History
The Peter Paul Development Center was founded by Mr. John Coleman in 1979. At that time, the Church Hill neighborhood faced below average income levels and high crime and drug use rates. Mr. Coleman provided a safe program for the youth in Church Hill to keep them away from drugs and criminal activity. Primarily, he sought to fortify and rebuild this community by strengthening its families.
The Center was a light under the leadership of Mr. Coleman. He had a heart for the community he served. Under his leadership, the Center was basically an activity facility. Seniors and youth would come to receive help with homework, financial assistance and participate in recreational activities. During this time, the Center was primarily supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and many generous individuals. John called himself a "bridge that linked" the East End with the West End. And he did share his passion for the children of this community throughout the City. Due to his tragic, untimely death, Mr. Coleman did not get the opportunity to devise a structured program with goals and objectives to accomplish. After his death, the Center came close to dying with its founder and leader. But, by the grace of God, the Center's life continued and the Board hired a new Executive Director.
In the late 1980's, the Center hired Mr. Grayland Crisp who formalized the programs and funding sources which allowed the Center to grow. Mr. Crisp developed the first structured program for youth that included academic tutoring, black history, computer skills and Bible study. Mr. Crisp went on to start a summer enrichment program at Collegiate Schools for inner city children. At that time, Reverend Sylvester Turner became Executive Director and continued program development. As many as 85% of the children that started in the program for ages 8-14 completed their time and continued to stay with the program for years. The Christmas Program also reached an all time high of assistance to 150 families. Under his leadership the Center became self-supporting and increased its budget while no longer receiving financial support from the Diocese. New positions were added such as the Youth Assistant for the Summer Program and a part-time Van Driver. After nine years of faithful service, Reverend Turner resigned from his position but today he is still supporting the Center's mission through spiritual enrichment of the youth in East End.
The Center has always been blessed with a caring staff; the Center's Program Director was hired to take over as Executive Director in 1998: the Reverend Darius Beechaum. The Center continued to grow and build relationships with the children and youth by adding the YEAP (Youth Empowering to Achieve Progress) Program to serve youth ages 14-18. Reverend Beechaum was instrumental in securing a state grant to start a Fatherhood Program, mentoring young men in responsibility and relationships with their children. After ten years with the Center, Reverend Beechaum resigned his position and the Board of Directors turned to former Board Member, The Reverend Lynne E. Washington.
Reverend Washington brings a unique perspective and vision relative to the history of the Peter Paul Development Center and what steps are necessary to ensure its future mission and financial stability. The Center's programs continue to be strong and growing. The programs have expanded through partnerships with the YMCA, St. Phillips Episcopal Church and with Grace and Holy Episcopal Church for additional off-site facilities with which to grow our influence.
Under the guidance and leadership of Reverend Washington, the Peter Paul Development Center continues to be of vital importance to the community, increasing the Center's physical capacity and presence by creating a new Center in the Peter Paul Community. Some of the needed spaces include: Classrooms, tutoring and computer spaces for the enhancement of the Center's education components.
The Peter Paul Development Center has numerous accomplishments but the greatest one of all is providing help and hope to the East End community for the last twenty-five years. The Peter Paul Development Center continues to look boldly towards the next twenty-five years to build this vital, holistic program.