On the first day of school last week, it was the first time in over two decades for Karen Pillis not to have a child in Roanoke City Public Schools. Or, as one friend of Karen’s put it, for there not to be a child born to Karen and Lewis Pillis in those hallways. Because …
Parenting is tough! With school back in session, you may breathe a sigh of relief as your routine returns. But you’re also facing mornings struggling to get out the door, afternoons rushing to finish homework, and evenings urging little ones to get some shut eye. Is this starting to wear you down? Do you and …
“Stand in the light.” Those were the words of Sharon Thacker, our President and CEO, after the tragedies of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville last year. Last weekend, Unite the Right 2 was shut down in DC by people who do just that. People who stand in the light, who keep fighting even …
As I write this, I am observing Audra Moore in her element. She’s standing in the lobby, talking with a client, and empathy is just pouring out into the room. Her personality and affect are perfect for her position. She’s empathetic but firm in her decisions and consistent in her advice. Audra works in our …
Chef T is a long-time friend of Family Service and former Hell’s Kitchen runner up. She works hard to make sure more people know the importance of treating mental health. At it again, she chose Family Service as the beneficiary organization for her participation in the August 19 Beer vs Wine vs Cider vs Mead …
On our website, a new look means a continued focus on meeting community needs. People struggling with day-to-day challenges need a place to turn when it all gets too much to handle alone. You should have a place to turn, and know how to find information for yourself, friends or family members when needed. As …
When you support a cause, you aren’t always aware of the background work needed to keep the cause alive. People like Star Mays do the behind-the-scenes work to help keep Family Service in the business of restoring hope. As a Human Resources (HR) and Administrative Specialist, Star gracefully handles payroll and all other benefits for …
It would be difficult to look back over news headlines in the last couple of months and not see information about recent suicides, including those of well-known celebrity figures. These recent losses, including the losses of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, have sparked further conversation about how best to help those struggling to manage mental …
Megan Huffman loves one other thing as much as she loves working with kids through Family Service—unicorns. You heard me right, she loves working with kids as much as she loves unicorns. And she loves unicorns a lot! In fact, her favorite quote is “always be yourself unless you can be a unicorn, then always …
Children have a lot to learn in school. Sometimes, the life skills needed for them to succeed outside of school aren’t taught. That’s why the years immediately following high school can be some of the most emotionally difficult for young adults. Traditional subjects are important, but I am going to list seven other subjects …
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