First Lady Focus on
the Partnership for Petersburg
Bringing together more than 45 initiatives under six pillars, Governor Glenn Youngkin launched the Partnership for Petersburg initiative with state, local, community and faith leaders. With full support from the Commonwealth’s vast resources, the Partnership’s mission is to help Petersburg become one of the best cities to live, work and raise a family.
As she strives to come alongside Women+girls in Petersburg, the First Lady is regularly engaged in activities and monthly volunteerism with women’s groups, nonprofits, educational institutions, faith organizations and women-owned businesses. Scroll for updates on the “First Lady Focus” on the Partnership for Petersburg, and visit the Partnership for Petersburg website below for resources.
Our Progress
EDUCATION
- Provided tutoring & mentoring services to 438 students in the 2022-23 school year by 52 tutors provided services to nearly 500 students this past school year.
- Petersburg City Schools received $3,172,772 M to combat learning loss, chronic absenteeism, and Virginia Literacy Act acceleration.
- Before and after school care has been provided to 189 students in Partnership with the YMCA.
Urban League of Greater Richmond provided a paid tutoring opportunity to HBCU students, allowing over 400 Petersburg City Public Schools students to receive zero-cost tutoring from 20 VSU students throughout the last school year.
HEALTH
- Partnered with Amazon, Bon Secours, Comcast, Anthem, and Goodr to create a mobile grocery store. Since the launch event on March 28th, the Goodr truck has been mobilized in the city through activations with Amazon, Comcast, Anthem, and Bon Secours and has provided free groceries to over 400 residents as of June 18th. These activations will continue to take place on a regular cadence. To learn more or sign up, visit Feed More, Waste Less | Goodr and sign up for the next occurrence.
- Opened a maternal health hub to support new and expectant mothers.
- Sponsored over 1,000 pop-up clinics providing a wide range of medical and quality of life promoting services.
- The Petersburg Health Department re-opened its Men’s Health clinic ‘Monday Night Checkups’ in September 2022 and has since providing free educational, counseling, testing, and treatment services to hundreds of adult men.
- The Petersburg Health Department commenced an additional immunization clinic in September 2022, providing free services to hundreds of clients since it opened.
- DMAS, together with Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) DentaQuest and Conexus, participated in over 236 community health-related events and mobile clinics in the City of Petersburg since August 2022.
- 210 pregnant women received free prenatal and postpartum care through a targeted campaign to promote available maternal health services crafted by DMAS and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
- Conexus, performed digital vision screenings of 1,055 Petersburg students, ultimately providing free in-person eye exams and prescription glasses to 440 students through their mobile clinic.
- Nearly $30 million of federal funding was secured to upgrade Poor Creek Wastewater projects, positively impacting 31% of Petersburg residents and opening ~2,000 acres for commercial and industrial site development.
- Petersburg received an additional $2.8 million in funding from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to perform stormwater upgrades and combat flooding in the Lakemont Neighborhood.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- DHCD’s Down Payment Assistant Program assisted six applicants in Petersburg in becoming purchasing homeowners since February of 2023.
- VIPC established the Petersburg Founder Fund in 2023 with $500,000 seeding the program and resulting in 25 $25,000 grants to new and existing small business owners in order to support the launch and growth of their local businesses. Based on the success of the 2023 program, VSBFA launched a Micro Loan program for 2024 for loans between $5,000-$50,000. The application period is currently underway as of June 2024.
- $5 million state investment dedicated to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing and support production of essential medicine ingredients.
- $8 million state investment secured for the Sycamore Grove grocery development.
- $16 million in state resources funded the creation of 193 new affordable housing units through the Affordable and Special Needs Housing program or private activity bond allocations.
- 75 area residents now have gainful employment resulting from 5 job fairs the Virginia Employment Commission hosted in Petersburg. The city in collaboration with VEC will be hosting an additional job fair fall of 2024.
PUBLIC SAFETY
- Through the Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund, the Attorney General’s Office hired two Special Assistant United States Attorneys and three additional state prosecutors to alleviate pressure on local prosecutors burdened by elevated case loads.
- The Attorney General’s Office hired a Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Coordinator for the Petersburg area to elevate investigation strategies used in gang-related crimes, including procuring a Real Time Crime and Mobile Command Center, and coordinating with other GVI partners across the state to assist with crime trend analytics.
- The Department of Juvenile Justice developed and implemented a process of immediate response for Juveniles committing crimes with guns, more than doubling the percentage of youth receiving related intervention and rehabilitative services.
- Today, Petersburg has an additional 15 sworn officers since the initiation of the Partnership, an increase of 20%. This unprecedented increase in staffing levels was facilitated in part through a partnership with Virginia State University, Petersburg Police Department, Crater Criminal Justice Training Academy, and the Department of Criminal Justice Services which created a community-wide approach to build the sworn officer pipeline. The state distributed $800,000 in ARPA funds allowing the Petersburg Police Department to purchase field-altering equipment and technologies that support the work of sworn officers.
- Violent crime incidents are down in Petersburg by 33% year-to-date. This success was achieved through multiple initiatives, including the deployment of Virginia State Police officers (“VSP Project”) support Petersburg Police Department in combatting violent crime. Despite meaningful progress, the incidence of homicide continues to be the largest violent crime. The Partnership remains committed to continued exploration of solutions to address increasing homicides.
COMMUNITY
- Established a digital hub with tools to help citizens access to local, state, and federal resource for children, education, health, housing, and workforce.
- Created a world-class community resource center with the opening of the VCRC.
- A Petersburg Early Childhood Navigator was hired by the Department of Education and will help faith leaders navigate the regulatory processes of establishing childcare facilities, and provide access to federal and state funding, education, training, and other supports.
- Together the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Petersburg, and P4P Partners supported an over $200,000 expansion for the VCRC facility to ensure greater and more efficient service delivery. The VCRC is a centralized space that serves over 100 veteran and civilian clients each week to assist them with identifying education, health, and workforce resources. Since the inception of the center, over 1,700 visitors have been served.
- There have been 10 major community events for the Partnership for Petersburg, including 42 people trained in administering Naloxone on Fentanyl Awareness Day.
TRANSPORTATION
- Completed $8M, 75,000-square-foot Park and Ride facility that opened under-budget in Fall 2022 and has grown ridership 10% since opening.
- Secured $450K in federal funds to further operational improvements focused on enhancing accessibility and connectivity.
- Debuted 3rd roundtrip on the DC-Petersburg-Norfolk route; ridership has since grown by over 50% on the route and by 11% YoY at Petersburg Ettrick Station.
- Secured $6.4M in federal funds and $4.3M in state rail funds to fully fund the project; environmental work was completed in October of 2023 with development underway.
- Secured $58M in federal funds to advance the project to the design phase by end of 2023.
- Access improvement studies were completed in March, enabling the City to compete for the next round of SMART SCALE funding in August of 2024.
Girls with Pearls
In partnership with Petersburg’s Community in Schools and the Petersburg Women’s Club, the Office of the First Lady of Virginia has committed to shepherding our next generation of young female leaders in the Commonwealth. Learning about health and wellness, financial responsibility, different career paths and more, the Girls with Pearls afterschool group meets monthly at Petersburg’s Blandford Academy. By inviting female entrepreneurs and leaders from across the state to speak into their journeys to success, the sixth-grade class of girls at Blandford Academy have had the opportunity to learn from and grow with women from generations before them.
Happenings
The First Lady welcomed ‘Girls with Pearls’ students and families
May 8, 2024
Richmond, VA
The First Lady welcomed Petersburg’s Blandford Academy's ‘Girls with Pearls’ students and families, alongside representatives from the YMCA, Petersburg school board, Mayor’s office and more, to Capitol Square for tours and tea. A partnership between the Petersburg's Women's Club, the First Lady’s office and Communities in Schools, the mentorship program exists to equip the next generation of young female leaders with life skills for the future. Discussing topics like financial literacy, different career paths and educational opportunities, as well as etiquette, health and hygiene, mentors and mentees alike learned a lot throughout their semester together. Interested in getting involved? Email FirstLady@governor.virginia.gov.
Financial Literacy Month
April 10, 2024
Petersburg, VA
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, this April the First Lady joined the Women+girls of Blandford Academy's Girls with Pearls mentorship program to discuss budgeting, needs versus wants, and how to plan for meeting future financial goals. Led by Cynthia Pantaleo of the Junior Achievement of Central Virginia nonprofit, mentors and mentees left with a better understanding of how to achieve financial wellbeing, career opportunities in finance, and how to support Women+girls on their journeys to success.
Girls with Pearls Program
March 13, 2024
Petersburg, VA
This month the First Lady was thrilled to join the 6th grade girls of Petersburg’s Girls with Pearls program at Blandford Academy. Together, the First Lady, mentors and mentees discussed best practice study habits and created vision boards for their 2024 dreams and aspirations. Embarking on their journey in the fall of 2023, this class of Girls with Pearls mentors and mentees have grown together, sharing and inspiring each other to reach their fullest potential. The Girls with Pearls program is a partnership between the Petersburg Women’s Club, Communities in Schools and the First Lady’s Office designed to foster engagement and support for Petersburg’s Women+girls.
Valentine's Day in Petersburg
February 14, 2024
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady celebrated Valentine's Day in Petersburg this year with the Girls with Pearls mentors and mentees. Tackling this month's topic of health and hygiene, the girls learned about the many workforce and educational opportunities in the healthcare field, discussed habits to stay healthy, and engaged in a Q&A session with Octavia Wynn, Director of Nursing at Southside Medical Center. Throughout their meeting the mentees had an opportunity to journal and discuss the practices they implemented from last month's session on how to stay mentally healthy, as well.
Petersburg Job Fair
January 31, 2024
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady attended the Crater Regional Job Fair hosted by the Administration’s Partnership for Petersburg, Virginia State University and the City of Petersburg – reaffirming a commitment to growing opportunity for all through sustainable work. Hundreds of job seekers engaged with 49 employers and service providers. In an ongoing effort to encourage the next generation, the First Lady joined students from Blandford Academy’s ‘Girls with Pearls’ program to speak to local leaders and accomplished community members about possibilities for Virginia’s Women+girls (W+g).
Canine Companions
December 1, 2023
Petersburg, VA
Governor Youngkin and First Lady Youngkin donated their fourth quarter salary and 8th salary donation to Canine Companions. The first dog was paired with the police department while the second awaited approval for pairing with a representative at Petersburg High School. The school board approved the addition of the dog this week, which will allow for the students and faculty at Petersburg Highschool to have a companion to lean on. Canines in class have been shown to boost social skills, mitigate behavioral problems, and increase attendance rates. Thank you to the Governor and First Lady and the incredible team at Canine Companions and Blandford Learning Center for coming together to make this initiative reach its full potential.
Supporting our Girls with Pearls at Blandford Academy
November 8, 2023
Petersburg, VA
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and supported by the themes of sisterhood, fellowship and growth, Girls With Pearls at Blandford Academy in Petersburg, VA was launched. The First Lady, joined by leaders of the Petersburg Women’s Club and Communities In Schools (CIS) as well as other volunteer mentors, embarked on a learning journey with Blandford's sixth grade girls to hone etiquette and table manners as well as discuss best practices for nutrition and maintaining healthy habits. With new life skills that will carry our girls forward with confidence, the First Lady is grateful to the Girls with Pearls program for coming alongside these most precious Virginians to make them feel "treasured, valued and empowered." Learn more and get involved.
Recognizing the Good Works of the James House
October 4, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady had the opportunity to tour the James House in Prince George, Virginia. This nonprofit aims to support all who have experienced stalking, domestic violence, or sexual violence. James House provides individuals within the Greater Tri-Cities region in Virginia, including Petersburg, with cost-free, trauma-informed, confidential services in both English and Spanish. To learn more about the services they offer, please visit their website, or if you are in need of immediate assistance, you can call their 24-hour hotline at (804)-458-2840.
Embracing Education at Pleasants Lane Elementary School
September 13, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady and the Governor paid a visit to Pleasants Lane Elementary School where they were able to visit with the 3rd grade students. In coordination with Communities in Schools, they had the opportunity to answer questions about government, admire the students creativity through their drawings, and spark a love of learning and reading through the story of “Ferdinand the Bull.” To learn more about the Communities in Schools program, please visit their website.
Back-to-School Visit at Blandford Academy
August 29, 2023
Petersburg, VA
As Petersburg City Public School students and teachers gear up for back-to-school, the First Lady made a visit to Blandford Academy. She, and the ladies from the Petersburg Women’s Club, delivered school supplies to help the teachers prepare for the new year. While visiting, the First Lady had the opportunity to join the educators in discussion over lunch and thanked them for their commitment to educating Virginia’s youth. A most sincere thank you to all those in the Administration and beyond who donated the school supplies, and to those teaching on the frontlines. All make a huge impact on the students!
Recognizing the Efforts of the DCU Hope Center
July 20, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady paid a visit to the Hope Center in downtown Petersburg, where she toured the facility and interacted with volunteers, community members, and center leadership. During her tour, she was able to see the non-profit in action and witness the work they do to bring hope to Petersburg through the provision of groceries, warm meals, utility assistance, and health care to residents in need. To learn more about these and other resources the Hope Center provides, please visit their website.
Conversation with the Pregnancy Support Center of the Tri-Cities
July 20, 2023
Petersburg, VA
During Maternal Health Awareness month, the First Lady made a visit to the Pregnancy Support Center of the Tri-Cities in Petersburg, a non-profit serving expecting mothers and their children in the cities of Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights. While visiting, the First Lady received a behind-the-scenes look at the resources and supplies available to new mothers and additionally met with staff and board members to discuss challenges surrounding pregnancy and maternal health. To learn more about the Pregnancy Center’s services and offerings, please visit their website.
Best wishes to our Petersburg interns!
June 21,2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady stopped by Union Train Station to offer words of encouragement to students participating in the Petersburg Summer Internship and Employment Program on their first day of work. The internship program kicks off right as Virginia has been named the top state for Customized Workforce Training by Business Facilities’ State Rankings Report. Experiential learning programs such as Petersburg’s help train up a talented workforce that will help Virginia prosper for generations to come.
Visit to GNUS Corporation
May 10, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady toured GNUS Corporation in Petersburg, which is dedicated to supporting aging Veterans in need. The organization utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to provide emergency and long-term housing, wellness, legal, family, spiritual growth and other services.
Thank You Teachers
May 10, 2023
Petersburg, VA
During Teacher Appreciation Week, the First Lady joined Communities in Schools (CIS) of Petersburg at Blandford Academy to celebrate educators and administrators. She handed out apple-shaped, homemade cookies as part of an ongoing effort to Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia’s Women+girls (W+g). She also met with the school’s sparkling ‘Blandford Diamonds’--female, student leaders that meet to encourage positive transitions from elementary to middle school.
Celebrating Historic Garden Week with the Petersburg Garden Club at Flowerdew Hundred
April 18, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady joined the Garden Club of Virginia and the Petersburg Garden Club at Flowerdew Hundred in Prince George County in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week. The First Lady shared details of efforts to ‘Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia’s Women+girls (W+g)' and took in the raw beauty of the historic grounds.
Congratulations, Urban Baby Beginnings!
April 11, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady joined the Governor and Secretary of Health and Human Resources, John Littel, at the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebrating Petersburg’s maternal health hub at Urban Baby Beginnings. Urban Baby Beginnings provides support to women and families during pregnancy, birth and the first years of life. Learn more at https://urbanbabybeginnings.org.
Welcoming Petersburg Students to the Virginia Executive Mansion
April 11, 2023
Richmond, VA
In partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS) of Petersburg and with donated transport by Virginia State University, the First Lady welcomed Petersburg middle and high schoolers to Capitol Square. The students and educators toured the State Capitol, discussed historic and current events and Virginia artists featured in the Executive Mansion’s Art Experience, and picnicked on lunch donated by Chick-fil-a on a sunny afternoon.
Lessons at Cool Springs YMCA
March 2, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady enjoyed learning from the smart students at Petersburg’s Cool Springs YMCA for Read Across America Day! Thank you to all the volunteers, teachers and administrators who support Petersburg’s students.
Lauding Regenesis’ Substance Recovery Care
January 26, 2023
Petersburg, VA
The First Lady met with members of Regenesis, a Petersburg-based substance use disorder recovery model that uses a multi-faceted and integrated approach to therapy, recovery homes and workforce preparedness. Special shout-out to Regenesis’ personal development program affecting individual growth and change. Learn more at https://regenesislife.org.
