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…
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…
Originally published in The Roanoke Times on January 13, 2022. Re-posted here with permission. 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…
The Impact of Bishop Marmion William H. Marmion had a vision to unite the diocese. His legacy lives on today through our Bishop Marmion Head Start Center. An Advocate for Social Justice As bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia from 1954 to 1979, Bishop Marmion joined the civil rights movement. Specifically, he had…
We have just reached the end of our second Bringing Hope Home campaign to raise annual support for TAP. As we look back on the year, we have one thing to say: thank you! Outpouring of Support This year, we set an initial goal of $200,000 for Bringing Hope Home. During this challenging time, when…
It was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Ellis found herself unemployed and unprepared for the workplace. Caring for her daughter kept her busy, and she wasn’t sure how she could juggle work or job training on top of being a parent. But after learning about TAP and our SwiftStart program, Ann began to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Gearing up for your spring cleaning? Donate your used books to TAP Books and give them a second life! TAP Books sells pre-owned books online and uses the profits to fund other TAP services. Not only does the program purchase wholesale used books, but it also relies heavily on community support. “Donations are the absolute…