Camp Easterseals UCP (United Cerebral Palsy)
$100,000 to cover the cost of installing a totally Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible playground for its campers. Camp Easterseals, an overnight camp for children and adults with severe physical and intellectual disabilities, is located on Craig Creek near New Castle, VA, on the edge of the Jefferson National Forest and is accredited by the American Camp Association. Each year the camp welcomes over 500 children and adults; 83% of the campers are returning campers. And, while almost all camp activities meet ADA accessibility standards, the playground is very old, difficult to access, and the surface is not wheelchair accessible. RWF funds will build a play space where generations of children can explore and grow, and will be used by thousands of campers and their families for years to come.
Transitional Options for Women (TOFW)
$94,200 to support the only organization in Roanoke providing gender-specific re-entry programming and transitional housing for female ex-offenders. Working with local and regional jails, TOFW staff meets participants on the day of their release and brings them to the TOFW house. Each participant is assessed to determine risks and needs. TOFW is an 8- step program focused on employment and permanent housing. Participants receiving training in life skills, conflict management, job readiness, financial literacy, self-care, mental health and substance abuse recovery, personal development and self-awareness. RWF funds will cover the salary of an Aftercare Coordinator and an Emergency Assistance fund to meet unexpected needs once participants move into independent living. The closest facility serving previously incarcerated women is over 250 miles away, in Newport News, VA, and it offers a limited number of beds serving a great demand.
Feeding America Southwest Virginia (FASWVA)
$50,000 to retro-fit part of their facility to accommodate a bulk food repacking space, ultimately allowing them to lower the costs of food purchase and improving the nutritional quality of food distributed in order to promote healthier diets. Funds will be used to convert an existing space within their facility for “clean room” compliance (a space that can be easily washed down and with extra protection against contamination) that would be needed to accommodate a bulk food space. With bulk food purchasing capabilities, FASWVA can secure more whole grain pastas, cereals, and other foods that are proven to combat dietary illness. These kinds of foods can also provide a huge savings to FASWVA and allow them to reallocate their savings towards expanded programs and services.
Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM)
$50,000 to provide on-going operational support of all existing programs and services of this day shelter for the homeless and the poor. RAM provides a noontime hot, nutritious meal and is open every single day of the year. About 35,000 meals are served each year. Guests may also wash their clothes and use other resources while there. Staff and volunteers advise guests regarding bill payment and budgeting as well as general life management. RAM also has an extensive clothes closet and outfits everyone who is in need.
Mill Mountain Zoo
$46,800 to renovate exhibits and expand its education program. The Zoo has been serving the Roanoke region for 65 years and its new strategic plan and funding model has focused on new exhibits and attractions with species native to the Blue Ridge. This capital investment is in support of the need to address an aging infrastructure and the need for sustainability in order to increase attendance to this regional attraction. Immediate priorities for the Zoo include the renovation of the snow leopard and bald eagle exhibits as part of its expanded education program. The Zoo hosts 160 animals and currently attracts 50,000 regional and out of state visitors every year. It also serves an additional 15,000 school children each year on site and through outreach activities.
