Growing Together: Meet Those Making a Difference at West End Center

Growing Together: Meet Those Making a Difference at West End Center

At West End Center, our interns and college student volunteers play a vital role in the daily life of our programs. From supporting group activities like literacy time and homework help to joining students on the playground, they are fully engaged in creating a fun, supportive, and enriching environment. Each college student is also paired with one to two West End Center students each day, serving as a consistent, trusted presence—checking in, sharing snacks, sitting together during activities, and offering encouragement in areas where students may need extra support. Along the way, they also meet regularly with staff, building meaningful relationships with professionals in fields they may one day pursue.

This hands-on experience creates a powerful exchange: while our students benefit from individualized attention and mentorship, our interns gain real-world insight, skills, and connection to the community. As Executive Director Karen Pillis shares, “Our interns are not only enriching the lives of our students each day—they are also being enriched themselves. This shared experience strengthens our programs and creates a lasting impact that extends into our community and future workforce.”

This semester, we are proud to welcome two dedicated interns and one college student volunteer who are already making a meaningful impact in our programs.

Representing Hollins University, Virginia Western Community College, and Roanoke College’s Center for Civic Engagement, these individuals will be with us through the end of the school year, with the opportunity to continue into our summer program. Experiences like these often serve as a pathway to future careers in youth development—and even potential roles here at West End Center.
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Yoshmeek – Virginia Western Community College

Yoshmeek is currently studying Human Services at Virginia Western Community College and was drawn to West End Center by a desire to work closely with children. She is especially excited to experience students’ unique personalities and build lasting memories with them.

During her time here, Yoshmeek hopes to provide guidance, encouragement, and support—serving as another trusted adult who motivates students to reach their full potential. She understands that her presence can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

For Yoshmeek, this experience goes far beyond an internship. She describes West End Center as a “safe space and second home” for many students, and she is committed to building strong bonds and trust with each child she encounters. Her passion for helping youth continues to grow through this hands-on experience.

Fun fact: Yoshmeek is a big fan of cartoons and loves watching anime.

‍Leah – Roanoke College

Leah, a Psychology major at Roanoke College, is serving through the college’s Center for Civic Engagement. Her passion for working with children and supporting the Roanoke community led her to West End Center.

She is most excited to learn effective strategies like redirection to help students succeed both academically and emotionally. Leah brings a calm, positive energy and hopes to motivate students while helping them manage the stress that can come with school.

To Leah, working at West End Center means being part of a caring and supportive community. She values the opportunity to provide extra help to students who need it most while forming meaningful connections along the way.

Fun fact: Leah spent much of her childhood fostering kittens!

Erin – Hollins University

Erin is a Psychology major at Hollins University who was inspired to join West End Center because of its strong commitment to youth and community relationships. She is eager to gain hands-on experience working directly with students while learning from the dedicated staff around her.

Erin hopes to contribute patience, positivity, and meaningful support to every student she works with. She is passionate about creating an encouraging environment where young people feel safe and empowered to grow.

For Erin, being part of West End Center means contributing to a mission that uplifts youth and helps them thrive in a supportive space.

Fun fact: Erin enjoys making jewelry, especially earrings.

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Through their time at West End Center, these students are not only supporting our programs—they are building skills, relationships, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve a community. We are grateful for their commitment and excited to see the impact they will continue to make.