The United Way has announced the merger of Trust House and Bethany Hall, two iconic Roanoke Valley nonprofits which are now programs under the new organization ARCH.
With a vision of providing support to clients with the goal of leading independent, productive, healthy lives, ARCH stands for Advocate, Rebuild, Change and Heal.
Along with support from both boards of directors a conversation began more than a year ago as to how both organizations could align under a shared vision to better serve the Roanoke Valley.
When United Way was approached by the leadership of these organizations, as a result of their long-standing partnership, it was clear that this was a great opportunity to strengthen both organizations and position them to better serve the Roanoke Valley, both now and in the future.
“When two organizations that both do great work choose to align their resources to improve efficiency it’s better for everyone. The merger will improve internal operations; expand service capacity and create an integrated, cross-functional approach to provide housing and recovery services to Roanoke Valley residents—all things that United Way values in our investments.” said United Way President and CEO Afira DeVries.
Under the new organizations structure, made effective in January of 2016, Trust House and Bethany Hall will continue to function as programs of ARCH, operating in Old Southwest. Ali Hamed-Moore who served as Executive Director of Trust House will continue as Executive Director of ARCH.
“We have come together to form ARCH for an incredibly important reason: to have an impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Hamed-Moore. “From teaching a new mother the importance of fighting her addiction so that she can be there for her child to finding a place for a combat veteran to call home, ARCH is here to make a difference in the Roanoke Valley.”