UWRV Spring 2024 Newsletter

Spring Newsletter 2024

Thank you to our centennial sponsors!

COMMUNITY

IMPACT SNAPSHOT 2023-2024 Early Learners

Successful Youth

Empowered Adults

1,321 Educators

377 Youth

500+ Adults

received training to ensure quality childcare is accessible to families in the region

participated in after-school enrichment programs

were connected to essential resources to improve their health and self-sufficiency

190+ Childcare Centers

150 Students

60 Seniors

received support to provide high quality care and education to young children

received after-school tutoring that supports the education they receive in their schools

received valuable resources provided by UWRV Community Health Workers

500+ Infants & Parents

200 Youth

200 Adults

received preventative medical and dental care

received after-school counseling by qualified mental health staff

participated in training programs to improve their job skills

250+ Families

200+ Parents

100% of Adults

gained access to services that reduced barriers to their child’s success

participated in after-school activities that brought families together

that got a job through our collaborative employment program were hired at a living wage

OUR VISION: Elevate 10,000 families to self-sufficiency by 2030.

Visit WWW.UWRV.ORG to learn more!

A DAY OF SERVICE Volunteers give back on Martin Luther King Day On January 15, volunteers from multiple Roanoke Valley organizations came together for a remarkable Day of Service to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These volunteers showed immense dedication by canvassing neighborhoods as part of the Black Father Family, RESET, and Neighbors United collaboration despite challenging weather, including snowfall. Their efforts underscore the importance of community service and solidarity, especially on a day dedicated to honoring Dr. King’s legacy .

The successful execution of this Day of Service highlights the strength of community partnerships and the power of collective action.

United Way of Roanoke Valley, alongside its partners, remains committed to fostering a supportive and thriving community.

Black Father Family’s mission is to promote the well-being and success of Black children, families, and communities by providing resources, creating connections, and empowering Black fathers through education, advocacy, and systemic change. The RESET Team, made up of volunteers, visits neighborhoods impacted by recent traumatic events or ongoing criminal activity to check in with residents and connect them to support services aimed at helping the community heal.

This event not only honored Dr. King’s legacy but also set a positive tone for future initiatives aimed at promoting health, safety, and unity in Roanoke. Thank you to all the volunteers who participated and made this day a testament to the enduring spirit of service and community empowerment. Together, we can continue to make a profound impact and drive meaningful change.

CELEBRATING 100 HEROES United Way of Roanoke Valley’s Centennial Project In honor of our Centennial, United Way of Roanoke Valley launched the 100 Heroes Project on March 15th to recognize unsung heroes in our community. We invited the public to nominate individuals making a significant impact in the areas of health, education, financial stability, advocacy, leadership, and volunteerism. We received numerous heartfelt nominations.

At the end of April, heroes were unveiled in a different category each week culminating the first week of June. It was profoundly moving to witness the reactions of not only the Heroes, but also the community through social media. Many nominees were humble and appreciative; some even thought their nomination was a mistake. The community response was overwhelmingly positive, with numerous endearing comments and shares on Facebook and Instagram celebrating these deserving individuals.

In addition to online recognition, some heroes were featured on WDBJ7 news, further highlighting their stories and impact. This coverage brought more awareness to the mission and work of United Way of Roanoke Valley, uniting the community in appreciation of these everyday champions.

The project culminated on June 7th with UWRV Night at the Salem Red Sox, in partnership with the Salem Red Sox and PBS Kids Night. Attendees enjoyed a fun-filled evening while raising funds for United Way programs, with 50% of ticket purchases supporting our Early Learners, Successful Youth, Healthy Adults, and Resource HUB. The event included a Heroes Parade, honoring the contributions of these extraordinary individuals.

The 100 Heroes Project was an uplifting celebration of community spirit and service, embodying the mission of United Way of Roanoke Valley. We extend our gratitude to all the nominators, our sponsors Carilion Clinic, Truist Bank, Access, Virginia Tech Carilion and everyone who participated in this memorable centennial celebration. Once again, congratulations to all 100 Heroes and thank you for Check out our making a difference in our community!

heroes here!

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS WITH 100 DAYS OF CARING Easy Ways To Make An Impact As United Way of Roanoke Valley continues to celebrate its Centennial, we invite the community to join us in our 100 Days of Caring campaign, kicking off on June 24th. This special initiative is designed to honor a century of service and compassion by spreading acts of kindness throughout our community.

For 100 days, we will share a new idea, inspiring you to show you care in simple yet impactful ways. Here are some examples of acts of caring that you can look forward to: • Write a Thank-You Note: Take a moment to write a heartfelt thank-you note to someone who has made a difference in your life.

• Volunteer Your Time: Spend a few hours volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or community center.

• Donate Blood: Help save lives by donating blood at a local blood drive or donation center.

• Simple Act: Hold the door for the person behind you.

Join us in making these 100 days a memorable and impactful tribute to the spirit of caring that has defined United Way of Roanoke Valley for the past 100 years. Follow us on social media and our website for weekly updates and ideas on how you can participate. Let’s come together to create a wave of kindness that will resonate throughout our community.

Your Future Matters to Us! We’re grateful for your support in shaping a brighter future for Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

As a token of gratitude, we’re offering a free estate planning tool to our community. Simple, swift, and completely cost-free.

Secure your future while supporting ours. Start your free will journey today with United Way. Freewill.com/unitedway

FOSTERING COMMUNITY FOR SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS A Neighbors United Art Project Neighbors United emerged from a grant by the City of Roanoke. The initiative is inspired by a similar effort in Chicago. This grant, awarded to United Way of Roanoke Valley (UWRV), is implemented in partnership with the City of Roanoke Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Street Team (YGVPST). It aims to bring neighborhoods together, fostering relationships, building community, and empowering residents through collaborative projects.

Using research data from the police department, UWRV and YGVPST, identified the 1200-1500 blocks of Hanover Ave. NW, as having been impacted by a significant number of major crimes and gun violence. Staff and volunteers implemented a grassroots approach, taking time to knock on each door, holding front porch conversations in the neighborhood, and fostering a connection with each neighbor.

Since the start of the initiative, Neighbors United has held small community events, such as a gathering at a local church, a neighborhood walk distributing resource information, decorating homes for the holidays, hosting a Community Health Event sponsored by LewisGale Medical Center, and distributing holiday meals to families. These initial efforts set the stage for a larger, more impactful project: the Neighbors United Art Project.

This art project originated from a simple yet powerful question posed to the children of the neighborhood: “What’s Your Dream for your Community?” Partnering with Eureka Park Recreation Center, Central Baptist Church and The Hill Church, local spoken word artist, Matthew Mosley and Grammy Award winning producer, Rayshon Cobbs, Jr., the project provided a platform for young voices to be heard and expressed through art. Jane Gabrielle, an artist-in-residence for the Roanoke Arts Commission, played a pivotal role. Her work on, “Hope for Heat Resilience” highlighted a collaboration between community groups, city government, and academic research highlighted the correlation between reduced tree canopies, increased heat, and higher violence rates. This insight added depth to the art project, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in community health and safety.

Leadership Roanoke Valley joined the initiative, bringing 60 enthusiastic volunteers who helped the children install their artwork around the neighborhood. This collaborative effort not only beautified the area but also strengthened the bonds between residents, promoting a sense of pride and unity.

Since its inception, Neighbors United has continued to engage the community through various projects, involving different groups and expanding its reach. These ongoing activities have reinforced the project’s mission: to create safer, more connected neighborhoods through the power of collective action and creativity.

The success of Neighbors United is a testament to the transformative power of community collaboration. By focusing on engaging our neighbors, providing a connection to community level services and environmental improvement, the project addresses gun violence’s root causes, fostering a safer, more vibrant community for all. As Neighbors United grows, it continues to inspire hope and resilience, demonstrating that together, we can build a better, safer future.

HIGHLIGHTING MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION The Community Health Worker & Peer Support Specialist Conference This spring, the United Way of Roanoke Valley, through its Healthy Roanoke Valley initiative’s Mental Well-Being Work Group, hosted the Community Health Worker (CHW) and Peer Support Specialist Conference. Held on April 12th at Carilion Children’s Hospital, this engaging and insightful event aimed to empower and educate attendees. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the planning team, including Leslie Clark, Annie Morgan, and Bailey Helgeson, the conference was a remarkable success.

The conference was free to attend and open to all, with no previous certifications required. The agenda featured a panel of four experts, including Lucas Tuning, UWRV Certified CHW from Franklin County.

Breakout sessions covered topics such as trauma basics and ethical guidance, providing attendees with valuable insights and practical knowledge to apply in their roles.

Participants received continuing education credits and had the opportunity to network, fostering professional development and connection through shared experiences.

The Conference was a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the planning team and the enthusiastic participation of the attendees. As we look forward to future events, we remain committed to providing valuable educational and networking opportunities that enhance the skills and connections of community health workers and peer support specialists.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND LIVING UNITED!

1924

2024

325 Campbell Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24016 540.777.4200

CENTENNIAL GALA October 12 | Hotel Roanoke

YOU’RE INVITED! Celebrate 100 years with us!

1924

2024

GET TICKETS HERE