Power in Partnership: VCU and Peter Paul Explore a Shared Vision
“How are we not just providing services but are building opportunities?”
That question, voiced during a collaborative roundtable, set the tone for a powerful Lunch and Learn event hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Community Engagement and the Peter Paul Development Center. Held at Peter Paul, the gathering brought together VCU faculty and staff, Peter Paul board members, and team members for an afternoon of reflection and collaborative planning.
The event aimed to strengthen the university’s connection with the East End community through place-based partnership and to explore new ways of supporting Richmond’s East End.
Peter Paul’s Mission in Action
Peter Paul’s framework—to educate the child, engage the family, and empower the community—was brought to life through a facility tour and a spotlight presentation led by CEO Corey Taylor, Family and Community Engagement Manager Tasha Moore, and Director of Philanthropy Megan Miller.
Serving more than 130 students in grades 1 through 12 through its out-of-school time and summer programs, Peter Paul is a cornerstone for youth and families in the East End.
In addition to academic enrichment, Peter Paul offers youth and family engagement programming, community events, food distribution, and opportunities for seniors aged 55+ to engage in new experiences while improving their quality of life. The center also facilitates a bi-monthly Community Action Network to connect neighbors and community members with resources that support various social determinants of health to foster thriving communities in East End and beyond.
Collaboration with VCU
The partnership between Peter Paul and VCU is multifaceted, rooted in shared goals and a commitment to long-term relationship-building. Through the Mary and Frances Youth Center, Peter Paul youth attend after-school programs one day each week and are looking forward to summer camp. The Richmond Youth Development Network, housed at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, provides professional development for adults who work with youth, several of whom are also Peter Paul staff. The Health Hub at 25th, another VCU initiative, partners with Peter Paul on health education, awareness, and communications to benefit local families.
“This work is about bridging the gap between VCU and the community,” said one attendee. “We have the same goals—we are just coming at it from different places. We need to connect more intentionally.”
Shared Themes and Honest Dialogue
Following a tour and presentation of Peter Paul and the current partnerships in place with VCU, participants joined breakout sessions to identify key challenges and shared goals. The discussion was honest and energizing, surfacing both opportunities and barriers.
Key themes included:
- Building Trust: Community members voiced appreciation for the university’s presence, while asking how it is truly helping the community in sustainable, measurable ways.
- Youth Opportunity Gaps: Issues around college readiness, workforce development, and representation were front and center. A need was expressed for more intentional career exposure for Richmond youth so they see not only a pathway to college but also careers in fields like medicine, engineering, technology, and the arts.
- Workforce Development and Volunteer Opportunities Peter Paul staff discussed the opportunities for VCU students, faculty and staff to engage through volunteer opportunities as well as workforce development pathways for part-time and full-time positions for VCU students and recent graduates.
- Professional Development: Attendees emphasized the need for clearer pathways for educators to access continuing education credits and leadership development opportunities. They also highlighted the importance of internal professional development that equips staff with the knowledge and tools to design strategic plans grounded in best practices for youth and family engagement.
- Asset-Based Youth Programs: The conversation emphasized shifting away from “fixing” students, parents, or community members, towards offering dynamic programs, opportunities, or initiatives that build on communal strengths and aspirations.
“The youth are not asking for things—they are asking for opportunities,” one participant reflected.
Moving Forward Together
The meeting concluded with a collective call to action. Participants’ ideas were collected and will be used to shape a follow-up initiative, focusing on top community-prioritized goals. Some proposed next steps included:
- Creating a VCU “communications tree” to streamline access to university contacts and programs
- Categorizing VCU’s community resources for more straightforward navigation and connection
- Utilizing and potentially developing more volunteer and service-learning opportunities that address real community needs
- Bringing VCU students and faculty directly to Peter Paul to lead workshops and career-focused activities
- Creating pathways for VCU students to become aware of work-study opportunities as well as full-time employment opportunities
By listening, sharing power, and building together, both organizations hope to co-create initiatives that are community-driven, mutually beneficial, and deeply impactful.
A Reflective and Energizing Gathering
The tone of the event was described by attendees as “inspiring, reflective, robust, and raw.” It was a space for truth-telling and strategic thinking, driven by mutual respect and shared commitment.
As one participant noted, “The community is glad we are here, but wants to know how we are really helping.” This Lunch and Learn was an important step in answering that question with transparency and action.
Learn more about Peter Paul Development Center at peterpaulrva.org
Explore VCU’s Division of Community Engagement at community.vcu.edu
If you’re interested in getting greater connected to the afterschool department and support with students specifically, reach out to Director of Education Sharon Burton, [email protected].
If you’re interested in getting greater connected to supporting families, East End neighbors, or the larger community engagement opportunities, reach out to the Director of Family & Community Engagement Director Tasha Moore, [email protected]