Good Work

The West End Center adapts

In 1979, Roanoke’s West End neighborhood was overrun with poverty, crime and drugs. Vacant lots and deteriorating rental properties were widespread, and children had few positive opportunities for afterschool activities. In response to this growing problem, West End Presbyterian Church, West End Methodist Church and the Mountain View Neighborhood Alliance formed a coalition to establish West End Center as a safe haven for the neighborhood children. Since then, the Center has experienced tremendous growth, both in the number of children served and the available programs and services. Today, it serves approximately 150 disadvantaged children annually.

West End Center’s goal is to equip these children with developmental skills needed to become productive, responsible adults. To accomplish this goal, the Center offers a comprehensive education program that focuses on literacy and youth development. Many that have taken advantage of these programs have gone on to college, have served in the Armed Forces and/or are pursuing successful careers. Some have come back to work for the Center. Each of these successful young people is a testament to the benefits of this grassroots, community-based program.

Like all of our local charities, West End Center has had to think outside of the box to continue to serve these children during the COVID-19 crisis. The organization continues its work via Facebook Live and does weekly check-ins on the children it serves. The Center has been helping families through the USDA food program, providing nearly 700 meals and snacks weekly. Families pick up meals and snacks three days a week at the Center, and staff delivers food to those without access to transportation.

With the opening of the Center’s Summer Program, Executive Director Amanda Nastiuk says, “day to day operations will look different and present new challenges as we abide by Phase 2 rules for re-opening. Masks, children six feet apart, no swimming, no field trips, these are just a few of the things that we will navigate as we adjust to the new normal.” The organization plans on having an even stronger focus on educational programming this summer, paying special attention to reading levels and assessing areas of need that have resulted from - or been exacerbated by - the lack of schooling due to COVID-19. Despite these challenging times West End Center is a community anchor that will continue to provide priceless value to the students and families it serves.

GOOD WORK

By Kaitlyn Van Buskirk

Executive Summary:

A concerned coalition formed a safe haven for youth, added programs, and today still makes safety its priority.

Kaitlyn Van Buskirk is a grants associate with the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia. kaitlyn@cfwesternva.org