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ELEVATING

LIVES & IMPROVING

EDUCATION.

Investing in our youth and families today while fostering tomorrow's leaders and innovators, ensuring a vibrant, sustainable East End community for generations to come.

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WHAT WE DO

Peter Paul RVA offers a full range of programs and services to fulfill Peter Paul’s mission: to support the neighbors of the East End and educate its students, equipping them to serve as positive contributors to their family, community and society.

EDUCATE THE CHILD

We build students’ academic skills, confidence, and emotional intelligence through after school and summer programs tailored to students’ needs,

PREPARE

ENGAGE THE FAMILY

We partner with families through targeted programs, events, advocacy, and community outreach, fostering strong connections among parents, caregivers, teachers, and schools.

SUPPORT

EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY

We collaborate with a range of mission-aligned partners to deliver comprehensive programs and services that support older adults, teens, and families in Richmond's East End.

CONNECT

April 30th, 2026, 5pm - 8pm
The Hippodrome Theater

OUR IMPACT

145

K-12 students enrolled in our after-school programs.

Learn about our after-school and summer programs >>

100% (elementary and youth) participate in at least one enrichment activity.

92%

of high school students felt confident about their future.

Learn about our career and workforce development program >>

22

students benefited from 1:1 math or reading buddies.

Learn about our academic support system >>

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YOUR CONTRIBUTION MATTERS

Peter Paul RVA depends on community volunteers and contributions in order to continue our important mission in the East End of Richmond. We have a variety of roles and needs to fit your skills and interests.

GIVE

VOLUNTEER

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

LATEST FROM INSTAGRAM

@PETERPAULRVA

A powerful moment during our Purple with a Purpose program connected Richmond’s East End history with its present and future, as Peter Paul sixth grader Noah Dengal took the historic Hippodrome stage alongside his Music Orchard Richmond (@music.orchard.richmond) teacher Ron Fix.

Peter Paul student, Nasir Arthur, an 8th grader at Franklin Military Academy, performs Langston Hughes's poem "Freedom" at the Hippodrome Theater during Purple with a Purpose: Harlem Nights on April 30, 2026.

A little trip back in time to the Harlem Renaissance at Purple with a Purpose 2026.

💜 Thank you for an unforgettable night! 💜

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Hippodrome for Purple With a Purpose: Harlem Nights last night. Your presence, generosity, and enthusiasm helped turn a beautiful evening into meaningful support for our students and programs. From bidding in the silent auction and playing games to dancing, celebrating, and making gifts, every action contributed to a shared purpose.

We are deeply thankful for our student performers who bravely shared their talents, reminding us why this work matters, and to all who came ready to cheer them on. Heartfelt thanks as well to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and committee members whose hard work and planning ensured the event ran smoothly and successfully.

Last night was a vivid reminder of the vibrancy, creative power, and generosity of this community, and of what we can accomplish together in support of our young people.

Special thanks to the Hippodrome Theatre for hosting us and setting the perfect tone for an evening centered on impact and possibility.

We’ll be sharing more moments and gratitude from the night in the days ahead.

You can find more photos from the event on our flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCSGkQ

Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day!

Today we’re saying a huge thank you to the incredible drivers at Peter Paul who keep our community moving. From picking students up at school and dropping them off safely right at their doors, to transporting kids and older adults to programs and activities across Richmond, your care and dedication never go unnoticed.

You do so much more than drive. You offer friendly hellos, helping hands, and listening ears.

We are grateful for the vital role you play in connecting our students and older adults to opportunity, enrichment, and community.

Thank you for all you do!

💜 It’s Time to Bid with a Purpose! 💜

The Purple with a Purpose: Harlem Nights Silent Auction is live online and open for bids! Scroll the photos to see highlights from this year’s curated collection of incredible experiences, local treasures, and exclusive offerings, generously donated to support children and families in Richmond’s East End.

Even if you can’t join us at the Hippodrome next Thursday, you can still support our mission by bidding on your favorites.

✅ Registering to bid in the auction is easy:
1️⃣ Click to register: https://givebutter.com/c/purplewithapurpose26/auction
2️⃣ Check your email for a verification link from Givebutter
3️⃣ Click the link to finalize your account

🗓 Auction closes April 30 at 7:00 PM

Want to join us in person?

There’s still time to purchase tickets or reserve a table! Put on your purple cocktail attire (or optional 1920s flair) and join us at The Hippodrome on April 30 for an unforgettable evening featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, games, a photobooth, a wine pull, and more.

Tickets and tables are available at this link: https://www.peterpaulrva.org/events

We can’t wait to celebrate with you, and thank you for bidding with purpose!

We’re so grateful for our incredible admin team!

Everyone who walks through the doors of Peter Paul is warmly greeted by Andrea Trent Johnson, holding down our front desk while also providing vital support to teams across the organization, making sure that everyone, from students to older adults, feels welcomed and supported.

Behind the scenes, LaAngela Wood and Brittany Jackson work tirelessly to ensure logistics for programs and events run smoothly, bringing energy, dedication, and humor to our offices.

Your care makes a meaningful difference for our entire community. Thank you for all you do, today and every day! 💜

Big congratulations to our Philanthropy Coordnator, Kristen King!

Kristen has been selected for the Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship through AFP, Central Virginia Chapter a program dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in philanthropy.

We’re so proud and grateful to have Kristen on our team to help us advance fundraising approaches that better reflect and serve our East End community.

#InclusiveFundraising #EquityInPhilanthropy #NonprofitProfessionals #AFPCentralVA #Philanthropy

This week we’re celebrating our amazing after-school professionals and teachers at Peter Paul!

Thank you for inspiring our students, encouraging their curiosity, and supporting their academic and emotional growth long after the school day ends. You make a lasting difference in our students’ lives, and we’re so lucky to have you!

#AfterSchoolProfessionalsWeek #AfterSchoolMatters #ThankYouTeachers #PeterPaulRVA #CommunityStrong #YouthDevelopment

"You've got it. Keep going. Don't give up!"

Listen to Peter Paul’s New Gen Coordinator, Ms. Tierra, encouraging our youngest spring break camper after his foot slips off the rock: “One more time.”

He steps back up and tries again.

Support like this from mentors and teachers helps kids build the resilience they’ll need to persevere and overcome challenges throughout their lives.

We are excited to share that DJ Duffy (@iamdjduffy) will serve as DJ and MC at our annual signature fundraising event, Purple with a Purpose: Harlem Nights, on April 30 at The Hippodrome Theater (@hippodromerva).

You still have time to purchase a ticket and join us in support of East End students and families.

Dress in purple cocktail attire or 1920s‑inspired style for an unforgettable evening evoking the Harlem Renaissance that will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, games, a photo booth, a wine pull, and a silent auction. You’ll also enjoy performances by our Peter Paul students that echo the spirit of the Jazz Age, along with remarks from guest speaker Delegate Rae Cousins.

Purple with a Purpose is more than a celebration; it’s a chance to change lives.

Purchase your tickets or reserve a table at this link: https://www.peterpaulrva.org/events

"You've got it. Keep going. Don't give up!"

Support from After School Program teachers and mentors enables our students to reach new heights.

The third and final day of Spring Break Camp required New Gen middle and high school students to use the confidence they built on the ropes course to scale the rock walls at Peak Experiences Indoor Rock Climbing Center (@peakexperiences), where they learned climbing techniques, practiced safety skills, and experienced the thrill of pushing beyond their comfort zones to accomplish their goals.

Experiences like this help children and teens build resilience and remind them that they are part of a trusted community that is here to help them overcome challenges.

Day 2 of our Spring Break Camp, New Gen middle and high school students strapped into safety gear and scaled the ropes course at Collegiate School (@collegiaterva)!

As the challenges grew more demanding, students leaned into communication, patience, and trust, cheering each other on and offering support every step of the way.

We are grateful to our community partners for opening doors to experiences and spaces students in the East End don’t always have access to, and to the donors whose support allows us to offer enriching, out‑of‑school‑time programs.

Peter Paul CEO Corey Taylor (@coreyt33) and Chief Development Officer Megan Miller (pictured with @cchampion10) were honored today to join many area nonprofits who also were fortunate enough to receive grants from Dominion Energy (@dominionenergy) in their most recent cycle to support their work.

Dominion Energy Foundation President, Hunter Applewhite, welcomed grant recipients to a luncheon at the new CarMax Park (@carmaxpark).

A huge thank you to Dominion for their continued support.

Our three-day Spring Break Camp for New Gen middle and high school students was filled with fun, physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth.

Day one featured a rigorous hike through Richmond’s Forest Hill Park (@foresthillpark), known for its wooded trails, rolling hills, and wetlands. Students explored creeks, observed plants and animals native to the park, and learned more about Richmond’s natural environment (and their connection to it) before sharing a picnic lunch.

Programs like our Spring Break Camp and our upcoming Summer Promise Academy build students' confidence, communication skills, and resilience during out-of-school time while giving them opportunities to explore new parts of Richmond, deepen their connection to the community, and expand their sense of possibility.

See more photos from Spring Break Camp on our Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCQYf4

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (@visartsrva) welcomed the Older Adults who traveled to view the exhibit “State of Flux." The visit offered Older Adults an opportunity to explore contemporary art while reflecting on the themes of change, transformation and personal expression.

Participants took part in a hands‑on art activity inspired by the artwork they had seen. The group was guided by Justice Dwight (@justicedwight), one of the exhibit’s featured artists who is pictured with the Older Adults and their completed projects.

This visit blended observation, creativity, and conversation, allowing participants to connect art with their lived experiences.

Thank you to our valued partner, VCU Health (@vcuhealth) for bringing the “Be a Smart Stroke Champion” Workshop to the Older Adults at Peter Paul.

Participants learned how to recognize the warning signs of stroke, understand personal risk factors, and take steps to reduce stroke risk through healthy lifestyle choices. Attendees also received guidance on prevention, treatment options, and supporting loved ones who may experience a stroke.

The workshop is part of the Adult Learning Series, sponsored by the Richmond Office on Aging and Disability and the City of Richmond’s Department of Social Services, which is designed to support lifelong learning, health awareness, and independence among Older Adults.

The Older Adults felt energized by their visit to the Black Family Wellness Expo, sponsored by the Commonwealth, James River, and The Links, Inc. (@richmondvalinks).

Participants had the opportunity to take part in important health screenings, including blood pressure checks. In addition to wellness resources, Older Adults enjoyed a full day of activities, including lunch, games, and line dancing.

Events like the Black Family Wellness Expo highlight the importance of caring for both the body and spirit, and our Older Adults truly made the most of the experience.

Before the break, thirteen students took the stage for Music Orchard Richmond's (@music.orchard.richmond) Winter Semester Concert at Peter Paul, including several who performed in front of an audience for the first time.

Elizabeth Kilpatrick, Executive Director of Music Orchard Richmond, reported that many of the students were nervous before the concert but afterward they "felt that rush that musicians often feel after a performance." Music education, Elizabeth says, is about more than playing an instrument; "it's building self-confidence, leadership, creativity, emotional maturity, and so much more."

We couldn't be more grateful to have a partner like Music Orchard Richmond providing unique opportunities for our students to grow and mature into creative, confident leaders.

Members of the Older Adults Program attended DST Nations III, the third installment of a national event hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (@deltasigmathetasororityinc), bringing together community members for fellowship, education, and service-centered programming.

The group was proud to participate and grateful to the @richmondalumdst Richmond Alumnae Chapter of DST for bringing this meaningful experience to Peter Paul. Mrs. Brown, Coordinator of the Peter Paul Older Adults Program, is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, further reflecting the strong partnership and commitment to service we share with DST.

If you missed us on the @barryfarmermorningshow, you can still listen to the full interview with our CEO Corey Taylor (@coreyt33) and Chief Development Officer Megan Miller, now with a slideshow featuring video and photos of our impact in action!

#CommunityImpact #NonprofitLife #RichmondVA #YouthAndCommunity #ImpactInAction #MissionDriven #TeamPeterPaul #GivingBack

Thank you to the group from FundFlow (@fundflow.rva), a student-led service organization, that came out to pack snack bags for the kids in our after-school programs. It’s inspiring to see young people step up and lead efforts to bridge gaps in the Richmond community.

There’s something truly special about the way our Older Adults come together.

Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Peter Paul are always inspiring, and last week’s Older Adult gathering was no exception. During sharing time, Charlene Warren encouraged the group to try some new foods, offering healthy eating swaps like choosing quinoa instead of rice.

The celebration continued as Older Adults with March birthdays gathered at the center of the auditorium to share how they’re celebrating this year. From dinners with grandkids and great-grandkids to acts of self-care and quiet traditions honoring loved ones, each story reflected the love and meaning behind the milestone.

Thanks to our friends at Humana (@humana), the morning ended on a sweet note with ice cream and beautifully decorated cupcakes. A joyful celebration of community, wisdom, and togetherness! 🎉🍰

Thank you to Zeta Alpha Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority (@lta_zetaalpha) for packing up 40 snack bags for our students!

Donations like this are so important for our after school and summer programming. These packs can be brought along on fieldtrips, and they come in handy when the kids are outside during the warmer months.

Students work with @schoolafterhours to produce the Peter Paul Kids Podcast. In this episode, “Kings and Queens of Seafood,” Shomiya and Jer’Miah share fun seafood facts, debate the ultimate question—king crab legs or lobster?—and interview two of their Peter Paul teachers, Ms. Tierra and Ms. Brittney.

Through creative projects like this, kids build skills in research, writing, planning, and collaboration. They gain confidence and find their voices through experimentation, storytelling, and sharing their ideas with the world.

Stay tuned and give the episode a listen!

Last week, our staff was treated to a yoga and meditation session led by L.O.C.A.L Adventures (@local_rva), one of our valued community partners.

After sharing affirmations and shoutouts, the team moved through a range of gentle yoga poses, focusing on breathing and relaxation. The session also included a sound bath that helped awaken our senses and focus our minds.

L.O.C.A.L Adventures works with our students and offers similar sessions to help them build mindfulness and support their overall well‑being.

Thank you to L.O.C.A.L Adventures for creating such a calming and meaningful experience for our staff and students!

#WellnessAtWork #MindfulnessMatters #StaffWellBeing #CommunityPartners #YogaAndMeditation #SoundBath #SelfCare #LORCA #LocalRVA #StudentSupport #SchoolCommunity

Members of the Peter Paul RVA leadership team were honored to participate last week in a cooking demonstration with The Underground Kitchen (@theugk), an organization that creates culinary experiences and community‑centered programs rooted in culture, history, and food as medicine.

Their mission resonates with us, and it certainly resonated with our Older Adults when they traveled to the Underground Kitchen last fall for cooking classes focused on healthy eating.

We look forward to future collaboration with UGK and are grateful to them for hosting us for such a delicious meal!

“My goal is for each child to leave each day knowing a little bit more about who they are,” Burton said. “And that their world is bigger than what they see every single day.”

Thank you to @thephilva for highlighting our STEAM program and community initiatives in their most recent issue. Take a moment to read how education, empowerment, and engagement come together in Richmond’s East End.

https://thephilva.com/2026/03/20/educate-empower-engage-how-peter-paul-supports-richmonds-east-end/

#STEAMEducation #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityImpact #EducationMatters #FutureLeaders #RichmondVA #EastEndRichmond #NonprofitWork #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #EquityInEducation #EmpowerThroughEducation

Support East End families at Purple with a Purpose: Harlem Nights! Reserve a table or get your tickets and join us on April 30 at the Hippodrome Theater. https://www.peterpaulrva.org/events

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ELEVATING

LIVES & IMPROVING

EDUCATION.

WHAT WE DO

EDUCATE THE CHILD

ENGAGE THE FAMILY

EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY

April 30th, 2026, 5pm - 8pm
The Hippodrome Theater

OUR IMPACT

145

Learn about our after-school and summer programs >>

92%

22