November 28, 2007
Neighborhood Resource Center reaches out to all
People of all ages can take advantage of the resources that Fulton Hill’s Neighborhood Resource Center offers. Activities range from art, ballet and modern dance, to tutoring sessions, computer basics and General Education Diploma classes. Most programs are free and are run by community volunteers.
According to the NRC’s Web site, the center’s programs and opportunities focus on four main areas of learning and experiences:
- Education and culture
- Community organizing
- Community employment training
- Community health
The center’s staff includes seven individuals who come from various backgrounds and training. They all seem to have one thing in common — helping children in the community.
“The kids just keep coming back,” says Penelope Ferris, program coordinator.
Ferris is also a social worker and has a passion for helping people. “We constantly see the same faces, and the kids seem to enjoy all the programs and resources that are available.”
Breon Tyler, a 24-year-old graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, volunteers her time to teach the art program every Monday.
“I want to be a positive influence,” Tyler said.
She starts her class by letting the children brainstorm art ideas, and when they come to an agreement, they execute. “A lot of schools don’t provide art classes,” Tyler said. “I want them to be able to express themselves.”
Tyler and other staff members are concerned about the youth and their development. She believes that the period before adolescence is a critical moment in children’s lives. “Children may get jaded or tainted by social influences,” Tyler said.
The NRC was founded in 2002 by Mary Lou Decossaux, now the co-executive director. She and neighbors saw potential in an old post office and decided it could be used for the good of the Fulton Hill community. Two years later, the building was purchased with contributions from Richmond foundations, individuals and businesses, and proceeds from special events.
According to the Web site, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 388, worked side by side with community volunteers to renovate the center and establish a classroom, a library, office, recording studio and a large meeting room. A second phase of renovations is underway to establish a kitchen and natural foods café.
The Neighborhood Resource Center always seeks volunteers. The NRC needs volunteers to help with graphic design, Web site construction, administrative support, fundraising, booking cultural events, café renovation and volunteer coordination.
The Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton Hill is a grass-roots, nonprofit organization that relies on charitable donations. To donate, you can:
- Visit www.nrccafe.org/donate.
- Mail your donation to Neighborhood Resource Center, 1519 Williamsburg Road, Richmond, Va. 23231.
- E-mail the NRC at nrc1@comcast.net.
- Contact the center at (804) 864-5797.
Chanelle Green is a journalism student at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Great article, Chanelle! The NRC needs volunteers to help with the garden, after-school programs volunteers and tutors. If you’re interested in working with kids one-on-one in the afternoons, call the NRC at 864-5797.