Strengthening Communities: RRHA’s ROSS Program Partners With House of Bread
In January 2025, RRHA’s ROSS Program Coordinators, Letia Harris and Denise White, partnered with House of Bread, a Roanoke Valley-based organization dedicated to empowering under-resourced women seeking a fresh start. For the first time, this partnership brought House of Bread’s transformative sessions to Bluestone Park, providing RRHA residents with hands-on training, personal development opportunities, and essential job skills.
Six RRHA residents enrolled in the program, committing to six weeks of intensive learning and mentorship. Each participant was paired with a mentor who provided guidance in setting personal goals. In addition, participants had access to emotional and spiritual support throughout the program. They also received the resources needed to earn ServSafe and/or manager certification, enhance their customer service skills, and participate in mock interviews to prepare for future employment.
To further support participants, the program offered a stipend of $300, distributed in weekly $50 installments for those who attended both sessions, actively participated, and met with their mentors. Stipends were issued via money orders with assistance available to ensure residents could cash or deposit them without penalties or fees.
After weeks of dedication and hard work, the students successfully completed the program, culminating in a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, March 5th, at West End Presbyterian Church and as a special touch, the graduates prepared a celebratory lunch for their friends and family.
“RRHA’s partnership with House of Bread has, by far, been one of the most impactful and empowering experiences. This program represents and embodies the true definition of “community.” The levels of growth and development that these women take away from the program in just six weeks is unmatched to none,” said Letia Harris, ROSS Program Coordinator of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
The House of Bread Program is open to all community members and will offer another session this coming spring. To learn more about this impactful initiative, visit www.houseofbreadroanoke.com or follow them on Facebook at House of Bread Roanoke for updates on upcoming enrollment opportunities.
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