Empowering children and families in the East End of Richmond.

The Outreach Council has identified community partners with whom we live out our commitment to empower children and families in the East End of Richmond. Faithful service is more than charity; it is a commitment to come alongside others. Together, with God’s help, we can build up a city where all have what they need to live lives of joy, purpose, and peace.

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Events

Outreach Partners

Local

Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School (HMES)

An outreach partner for more than two decades, Henry Marsh empowers its students to be critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens. Named after the first African-American mayor of Richmond, this school serves amazing children who face real challenges, with 92% of the students classified as economically disadvantaged. Support this partnership by serving as a reading buddy or classroom assistant, or by helping with a special project like the annual Dessert Fair or the monthly Cadre Breakfast.

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Our newest outreach partner, the staff and teachers of MLK work ensure success for their students by creating an inquiry-based learning environment where they question and investigate the world around them. Middle school is a critical link between adolescence and young adulthood, where a ministry of presence makes all the difference. Current volunteer opportunities include male volunteers who support staff and assist students during class transitions and reading buddies for 6th graders. Volunteer opportunities start at one hour a week.

Armstrong Leadership Program (ALP)

ALP’s mission is to grow student leaders from Armstrong High School by helping them acquire skills in the areas of personal development, leadership, mentoring, post graduate preparation and cultural exposure. Armstrong High was founded in 1865 as the first school dedicated to freed African American students in Richmond. Located in the center of five public housing developments, ALP supports these youth so they can reach their potential and overcome adversity.
This program, run through Richmond Hill, is looking to grow. Mentor a student in the 9th through 12th grade. Commitment is two hours a month with a mentee for at least a year.

Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities (RISC)

RISC (riscrichmond.com) is a justice ministry organization of twenty-two congregations in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Founded in 2002 RISC uses the power of large numbers of people to hold public officials accountable and to solve critical community problems.
RISC follows a yearly process that focuses on building a justice ministry network in congregations. In the fall, Team Leaders host House Meetings to discuss community problems and engage participants. From November through March, Issue Committees are formed to conduct research into the problems, and ultimately come up with specific, winnable solutions. The Nehemiah Action Assembly is held in the spring, where thousands from the partner congregations gather to ask public officials to implement these solutions. After the Nehemiah Action, leaders follow up on the commitments made at the Action, and Network Members are invited to invest in RISC.

International

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

In the Summer of 2024, the Session identified Jewish Family Services (jfsrichmond.org) as the church’s international outreach partner to support their work with Ukrainian refugees displaced by war. JFS has helped more than 142 Ukrainian individuals and families settle in the Richmond area, regardless of their faith or financial situation.

Partnering with JFS’s refugee resettlement program offers a local outreach opportunity with international impact, building on the church’s history of responding to international crises through direct action and support.  

With no new Ukrainian refugees being admitted to the United States, this ministry has shifted to supporting the growth and development of those already in the Richmond area. Opportunities to serve involve hosting a monthly “Welcome to America” meeting at the church, providing career counseling, or joining the leadership team to provide overall support.

A New Beginning: How JFS Richmond Helped Liudmyla and Her Children Build a Life in America

Outreach Council Members:

Kayla Craddock, Moderator
Elizabeth Darling, Elder
Connie Gottwald
Correll Moore
Jim Purser
David Williams
Laura Wright

Staff

Rev. Derek Starr Redwine

Covenant Pastor for Discipleship

Carolyn Wright

Discipleship Coordinator