ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Community meetings in Roanoke this past week have helped to raise awareness about challenges people are facing. Job opportunities for young adults was one concern, some said part of the problem appears to be a disconnect between city leaders and millennials.
31 year old Willie Harris said finding quality jobs for people his age, who may not have degrees or have had run-ins with police, can be a challenge.
"People say they want to put people to work but you go and you've made a mistake in your life and it's hard to get a job that is a good paying job," said Harris.
When work is available, some parents said a lack of experience is an obstacle for young adults.
"My major concern is that a lot of the jobs here in Roanoke are looking for experience," said parent Tracey Brookins. "But if they don't give the young people an opportunity how will they get the experience they need?"
City leaders said events and community meetings help shed light on community concerns but often times the voices of millennials are missing.
"I go to a lot of neighborhood meetings and it's mostly older people,' said City Council member John Garland. "We need to learn how to engage the younger community, get involved with activities that the young people are at."
A group called Community Cultivators is using flyers and social media to inform millennials about events such as the job fair happening this weekend on Melrose Avenue. Some said communication is key to closing the disconnect between city resources and younger generations.
"It all starts with understanding and communication," said Garland. "If we are not engaging the young people where they are at then we've missed an opportunity."
Harris went into business for himself. About a year ago, he opened 1st Down Restaurant and Sports Lounge in Roanoke. He hopes his success story shows others that opportunities exist in Roanoke.
For information about job training, employment opportunities and others resources available in the Roanoke Valley:
TAP
https://www.tapintohope.org/
Small Business Development Center
http://www.rrsbdc.org/