by Shawn Nowlin
At 510 11th Street in Roanoke resides the Hope Center, an independent community central ground run by and for the people. There, services such as clothing and food distributions, after-school programs for the youth and job readiness initiatives for adults are offered on a regular basis.
When Darlene Lewis, the Hope Center Executive Director, opened the doors in 2015, she envisioned one day expanding the facility. With just one room, the Center has served those in the community for roughly a decade. The aging facility needed some repairs and a better infrastructure.
Thanks to a combination of factors, most notably financial donations by Goodwill, the Buffalo Soldiers and TAP, the Hope Center was able to move into a building next door with ten rooms.
“The Hope Center has moved into its new location. To God be the glory! Thank you all for your help,” Lewis said. “We wrote the vision and God caused it to manifest. With his blessing, we will be able to finish what we started. The expansion will better serve the community at large.”
The Hope Center holds a special place in Jay Walker’s heart. When he was at his lowest, the Center was a place where he found refuge. “Many, myself included, have benefited tremendously from the Hope Center,” he said. “When I heard that they were expanding, I immediately reached out to see how I could get involved.”
Holly Augustine also knows what it’s like to be down on your luck. Speaking to that, she explained, “One of the best things that you can give people is hope. I love the city of Roanoke with a passion, and I know that sentiment is shared with countless others. Had it not been for selfless gestures from strangers at a time when I needed it the most, I very likely would not be here today.”
From the start, Lewis was 100 percent committed to doing whatever was required to make the expansion a reality.
“It was time. Helping the underserved is something we are all passionate about,” she said. “We intentionally remained on 11th Street because we believe this is where we were called to be. We are now able to service the community at an even greater capacity.”
In the coming weeks, the impact of the new building is really going to be felt. On her social media pages, Walker wrote, “I truly believe this is going to be a true game changer for so many people.”
To donate to the nonprofit and help in its mission contact the Hope Center at 540.293.5392 or paypal.me/hopecenter.
