Laura Richardson had a tough couple of years. While dealing with health issues, she lost both her medical assistant certification and her job. Her path to recertification became more difficult when local programs turned her down, but Laura didn’t give up. “I was determined to get back in the medical field,” she says. “I didn’t let my health problems hold me down.” Things started looking up when a friend at church told her about TAP’s CareerForge program.
Laura’s Path
In partnership with Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, CareerForge trains adults in the Appalachian region for new careers. It offers certifications for nursing assistants, phlebotomists, and truck drivers. TAP’s career mentors offer guidance and support to CareerForge clients.
Eager to stay in the medical field, Laura chose to pursue a phlebotomy certification. Her career mentor, Katrina Caul, played a key role in getting Laura enrolled in the course. “Katrina was very helpful. If she can’t help you, she’ll find somebody that can.”
Katrina’s encouragement also buoyed Laura during her time in CareerForge. Laura admits the program was challenging, but her determination and faith pushed her through. “My mom always taught me to keep my head up and keep pushing forward. Not to let anything hold you back.”
Pursuing Her Goals
Katrina remembers that Laura was determined to finish her certification and get back to doing what she loved. She studied hard, did well in class, and had clear goals.
Once she got her phlebotomy certification, Laura began her job search but found she lacked confidence in her interviewing skills. After practicing in mock interviews with Katrina, her renewed confidence landed her two job offers. She accepted a position as a patient care technician at a kidney care center.
But Laura didn’t stop there. While working her new job, she earned a certificate in dialysis. She plans to take her state board tests to become a certified dialysis technician later this year.
Encouraging Others
Laura is grateful for the program and for Katrina in particular. In fact, she was so pleased with the program that she encouraged her daughter to enroll. Her daughter is studying to earn her phlebotomy certification and wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
Laura’s advice to others? “You’re never too old to learn. If you have the mindset to do it, you can do it. Don’t let your age hold you back.”
Cabell Brand: A Lifetime of Hope and Hard Work
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Cabell Brand was a force. He served his country in World War II. He saved his family’s business. He championed civil rights and worked tirelessly to fight for those trapped in poverty. He counted governors and senators among close friends. He is the reason that TAP exists today.
Shifting Worldview
Cabell grew up in a highly conservative, wealthy family in Salem, Virginia. Upon his graduation from Andrew Lewis High School in 1940, he decided to become the next in his family’s long line of Virginia Military Institute (VMI) graduates. It was during his time at VMI that he began to pay close attention to society’s injustices.
Liza Urso, Cabell’s stepdaughter, recalls a story he often told of being a young man and bringing a Black friend home to spend the night while he was passing through town. “Cabell was so surprised, aghast, and confused at his father’s violent, racist reaction, when Cabell had never thought of his friend as being any different…that really opened Cabell’s eyes, mind, and heart to the disparate opportunities of certain segments of the population,” she explains.
During his first year at VMI, Cabell was called to Germany to serve in World War II. Following the war and his eventual graduation from VMI, Cabell returned to Europe to help implement the Marshall Plan. That experience spurred his life-long penchant for public service. “When he was in the war he was seeing the devastation. He was seeing the poverty and the homelessness that the war triggered. It just sort of opened his eyes to how lucky he was and how sheltered he’d been,” says Caroline Brand, Cabell’s daughter.
No Challenge Too Big
While in Europe, Cabell learned of another struggle taking place back home. His family’s shoe business, founded by his grandfather in 1904, was on the verge of collapse. Never one to back down from a fight, Cabell returned home and got to work. The soon-to-be Stuart McGuire Company became a booming business, with Cabell as its president.
Cabell’s work as a businessman allowed him to control his schedule, giving him the freedom to pursue his calling to fight poverty and injustice. “He believed that society was only as strong as its weakest member. We couldn’t really consider ourselves successful until we were all given the same opportunity and the same access to that opportunity. You have to level the playing field and then it’s fair,” explains Caroline.
Liza adds, “There are two main guidelines that he lived by. First, everybody is equal. The color of one’s skin or the size of one’s bank account or home has nothing to do with what kind of person someone is. Everyone deserves to be treated equally and with great respect. Second, those who have more opportunities have an obligation to help those who don’t have those opportunities.”
When President Lyndon Johnson announced his War on Poverty and accompanying Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, Cabell seized the chance to bring real, lasting change to the Roanoke Valley. The EOA provided federal funding for the creation of Community Action Agencies, designed to fight poverty at the local level. “When the Economic Opportunity Act was passed, I believe it spoke to these feelings and thoughts which had been concerning Cabell for 20 or more years, and he saw an opportunity to make a difference,” explains Liza. Cabell and his wife, Shirley, who was pregnant at the time, agreed that he would take six months off from Stuart McGuire to pursue this funding for their community.
It wasn’t an easy task. In fact, Cabell faced pushback nearly every step of the way. “You know, it’s hard to stand up in the Roanoke Valley in the 60s and say ‘I’m going to start this Community Action Agency to help underprivileged people,’ meanwhile people are burning crosses on his lawn,” explains Caroline.
But, yet again, Cabell persisted in the face of adversity. “His philosophy was don’t worry about what people think about you or what people say about you if you’re doing the right thing… If you’re doing the right thing then hold your head up high and go forward with it. Don’t let your naysayers hold you back,” says Liza.
Cabell studied the EOA’s provisions, and in 1965 he was able to use his considerable business and political connections to apply for federal funding and form a nonprofit Community Action Agency. Thus, TAP was chartered as the official anti-poverty agency in the Roanoke Valley, and the rest is history.
A Lasting Legacy
TAP’s first order of business was opening a Head Start program, which created the first integrated classrooms in the Roanoke Valley. With the help of Cabell’s leadership, TAP quickly grew to offer additional services in housing, job training, and more—an impact that is still felt today. “It’s cool to see that all that work he did is still paying off. He started something that has legs and longevity, and it’s really, truly making an impact,” notes Caroline.
Of course, Cabell didn’t stop with the Roanoke Valley. He helped turn several TAP programs into statewide organizations. He was instrumental in VMI’s decision to allow Black students into his alma mater. He even traveled to more than 100 countries and did consulting work with the United Nations. As Caroline puts it, “No challenge was ever too big for him… He always figured out a way or found the people to figure out how to make the problem solvable.”
Honoring Cabell Brand
TAP is proud to honor Cabell’s legacy by presenting the Cabell Brand Hope Award. Each year, the award is given to a member of the community who shares in Cabell’s relentless pursuit of social change and work for the common good.
“People who receive this award need to feel that there’s always something else to do to help somebody else. There’s always another step and another thing on the list. They need to have that kind of vision and be forward thinking,” says Caroline.
We are currently accepting nominations from the community for this award. For more information or to submit a nomination click below.
Some of Fred Rogers’ most well-known advice for young kids is to “look for the helpers” when they feel overwhelmed. And these days, after the turmoil and social disconnection of the last several years, kids can’t have enough helpers to turn to. If you’d like to become a helper in your community, now is the perfect time to start, as TAP is recruiting mentors for our youth programs. Mentoring young people is one of the easiest ways to get involved—and make a big difference.
CAN WE PREVENT VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY?
The risks can be high for young people coming of age in the current environment. The City of Roanoke Gun Violence Prevention Commission recently published the “Roanoke Youth and Gang Violence Community Assessment – Final Report.” The findings suggest a climate of unease and show a shared sense that violence is rising.
Digging into the assessment is revealing. Although a low number of youth/student respondents indicated they are in gangs, those who are cited social motivations as reasons for joining. Other commonly cited reasons were “to make money,” “for protection,” and “for fun.” As the assessment notes on page nine, “Gang culture for these participants provides both emotional and material fulfillment.” Knowing this, we must envision non-violent ways to offer young people the same kinds of connections for social support, fun activities, and avenues to good jobs.
And the youth themselves said as much. When asked what they thought was the best way to prevent violence and gang activity, their top responses were “more jobs for young people,” “more activities for youth to do after school,” and “free individual counseling at schools or community agencies.” Interestingly, both community members and community leaders cited mentoring as one of their top solutions to reduce gang problems in the community. In fact, it was the most common solution cited after “increased parenting time,” and “more jobs for young people.”
HOW DOES TAP HELP?
Our Housing and Human Services component supports people who have experienced trauma, including many types of violence. Working with trauma survivors, we’ve learned that one-on-one mentoring and group mentoring can be huge assets when people want to change their lives. We know mentoring can’t replace parents or create jobs out of thin air. However, it increases social connections and expands support networks, which can help youth emotionally, developmentally, and professionally. Nicole Ross, TAP’s family mentor coordinator, has worked in the mentoring field since 2011. In her experience, a mentor “can give young people the support they’re lacking” at a critical moment. This is true no matter the focus of the activity.
When asked what makes a good mentor, Ms. Nicole—as the kids call her—is quick to point out that it’s not professional skills or expertise that makes a good mentor. “First thing is a passion for young people—to step into their life and make a difference. You need to be a good listener and have patience,” she says. “But most of all, just having a good spirit.” She says showing up consistently is one of the most important traits a mentor can have.
MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
If you think you might make a good mentor, please consider sharing your time with the community. We’re recruiting group mentors for our summer activities, which range from arts and crafts sessions to STEM activities and beyond.
“If you can commit to spending quality time, and follow through, you’ll make a great mentor,” Ms. Nicole says.
You can make a difference in your community, and in the lives of your young neighbors. We can help you take the next step. To learn more, donate time, or help fund activities, contact Nicole Ross at 540.354.2212 or Nicole.ross@nulltapintohope.org.
Supporter Spotlight: Larry Davidson and Janice Dinkins-Davidson
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Larry Davidson and Janice Dinkins-Davidson are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo with a shared drive to make deep connections and lasting impact in the community. Each is woven deeply into the fabric of Roanoke in a distinct and unique way. Janice is the executive director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia (CACVA), a Roanoke-based statewide child abuse intervention organization; Larry is the owner and president of Davidsons, a men’s clothier.
“It’s in my DNA”
Larry’s grandfather, Joe, established Davidsons in 1910 in the heart of downtown Roanoke. According to Davidsons’ website, Joe believed that “customers were community” and he emphasized relationships over sales. Joe’s approach, the website goes on to say, “was a natural result of his bedrock conviction that if one expects support from the community, one must offer a sincere investment into that community.”
Subsequent generations of the Davidson family took that belief to heart. Larry is the third generation of his family—after his grandfather and his father, Sig—to operate Davidsons. You could say that community service is a Davidson family value.
Or, as Larry puts it: “It’s in my DNA.”
Larry’s dedication to the community extends beyond Davidsons’ doors. Like his father, Larry has served on a number of nonprofit boards, including those of Center in the Square, United Way of Roanoke Valley, and Trust House (now known as ARCH Services), and supported other nonprofits, including TAP, in different ways.
A leader in child abuse prevention
Janice, too, has developed deep community connections through her work in nonprofits and child abuse prevention over the past twenty-plus years.
She began as a volunteer at Trust House (now ARCH Services), then transitioned to a full-time employee. She left Trust House to join Children’s Trust, where she served as executive director for 17 years. During her tenure there, she began her work with the Child Advocacy Center of Roanoke, successfully merged the Court Appointed Special Advocates program into Children’s Trust, and expanded services at Children’s Trust. Now directing Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia, her work has been critical in addressing child abuse in southwest Virginia.
According to Janice, “It’s here and it’s not going away, as much as we’d like it to. But children are better served now than they have ever been.”
Additionally, Janice has worked closely with TAP’s Domestic Violence Services (DVS). Stacey Sheppard, director of DVS programs, refers families in need to CACVA. In return, CACVA refers families in need to TAP. Stacey notes, “If it had not been for Janice, the Roanoke CACVA would have never started… She is an absolute angel to ensure that children have safe environments.”
Shared Beliefs and Deeply Personal Connections
Janice and Larry’s support of TAP also reflects a deeply personal connection to the organization. They enjoyed a close, decades-long friendship with Owen Schultz, the former director of TAP’s Planning Department. Among their shared beliefs was the need to work to leave their community a better place than they found it. After Owen’s death in 2016, Larry and Janice continued to support TAP as a way of honoring their friend’s legacy.
Larry Davidson and Janice Dinkins-Davidson remain committed to leaving their community better than they found it. As Janice notes, serving the community is “the rent I pay to live on the planet.”
Wells Fargo: A Bank with a Mission
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Wells Fargo is committed to supporting a healthier financial future for all. “Through our businesses and the Wells Fargo Foundation, we align our resources and expertise to make a positive impact in communities, address complex societal issues, and help build a more inclusive, sustainable future for all,” says Juan Austin, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Foundation.
Impact on the Local Front
Wells Fargo makes it a point to support nonprofits that provide solutions to societal barriers, including TAP. “We support our communities through local grants to local nonprofits that align with our four strategic focus areas: financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability and environmental justice,” explains Juan. Most particularly, he says, the bank prioritizes programming that supports “low- to moderate-income communities, addressing racial and social equity, and accelerating an inclusive economy.”
In addition to being one of our Bringing Hope Home campaign’s Hope Sponsors, Wells Fargo has supported several of our programs. The bank provided grant funds to Business Seed, which assists entrepreneurs who want to start and manage a small business. It also helped fund our annual free Tax Clinic, and partners with our Housing Counseling program for first-time homebuyers. “They have been instrumental in helping our Financial Services department achieve life-changing results for individuals in our community,” states Curtis Thompson, Vice President of Financial Services.
In Tune with Communities
Recent years have been difficult for communities across the country. Wells Fargo listened to the hardships faced by its customers and worked to lend a helping hand. It partnered with Feeding America to provide 82 million meals, committed $420 million to bolster small businesses through its Open for Business Fund, and donated more than $80 million to support housing initiatives and eviction mitigation.
Wells Fargo believes in finding solutions and knows the importance of engaging with the communities they serve. We’re grateful for partners like them who lead with empathy, kindness, and compassion to help those in underserved communities achieve economic empowerment. That is a mission we can all believe in.
A Thank You from Sabrina’s Place
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Sabrina’s Place, created in 2007, provides a safe space for custody exchanges and visitations. The program is in downtown Roanoke, housed in the same building since its inception. Unexpectedly, the program’s federal funding ended in 2016. The building’s owners, Cooper Youell and Scott Graeff, graciously allowed Sabrina’s Place to remain rent-free until other funding could be secured.
The property owners have also gone above and beyond to address maintenance issues and create a welcoming space for Sabrina’s Place families. Stacey Sheppard, director of TAP’s domestic violence services programs, states, “Our landlords have been diligent to fix any maintenance issues to ensure our families do not have an interruption in services.” Melody Robinson, Sabrina’s Place Program Manager, agrees. “They have been terrific and diligent at addressing … needs in the building, especially when it involves health and safety,” she says. This support from the property owners is crucial since the program cannot afford to pay for repairs on its own.
Cooper and Scott’s support of Sabrina Place has allowed the program to keep its doors open during hard times. Because of them, the only supervised visitation and safe exchange center in the region continues to serve families in need. From all of us at TAP, we thank them for their generosity and support.
For more information about how you can become a Sabrina’s Place supporter, please call (540) 777‑3799 or complete the contact form below.
Supervised Visitation Helps Kids Grow
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Edward is passionate and outspoken about parenting. When he talks about his son, his face brightens and the love he has for his son is clear. There is also an unmistakable determination in how he talks about being a part of his son’s life—something he almost missed out on completely.
Instead, Sabrina’ Place gives parents a chance to show up. What Edward did with that chance was incredible. He used the supervised visitation and safe exchange services Sabrina’s Place offers as a place to start.
Edward’s son was born in 2018, but he and his son’s mother didn’t stay together.
By 2019 their relationship had become strained. She suggested that she would pursue full custody of their child, which could have meant Edward might not see his son again. The two went to court to settle the question of custody and visitation rights. There was, at that point, a very real chance that Edward would be cut out of his son’s life entirely.
The court suggested the option of supervised visitation while the custody process played out. Initially, the court ordered up to 24 hours a year of supervised visitation for Edward and suggested several supervised visitation programs. Sabrina’s Place was the only free program on the list, so Edward called and scheduled his first visit.
Somewhere to Start
Visitation is just the beginning, of course. It’s not the same as having time at home or taking your kid to the park.
It wasn’t as much time as Edward wanted. But, as he says, “It was a start. And Sabrina’s Place laid the foundation to let me go from 24 hours each year to where I am now, having custody every other weekend.”
Sabrina’s Place is, first and foremost, about safety. Edward appreciated that Sabrina’s Place takes some of the pressures off the visits, knowing that visits will be safe and free of any kind of confrontation. Parents don’t even have to negotiate the rules of the visit—the program takes on a lot of the logistical work. Sabrina’s Place allowed Edward to relax and focus on building a healthy relationship with his kid. “It’s the perfect place to start for any parent if you want to be in your kid’s life…it’s also a safe environment to focus on your child,” he says.
Being There and Being Part of Their Life
When asked about parenting in general, Edward is quick to point out two elements that he views as necessary. “First you need to show up,” he says. But he also believes that “you need to play your role—to be a parent.” Looking back at his first few years of fatherhood, he says, “I’m learning your child will always love you if you play your part. They’ll know their Daddy was there.” The national Supervised Visitation Network agrees. They suggest that “unless special circumstances exist, children generally fare best when they have the emotional and financial support and ongoing involvement of both parents.” Edward was ready to play the part fully, and Sabrina’s Place opened the door for him and his son to have that important relationship.
Melody Robinson, Sabrina’s Place Coordinator, says that Edward is a great example of what the program is there to do. She also acknowledges that the court process is complicated. Discouraged parents can stop trying to be part of their kids’ lives. “It was a big mountain Edward had to climb,” she says. “And he did it.”
“You gotta start somewhere,” Edward says. “And you can’t give up. You can’t force families to stay together, but you can put in the effort to be in your kid’s life.” Sabrina’s Place is there to help parents do just that, and take some of the uncertainty out of the process. This way, parents like Edward can focus on the most important part of their lives—their children.
Supporter Spotlight: Bank of Botetourt
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For more than 122 years, Bank of Botetourt has been committed to caring for its community. “Bank of Botetourt has a culture that focuses on bridging the needs of the community with the resources of the bank to improve the quality of life for all residents in our service area,” states Mary Ann Miller, Vice President-Business Banking and Community Relations.
Why TAP
One way Bank of Botetourt strengthens the community is by donating to organizations that make a positive impact. The bank has been a TAP sponsor for the past two years. “TAP is a well-respected organization,” says Mary Ann, “and when TAP Board Member Billy Martin approached us to become an annual supporter, we quickly signed on. The bank is grateful for our partnership with TAP as we seek to assist, educate, and support those in our communities who may have nowhere else to turn.”
A Culture of Service
In addition to giving back financially, Bank of Botetourt encourages and supports staff involvement in the community. “We serve on local boards, volunteer, and work hard every day to find ways to give back,” says Mary Ann.
A particular point of pride for bank staff is the financial education they provide in local elementary schools through their KidsSave program. By teaching young people the importance of responsible spending and saving, they hope to provide students with the tools to succeed as they branch out into the world on their own.
Community Connection
When you ask Mary Ann, who grew up in Botetourt, what makes the bank’s community so special, she is quick to answer—the people. “As a community bank, our customers are like family to us. Many of us have known one another for most of our lives. In my job I am able to help those in need through the backing of exceptional financial services at Bank of Botetourt. That makes my job so rewarding.”
American National Bank & Trust: Investing in the Community
Eddie Martin, American National Bank’s Chief Administrative Officer, explains the bank’s decision to support TAP this way: “As we consider the impact of our corporate donations, prioritization is given to health and human service organizations, financial education, and affordable housing initiatives.”
Mr. Martin continues, “We were struck by TAP’s passion for helping all individuals and families achieve a better quality of life in the communities we both serve.”
Just like TAP, American National Bank has been serving communities in southwestern Virginia for decades. Founded in 1909 in Danville, Virginia, the bank added a Roanoke branch in 2015. The bank now serves both Virginia and North Carolina with 26 branches.
Financial literacy is financial empowerment
American National Bank strengthens the communities it serves by investing in financial education initiatives. Their Bringing Hope Home sponsorship ultimately supported the TAP Tax Clinic. This program, now entering its 20th year, provides free tax preparation and filing services to low-income families. Tax Clinic customers not only get their taxes filed for free but are urged to use their refunds to pay off debt or build their savings. Such practices help build financial stability.
Outside of their sponsorship of TAP, American National Bank has also partnered with Banzai and United Way of Roanoke Valley’s Bank On program. Banzai provides free online financial literacy courses to both students and adults. United Way of Roanoke Valley’s Bank On partnership, which TAP is also a member of, provides everything from financial education and counseling to affordable banking opportunities.
“We believe it is our responsibility as a community bank and local business to take a leading role in strengthening our communities,” states Carolyn Kiser, American National’s Director of Marketing and Community Affairs. “Whether that’s helping a customer manage their finances, providing a loan to help a business succeed, or providing a financial donation, we value any opportunity to help our customers and communities thrive.”
Ms. Kiser continues, “By partnering with programs like Bank On Roanoke Valley, Banzai, and others, we hope to reach those both outside of the banking system and within it to ultimately offer resources that can help anyone with their financial well-being.”
The TAP Tax Clinic provides free tax preparation and filing for low-income taxpayers. As the program enters its 20th year, it continues to evolve in order to meet the needs of customers. Most recently, the Tax Clinic began to offer a virtual filing option to make traditionally in-person services accessible to all in the wake of COVID-19.
Teffany Henderson pioneered the program and continues to oversee it to this day. She reflects, “Before the start of the 2021 tax season, we had no idea how we were going to operate.” Roanoke had just seen a surge in coronavirus cases after the winter holidays. Tax Clinic volunteers—who are vital to organizing and filing returns quickly—felt unsafe meeting with customers in person.
“That’s why I applied for us to participate with GetYourRefund,” Teffany says. “Because I knew it was important for us to offer the program no matter what.”
Simple, easy, and accessible
GetYourRefund is an IRS-approved service that was born out of the pandemic. They provide virtual tax preparation and filing by connecting clients with programs such as the TAP Tax Clinic. Through their secure online portal, taxpayers can make an account and quickly begin the tax-filing process. They can easily photograph and upload documents using a cell phone or tablet and verify their identity with a selfie. It makes filing taxes accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Last tax season was the Tax Clinic’s first year partnering with GetYourRefund, and the partnership will continue for the 2022 season. “Our clients found virtual filing to be much easier than expected,” explains Teffany. “And those who work full-time or don’t have transportation loved how they could get their taxes filed from home.”
You can enter tax documents into the GetYourRefund portal at any time, day or night. Once you make an account with GetYourRefund and upload your documents to the TAP-specific link, the Tax Clinic will receive your information and begin your return. Though virtual filing does not include the traditional in-person appointment with TAP Tax Site Coordinators, they still communicate regularly with you while preparing your return and always have your best interest in mind.
More money in your pocket
This year, Teffany stresses the importance of waiting to have all your documents before you file.
“If you received the Advance Child Tax Credit, meaning that you received payments beginning in July of 2021, you’re going to get a letter 6419 that has the amount you received and that form must be included with your tax return,” says Teffany. “The Tax Clinic can’t amend taxes, so if a customer files without all necessary documents, they have to pay someone to amend their tax return.”
It’s also important to wait to receive letter 6475 from the IRS to prevent a delay in receiving your refund. Letter 6475 is the Economic Impact Payment (aka, the third roll-out of stimulus checks) received in the beginning of 2021. This must be recorded in your tax return.
Tax laws change frequently. Being unaware of those changes could mean missing opportunities to increase your refund. Tax Clinic staff and volunteers are well-versed in the latest changes. As the Tax Clinic enters its 20th year, they are more prepared than ever to maximize taxpayers’ refunds and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
2022 marks the 57th year of Total Action for Progress’ existence.
During the holiday season, many of us enjoyed the rerun of the Hollywood classic It’s A Wonderful Life, the story of a local banker deterred from suicide by an angel who offers him visions of what life for his friends, family, and community would have been like without his existence.
That made us think: what would life in our area be like without TAP?
Many don’t know how extensive TAP’s work is and might assume there would be little difference in our communities today without its influence. In so many ways, even after 57 years, TAP remains one of the best untold stories in the Roanoke Valley and beyond—a story best known by those whose lives it has impacted.
Think of this: if TAP had not been here for the past 57 years, who would have:
reached out annually to more than 5,000 low-income people to help them toward self-sufficiency through education and employment, housing, financial services, domestic violence prevention and assistance, and family services?
Who would have provided a Head Start experience for more than 32,565 children?
Who would have helped 10,308 youth and adults to secure jobs?
Who would have provided remedial education opportunities for 7,505 youth and adults who had dropped out of school?
Who would have filed more than 3,500 tax returns free for low-income Virginians, helping them claim over $2.6 million in Earned-Income Tax Credits, if not for the TAP Tax Clinic?
Who would have had the capacity to start Legal Aid, the League of Older Americans (now the Local Office on Aging), RADAR, Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank (now Feeding Southwest Virginia), Project Discovery, Virginia CARES, and CHIP? Who would have worked with the Northwest Neighborhood Improvement Council to start the Harrison Museum of African American Culture?
More recently, who would have partnered with the Health Department and local neighborhood organizations to host local vaccination clinics, providing first-dose and booster shots to Roanoke citizens right in their neighborhoods? Or partnered with state and local governments to provide more than 1,400 individuals in 450 households with rent relief services when the pandemic affected their income?
Living in this area for most of us is a wonderful life. That wonderful life has in no small way been the result of TAP’s dedication to serving the community throughout the last 57 years.
But we can’t do it alone. Grants serve as the core of TAP’s funding, but there are certain expenses they can’t cover—that’s where you come in. Funds raised through TAP’s annual Bringing Hope Home campaign help fill these gaps and directly support life-changing programs for individuals in this community.
This is our time to invest in our community’s greatest asset—our people—to continue making our region stronger. With just a small donation you can support TAP to make sure we are around for another 57 years.
Empowering Youth
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Trifecta, Inc. Teams up with TAP
Each year TAP’s youth programs help dozens of youth to go to college and assist many more to find career paths and join the workforce. In the process, we also help them to develop as people. This past summer we teamed up with Trifecta, Inc., an exciting local organization that works with youth across the state. Trifecta brought youth empowerment programming to TAP’s students and had a lasting impact on the young people in our community.
TAP: What kind of work does Trifecta do in the community?
Natasha Saunders: We curate programming and special events with the intent to develop folks in our community. We are a minority, women-led, youth empowerment organization. Everything we do is with the intent of giving back to the community, whether that’s adopting a classroom or providing scholarships to folks that are going into college, or doing career readiness. We want to pour into our youth and be a bridge and a light in a way that we may not have felt was there when we were growing up in Roanoke.
TAP: What kinds of activities do you do with students, including the TAP students?
Natasha Saunders:We have a curriculum that covers everything from paint parties to vision parties, creating vision boards, doing affirmation activities, and design contests. We do elevator pitches, college readiness, and how to advocate yourself; we do a lot of things that are to holistically develop yourself as a person. We’ve done workshops on the history of Virginia with minority leaders. We’ve had a really fun time designing all these programs. We do design based on need, but we have about 20 workshops that are already ready… We’ve probably done 50 workshops throughout the state of Virginia in just the last nine months.
Students Learn Self-Presentation
TAP: Some of the students in our program at TAP are coming from very hard life circumstances. Can you recall any lightbulb moments? Did you see a change in the TAP youth or see something click for them?
Robyn Mitchell: We had some students who may have not wanted to participate or might have thought a project was not cool. But by the end of it, they had fully engaged and were learning the importance of being collaborative.
We let our students know that everywhere you go, you are a walking brand. How you present yourself in a situation—people will remember that. Even after the [sessions with TAP students] have ended, [we’ve run] into these students in the community at a football game and they come up and say, “How are you doing, Miss Robyn?” They’re not using the slang, they’re presenting themselves as they want to be seen, they’re giving respect and they want to be respected in return.
That was a big moment for me post-program, seeing how one nugget may have stuck with someone to show up and always be a walking brand for yourself… That is an indicator that something may have clicked with the student that we’ve shared with them.
Collaborating to Reach Youth
TAP: Is there anything you think people in the community should know about Trifecta or TAP?
Robyn Mitchell:The community should know these two organizations in their own respective rights are passionate about helping to develop our young people. Both organizations focus on collaboration and how we can work together to improve our communities. One thing we’ve been thinking a lot about lately is how these things we do in our community can break those generational cycles of poverty and how we can set our youth up for success later on; I believe both organizations focus on that goal.
