Meet Joe
I am a member of the Roanoke City Council and a Chaplain at Hermitage Roanoke, a senior living community in NW Roanoke. I’m a parent and grandparent and care deeply about the children and families in our community, including safe affordable housing, access to health care, education, employment and healthy food.
What strengths did you observe in the family?
I observed an extraordinary and energetic dynamic between the great grandmother and the great granddaughter who lives with her and whom she cares for. The child was excited about her day at school, seeing and embracing the CHIP case worker, receiving a new book which they read together and enjoying an activity that engaged the child’s curiosity and thought process. The great grandmother was able to share the good news that her great granddaughter had been accepted into kindergarten, having been accessed at a developmentally strong level. The conversation between the three was always positive, educational, caring and loving. It was a pleasure to see and experience.
What did you learn from family?
The great grandmother deeply loves her great granddaughter and has created a lovely, safe and comfortable living environment in which the child is thriving. The fact that she is willing to provide all of this for her great granddaughter is a testament to her loving, compassionate character and her desire to see her great granddaughter grow up in a healthy, loving environment.
What were your takeaways?
The CHIP case worker has established a caring and empowering relationship with this family. They look forward to her visits with excitement and always feel encouraged. Practical information is shared, through an interactive and conversational approach. While this family lives in a safe, well cared for property, many CHIP families do not and it essential that our city work to increase safe and affordable housing for vulnerable families.