Youth Services Initiative

Commitment to Youth


The City of Roanoke commits to serve as an advocate for the needs of all youth and their families with the objectives of positive youth development through the planning, collaboration, coordination and implementation of services. The City of Roanoke is focused on the following four key initiatives identified in the National League of Cities’ (NLC):


  1. A Financially Fit Family in Which to Thrive
  2. A Healthy Lifestyle and Environment
  3. A Safe Neighborhood to Call Home
  4. Opportunities to Learn and Grow
Launched in 2000, the Youth Education and Families (YEF) Institute is an entity within the NLC that recognizes the important role of Mayors, City Council Members, and other local leaders can play in strengthening families and improving outcomes for youth. The YEF institute focuses on five core program areas for youth engagement, including: early childhood development; education and after school; family and economic success; safety of children and youth; and youth development. Council Member Anita J. Price continues to work to enhance youth services in the City of Roanoke. 


View Youth Services Citizen Board Meeting Calendar


Development Areas



Early Childhood Development: Early Learning (0-8 years old)
Education & After School: After School Programs, High School Reform, K-12 School Improvement, Post Secondary Success
Family & Economic Success: Asset Building, Benefits for Working Families
Safety of Children & Youth: Gang Prevention
Youth Development: Children and Youth, Transitional Jobs, Young Men of Color, Youth Leadership, Youth Master Planning, and Youth Violence