WESLEY BELL, 35 / Program Director, Impact Living Services
After five years at Roanoke City Department of Social Services as a foster care worker, Wesley Bell began work for Impact Living Services in 2015. He has assisted in initiating programs throughout the state, including Lynchburg, Harrisonburg and Richmond, in addition to Roanoke. Going above and beyond to ensure the youth in our community are receiving the services they need for a successful transition into adulthood, Bell also celebrates their successes with them. In 2018, he hosted a graduation celebration for those youth who had graduated high school and received foster care services. He wants this to be an annual event in both Roanoke and Lynchburg. “My passion is focused on improving the future for youth aging out of foster care,” Bell says. “These youth can be a forgotten group, and I love being able to help them grow and develop into members of the Roanoke community. We are helping to mold the next generation of potential community leaders, business owners and advocates.”
- Alternate rep for Roanoke County FAP team
- Member of Beat Practices Committee
- Awarded Social Worker of the Year award, Roanoke DSS
From the Nomination: “Wes goes above and beyond to ensure the youth in our community are receiving the services they need to have a successful transition into adulthood. Wes truly cares for the youth he works with and has had lasting relationships with many of them, even after they have exited services. Wes is genuine, values integrity and is innovative.”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Bell: “I love the giving spirit of this city. Though my career has been centered around assisting others with difficult issues, grief and loss, and strained family dynamics, the people of this city never fail to meet the needs of others when asked.”
