Community leaders are repurposing historical buildings and breathing new life into decommissioned schoolhouses to meet modern needs. In Nelson County, Virginia, a non-profit organization called the Millenium Group petitioned the local Board of Supervisors to grant formerly segregated junior high school Nelson Memorial to become the Nelson Heritage Center.
The Center now houses two local food banks, a community recreational facility, event rental space, a commercial community kitchen, an oral history museum, and a computer lab for workforce development. With the support of Locus, construction is underway to renovate the southern wing of the building to accommodate a new local clinic for the Virginia Health Department. A much-needed childcare facility will open next January for 60 local students and 20 teachers.
Executive Director Johnette Burdette hails from a family local to Nelson County for five generations. Telling the story of the Center, she beams with pride at the strength and resourcefulness of the community. She says,
“This job feeds my soul. Nelson County is a comeback county. The people here care about each other.”
Raised in the spirit of community and grassroots activism, Burdette sees giving back as a way of life. She attributes the success of the Center to the volunteer board, many of whom are alumni of the school and hold wholesome memories of their time there. As an educator and systems thinker, Mrs. Burdette strives for inclusive and wraparound services for “community members in their golden years,” youth, and working families.
For example, outside of a small childcare center in the town of Lovingston, the nearest center options are located in Charlottesville and Waynesboro. Burdette recognizes that a daily drive of 40-45 minutes each way is not feasible for working parents. For young families looking to relocate to areas like Nelson County and take advantage of remote working options, the availability of childcare is a primary consideration.
In the next decade, Mrs. Burdette sees a fully-renovated building with adult education classes, a potential DMV office, and an on-site pharmacy. The Center will continue to evolve while still honoring the history of the school and the community. Locus Relationship Manager Cindy Green, who worked hand-in-hand with Burdette to advance the project, said, “the Nelson Heritage Center is a high-impact project for the community that aligns closely with our mission.”
For more information about the Nelson Heritage Center or to learn about upcoming events, visit the website. To learn more about Impact Lending at Locus, contact Cindy Green.