Explore the latest news and updates about our programs, services, goals, and events.
Thursday, August 20, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Council of Community Services, 325 Campbell Avenue SW We’re excited to welcome you to our new location and celebrate this exciting milestone! Stop by to tour our space, connect with our team, and learn more about our continued commitment to strengthening our community. CLICK HERE TO
For four hours in early May, as community members streamed into the Green Ridge Recreation Center in Roanoke to swim, work out, and play pickleball, more than 70 representatives from across the Roanoke Valley’s health and human services network gathered to explore three essential questions: How can a strong, coordinated system of care and community
Alison Jorgensen Named President and CEO of Council of Community Services The Board of Directors of the Council of Community Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Jorgensen as the new President and CEO. Alison began her career with the Council of Community Services in 2002 and has worked in every facet of
We are excited to announce that over the next few months, 211 Virginia will be transitioning to a brand-new website and an upgraded database platform, designed to provide a more modern, user-friendly experience. What You Can Expect: User-Friendly Design: Easier navigation with a fresh, modern look. Simplified Agency and Program Listing Management: Streamlined processes for
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Roanoke Valley Violence Prevention Council, a standing committee of the Council of Community Services, will be holding its annual Walk In Their Shoes event on Thursday, October 3, 2024. This year, in addition to the remembrance ceremony, there will be educational sessions in the morning and afternoon.
Do you work within or are a member of an institution, group, or agency that has an impact on housing (development, policy, financing, legal, assistance, etc.) in the Roanoke Region? If so, becoming a member of the Roanoke Regional Housing Network (RRHN) will provide you with the opportunity to network/collaborate with individuals across various sectors
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, we gathered as a community to observe Overdose Awareness Day, a few days ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, August 31. IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.
The Drop-In Center Roanoke is pleased to announce updated hours of operation, providing more opportunities for the community to access testing and essential services. Located at 365 Campbell Avenue SW, the Center now offers extended hours, including the first Saturday of the month for those who need weekend access. New Hours of Operation: Monday: 10:00
The Roanoke Drop-In Center is thrilled to announce its partnership with renowned local artist Walt Hodges for a benefit art show, “Just Off The Easel,” on Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 2 – 6 PM. The event will be held at the Garden City Recreation Center, 3741 Yellow Mountain Road, Roanoke, VA 24014. Admission to
On December 2, 2022, C-IDEAs (Community Infectious Disease Advocates) held a community event for World AIDS Day titled “Infectious Disease Health Impacts on the Underserved.” The event was packed and full of support to educate the public on how infectious diseases may impact a community. Several speakers contributed to the conversation. Garland Gravely spoke about
By the year 2000, 36 million individuals had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and 22 million of these individuals had died. We knew at that time that access to HIV testing, education, and condoms were our main weapons in the fight against HIV. We knew then, as we know now, that early detection and science-based education
Today marks the 15th anniversary of 211 Virginia, a free, 24-hour information and referral service of Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), provided in partnership with the Council of Community Services in Roanoke, Virginia. 211 Virginia is the Commonwealth’s largest information and referral network available to citizens for health and human services. Every day, individuals
Congratulations, 2-1-1 VIRGINIA! 2-1-1 VIRGINIA, a program of the Council of Community Services, has completed the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) Accreditation process. We are now among a select group of organizations that have been accredited by AIRS. The AIRS Accreditation process recognizes our information and referral program to a standard of excellence.
Council of Community Services has announced that Daniel W. Merenda will retire as President and that the Board of Directors has appointed Anne Marie Green to succeed him. Merenda served 12 years at the organization; he served as Vice President of Planning and Consultation before being appointed President in 2012. Within those years of service,
We are excited to announce Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) is now part of the Blue Ridge Community Assistance Network (BR-CAN). With this addition, the BR-CAN now includes all homeless shelter and service providers in the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care service area. The BR-CAN is more commonly known as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Today, we join millions across the country and around the world in celebrating the life and legacy of President H.W. Bush, founder of Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. As a member of the Points of Light Network, HandsOn Blue Ridge is proud to continue his legacy in our
On Monday, November 12, 2018, we celebrated 58 years of service at our annual meeting. Our 58th annual meeting was a private, intimate event where staff and board members gathered to celebrate the year’s accomplishments. As in years past, our focus in 2017-2018 was centered on outcomes that improve the quality of life in our
As we all know, Virginia’s housing needs are significant, especially for supportive and affordable housing. However, through careful planning, strong partnerships, and perseverance, the Virginia Housing Development Authority is making positive impacts for Virginia’s most vulnerable population — those experiencing homelessness. The Commonwealth is a leader in addressing homelessness, anchored by the model referred to