💖 Celebrating Black History & Love This February at West End

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February 2025

February at West End Center:

A Month of Learning & Looking Ahead

As February comes to a close, we're reflecting on the exciting learning experiences and celebrations our students have enjoyed this month!

Read on for updates, upcoming events and ways to stay involved.

Celebrating Black History Month

At West End Center, we believe in the power of learning from the past to shape a brighter future. This month, our students engaged in interactive Black History Month activities, including:

📖 Learning about influential Black leaders–past and present–who have made a lasting impact.

🎨Creating art inspired by Black artists and historical figures.

📚 Reading books by Black authors and discussing themes of resilience, innovation and community.

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home! Looking for great books to share? Here are a few student favorites:

📌Sit In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down, by Andrea Pinkney

📌Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of Vocal Virtuosa, by Andrea Pinkney

📌Champion: The Story of Muhammad Ali, by Jim Haskins

The Heart of West End: Volunteer Spotlight

Get To Know Shea Jessee

Originally from Alexandria, VA, Shea Jessee (Mrs. Shea) has called Roanoke home since 1989. For the past two years, she has been a dedicated volunteer at the West End Center, giving her time twice a week—including during the summer months.

She first learned about the Center through a colleague while working at Presbyterian Community Center (PCC). Knowing she wanted to spend her extra time helping children, she quickly found a perfect fit in our community.

With years of experience raising her daughter and three stepdaughters, Shea was looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged after retiring and as her husband approached retirement as well.

Volunteering at the Center has become a fulfilling way to spend her afternoons. She loves the energy and enthusiasm of the children and enjoys seeing how much they appreciate having caring adults around. Outside of volunteering, Shea enjoys sewing, exercising, and reading.

We are so grateful for her kindness, dedication, and the warmth she brings to the West End Center!

Inspired by Shea's story? You can make a difference, too!

Volunteers like Shea are the heart of the West End Center, helping kids learn, grow, and thrive every day. Whether it’s homework help, summer programs, or sharing a special skill, there’s a place for you here.

Become a Volunteer

Support West End Center:

Every Gift Makes a Difference!

West End Center has provided a safe, enriching space for children to learn, grow, and thrive for 45 years–but we can't do it without your support!

Your donation helps up provide:

🍎 Academic support to help our students reach their full potential

🎨 Enrichment activities like music, dance, art and STEAM projects

⚽ Health and wellness programs including fitness and sports

❤️ A nurturing environment where students receive mentorship, encouragement and a sense of belonging

Ways to Give:

💻Online: bit.ly/WECDonate

📬By Mail: PO Box 4562 Roanoke, VA 24015

📦In-Kind Donations: We also welcome supplies! Contact us for a current wishlist.

Upcoming Events

🌷 Spring Bling 2025: Tickets Coming Soon!🌷

Save the Date! Our annual Spring Bling gala is set for Sunday, May 4, at Hotel Roanoke, featuring a fashion show, brunch and silent auction–all in support of our students. ️Tickets will be available soon!

💎We Need Your Help to Make Spring Bling a Success!💎

There are so many ways to be part of this special day:

✨Volunteers: From setup to event-day support, we welcome extra hands to bring Spring Bling to life!

🎁Auction Item Donors: Have a business or a special item to contribute? Popular items include gift cards, unique experiences, artwork, themed baskets and more.

🤝Event Sponsors: Local businesses and individuals can sponsor different aspects of the event, helping us raise even more for our programs.

📧 Interested? Reach out to Mia Sappingfield HERE to sign up or learn more!