This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Council of Community Services. The Council was formed in 1960 following the determination of a volunteer steering committee that the Roanoke Valley needed a comprehensive planning agency that would be concerned with the full range of social and civic problems.
The work of the Council is concentrated in three key areas where its efforts have the greatest impact: identifying community needs and solutions; connecting the community to programs; and launching new programs. Over the last 50 years, the Council has consistently provided leadership to organizations and individuals in the areas of planning, information, and referral services to improve the quality of life in the Roanoke Valley. Two words — “vision” and “planning” — are the guiding principles for the organization. Keeping these concepts in the forefront, the Council continues its tradition of being the region’s “agencies’ agency” providing support and technical assistance to social service and other related organizations that focus on addressing critical needs of our citizens. In order to effectively address those needs, the Council develops new programs and services, some of which remain under the Council’s umbrella, others are “launched” as independent organizations or as programs of other agencies.
Because the Council’s role is generally one of supporting and assisting other agencies and funding bodies, its own light is usually hidden under the proverbial basket. In this 50th anniversary year, the Council wishes to recognize the many volunteers that have served the community through the work of the Council, serving on the Council’s Board of Directors and the many committees and task forces that have worked over the years to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the Roanoke Valley as well as the southwest and central regions of the Commonwealth.
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Council of Community Services! May you continue to serve the Roanoke Valley and surrounding regions for many years into the future, as you have over the past 50 years.
Sincerely,
Rudy Austin
Co-Chair, 50th Anniversary Planning Committee
Shelby Hamlett
Co-Chair, 50th Anniversary Planning Committee
