Hundreds of community members and civic leaders gathered at Lavoyna De Jean Middle School Thursday evening for a community reception and dinner hosted by local nonprofit For Richmond. Over the course of the evening, speakers from the community organization highlighted the progress made during 2015 and what they have in store for the coming year, including an increased focus on education.

“Events like this are where the community can really tune into what For Richmond is doing in the community,” explained Joe Fisher, a chair on the For Richmond Steering Committee. “Our actions speak louder than words, and tonight we’re able to showcase what we’ve been doing to improve our city.”

Before a crowd of over 300, a number of community members spoke about the work For Richmond has done to combat blight and steer them towards success. 

Elexis Webster, a current student Kennedy High School student, told the audience how she went from a childhood of homelessness to achieving a 4.0 grade point average, and how she received sponsorship from For Richmond Executive Director Kyra Worthy to attend a national beauty pageant.

“I’ve had a really rough life,” Webster explained. “But Kyra Worthy and For Richmond have been an amazing blessing for me, and my family, and the Richmond community. We’re thankful to have her.”

In her keynote address, a tearful Worthy spoke with pride about her time working in Richmond and the progress made over the course of her time at For Richmond.

“Working in Richmond is a very unique situation,” Worthy started. “I’ve worked to make people understand that in the city people needed to work together, and it takes every facet of the community to come together to fix the community. That’s why we open our doors to everyone at For Richmond.”

Building on the progress of recent years, For Richmond Executive Director Kyra Worthy announced that the nonprofit’s continued focus on education, including a new endeavor to work with the english language learning children in the city.

“College is a dream for all, and it’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be lost because kids don’t have English skills in their youth,” Worthy said. 

In her departing words, the nonprofit executive director told the audience that For Richmond will be continuing it’s dedication to improving the community in the coming year. 

“I want you all to buckle up and enjoy the ride in 2016,” Worthy said. 

For Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a focus on promoting job creation, health, safety, and education in Richmond. Click here to learn more about For Richmond.