Professional and personal growth opportunities come in various forms, from weeklong conferences to quick workshops during lunch breaks.
However, many of these opportunities come with a price tag, limiting attendance for those without the financial means.
The Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) created the EnVision Center after recognizing that many community members lacked access to essential resources.
RRHA's EnVision Center is featured in “PHA Pathways for Advancing Equity,” a report released by the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC), a member of HAI Group’s family of companies.
Challenge
Residents of RRHA and Roanoke Valley faced limited access to free, quality resources and networking opportunities.
Solution
In 2022, RRHA established the EnVision Center as a central hub to provide free resources and foster connections within the Roanoke community. The RRHA manages the center in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Implementation
RRHA hosts free workshops and events in partnership with local organizations to support residents and the broader community at the EnVision Center.
Employment
HumanKind offers in-house employment assistance at EnVision’s Economic Resource Center, including digital literacy, resume workshops, and interview practice. To reach a broader audience, HumanKind occasionally streams its classes on YouTube Live.
Financial wellness
Freedom First Enterprises offers one-on-one financial counseling in English and Spanish at EnVision’s Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center. This initiative aims to help residents achieve economic independence by providing guidance on building credit, reducing debt, saving money, and developing money management skills.
Health assistance
The EnVision Center also provides no-cost counseling services in partnership with Family Services of Roanoke Valley. Services are available by appointment or walk-in and include family therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy for adults and children. Family Services of Roanoke Valley receives a grant that allows it to offer these services without requiring health insurance for participation. Additionally, the Carilion Clinic, a local nonprofit healthcare organization, provides on-site healthcare outreach workers to conduct blood pressure screenings and other health-related programs.
Education
The Virginia Western Community College provides educational resources at the EnVision Center. A community outreach specialist is present four days a week to assist residents with understanding the community college system, applying for school and financial aid, and more. The college also offers career counseling, training, and outreach events to encourage Roanoke School District students to enroll for three years of free community college and work toward an associate degree.
RRHA fosters community at the EnVision Center by organizing cookouts and baby showers, encouraging residents to volunteer and lead programs. For example, the Harvest Collective and Virginia Cooperative Extension Service helped establish an on-site community garden, where volunteers maintain and provide the public with free, healthy produce. Additionally, a resident artist organizes weekly art classes.
Impact
The number of partners offering services at the EnVision Center continues to grow. In September 2024, RRHA welcomed Smart2Start as one of its newest on-site community partners. Established in 2020 by United Way of Roanoke Valley, Smart2Start provides childcare resources to families, including resources for early care, education opportunities, and eligibility for publicly funded programs.
Conclusion
The EnVision Center has successfully established itself as a hub for accessible resources, fostering community growth and empowerment. By offering a wide range of free services—from employment assistance to healthcare and financial wellness—the Center continues to bridge equity and opportunity gaps for Roanoke Valley residents.
For further insights and similar case studies, refer to "PHA Pathways for Advancing Equity," a report by the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC), a member of the HAI Group family of companies.
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