Latest news with #GoodwillIndustriesoftheValleys
Business Wire
06-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Melrose Plaza Grand Opening Marks New Chapter in Community Investment in Virginia
ROANOKE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Melrose Plaza, a first-of-its-kind community resource center, officially opened its doors with a grand opening celebration. This milestone comes with many firsts for the Roanoke community and the Commonwealth of Virginia. What started with a conversation became a campaign, and is now a living, breathing space where transformation happens every day – creating jobs, fueling local pride and expanding what's possible for this community. Share More than a neighborhood milestone, Melrose Plaza represents a new model for addressing the social determinants of health in historically underserved communities. What began as a resident-led food access initiative has become a $30 million anchor of opportunity – creating new jobs and strengthening the local economy. Melrose Plaza was made possible by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys and a diverse network of civic, business, nonprofit and philanthropic partners – including the City of Roanoke and Carilion Clinic. 'Today marks a turning point, not just for Northwest Roanoke, but for how we think about community investment in Virginia,' said Richmond Vincent, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. 'Melrose Plaza proves what's possible when you bring the right partners together to build opportunity into the foundation of a neighborhood.' The grand opening ceremony drew civic leaders, business partners and state officials, including Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, who highlighted the project's historic and statewide significance. 'Melrose Plaza isn't just a building, it's a hub for hope, access and opportunity,' said Lucas. 'It's the kind of transformational first that will change generations, and it belongs in every corner of our Commonwealth.' In a surprise moment during the grand opening ceremony, Richmond Vincent was honored by the community with the inaugural Sankofa Award, which recognizes an individual whose leadership has made a lasting and transformational impact on community, cultural, and generational change. 'Richmond Vincent is a visionary and a humanitarian,' said Stan Hale, editor of the Roanoke Tribune and lifelong resident of Northwest Roanoke. 'Melrose Plaza has transformed our community through a collective vision that Mr. Vincent has shepherded into reality.' Designed to directly impact the core social factors that influence community well-being, Melrose Plaza brings together coordinated services that address core community needs: Education: The Excel Center is the first adult high school in Virginia, allowing adult learners to earn their high school diploma, with flexible schedules, free childcare and career support. The Melrose Branch of Roanoke Public Libraries provides educational programming, technology access and community space. Health and Nutrition: Wellness on Melrose brings together a variety of community partners to deliver health and wellness care. Market on Melrose fills a critical gap in access to fresh, affordable food. Henrietta's Café offers healthy, affordable meals in a welcoming space designed for neighbors to gather, connect and rest – nourishing both body and community. Financial Empowerment: Bank of Botetourt offers traditional banking alongside free one-on-one coaching, credit-building tools and financial education to help residents build lasting stability. Culture and Community: The Melrose Plaza History Wall honors the stories of local changemakers, and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, opening this fall, will celebrate inclusive art and heritage. Outside, the plaza is anchored by 'Rooted in Joy,' a large-scale public mural that captures themes of love, happiness and hope. The realization of Melrose Plaza was powered by local, state and private investment, and guided by input from neighborhood residents. 'It took a coalition of the willing to make this vision real,' said Aaron Boush, chair of the Goodwill Board of Directors. 'What started with a conversation became a campaign, and is now a living, breathing space where transformation happens every day – creating jobs, fueling local pride and expanding what's possible for this community.' To learn more about Melrose Plaza and how it's shaping the future of Roanoke, visit MEDIA KIT About Melrose Plaza Melrose Plaza is a first-of-its-kind resource center and cultural hub located in Northwest Roanoke, a neighborhood affected by urban renewal. A community partnership initiative launched by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Melrose Plaza aims to rejuvenate the community by addressing health disparities, educational opportunities, financial empowerment, and access to affordable healthy foods. The four anchor initiatives of Melrose Plaza will provide jobs and resources to uplift the entire community. About Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Goodwill Industries of the Valleys serves 35 counties and 14 cities throughout Central, Southwest, and Southside Virginia. Our vision of eliminating poverty is fueled by our mission of empowering individuals, strengthening families, and inspiring communities. Your donations and shopping allow Goodwill to provide skills training, job placement, and support services to help people achieve their fullest potential. Visit for more information.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WFXR partnering with Feeding Southwest Virginia, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys for ‘Hunger to Hope' food drive
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Food insecurity impacts people all across southwest Virginia and in Roanoke. The WFXR crew is teaming up with Feeding Southwest Virginia and Goodwill Industries of the Valleys to combat hunger in the community with the 'Hunger to Hope' food drive on Friday. 'It's real and it's here,' said David Dantzler with Feeding Southwest Virginia. 'It's probably on your street. Food drives like this bring both awareness, and they bring food. Obviously, the food nourishes our neighbors, and from there, they can lead healthier, happier lives.' According to Feeding America, food insecurity impacts nearly 15 percent of all people and 20 percent of children across southwest Virginia. That number rises to one-in-four children across Roanoke City, and the summer is a time when access to food can be the toughest it is all year. 'Food insecurity goes up in the summer,' said Dantzler. 'School's out, kids are home, they're not getting their meals at school, so we see our numbers increase and our numbers are already high.' Feeding Southwest celebrates partnership with key speakers There are eight drop off locations for donations all across the Roanoke Valley. List of drop-off locations: Market on Melrose – 2502 Melrose Ave NW A, Roanoke, VA 24017 Vinton Store – 907 Hardy Road, Vinton, VA Hunting Hills Store – 4335 Pheasant Ridge Road, Roanoke, VA Hollins Store – 6315 Archcrest Drive, Roanoke, VA Cave Spring Store – 3206 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA Salem Store – 1493 E. Main Street, Salem, VA West Salem Store – 1830 West Main Street, Salem, VA Daleville Store – 125 Commons Parkway, Daleville, VA From 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., the WFXR team will be at Market on Melrose, which ended a decades-long food desert in Northwest Roanoke when it opened on Melrose Avenue last fall. 'We want to eliminate poverty and part of that is meeting people's needs and no one should be hungry,' said Chelsea Moran with Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. 'That's really where this partnership will thrive.' Feeding Southwest Virginia is accepting monetary donations and any non-perishable food items, with a focus on high-protein foods. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
