Information & Resources
Useful, local information that is easy to find, easy to read and kept up to date.
Roanoke Valley · Southwest Virginia
Every path here leads to belonging.
We connect individuals with disabilities and their families to the people, resources and opportunities that make a community feel like home.
Free community magazine
Family-led, neighbor-powered
Proudly rooted in the Star City
What we do
Stronger communities start with meaningful connections.
Finding the right resource, activity or support can change a family's whole year. We make that search shorter, warmer and a lot less lonely.
Community Connections
Bringing families, organizations, providers and neighbors into the same room.
Inclusion & Belonging
More chances for everyone to take part, be known and feel welcome.
Awareness & Advocacy
Elevating voices, sharing stories and making our neighbors more visible.
A more inclusive community is built one connection at a time.
Our mission
Nobody should have to search this hard to feel included.
Southwest Virginia is full of people and programs doing remarkable work. Too often, the families who need them never hear about them.
The Common Connection closes that gap. We gather what is out there, tell the stories behind it, and put it in the hands of the people it was made for.
- Local resources and service highlights
- Inclusive and sensory-friendly events
- Adaptive recreation and community activities
- Stories that bring people together
Our work
Connection takes many forms.
Three community-led initiatives share information, highlight opportunity and build relationships.
A foundation initiative
Community Resource Magazine
A free print and digital publication with local resources, family stories, events and opportunities.
Read about the magazine
A signature initiative
Special Connections Roanoke
A community platform spotlighting services, inclusive events, programs and businesses across the Roanoke Valley.
Meet Special Connections
New
Resource Directory
Search programs, services and supports by need and by neighborhood, then save the ones that fit.
Search the directory
Year one, together
What your support sets in motion.
Our first-year goals. Every one of them is powered by donors, partners and volunteers.
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magazines in local hands
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resources listed and verified
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partner organizations
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inclusive community events
Stories
Connection, in their words.
Sample stories for layout
Family story
“We spent two years piecing things together by word of mouth. Seeing it all in one place felt like someone finally turned the lights on.”A Roanoke Valley familyParents and self-advocate
Belonging
“The best events are the ones where nobody has to ask whether they will be welcome. You just show up, and you already are.”A self-advocate from SalemEvent regular and volunteer
Adaptive recreation
“When families can find us, we can do what we do best. A single mention in the magazine filled our whole spring league.”An adaptive sports coachCommunity partner
Give
Be the reason a family finds what they were looking for.
Monthly giving keeps the magazine free, the directory current and the events open to everyone. Every gift is receipted for your tax records.
- One-time or recurring, cancel any time
- Instant tax receipt and year-end statement
Coming up
See every event
Come as you are.
Latest
All news and photos
News from the community.
Made possible by our founding sponsor
Milo Sweet Tea
Community partners keep every program free for families. There is room at the table for yours.
Become a partner