The Advancement Foundation works to lead community wide social change by improving the lives of the underprivileged. The Advancement Foundation (TAF) is a multifaceted organization that implements a unique approach, to break the cycle of poverty. First, we provide strategic support to existing non-profits to ensure that they sustain, grow, and continue to be an available service to the underprivileged in our community. The Foundation collaborates with various human services agencies and business partners, to teach life skills for overcoming poverty while empowering the poor with training and support. TAF also aids individuals, through action-oriented programming. LEAP (Lift Educate Advocate Proclaim) is an 8-week program which empowers economically disadvantaged individuals by helping them achieve both personal and professional satisfaction and success. LEAP participants are motivated by a desire to build marketable skills and break the cycle of poverty. The Advancement Foundation offers them hope, the chance to change, and empowers self-reliance. As an organization we are working to end homelessness and poverty in the Roanoke Valley through comprehensive and lasting change. Total hopelessness is a feeling that no individual should face, yet without the opportunity for improvement or growth, it is the situation many find themselves. This is why the Advancement Foundation resources and offers numerous outlets for participants to develop their skills.