment where he was living was infested with mold and rats, and he was in a legal fight to get out of his lease. Bill was resourceful and smart; he represented himself successfully and was released from his lease, but he found himself virtually homeless as a result. Because he was a veteran and his living situation was not habitable, we were able to help Bill through our homeless veterans program. We provided Bill with a deposit and first month’s rent, plus some assistance with utilities, to help him get into a safe, healthy apartment.

Unfortunately, after moving into the new apartment, Bill’s troubles were not over. He was in a relationship that ended badly, and he was stalked and threatened. Bill again represented himself in court successfully and got a restraining order, but he also needed to remove himself from the environment. TAP’s Domestic Violence program was able to help Bill develop a safety plan, and also provided a deposit for him to move to a new location and get a fresh start.

After moving again, Bill’s upward trajectory really took off. We were able to connect Bill with a key contact at the Veteran’s Administration who expedited his claim for disability benefits. With the extra income, Bill took the opportunity to reinstate his license and purchase a vehicle.

In the meantime, Bill also spent two years at Virginia Western earning his associate degree in paralegal studies. “When I started college twenty-some years after high school,” Bill recalled, “I was very intimidated to try to get a degree. But I said, ‘I’m teachable. I’m willing to learn.’”

This past year, Bill returned to us for help to accomplish another goal—becoming a homeowner. We guided him through the Veterans Administration home loan process, which eventually led to him obtaining a mortgage. When the closing date came in August, Bill found himself tight on funds due to closing costs, so we covered some of his moving expenses.

Bill’s attitude toward homeownership is one of gratitude and celebration. “Going from a dysfunctional family and foster homes and addiction to owning my own home? It’s amazing! [TAP] made that possible; [TAP] connected the dots.”

Bill’s advice to other veterans in the community who are struggling? Ask for help. “If you don’t ask you will never know…TAP is a give and take program. You come to TAP and explain what you’re dealing with and they will take you on as you are and see if they have a way to help you out…With TAP there are possibilities. All you have to do is ask.”

Our programs for veterans serve former service members across 26 localities. We have helped hundreds of homeless and at-risk veterans to secure stable, safe housing and to access benefits they have earned. Please consider supporting TAP’s veterans programs with a gift today. Your support is life-changing for veterans like Bill.

TAP Press Conference

TAP to Launch New Program for Women in Recovery

TAP is starting a new program for women in recovery.

Southwest Virginia is at the center of the nation’s opioid crisis. Overdose and neonatal abstinence syndrome rates far in excess of state and national averages.

Total Action for Progress (TAP) is excited to announce a new program, RESTORE (Re-employment, Support, and Training for the Opioid-Related Epidemic) Southwest Virginia. TAP is one of only five agencies in the United States to be granted funds for this program for women in recovery.

RESTORE Southwest Virginia will assist families impacted by the opioid crisis in three regions:

  • Greater Roanoke,
  • New River Valley
  • Alleghany Highlands

The program will provide career services and job training to women in two groups:

  1. Women with an opioid use disorder (OUD) who are in recovery and have progressed far enough in their recovery to where training and/or improved employment is a benefit to sustaining their recovery.
  2. Women who find themselves with greater financial responsibility for sustaining a household impacted by the opioid crisis. This may include grandmothers raising grandkids or female heads of household where the father’s ability to contribute to household income is impacted by the opioid crisis.

This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor—Through this grant, TAP plans to serve 120 women throughout Greater Roanoke, the New River Valley, and Alleghany Highlands.

On hand at the press conference for the announcement were Mayor Sherman Lea, City of Roanoke; Mayor Thomas Sibold, City of Covington; Senator John Edwards and other invited guests to applaud this new regional effort.

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.  RESTORE is 100% funded by a $500,000 federal grant from the Department of Labor.

TAP Presents New Legacy Award to George Kegley

We are excited to present a new award at our 2019 Annual Lunch: the Legacy Award. It will be presented to Mr. George Kegley of Roanoke. We congratulate him on this recognition and thank him for his tireless service to our community.

About Mr. Kegley

Kegley spent 44 years as a journalist for The Roanoke Times, first as a general assignment reporter and then as a business writer. A fixture of the community, Mr. Kegley was also heavily involved in volunteering throughout his professional career, and has been a “full-time volunteer” since his retirement in 1993.

In 1950, after writing an article about the opening of the local Red Cross center, Mr. Kegley became a blood donor and has since donated 60 gallons, one pint at a time. In addition, he and his wife Louise have been involved with the Historical Society of Western Virginia since it was founded in 1957, including Mr. Kegley serving as president and board member.

In 1988, Mr. Kegley helped to establish the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, of which he still serves as a board member. Further, Mr. and Mrs. Kegley donated a large easement on their 116-acre farm to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation & Department of Historic Resources, the first conservation easement within Roanoke City limits.

Mr. Kegley also spends his time organizing summer camps and camping trips for inner-city children, teaching Sunday school and participating in other activities at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and editing the monthly Virginia Lutheran and quarterly insert for a national Lutheran magazine.

He has also been a long-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels, spent more than 18 years volunteering at the RAM House, and worked to improve the lives of refugees in the Roanoke Valley for more than 40 years. Mr. Kegley likes to tell people that “volunteerism is like quicksand—the more you do, the more involved you get with the people you are working with, and the more interested you are.”

TAP Supporter

Supporter Spotlight: Q&A with Suzanne Thorniley

Suzanne Thorniley, a licensed therapist trained in domestic violence work, is a supporter of TAP’s Domestic Violence Services (DVS) and has volunteered with the program for the past eight years. Her passion for the work of DVS is contagious. Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Suzanne and reflect on her experience with the program.

Q: How did you first become aware of TAP’s Domestic Violence Services?

A: I had moved here from West Virginia and was waiting for my clinical social work license to be transferred here, and in the meantime I wanted to keep my skills honed. I had been trained in DVS work in West Virginia and thought it would be a good idea to volunteer as a therapist until my license transferred. I started volunteering eight years ago and have watched this program grow and deepen and strengthen over those eight years.

…I’m there [usually] one day a week. The staff members always thank me for being there; they are so gracious—there’s always a smile, always someone to chat with. Although I’m not officially on the staff I feel so appreciated and so much a part of the team.

Q: What good things do you see TAP’s DVS doing for our community?

A: I watch the staff being devoted to [mostly] women and families when they are in crisis. The staff members are on the front lines—they are there, available 24 hours a day, knowledgeable and sensitive. They are there when victims that then become survivors need them.

They also educate and reach out to the community. In October there’s lots of education in the community to build awareness. Most of the community still would choose to hold a blind eye to family violence because people don’t really want to know the dangerous situations that many families are living in. DVS keeps chipping away at that and continuing to try to broaden awareness in the community. When the community is more aware, the more support these individuals will have.

Q: Why do you personally support DVS?

A: I’m skilled in this area, and it’s really important to me to be involved and engaged. I feel like this is a place where I can truly make a difference and I believe I do. DVS has allowed me to do that. They’ve given me the opportunity to be flexible with my schedule. I want to support them in the ways that are most effective.

Q: If someone were considering making a donation to DVS, what would you want them to know?

A: The program always needs resources; there will probably continue to be funding cuts and there are several specific areas that will need continued support such as legal assistance, help with bills, and help with transportation. As a donor and as a philanthropist I would want to contribute to those areas of greatest need.

Click here to find out how you can become a TAP supporter like Suzanne.

What you don't see on TV; Domestic Violence

Myths around domestic violence

How abusers blame their victims, manipulate the system, & how we can stop it

Myths around domestic violence are alive and well. Whether it comes from an innate sense of justice or from watching shows like Law & Order: SVU, a fundamental belief in our society seems to be that eventually all abusers get caught—and get rightfully punished. But most people don’t know how much abusers can do to intimidate, torment, and harass their victims, even after police intervene.

Domestic violence is almost always worse than it seems because abusers are the worst of humanity: they’re great manipulators who find loopholes, muddy the waters wherever they can, and keep whole families isolated, terrified, and unable to live up to their potential.

What Experts See

We asked a group of local domestic violence advocates what the TV shows get wrong, and how we can all do a better job of holding abusers to account. They shared their stories with us anonymously, as they work closely with survivors whose lives are actively in danger.

The group agreed the biggest difference between TV procedural dramas and real life is the sheer number of opportunities abusers have created to manipulate the systems meant to stop them.

One advocate told the story of a client, “who had been physically wounded, and when law enforcement arrived, she was upset, having been attacked. However, her abuser remained very calm once police were on-scene, and because the victim was verbally aggressive to the abuser, she was initially arrested as the aggressor. While she waited to post bond, her abuser filed for a protective order. She returned to her own apartment—which was in her name, and not her abuser’s!—and was arrested for violating the protective order when she arrived home in her own apartment!”

That abuser instantly grasped the opportunity to use his victim’s completely human and understandable reaction against her in that moment. Because of his quick thinking, it didn’t matter whether his initial claim that he was the one who had been attacked was unsupported by the evidence—he was able to completely turn the tables on his victim with his clever legal maneuvering.

Another advocate told us, “I had a client whose abusive husband was ordered to leave her home and was successful in filing for and obtaining a protective order. One night shortly after that, she saw him on her property and called 9-1-1. Police arrived and found the husband on the scene and arrested him. However, he beat the charges because there was no documentation he had been served with the protective order.”

Abusers do everything they can to make a survivor’s life hell during the court process. They know that by purposefully missing court dates or using legal delaying tactics to drag out the proceedings, they make it even more difficult for survivors to get justice. This is especially true when abusers know their victims have kids to take care of and have difficulty arranging time off of work or transportation to court. One advocate’s client wants to face her abuser in court; while awaiting her chance, though, she’s had to make seven different trips to court in order to file for protective orders and charges after the abuser assaulted her. Another advocate added that her client had recently lost her job because her supervisor felt she had become unreliable due to the absences caused by her court dates.

They do everything they can to shield themselves

Some abusers try playing nice and attempt to make up with their victims while charges are pending—counting on having the confusing leverage of asking someone who loves them not to put them in jail or not to put their children’s dad in jail. Others make threats against their victims. Many use the courtroom to suggest that they are a source of stability for their families or that they are too valuable to send to jail. They often show up to court in nice suits, talk about the ways they work hard to support their families financially, and try to make us ask ourselves, “What will happen to this family without this financial support?” They do everything they can to shield themselves, to get us focused on the victims in the hopes we’ll forget there was ever a violent incident in the first place.

Myths around domestic violence

Abusers often try to use the effects of trauma—which has been shown to cause a wide range of effects from depression and sadness to anger and irritability, or from denial to self-medication through substance use—as a way to cast doubt. They try to spin the signs of trauma they inflicted as proof a victim is unreliable. To abusers, any kind of emotional reaction in a survivor can represent an opportunity, and they are relentless in trying to make the situation look more complicated than it is. Each question they make us answer about anything other than their abusive actions is a calculated distraction. It can work when advocates fail to recognize the signs of exposure to trauma and chronic stress as stemming from the violence.

Loopholes abusers commonly exploit are systemic

The issues and loopholes abusers commonly exploit are systemic. Real life doesn’t play out like a tightly scripted 42-minute drama with scheduled commercial breaks. We know it’s not TV. We can’t hold every single abuser to full account for their crimes.

How we can help

But while we won’t catch each abuser, or stop every single instance of abuse, we can start by making sure we don’t accomplish their goals for them. We can do a better job making sure accountability for abuse belongs to abusers and stop asking unproductive, victim-blaming questions. If we start with the right questions, we can give survivors the tools they need to get justice and move on with their lives as the healthy, productive, stable families that their abusers try so hard to stop them from being.

We can start being more supportive

We can start being more supportive in the questions we ask survivors of abuse to answer for. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with you?” we can get better results by asking, “What happened to you?”

If you need help for yourself or because you want to know how to help someone you know, start by calling our 24/7 hotline at 540-580-0775.

Find out more about our Domestic Violence Services program here.

Becoming a Trauma-Informed Practice

A trauma informed practice is defined as an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Trauma Informed Practice also emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety for both patients and providers, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. Find out more: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/resilience/Pages/Becoming-a-Trauma-Informed-Practice.aspx

 

TAP Books Program

Seven things to know about TAP Books

How does this new book donation program work? Check out these answers to some frequently asked questions about TAP Books!

How can I donate my books?

Books can be donated by simply dropping them off at one of several convenient locations. A full list of drop-off points can be found at tapintohope.org/books.

What does TAP Books do with the donations?

TAP Books helps turn used books into stable revenue for TAP programs, gives free books to people in need, and creates jobs in our community.

What kinds of books does TAP Books want?

We take all kinds of books, new and old, for any age group.

Are there books that TAP Books does not want?

We’ll take anything, and there’s no need to sort or filter your donation. We are, however, less interested in donations of magazines, encyclopedia sets, or books in very poor condition.

How do participants in TAP programs benefit?

TAP programs issue vouchers for books, including children’s books, to our clients for them to select books to share with their families. We also put together book bags that are occasionally distributed to TAP families, and take donated books to prison libraries.

Does TAP resell donated books? Where?

TAP Books sells books through various online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay and through occasional pop-up sales. The proceeds are then used to support TAP programs

How does TAP Books create jobs?

It takes a lot of labor to gather, process, and sell book donations. A majority of the revenue from TAP Books goes into the paychecks of our employees to help them support their families. Where possible, we give employment opportunities to participants in TAP programs.

Still have questions? Get more information about TAP Books by visiting tapintohope.org/books or calling 540.358.1079.

TAP Presents 2019 Cabell Brand Hope Award to Reverend Dr. Kathy O’Keeffe

Total Action for Progress (TAP) is delighted to present this year’s Cabell Brand Hope Award to Reverend Dr. Kathy O’Keeffe. The award will be presented at TAP’s Annual Lunch on October 15. The public is invited to attend.

Reverend Dr. O’Keeffe is the pastor of Kingdom Life Ministries, International and the international pastor of Kingdom Life Ministries – Ghana, where she oversees five churches in the Bawku West District. She was also a founding board member and serves as president of Kimoyo LTD., which works to create an appreciation within the Roanoke Valley of cultural diversity through afterschool educational programs and to establish international partnerships for self-empowerment that address health and economic issues.

In addition, Reverend Dr. O’Keeffe founded CAFE (Cultural Arts for Excellence), an afterschool program in Northwest Roanoke that serves as a creative center for the arts and provides mentoring and tutoring for middle school students. Though she has received numerous accolades, she believes that the greatest honor she has received has been the privilege of working with so many wonderful and diverse individuals and communities.

The award is presented in honor of TAP’s founder, who was a tireless advocate for a wide spectrum of issues. Mr. Brand generously gave his time and efforts to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. We are proud to honor his legacy by giving the Cabell Brand Hope Award to a community member who embodies the spirit of its namesake.

Register here for TAP’s Annual Lunch where the award will be presented.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available by emailing Teffany Henderson at teffany.henderson@nulltapintohope.org.

Project Discovery alumna

The Road to NYC

A Project Discovery, a TAP Youth Education Program, alumna update

“Project Discovery has helped me achieve a lot of my dreams,” says Denashia Dunnaville, a Project Discovery alumna. This summer, a dream came true when Denashia, a journalism student at Virginia Tech, had the opportunity to intern with MSNBC Live with Ali Velshi in Rockefeller Center.

During a recent conversation with Project Discovery staff, Denashia described how she spent her days at MSNBC getting a behind-the-scenes look at the production of a daily show. Her mornings were a flurry of meetings, background research on guests, and making graphics. Afternoons were spent in the studio or control room, observing Velshi and the inner workings of the show. While the plans for the show would inevitably change over the course of the day, she enjoyed the fast pace.

When she spoke about her future in journalism, Denashia’s eyes lit up.After I graduate I want to be a producer,” she said. “I hope to get an entry-level producing job either locally or with NBC. My long-term goal is to be an executive producer.”

But she wasn’t always headed toward the producer role. Denashia described how, like most new journalism students, she initially wanted to be in front of the camera. “[At Virginia Tech] I was put in front of the camera as an anchor and while it was fun, when I watched myself afterwards I immediately recognized things I wish I had done differently. I realized I would rather be the producer so I could see things in real time and make adjustments.”

Similarly, TAP’s Project Discovery helped Denashia change directions when it came to the college search process. Project Discovery, a program that helps students prepare for and apply to college, features free college campus tours. Those tours turned out to be important for Denashia. Her heart was set on attending UVA, but when she set foot on the Virginia Tech campus with Project Discovery, “it already felt like home,” Denashia explained.  “It was very valuable to me to have that on-campus experience.”

Looking back on her time with Project Discovery, Denashia shared how the program not only helped her focus on college, but also helped her grow as a young person. On the trips out of town to visit campuses, Denashia benefitted from cultural enrichment elements incorporated by Project Discovery like visits to museums and historical tours. She laughed recalling a nighttime tour of Williamsburg that was supposed to be spooky, but fell flat. In the end, Denashia said, “I learned some history that I would not have otherwise learned in Roanoke if I had just stayed home.”

While Denashia’s enrollment in Project Discovery ended with her high school graduation and acceptance into college, the program has continued to support her growth. When she received her internship offer with MSNBC, Denashia faced a quandary—the opportunity was a golden one, but the stipend MSNBC offered was not enough to cover her living costs in New York City. So Denashia turned to her network, reaching out to contacts in Roanoke who might be willing to help. “Project Discovery emailed me back immediately,” said Denashia. She brainstormed with Project Discovery staff about different fundraising ideas, and ultimately, between family support and fundraising, was able to raise funds to cover her remaining costs.

Denashia credits Project Discovery with helping her get to Virginia Tech and beyond.  “They teach a lot of life lessons…they want you to know there are ways you can succeed no matter where you are.”

Each year Project Discovery reaches hundreds of middle and high school students in the Roanoke Valley and Alleghany Highlands, helping them to prepare for and go on to college. Project Discovery is one of several TAP programs that rely primarily on local funding, foundation grants, and individuals and businesses in our community. Please consider supporting Project Discovery with a gift today. Your support is life-changing for young people like Denashia.

TAP Job Training

Adult Education: A Way Out of Poverty

A Chat About Job Training with Charysse Hairston and Spring Abney

One job can make all the difference in lifting a family out of poverty.

At TAP, when we sit down to work with someone who needs a job, we don’t just work to get them any job. We help people land good jobs—ones that pay strong wages with benefits.

But these jobs usually require specific skills and education. That’s why we’ve taken the time to identify jobs in our area that are in demand, pay good wages, and that people can train for in a relatively short amount of time.

Charysse Hairston and Spring Abney both work in our adult education programs and recently spoke with us about how the right job training can be life-changing.

Q: What goals are you are trying to achieve with each person who comes to you for job training?

A: Our main focus is on getting people into better employment. We help them to think about their futures, where they want to see their families, and what’s going to get them there. To make sure we’re aiming for realistic jobs and setting people up for success, we do individual career plans with each person.

Q: Do you change your career track offerings based on market demand?

A: Yes, we keep an eye on the job market, because if a person’s goal is to grow his or her income, we want to make sure there’s a position for them at the end of the training.

Q: What kinds of supports do you provide to help make it possible for people to train? How important are these supports to their success?

A: Often the barrier to training is child care. One of our grants allows us to provide childcare assistance to many of our adult education students, and the majority of the people we work with could not do any type of training or get a better career without this support.

Another unique thing we provide is transportation support in the form of bus passes or gas cards.

Q: Can you talk about the quality of the jobs that people can reach through these programs, compared to their other employment options?

A: Right now we are training people for middle-skill careers in healthcare, IT, or manufacturing. We want people to earn more than $11 an hour, and right now most people completing our program are able to earn in the $13 – $16 range. You can go work at some retail stores or fast food without any experience, and you will be able to make minimum wage or even up to $10 an hour. But to move up in income you have to have some type of training.

Q: When somebody supports these adult education programs, what kind of impact are they making on our community?

A: Our supporters are helping to change the mentality and lives of the people we serve. A lot of people, after training with us, decide they will keep moving forward, and they go back to school to become a registered nurse or earn an advanced manufacturing certification. Supporting TAP’s training programs helps get people beyond the job mindset and into a career mindset of being passionate about what they are doing.

Click here to learn more about TAP’s adult education and training programs.

TAP Virginia CARES program

Six Questions with JoAnne Carter of TAP Virginia CARES

Case Manager JoAnn Carter is a big part of our Virginia CARES program’s ability to nurture good habits and lasting changes. She sat down to answer some of our questions about the work, what keeps participants from losing hope, and how to make a lasting impact on someone’s life.

Q: Let’s start with the basics—who participates in the program, and what problem does Virginia CARES solve for its participants?

A: Virginia CARES participants are people who were incarcerated and are either about to get out or are within their first year of having been released.

Sometimes it’s people who have no family, or maybe they’re not getting along with their family. Our main job is getting them to where they’re self-sufficient and independent.

Many don’t have computer or even cell phone experience. They don’t have the skills and the training [to find good jobs], and that’s what we provide.

Q: So what are some of specific things the program can do to help people become independent when they have so many things to think about at once?

A: It all starts with the question, ‘How can I help this person?’ Well, certainly people need different things.

We can give them single and monthly bus passes to get to work, we can get them a cell phone or a cell phone card, work clothes. When rent’s a problem, sometimes we have security deposit or first month’s rent assistance, if they’re having a hard time getting that together.

We get participants together for a peer group to focus on real life issues, or we work one-on-one with them.

We do coaching and mock interviews to help them learn how to correctly complete applications, write a cover letter, create a résumé, apply online, and prepare for interviews. And when we do mock interviews, sometimes it’s one-on-one, and sometimes it’s a panel interview.

One of the biggest things, though, is connecting them to other resources.

Q: What kinds of other resources?

A: We refer out for substance use or mental health services and also to employer partners.

Q: What’s something a lot of people don’t know about, or don’t necessarily think about?

A: One thing the participants don’t always know about is the court costs. So we bring the clerk in from the courthouse to talk to the participants about those.

We also bring in folks from Freedom First to do budgeting classes, covering how to set up an account, how to budget for when things are due, and how to set goals. We have eight clients who have saved up to get cars, right now.

Q: How many clients do you work with?

A: We have 169 right now.

Q: What’s the most important part of your job?

A: I don’t want them to lose hope! The need is so great, and it pushes me to come to work every day. I love coming to work and I love my participants. The ultimate goal, though, is for them to push themselves.

Click here to find out more about our Virginia CARES program. 

TAP Fathers First

“My life started to turn around when I went to Fathers First.”

Walter is a Fathers First alumnus, and he says that coming to TAP changed his life.

As Walter puts it, “My life before I became a dad was just a bunch of drugs. I didn’t care about anything at all.” That changed when a friend recommended he check out a TAP program that helps fathers build better relationships with their children. By using the tools the program offered, Walter got back on track to being the person and the father he knew he could be.

Looking back on his time in the program, Walter characterizes Fathers First as something that “opens doors for people and helps you to make a step up.” His description of how the program enables its clients to grow and build their skills echoes the way he talks about letting his children experience the sometimes frustrating and painful process of learning and growth for themselves.

Being a parent means needing to know when to step in, and when to hold back. Walter acknowledges that holding back isn’t his natural instinct and that it’s not always easy watching his kids in their struggles to learn and to grow. “The best part about being a dad is trying to be there for them,” Walter says. “Their first steps, if they have a problem you want to fix it for them right away. It’s an emotional battle because you know that they have to do it by themselves.”

Ultimately, he has come to view that delicate balance as a valuable experience for him and his children. He notes, “It’s a wonderful feeling just to be there with them while they’re going through that.”

There’s no doubt that parenting is hard work but it is truly rewarding. Fathers First creates an honest, supportive environment that gives our clients the tools to become the best parents they can be. We invite you to be part of making healthy, responsible parenting that builds resilient, independent children happen throughout our community.

Become a volunteer mentor, donate to keep building the program, or share the program with someone you think is ready to make the step up. We can all be part of building better communities, one family at a time.

Find out more about the program on our website and on Facebook.