Over 250 people packed the hall at 1200 W. Washington St. to take part in Pathways’ Open House and Dedication Ceremony on April 6. The event attracted residents, donors, volunteers and city officials alike. As people were still arriving, the main hall was filled with the melodic sound of the Celestial Messengers, a local acapella ensemble. Dwala Ferrell, Executive Director of Pathways, told of the humble beginnings of the non-profit community development corporation, housed in a rented warehouse for the last eight years.

Now, with the help of volunteers and a capital campaign, Pathways has moved to its current home on Washington St. This former 1960s supermarket facility has been transformed into a centralized operational center for Pathways’ many community and neighborhood programs.

Roger L. Gregory, a federal judge on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, was guest speaker at the event. Judge Gregory is a Petersburg native and graduated with honors from Virginia State University. Other speakers included Petersburg Mayor Annie Mickens, Delegate Rosalyn Dance and Pathways’ first YouthBuild GED recipient Taquita Williamson. After the ribbon was cut, the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School Jazz Ensemble played standards while attendants took self-guided tours of the new facility.

Boasting two classrooms, an arts center, computer lab, free specialty clinic, resource center, multi-purpose community room, construction lab, commercial kitchen and administrative offices, the new operational center will enhance Pathways’ capacity for Building Lives and Awakening Hope in Petersburg.

For more information, call 804-862-1104 ext. 301.