History

A group of representatives from diverse traditions sat around a table in this community in the mid-nineties to discuss ways to put faith into action through partnerships that are seldom forged. From this and similar gatherings, the decision was made to "just do it," and pathways to healthy development have continued to be forged through lasting partnerships with congregations, finance and business entities, public agencies, other community-based organizations, and local residents. As an organization, we continue to celebrate and embrace the gift and richness of diversity, and we are committed to recognizing and responding to the value of the human spirit in every person as we are about the work of Building Lives and Awakening Hope.

Pathways, formerly Petersburg Urban Ministries, was begun in 1995 as an inter-faith community development corporation. It was incorporated in 1997 and received its 501(c)3 status in 1998. Following is a listing of historical highlights:

1995 Started in borrowed space
1996 First housing activity-1117 Patterson Rehab. with Check-Off for Housing funds
1997 Incorporated
1997 First property purchase-829 Washington/ 832 Hinton
1997-2001 Tony West Gray Freedom Schools
1998 Instituted first Community Garden project
1998 Received 501(c)3 status
1998 Became a recognized Community of Shalom
1999 First AmeriCorps Program
1999 Certified as an official CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization)
2000 Moved operations to rented warehouse space at 222 N. Dunlop St.
2001 Began first YouthBuild Program
2002 Sold first house
2003 Became YouthBuild USA Affiliate
2004 First official Offender Re-entry Program
2004 First official Workforce Development Youth Services Program
2004 First Affordable housing project funded by the State (7 houses)
2004 Purchased 1200 Washington St. to become new facility
2004 Purchased 1146 Washington St. for additional office space
2006 Hosted press conference with Congressman Randy Forbes
2006 Capital Campaign Kick-Off with Gov. Tim Kaine
2006 Closed first housing construction loan
2007 Reorganized and expanded Board of Directors
2007 Housing and food service subsidiaries incorporation completed
2007 Hired first construction crew
2007 Moved into new facility
2007 Opened new specialty clinic
2007 Received a Cameron Foundation, Excellence in Organizational Management Award
2008 Completed Phase I of new facility
2008 Open House with Judge Roger Gregory

Staff Positions
1995 – 1998  One
1998 – 1999 Two
1999 – 2001 Three
2001 – 2002 Six
2002 – 2003 Nine
2003 – 2005 Fifteen
2005 – 2007 Eighteen Staff
2007 - Nineteen
2008 – Twenty-two