Community outreach center opens in Roanoke in response to violence

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - A new community outreach center has officially opened in Roanoke in an effort to curb violence in the city.

The center is located at Paradise Cathedral Church in the Melrose neighborhood.

It's outfitted with computers and high-speed internet for research, a workout room, and even a kitchen.

The pastor at Paradise says the hope is to provide a place for young men and women to productively spend their time.

"There was too many brilliant minds in this community, and in this neighborhood, that needed just a little push and needed something to look forward to to help them to reach some of the goals that they have in their hearts," said Bishop Joseph Mayo.

"It should have a good effect, because you have positive people and positive things going on, and you are who you surround yourself with," said Melvin Davis, who lives nearby and was one of the first to put the center to use.

The center will be open Monday through Friday from 1 to 3pm, and next month will start being available after school from 4 to 8 pm.

The church is looking for donors for the program.

If interested, you can call (540) 344-3634, or stop by at 1301 Melrose Ave. NW.