Foundation for Roanoke Valley Awards Grant to Prevention Council of Roanoke County

Foundation for Roanoke Valley announced that it has awarded a grant of $70,000 to Prevention Council of Roanoke County for its Urgent Love Initiative.  The grant comes from the Foundation’s Thomas P. and Lewise S. Parsley Fund which was established in 1991 to support a number of interests including community outreach programs that address substance abuse.

The Urgent Love Initiative is a research-supported model of community engagement to directly address our region’s runaway opioid epidemic. Extending across 26 counties in southwestern Virginia, the nonprofit grassroots initiative will put actionable information and resources at the fingertips of those who need it, along with video-rich content to bring local faces and voice to the epidemic of addiction.

“Moving the conversation of addiction out of the shadows and into greater community awareness, this unique “all-in” approach of local engagement will create opportunities for local communities to collaborate in affecting change – including media partners, the medical community, faith communities, local businesses, educational institutions, local governments, law enforcement, addiction treatment providers and nonprofit stakeholders,” says Nancy Hans, Executive Director of Prevention Council of Roanoke County,  “Working with sister organizations and funding partners, this initiative will generate shared ownership for the challenges facing our neighbors, as an evidence-based model of engagement that can be shared across the state and the nation.”

Alan Ronk, Executive Director of the Foundation, noted “Mrs. Parsley created her fund over 25 years ago, and although she is no longer with us, her concern for the community continues to make important work like this special initiative possible.   We look forward to the many lives changed for the better through her generosity and through the leadership of the many folks involved.”

For more information on the Urgent Love Initiative, please visit www.UrgentLove.org.

For more than 29 years, Foundation for Roanoke Valley has enabled those who love the community to easily give back.  The Foundation currently holds and administers 324 named endowment funds established by individuals and families for the perpetual benefit of the community.  For more information about the community foundation, visit www.foundationforroanokevalley.org.

Photo Credit: Hank Ebert

    

Foundation for Roanoke Valley Awards Grant For Botetourt YMCA

Foundation for Roanoke Valley announced it has awarded a $50,000 grant to YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge to support its campaign to build a YMCA in Botetourt County.  The facility will have over 43,000 square feet of health and wellness space, including an eight lane lap pool.  There will also be a warm water recreation and therapy pool, state of the art fitness equipment, three group exercise studios, and a basketball gymnasium with an elevated track.

“The grant from Foundation for Roanoke Valley is incredibly impactful to our campaign and came at just the right time.  The Foundation’s support of the Y will be a difference maker for families and kids in the Botetourt community for years to come,” says Mark Johnson, President, YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

“The Foundation has Basic Human Needs and Education as two of its priority funding areas, and this campaign clearly addresses our focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, nutrition and improved fitness and providing after-school and summer educational programs,” says Michelle Eberly, Program Officer for Foundation for Roanoke Valley, “We are thrilled to be in a position to support the Y’s vision in bringing the Botetourt Family YMCA to the community.”

To learn more about the Botetourt County YMCA, please visit www.ymcavbr.org.

Foundation for Roanoke Valley, the region’s community foundation, has served the Roanoke Valley for more than 29 years and currently administers more than 320 named endowment funds established by individuals and families on behalf of the community. Unrestricted endowments are particularly powerful as they provide the Foundation with the flexibility over time to seek out and fund highly-effective programs across a wide-range of community needs.  Individuals interested in establishing their own personal or family legacy through an unrestricted endowment or any of the many types of endowment funds offered by the community foundation should visit Foundation for Roanoke Valley’s website at www.foundationforroanokevalley.org or call 985-0204. # # #

Foundation for Roanoke Valley Announces $250,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations that provide services to the elderly received over $250,000 in grants awarded by Foundation for Roanoke Valley.  As part of the Foundation’s Special Interest Grants process, nonprofit organizations were given the opportunity to apply to the Foundation’s Mary Louise Home Fund and Marion S. and Willie Z. Camp Fund for Eldercare, both which support services to the elderly.

“We continue to see an increasing need for services to the elderly population.  The Foundation is thrilled to be in a position to award such large impact grants in an attempt to meet the need,” says Michelle Eberly, FRV Program Officer.

The following organizations are recipients:

·         Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley received $35,000 to support its Sue Nutter Scholarship Fund.  This Fund would provide its senior clients with financial constraints the opportunity to use the Center’s services.

·         Alzheimer’s Association, CWVA received $50,000 to supports its Arts Fusion Plus program.  This program targets older adults in the region and offers creative arts and social activities to persons with early stage dementia in order to improve the quality of life for the person and their caregivers.  “Growing research indicates there are steps we can take to promote brain health and to enhance well-being in persons with early dementia.  Interventions such as social clubs and creative, expressive arts allow individuals living with dementia to express themselves in ways that are satisfying and communicate with others, and improve quality of life.  Generous funding provided by Foundation for Roanoke Valley will allow the Alzheimer’s Association to expand our reach in providing the ARTS FUSION program for persons with early stage dementia to engage in social, musical, and arts programming throughout the region,” says Ellen Phipps, Alzheimer’s Association VP Programs & Public Policy.

·          Botetourt Resource Center received $20,000 to support its services to older adults.  The Center offers services such as recreation, fuel assistance, co-prescription, home repair, basic needs as well as information assistance, referral to human resources, and advocacy to help balance the needs of older adults who struggle economically and socially on fixed incomes.

·         LEAP for Local Food received $11,952 to expand its Senior Incentive Program to target seniors living in housing units in NW Roanoke that are managed by the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority.  With this program, during the off-season, LEAP will transport seniors who live at Melrose Towers to the monthly Grandin Village Community Winter Markets and during the market season, the LEAP Mobile Market will stop weekly at two RRHA sites.

·         Local Office on Aging received $40,793 to provide assisted transportation to its clients who currently receive intensive case management services.   While LOA provides transportation, the service is only door to door.  Often frail seniors need help to assist them in getting to the vehicle and getting from the vehicle into the doctor’s office for their appointments.   With this grant, LOA can hire a certified nursing assistant (CNA) to provide this service of not only assisting clients into the vehicle, but also accompany clients to their doctors appointments.

·         Mental Health America of Roanoke Valley was awarded $25,000 to continue supporting its Senior Extravaganza for the elderly.  The Senior Extravaganza is an annual event held in the Roanoke area and is well attended by older adults.  There are health screenings, pharmacy consults, exhibits about health and safety issues, workshops, and entertainment.  Approximately 400 seniors attend this event each year.

·         New Vision was awarded $21,000 to provide equipment and training in the use of voice-activated virtual assistants. This equipment, used by its elderly clients, can report weather, read audiobooks, play music, communicate with caregivers, and more. 

·         Roanoke Symphony Orchestra received $50,000 to support its Wellness Arts program.  Small, trained ensembles of RSO professional musicians will bring music to populations through sessions in older adult facilities throughout Roanoke.    This program will address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of memory care patients in those facilities.  "We are excited to share the power of music and its ability to impact our health through this new Wellness Arts program. The Roanoke Symphony is grateful to Foundation for Roanoke Valley for their support of this groundbreaking work in our community," Says David Crane, RSO Executive Director.

Foundation for Roanoke Valley, the region’s community foundation, has served the Roanoke Valley for more than 28 years and currently administers 318 named endowment funds established by individuals and families on behalf of the community.  For more information about Foundation for RoanokeValley, visit www.foundationforroanokevalley.org.

L to R: David Ward, New Vision; Mike Pyle, Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley; David Crane, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra; Ron Boyd, Local Area Office on Aging; Ellen Phipps, Alzheimer’s Association; Sam Lev, LEAP for Local Food; Robyn Dobyns, Botetourt Resource Center; Ashley Reynolds Marshall, Mental Health America

Roanoke Women's Foundation Awards $324,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

Celebrating its twelfth year, The Roanoke Women’s Foundation (RWF) has announced the recipients of its grant awards, the largest total given to date.

The latest grants, a total of $324,000 awarded at a luncheon held at Roanoke Country Club on October 27, 2016, brings to $2,726,000 the total in grants funded since the organization’s inception in 2004.

“As we celebrate our 12^th year of philanthropic giving to our community, we are excited to once again be able to support our community with impactful grants to worthy non-profit organizations.  With 164 members, our highest to date, we are able to provide important and transformational funding to organizations within the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.  We commend all of those organizations who participated in our rigorous grant making process this year,” says Roanoke Women’s Foundation co-founder, Kandy Elliott.  Elliott and co-founder Ginny Jarrett established the RWF as a way for women in the Roanoke and surrounding communities to share their philanthropic goals and pool their resources in order to make significant gifts to the community. 

“We appreciate the significant work of The Roanoke Women’s Foundation as demonstrated by their high-impact grants to this year’s worthy recipients,” added Alan Ronk, executive director of Foundation for Roanoke Valley, which administers RWF’s fund.

 This year, 43 organizations applied for funding from the RWF.  Through a thorough vetting process, that number was narrowed to a group that was presented to the membership for their vote.  Based on those results, the following grants were awarded in the 2016 grant cycle:

Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center – BRAAC - (A St. Vincent’s Home Program) - $110,000 to fund the total costs of converting BRAAC’s existing gymnasium into a Life Skills Center for teaching independent living skills to its older students.  It will be called the Joseph W. Webb Center, named for one of the first students of the program, and will teach the students to cook, clean, shower, toilet, practice job skills, and enjoy leisure activities.  It will also use the space for parent support groups, cooking classes, summer programming, and other community outreach activities.  BRAAC provides a licensed year-round private school for its students, ages 2-22, with unique learning challenges, including Autism, Asperger’s, Verbal and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities.  It also provides social skills group training for its students, a transition program for special needs individuals, and in-home training for parents of its students.  Parents of these students worry constantly about what will happen to their children as they become adults.  The Joseph W. Webb Center will provide students the tools they need to become as independent as possible, remain in our communities, and live productive lives.  BRAAC is already undergoing a significant capital expansion project, including the Joseph W. Webb Center.  This expansion will allow BRAAC to not only address the needs of current students, but serve 30-50 additional students as well as allowing it to address an even larger growing need – adult services.

Sexual Assault Response & Awareness, Inc. (SARA) - $85,000 to fund the expansion of its current building to add office space, a training room, and a handicapped-accessible bathroom,  In addition, the grant will provide for enhanced security and lighting to the property that serves as its organization’s headquarters.  SARA is the only program of its kind in the Roanoke Valley, providing an array of direct services to victims of sexual violence.  Core services include comprehensive trauma-informed counseling and recovery services, outreach, hospital visits and hotline calls. According to the Virginia Department of Health, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men have experienced sexual violence.  The physical and mental health consequences of sexual assault are enormous and long lasting, especially without support and counseling.  The RWF’s funding of an electronic security system will increase SARA’s ability to accommodate the safety and security needs of clients, while also providing increased protection for staff. The new training space will allow SARA to train more people efficiently and will be available to local nonprofits for training.  Once fully staffed, SARA will be able to serve 500 additional people annually in this updated facility.

Greenvale School, Inc. - $74,000 to renovate program space in three classrooms allowing them to increase their capacity by 14 child care slots.  The reorganization and renovation of these areas will include offering closer access to restrooms, leaving teachers to concentrate on student activities.  Currently serving 120 children annually, the school, established in 1934, serves children age 6 weeks through 5 years.  Students come from low-income families who seek to provide their children a base of early knowledge that is needed to establish a foundation for educational and life successes.  Families who are served at Greenvale must be working, in school, or in training programs. 

Cultural Arts for Excellence (CAFE) - $55,000 to purchase a cargo van to transport musical instruments and a passenger van to transport students for performances and other off-site activities.  CAFÉ is an after-school and summer camp program for low-income, middle school students in northwest Roanoke.  Academic support at CAFE includes daily tutoring from volunteers.  The program also engages students in community service projects and utilizes low- or no-cost partnerships.  The signature activity of CAFE is its Caribbean Steel Orchestra.  Participation in the orchestra is a huge incentive in the program's success.  It keeps young people engaged and complements academics by fostering self-confidence, teamwork, and the desire to learn.  In 2015, CAFE received a grant from Foundation for Roanoke Valley to purchase its own 29-piece steel drum set, allowing considerable savings in rental fees. 

In addition, to honor and recognize the role of RWF co-founder Virginia B. Jarrett the board, with donations from RWF members, established the Roanoke Women’s Foundation Founders Fund of Foundation for Roanoke Valley.  The fund will be advised by Mrs. Jarrett and board, and will be used to support their purpose to strengthen the community through increasing charitable contributions in our region, and promoting women’s leadership in philanthropy.

The Roanoke Women’s Foundation is open to any woman who makes the commitment to support the RWF for at least three years at a level of $2,100 per year.  Members have no other obligation than to fulfill the annual contribution and to participate in the voting process determining the recipients of the pooled fund grants.  For more information, visit www.roanokewomensfoundation.org or Foundation for Roanoke Valley’s website www.foundationforroanokevalley.org.   Foundation for Roanoke Valley, the region’s community foundation, currently administers over 300 named endowment funds on behalf of the community.

Submitted by: Kandy Elliott

Foundation for Roanoke Valley Awards Close to $100,000 in Scholarships

Foundation for Roanoke Valley announced it has awarded close to $100,000 in educational scholarships during its annual scholarship dinner, held at the Sheraton Roanoke Hotel and Conference Center on May 19.

            The Foundation administers 47 endowed scholarship funds, and it received close to one thousand applications for scholarships this year.  Recipients were selected on a competitive basis using criteria established by donors at the creation of the scholarship endowment.

            The Foundation’s largest scholarship, its “Holland Scholar Award,” is always at least $10,000 and is given annually to an outstanding graduating senior from the Roanoke Valley who shows exceptional promise in his or her future college career.  For 2016, the scholarship was $18,000 and was presented to J. Christian Blackwell, a senior at Patrick Henry High School. Blackwell will attend the University of Virginia in the fall.

Other scholarships awarded to Roanoke Valley students include:

            The Alphin Family Scholarship Fund:  Gregory L. Brown and Lillian G. Riley, Rockbridge County.

            Cave Spring Lions Club Scholarship Fund:  J. Christian Blackwell, Patrick Henry and Daniel W. Webb, William Byrd.  CITY School Foundation Scholarship Fund:  Justin T. Howell, William Fleming and Ciara R. Mulcahy, Patrick Henry. 

Christi Crutchfield Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Alyssa M. Nelson, Northside.  Helen F. Dickson Scholarship Fund:  Mauri B. Deeds and Michaela I. Miller, Alleghany; Dylan R. Persinger, Covington.

            Lenna E. Etzler Scholarship Fund:  Alyssa D. Lowe, Lord Botetourt.  Franklin County Ed-U-K8tor Scholarship Fund:  Alexus V. McBride, Franklin County.  Franklin County High School Scholarship Fund:  Danielle N. Hodges and Michaela V. Tyree.  Gilbert-Thompson Memorial Award Fund:  Drew M. Harlow and Michaela I. Miller, Alleghany. 

Joseph Waskey Gilbert Memorial Fund Award: Morganne Durham, Virginia Tech.  Clarence M. Gillis Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Nhi T. Nguyen, Patrick Henry.  Michael Dean Guilliams Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Mason L. Wheeler, Patrick Henry.

Margaret Jones Irvin Scholarship Fund:  Clay E. Adkins, Alleghany and Ana K. Lopez Muguiro, William Byrd.  Jefferson College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund: Jordon Long.

  Melva P. Jones Scholarship Fund:  Julianne E. Ferguson, William Byrd.  Grace Lovegrove Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Christopher G. Pufko, Patrick Henry.  Marion Senior High School Memorial Scholarship Fund for Music, Arts, the Performing Arts, and Education:  Daisy E. Sturgill.

Ronald L. Mayfield, Jr. Scholarship Fund:  Brenda Pineda Aguilar, Patrick Henry.  The Louise and Sam McGhee Scholarship Fund:  Michael L. Albert, and Ethan L. Aylor, James River.   Carol Lee McGuire-Bishop Scholarship Fund:  Alexis L. Richmond, Alleghany; Dorothy and Julien Meyer, Sr., M.D. Scholarship Fund:  George B. Barker, Salem. 

Clarissa Edwards Noland Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Megan B. McClure, Lord Botetourt.  The National Honor Society – Felton Pendleton Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Odessa B. Burress and Michael A. Dean, George Wythe.  Jean L. Price Scholarship Fund:  George B. Barker, Salem; Danielle C. Booth, Franklin County; Henry P. Hurt, Franklin County; Andrea Secamiglio, Roanoke Catholic.

E. Price Ripley Memorial Foundation Fund:  Ryan A. Fralin, Lord Botetourt; Melissa Y. Wu, William Byrd; Hannah G. Winstead, Salem  Frank W. (Bo) Rogers Scholarship Fund:  J. Christian Blackwell, Patrick Henry. 

            Frances Parker Rupert Memorial Fund for Music and the Performing Arts: Cedar J. Moore, Alleghany.  Scholarship Fund for Craig County High School Students:  Eliza Page Paitsel. 

Eddie Simpson Scholarship Fund:  Nhi Nguyen, Patrick Henry.  The Joyce and Shad Solomon Family Scholarship Fund:  Tanner L. Bradley, Bath County. 

            Samuel “Bo” Terry Scholarship Fund:  Elizabeth K. Brown, William Fleming and Nhi Nguyen, Patrick Henry.  Bryan William Thomas Scholarship Fund:  Nicole C. Wilson, Glenvar.  H.B. and E.B. Wharton Scholarship Fund:  Haley N. Green, Glenvar; Taylor E. Powell, Cave Spring; Corina E. Woodson, William Byrd.

Dianne E.H. Wilcox Scholarship Fund:  Azia M. Cardwell, Covington; Tori M. Deibler, Christiansburg; Walker T. Maxey, Franklin County.  John W. Wilks Excellence in Science Scholarship Fund:  Benjamin T. Colston, Roanoke Valley Christian School.  Melva Dulaney Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund:  Cole J. Cowher, Cave Spring.            

Foundation for Roanoke Valley is the community foundation serving this region.  The Foundation has worked for more than two decades to administer and make grants from hundreds of named endowment funds on behalf of the community.  For more information, visit Foundation for Roanoke Valley’s website at www.foundationforroanokevalley.org or call 985-0204.

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Photo Credit: McDilda Photography

            

Foundation for Roanoke Valley Wraps Up $1.5 Million, Multi-Year Initiative

In 2009, Foundation for Roanoke Valley embarked on a $1.5 million, multi-year grant program, The Belonging Initiative, to benefit the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of older adults in the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and Roanoke, Craig, and Botetourt Counties.  This Initiative targeted its efforts through the local nonprofits Mental Health America- Roanoke Valley Chapter, The Botetourt Resource Center, Renovation Alliance (formerly Rebuilding Together Roanoke), and LOA Area Agency on Aging Senior Companion Program for the purpose of mental health education, social companionship, home maintenance and security, and rural community outreach.

Our Initiative wrapped up this past year, but the lives that have been transformed through the work of our organizational partners are far reaching. With the help of Dr. Harry Wilson and Amelia Glaser at Roanoke College and Steve Mason and his team at Red Velocity, the following video captures a glimpse of the initiative!  A huge thanks to all who were involved in making this such a resounding success!

The Roanoke Women's Foundation Awards $306,000 to Local Nonprofits

Celebrating its eleventh year, The Roanoke Women’s Foundation (RWF), a fund of Foundation for Roanoke Valley,  has announced the recipients of its grant awards, the largest total given to date.

The latest grants, a total of $306,000 awarded at a luncheon held at The Shenandoah Club on November 12, 2015, brings to $2,402,000 the total in grants funded since the organization’s inception in 2004.

“We are excited to once again be able to support our community with impactful grants to worthy non-profit organizations.  With 153 members, our highest to date, we are able to provide important funding to organizations within the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.  We commend all of those organizations who participated in our rigorous grant making process this year,” says Roanoke Women’s Foundation co-founder, Kandy Elliott.  Elliott and co-founder Ginny Jarrett established the RWF as a way for women in the Roanoke and surrounding communities to share their philanthropic goals and pool their resources in order to make significant gifts to the community. 

“We continue to be impressed with the work of The Roanoke Women’s Foundation and are excited this year’s recipients represent each of its areas of support: Arts and Culture, Health and Human Resources, Education and Environment.  These latest awards continue the tradition that RWF has built of making high-impact, transformative grants,” added Alan Ronk, executive director of Foundation for Roanoke Valley.

This year, 47 organizations applied for funding from the RWF.  Through a rigorous grant making process, that number was narrowed to a group that was presented to the membership for their vote.  Based on those results, the following grants were awarded in the 2015 grant cycle:

Turning Point (Salvation Army) - $90,000 to fund a substantial renovation of the residential shelter space to create a more comfortable, better functioning environment conducive to the therapeutic needs of the women and children who turn to the shelter in situations of desperate need. The building that houses Turning Point was not constructed for its current purpose and has significant shortcomings.  Closet, storage, and laundry space are minimal for clients who are attempting to bring as many personal belongings as they can hope to retain.  While some furnishings have been replaced, more serviceable furniture still needs to be added.  The Turning Point serves more than 260 adults and children annually in its lodging, and processes more than 500 calls annually to its crisis hotline.  It is the only secure, confidential shelter in the Roanoke region for female victims of domestic violence.  The Turning Point has a three-decade history of providing safe support for women and their children dealing with threat in an abusive home. This capital improvement project can only enhance their effectiveness, efficiency, and concentration on the primary job they do in providing safety and counsel to women in extreme crisis.

CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership) of Roanoke Valley - $66,000 to fund the salary for a new Master’s or Ph.D. level Research Associate for one year to compile and evaluate data to present a federal Evidence-Based Assessment application.  By gaining this certification, CHIP will be able to increase their caseload from the 1,000 children currently being served to 6,000 others who have already been identified as needing CHIP’s services.  In addition, the certification would enable CHIP’s proven operating standards to be adopted by other non-profit organizations also seeking federal funding.  Approval of this application will qualify CHIP for numerous federal funding opportunities currently unavailable to them.  CHIP is an early childhood home healthcare visitation program for low-income children from birth to kindergarten.  

  

Family Promise of Greater Roanoke - $50,000 to fund a pilot project for a new “Housing Stability Program” to help homeless families find and maintain long-term affordable housing once they exit their temporary housing facilities.  Family Promise uniquely serves only families with children, unlike any other homeless shelter in the Valley.  In addition to the shelter provided, families use their facilities while they look to find work, transportation, permanent housing, and stabilizing routines.  No other shelter in the Valley provides a space throughout the day which can serve as a base while families try to get back on their feet.  This pilot program would require a case manager to find housing and jobs, as well as perform daily and weekly site visits.   The primary goals of the program are to create positive relationships with quality landlords, provide an all-encompassing aftercare program, including intensive case management, and to assist families with developing a support system. 

PLENTY! - $40,000 to efficiently expand the Floyd County farm operation that is nourishing its community by growing food for and with hungry neighbors.  The organization was started to address a problem endemic to many rural places where people cannot afford or access healthy food.  Funds from The Roanoke Women’s Foundation will provide for the installation of a drip irrigation system to pump river water to a holding tank for gravity fed release to farm plots.  The current overhead sprayer system is inefficient.  Floyd County has 15,000 residents, and an estimated 2,000 need assistance.  PLENTY! transports food through its Portable Produce routes to area homes. They serve 1,000 meals at weekly Community Lunch gatherings, stock the food pantry at a Hispanic church in the area, and support the community through farm plots with water and tools.    

Roanoke Children’s Theatre - $30,000 – to provide funds to support and expand free access (to audiences not otherwise served by RCT) to their 2016 RCT4TEENS production, and to fund follow up activities centering on teen heroin use in Roanoke and surrounding counties.  The local Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals heroin use rates for Roanoke County, Vinton and Roanoke City and Salem to be three times the national average, and increasing among youth, notably among middle class and county teens.  This production will reach 3,000 ninth graders through performances and “on the road” productions.  The RWF grant will allow additional free or low cost performances geared toward the wider community of youth and parents who might otherwise be unable to attend while also promoting meaningful conversation around the play centering on drug and heroin use and the following year’s production exploring teen pregnancy and sexuality. 

The Ronald McDonald House - $30,000 to partially fund the renovation of 11 guest bedrooms and bathrooms.  Currently, the rooms fail to meet current standards in several areas.  The Ronald McDonald House provides a temporary residence for families of children who receive medical treatment from Carilion Clinic or Lewis Gale Clinic.  Each year, they house over 650 families who live within a 150-mile radius of Roanoke.  The high volume of families housed each year creates heavy wear and tear on the entire facility.  While some guest rooms have been recently renovated, others require restoration to meet current standards.

The Roanoke Women’s Foundation is open to any woman who makes the commitment to support the RWF for at least three years at a level of $2,100 per year.  Members have no other obligation than to fulfill the annual contribution and to participate in the voting process determining the recipients of the pooled fund grants.  For more information, visit www.roanokewomensfoundation.org or Foundation for Roanoke Valley’s website www.foundationforroanokevalley.org.   Foundation for Roanoke Valley, the region’s community foundation, currently administers 300 named endowment funds on behalf of the community.

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