ROANOKE, Va. – A new virtual academy is helping Roanoke City students with their schoolwork and letting their parents get back to work. Youth Enrichment Services of Southwest Virginia, also called YES, launched during the pandemic thanks to CARES Act funding. It provides academic support for K-6th graders at four sites in the city, including at three public housing properties. That makes it easier for families without transportation to have access to the service. CEO Nicole Ross said that kids have had to deal with a lot of changes this past year and these centers provide children with the academic and social support they need.

ROANOKE, Va.. – Roanoke City Police officers dropped off donations at a new educational support center for students. Thursday, officers dropped off donations for Youth Enrichment Services of Southwest Virginia, which started during the coronavirus pandemic to help local parents get back to work. Officers dropped off boxes of donations filled with toys, toilet paper, snacks, water, cleaning supplies and a big TV. “I think it’s important that we come together as a community and be blessed together,” said Officer Briana Dickerson, with the Roanoke City Police Department. All the donations were provided by individuals and businesses in the community.