Background of West End Center

In 1979, poverty, crime and drug trading characterized the West End and Hurt Park neighborhoods in Roanoke.  Vacant lots, abandoned buildings and rental property were widespread.  At that time, a number of children were wandering the streets without supervision and there was an increase in vandalism.  In response to these circumstances, West End Presbyterian Church, West End Methodist Church and the Mountain View Neighborhood Alliance formed a coalition to establish the West End Center as a safe haven for the neighborhood children.

Since that time, the West End Center has experienced tremendous growth, both in the number of children served and the available programs and services.  In 1988, the Tutoring Program, now the expanded Educational Services Program, was established.  In 1992, the Center moved from a house on 12th Street to 1226 Patterson Avenue.  And in 1993, recognizing the key role of parents in their children's lives, the Parents' Program was begun.

In 1996, West End Center purchased a second building that became the Teen Center.  At the same time, a Mental Health Program, the current Child and Family Care Program, was established.  In 2000 the Center purchased its final building, the former Villa Sorrento.  In 2001, recognizing the need to accommodate the increasing number of high school students at the West End Center, the Transition Program was established.  In 2002 a fully equipped computer lab was opened in a portable classroom donated by Roanoke City Schools and West End Center's Mentoring Program was launched.

Today, the West End Center serves 140 children each year who live in many of Roanoke's disadvantaged neighborhoods.  The goal of the program is to equip children with the developmental assets they need to become productive, responsible adults.  In order to accomplish this goal, West End Center offers a comprehensive program in accordance with the best practices in the field of youth development, community-wide needs research and the needs of the families served.

West End Center's staff, board of directors and corps of volunteers have had the privilege of participating in the growth and development of a number of fine young adults.  Some have enrolled their own children in the program.  Some have gone on to college.  Some have served in the armed forces.  Many are pursuing successful careers.  A few have even come back to work at the Center.

Each of these successful young people is a testament to the ability of this grassroots, community-based program, working in partnership with loyal supporters, to make a difference in the lives of young people.