Thanks in large part to a grant from the James A. Meador Foundation, CHIP of Roanoke Valley, which addresses the health care needs of Pre-K youngsters who come from lower income families, has been able to acquire a second building that will enable it to expand services.
The new building, located at 1215 3rd Street, is right next door to the current home for CHIP. “We’ve got some volunteers that are going to put a little path between the two buildings,” said CEO Robin Haldiman.
Dermatology Associates moved out of that space for a larger building in the area and informed CHIP that the property would be vacant.
Outpatient counseling services for parents and play therapy for the young children CHIP serves now are located in the new building; they cut the ribbon last week. “We’re so excited to be able to expand our services,” said Haldiman, “we have so many mothers and fathers who are dealing with untreated depression. Now we’re going to be able to help them.”
That means whether or not they have insurance, adds Haldiman, “and it’s going to help their parenting… [it’s] preventive services. By helping the parent we’re going to help that child.”
The Childhood Health Investment Partnership – CHIP – was originally created by TAP and then was spun off. Haldiman said expanding was part of a long term strategic plan for about 8 years and was talked about “very seriously” for the past two years.
The older CHIP facility is the James A. Meador Building; the new one is named for his brother – the Smyth M. Meador Building. “This charity was very, very dear to them … I’m just so grateful,” said Haldiman.
Another grant has allowed CHIP to set up a play therapy room where art and books will help draw youngsters out. Music therapy could be offered down the road. Haldiman and her staff were putting the finishing touches on the interior and the landscaping outside just before they cut the ribbon last week.
By Gene Marrano
