Celebrating Community Partnership During Week of the Young Child: TAP Honors Member One, a Division of Virginia Credit Union, with Head Start Bus Dedication

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As part of Week of the Young Child (April 5–11), Total Action for Progress (TAP) was proud to celebrate a long-standing community partner that helps create brighter futures for children and families. On Thursday, April 10, 2025, TAP hosted a recognition event at Indian Village Head Start Center to honor Member One, a division of Virginia Credit Union, for its generous support throughout the years—highlighted by a contribution that made a brand-new Head Start bus possible.

This celebration came at a special time for TAP, marking 60 years of service to the Roanoke Valley and Allegheny Highlands communities, with our official birthday just a few weeks away later this April. It’s the perfect season to reflect on partnerships that truly move our mission forward.

During the event, Community Engagement Coordinator Angela Martin and Financial Education Program Manager Alex Lucas from the credit union were honored with artwork from Head Start students, a tour of the new bus, and a special magnet unveiling recognizing their role in making the bus a reality. TAP staff from across Head Start and Domestic Violence Services were present to offer thanks and share the impact of their support.

Beyond the bus, Member One recently contributed $50,000 to TAP’s Domestic Violence Services, directly helping 11 families—including 8 with children—escape violence and rebuild their lives in safety. In total, 23 children gained secure housing, stability, and the opportunity to heal.

“Member One, a division of Virginia Credit Union, continues to be a true partner in community change,” said Angela Penn, TAP’s President and CEO. “Their generosity has directly supported the safety and well-being of families in crisis while also ensuring our youngest learners can travel safely to and from school. We’re honored to celebrate them during the Week of the Young Child and as we approach TAP’s 60th birthday, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the power of partnerships that create lasting impact.”

We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners including Member One, a division of Virginia Credit Union. We are honored to recognize them during this meaningful week. Here’s to many more years of working together for children and families!

Want to support TAP’s mission? Learn more about how your organization can partner with us to build brighter futures for children and families.

2024 Cabell Brand Hope Award Winner: Mayor Sherman Lea

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TAP is pleased to announce that the 2024 Cabell Brand Hope Award was presented to Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. on Tuesday, November 12th at the 59th Annual Meeting, held at the Dumas Center. We extend special congratulations to the Mayor as we recognize his profound contribution to serving the communities in Southwest Virginia, Roanoke City, and the state.

The Cabell Brand Hope Award is presented each year in honor of TAP’s founder, who was a tireless advocate for the well-being of his neighbors throughout the entire region. Mr. Brand generously gave his time and efforts to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities, and 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 in Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.

Mayor Lea has demonstrated his exemplary mettle as a leading civil servant. Not only as the current Mayor of Roanoke City, but throughout his career, Lea has represented and advocated for the underserved and unempowered women, men, and children in Southwest Virginia.

Lea served 36 years with the Virginia Department of Corrections, in Goochland, Danville and Pittsylvania Counties, respectively, as a Probation and Parole officer. This work paved the way for his role as the first African American to hold the position of Virginia’s Chief Probation and Parole Officer in 1984. Eight years later, he was promoted to Western Regional Director of Community Corrections. His understanding and advocacy for individuals who experienced incarceration gained him invitations from Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014, and Governor Ralph Northam in 2017, to serve on consecutive Virginia Parole Boards. 

Lea’s career as a statesman began with his election to the Roanoke City Council in 2004. In 2005, he formed the Domestic Violence Task Force, clearly setting an agenda for advocacy.

He has since served as the Vice Mayor from 2008 to 2010, and was elected Mayor of Roanoke City on May 3, 2016, a position he currently holds.

Mayor Lea has previously served as the Chairman of the Board for TAP, the Roanoke City School Board, and the State Board of Directors, Virginia CARES, Inc. His honors also include a 2010 William L. Hastie Award from the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ). After receiving news of this honor, Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. responded:

“As a former TAP Board member and Mayor of the City of Roanoke, I am deeply humbled to have been nominated for the Cabell Brand Hope Award. It is an incredible honor to be this year’s recipient of an award that celebrates Cabell Brand’s relentless pursuit of social change and his commitment to working for the common good.”

Angela Penn, TAP President & CEO, says: “Mayor Lea is a true servant leader who cares about Roanoke’s citizens and the region. He has worked tirelessly to support innovative projects that improve the lives of citizens and contribute to Roanoke’s continued recognition as an All American City.”

Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

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As the holiday season approaches, Total Action for Progress (TAP) is asking local businesses, schools, civic groups, and community members to help make the holidays brighter for children enrolled in TAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs. TAP is requesting contributions for approximately 125 children across Southwest Virginia to ensure every child receives a special gift this season.

Each child will receive gifts totaling approximately $50, that may include age-appropriate toys and essential clothing items such as coats, hats, gloves, and shoes. TAP is currently looking for assistance with 16 classrooms, each with 8 to 15 children.

“This is an opportunity to truly make a difference for families who are already stretched thin financially,” said Ramona Wray, Interim Director of TAP Early Head Start and Head Start. “For many of these families, the cost of holiday gifts is simply out of reach. By providing a full class with gifts or offering financial support at any level, organizations and individuals relieve some of the financial burden on low-income families while ensuring that each child experiences the excitement of receiving holiday gifts.”

How You Can Help

  • Option 1 – Donate funds of any level to sponsor a full or partial class, allowing staff to handle the shopping.
    • Donations of any amount may be made online on the TAP donation webpage by selecting the designation category of “Education and Employment” and typing “Head Start Holiday Gifts” in the comment box below. As an alternative, checks with “Head Start Holiday Gifts” on the memo line may be mailed or delivered to TAP – HS Holiday Gifts at 302 2nd Street, SW, Roanoke,
    • Option 2 – Purchase gifts for a full or partial classroom.
      • Organizations or individuals interested in this option will be matched with a specific classroom of 8-15 children and supplied with details such as clothing sizes and toy preferences.
      • All gifts should be unwrapped and delivered to TAP no later than December 16, 2024.
      • To learn more about this option, contact Crystal Fernatt, Supervisor of Monitoring and Compliance, at (540) 309-5016 or crystal.fernatt@nulltapintohope.org.

    Why Your Sponsorship Matters

    Families served by TAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs have incomes which are below the poverty line and often face challenges to meet basic needs such as rent, utilities, and food. Holiday expenses create an unmanageable financial burden many cannot afford.

    “By stepping in to sponsor these gifts, you’re not just giving toys or clothing. You are also giving hope to families in your community,” said Fernatt. “These gifts bring joy to children and ease financial stress, ensuring that every family can celebrate the holidays with dignity.”

    Learn More & Get Involved

    To provide a financial contribution for this effort, visit the TAPintoHope.org website. Please contact Crystal Fernatt at (540) 309-5016 or crystal.fernatt@nulltapintohope.org to sign up to purchase gifts for a classroom. Requests for interviews should be directed to Stacy Simms at stacy.simms@nulltapintohope.org.