Community Schools Initiative Launch at Huguenot High

On Monday, Jan. 4, Mayor Jones, 4th District Councilwoman Kathy Graziano, and Debra Gardner, DCAO for Human Services kicked off the Grand Opening of the Huguenot High Community Center and launched the Community Schools Initiative. This initiative was designed to establish Richmond public schools as community “hubs” that promote academic achievement, personal wellness, and family and community stability.

“We knew that schools can be the nucleus of a community if they are open to everyone – days, evenings and weekends – and not just seen as a place where only teachers teach and students learn,” said Mayor Jones. “By utilizing these facilities to bring services, not just to the students, but to the communities at large, we are providing a bridge to health care, to social services and to community resources.”

Services available include social services, health services, family engagement and parent education, recreation, after school, senior programs, tutoring and mentoring. The integrated focus on wraparound services leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.


This was the City of Richmond’s third Community Schools Initiative launch. It also currently operates at Oak Grove-Bellemeade and Broad Rock Elementary schools.