Profiles of Service, Cheryl Evans '83

Cheryl Evans '83 - Roanoke, Virginia; Project Manager, Total Action For Progress Transitional Living Center

Cheryl has championed the homeless as project manager of TAP Transitional Living Center. For 25 years until its closing April 30, 2014, the center offered transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, providing intensive case management, life skills and other comprehensive services that move residents toward self-sufficiency, enabling them to transition back to permanent housing. Prior to her work at TLC, Cheryl served as a public housing manager for Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority for 10½ years and as a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and as a member of the City of Roanoke Youth Advisory Board. She is a graduate of the City of Roanoke Leadership College and the United Way Minority Leadership Enhancement Program.

"I've worked at TAP for the past eight years, overseeing a transitional homeless facility for individuals and families. TAP, the second largest community action agency in Virginia, provides services to help individuals and families at every stage of life."

"My daily duties operating the facility were varied, multifaceted and immense. I worked with participants who had multiple issues in addition to being homeless. Because of the longevity of their stay, I had an opportunity to impact the lives of these individuals. My life experiences allowed me to show them, through my leadership, that hope is real, second chances do happen and one can overcome obstacles through perseverance, faith and love."

"Roanoke College influenced my life by providing a broad range of challenging classes and opportunities to interact with students from various backgrounds. Looking back on my years as a Roanoke student, I believe that experience has allowed me to become, through practice, a resourceful, informed and responsible citizen."