What We Do

Our Programs

Lasting safety starts long before a crisis and continues long after one. Pathways 2 Peace operates through four interconnected pillars: Youth Development, Violence Prevention, Workforce Opportunity, and Community Engagement. Together, they address root causes at every stage and develop the next generation of community leaders.

Youth Development

Building the foundation for peaceful futures through literacy, mentorship, leadership, and positive engagement before violence ever becomes an option.

The Read-In

A monthly literacy initiative held every 4th Wednesday. Youth gather for one hour of reading with no electronics allowed. The program grew from 8 to 30+ participants in its first year and has expanded to include themed events like the Christmas Caroling Read-In down Garnett Street and a Farmers Market Read-In teaching agriculture through seed packets.

Monthly sessions at Perry Memorial Library and mobile locations
30+ youth actively engaged
Christmas Caroling Read-In on Garnett Street
Farmers Market Read-In with agriculture education
Expanding to Granville County and Townsville

10-Week Mentorship Program

Structured mentorship for youth in 5th through 10th grade, with 11th and 12th graders serving as mentors and interns. The program builds leadership, accountability, and positive peer relationships.

5th-10th grade participants
11th-12th graders serve as mentor interns
Leadership and life skills development
Peer accountability structure

Violence Prevention

Reducing vulnerability before violence escalates through mentorship, crisis intervention, and creating safe environments where youth have purpose, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

Park and Play

Taking positive activities directly into neighborhoods across Henderson in partnership with AIM-High. Park and Play brings structured recreation, food, literacy resources via the bookmobile, and relationship-building to housing developments where youth need it most.

13 housing communities reached
30+ children per session
Food and meal distribution
Bookmobile literacy resources
Partnership with AIM-High and health educators

Community Violence Intervention

Working alongside the NC Office of Violence Prevention, Granville Vance Public Health, and the Governor's Crime Commission to address the root causes of violence through data-driven strategies and community engagement.

Data-to-Action Workshop with state partners
Community-Wide Advisory Committee (CJ chairs)
Health department partnerships for vaping and substance abuse prevention
Collaboration with JCPC and juvenile justice system

Workforce Opportunity

Creating economic pathways that provide real alternatives to violence through trade skills training, job readiness, and entrepreneurship development.

Coming Soon

Job Training + Mental Health

A wraparound employment support program that pairs job training with personalized mental health counseling and peer support. Designed for adults aged 18-64 who are unemployed or underemployed in Vance County.

Mental health screening and support
Job readiness and skills training
Peer support network
Partnership with NC Works and Gateway

Coming Soon

Vance County Youth Corps

A structured summer mentorship and leadership program for middle school students (6th-8th grade). Youth Corps combines health and hygiene, academics, emotional regulation, outdoor activities, and financial literacy with strong mentor accountability.

Summer cohort for 6th-8th graders
Mentorship and accountability
Leadership development
Financial literacy and life skills

Community Engagement

Strengthening neighborhoods through public space revitalization, civic participation, and events that build connections and transform communities from the inside out.

Chestnut Street Park & Community Garden

Over eight years, CJ secured $140,000 to transform Chestnut Street Park into Henderson's premier community gathering spot. Phase 1 is complete with six new breakaway basketball goals and two revitalized courts. Phase 2 is underway with a community garden planned as part of a broader CVIPI strategy combining agriculture, education, wellness, and positive youth engagement.

$140,000 secured for park revitalization
Phase 1 complete, Phase 2 underway
Community garden connecting agriculture, education, and wellness
Youth farmer's markets and outdoor classrooms planned
Historic site near Davis Chapel and former Green Book safe haven

Community Events & Outreach

Bringing Henderson together through bicycle distribution and safety initiatives, holiday events, community clean-ups, and partnerships with Fire & EMS, 4-H, Cooperative Extension, and the Vance County Farmers Market that strengthen neighborhood bonds.

30 bicycles distributed with safety education
Anti-Litter Community Initiative
Earth Day event engaging 60+ youth
Fire & EMS partnership events
Expanding to New Hope School and county locations

Our Impact

Accomplishments So Far

We're a young organization with a growing track record. Every number below represents a real moment of connection in Vance County.

30+Youth in Read-In Program

60+Youth at Earth Day Event

30Bicycles Distributed

13Housing Communities Reached

15+Partner Organizations

170+Coalition Members

Our Network

Partner Organizations

We don't work alone. These organizations share our commitment to Henderson and Vance County's youth.

NC Office of Violence PreventionNC Governor's Crime CommissionHenderson Police DepartmentVance County Fire & EMSVance County SchoolsVance Charter SchoolVance-Granville Community CollegeGranville Vance Public HealthYMCABoys & Girls ClubPerry Memorial LibraryHenderson Housing AuthorityHenderson Recreation Dept.Gateway CenterNC Cooperative Extension & 4-HVance County Farmers MarketAIM-HighSalvation ArmyUnited Way of Granville CountyDavid's ChapelLocal Faith Organizations

Become a Partner

Whether you're a business, faith community, school, or government agency, there's a role for you in building peace in Vance County. Let's talk about what partnership looks like.

Get in Touch