Radford’s SAVES program engages community leaders through powerful documentary screening

Radford University's Substance and Violence Education Support Services (SAVES) hosted a screening of the documentary "Inheritance" on July 29 in Kyle Hall.

The event was designed to spark conversation among community leaders around topics such as "families caught in cycles of poverty, intergenerational trauma, substance use disorder and Appalachia," said SAVES Assistant Director Cora Taylor '09, the event's organizer.

"Inheritance" follows the story of a young boy growing up surrounded by substance abuse and poverty in rural Appalachia. "The main character, Curtis, and his family reflect so many of the families I've had the honor of walking beside," said Taylor, a Giles County, Virginia, native who throughout her career has served individuals and families in the region. "Their stories are ones we so rarely see - yet they are all around us."

In addition to viewing the film, leaders gathered for the event engaged in earnest talks about the film's topics during expert panel discussions and break-out sessions.

"The day sparked conversation in each group and attendees were provided with the overall feedback of each group as well as their specific localities, identifying goals for the next six to 12 months as well as longer-term strategies," Taylor said.

SAVES, Taylor noted, received positive feedback about the event, which has prompted requests for at least three more "Inheritance" screenings throughout the New River Valley, one of which is scheduled as an event in partnership with Radford City and Pulaski County Public Schools as a next step in addressing community needs.

"I am proud to work for this university and for the community outreach we are working toward," Taylor said. "Radford University holds a unique opportunity to be a change catalyst for many of the families we serve in the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia. This was one small step in that direction of identifying needs, barriers and ways we as a community can support the thriving of all."

SAVES will also host a screening of the film on Sept. 5 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.

Radford's SAVES program works to reduce negative consequences related to substance use/misuse and/or violence through campus-wide initiatives that address these issues and promote student success.