The Robert G. Cabell III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation has awarded the Petersburg Library Foundation a $300,000 challenge grant.  For every gift, donations will be matched dollar to dollar!

From left are: Wayne Crocker, library director; Robert C. Walker, board chair; Tonisha Harrison, Bank of America; Victor Branch, Bank of America; Cindy Morgan, campaign co-chair; Mayor Brian Moore; and the Rev. Andrew J. White Sr., campaign co-chair

PETERSBURG – The Petersburg Library Foundation received a $50,000 Safety Net Grant from Bank of America Monday to assist in addressing pressing issues surrounding the unemployed and underemployed of the city.

Pictured: Victor Branch, Bank of America Senior Vice President Market Manager - Virginia

Victor Branch, senior vice president and market manager for Bank of America in Virginia, said that the grant is part of the bank’s continuing philanthropic mission in the state, particularly following the collapse of the economy in 2008. Branch said that between 2008 and 2009, the bank provided more than $17 million in grants to assist in emergency situations to prevent homelessness, hunger and unemployment.

“Currently, unemployment is a very big problem,” Branch said. He added that while the state currently boasts a relatively low 6.4 percent unemployment compared to the nation as a whole, Petersburg’s numbers are much higher. Based on the most recent numbers, Petersburg has an unemployment rate of 12.8 percent.

Branch said that the A.P. Hill Branch of the Petersburg City Library, where the check presentation was made, has served as a catalyst for job seekers in the city. The hope is the grant will increase the workforce development for the city.

Wayne Crocker, director of library services for the city, said that it is in fact only through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation a couple of years ago that the branch is still open.

Crocker said that two years ago there was no money budgeted for the A.P. Hill Branch Library, located on the second floor of the A.P. Hill Community Center on Halifax Street. Before that budget was finalized, the grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was received.

“The No. 1 variable was service to low-income residents,” Crocker said. The only branch library that qualified for the grant was A.P. Hill. The grant allowed the library to transform itself from just a library into a job search center with new computers, printers and resources to assist those seeking employment.

Part of that transformation included the purchase of several computers.

The center has been successful as well, Crocker said, adding that several people have been hired based on resumes they developed while at the center or applications filed online from the branch library.

“This grant will let us continue to offer those services to a greater degree,” Crocker said.

That includes more resources for job-readiness training.

A workforce development specialist will provide one-on-one support for program participants, according to a press release about the grant. Additionally, there will be access to career books, continued access to Internet databases and career supplies. Other services, including literacy instruction and GED preparation will be provided through a referral network.   Submitted by Progress-Index staff writer F.M. Wiggins – November 29, 2011

Petersburg – VA

Charitable contributions continue to arrive at the Petersburg Library Foundation (PLF) in anticipation of officials announcing a date for a projected ground breaking. Recently, Vernon Johns Junior High School Ambassadors’(VJJHS) presented the Foundation with a check in the amount of $500.58 collected from various fundraising activities. Sponsor and School Counselor, Angela Dance said “the students were very excited when approached about raising funds to support the new Library, because they know how important it ( the new facility) means to the Petersburg community. They understand the importance of having a place for the citizens to research information pertaining to education, careers, entertainment, and economic growth.” The mission of VJJHS student Ambassador Program hopes to make all current and prospective students feel comfortable in the school environment by encouraging, inspiring and influencing peers positively. Dr. Ronnie Watson, VJJHS principal said “Education is the fundamental key to our success for the Petersburg City Public School. This new state-of-the-art library will play a critical role to support our success.”

The Petersburg Rotary Clubs presented officials from the Petersburg Library Foundation a pledge payment in the amount of $10,000. In 2008 The Rotary Clubs of Petersburg pledged $50,000 towards the construction of the new 56,000 sf. library. Each year a portion of the proceeds from their annual golf tournament have been designated to pay this pledge. The Petersburg Rotary Clubs and the Petersburg Library Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2011 “Service Above Self” golf tournament. Southside Regional Medical Center – Tournament Sponsor, Strosnider’s Chevrolet – Hole-in-One Sponsor, St. Joseph Parish & School – Dinner Sponsor, Gold Hole/Team Sponsors – Roslyn Farm Corporation, Rotary Club (Breakfast), Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia State University, Wilkinson Advertising & Promotions, WM Jordan Company, Silver Hole Sponsors – Care Advantage, Edward Jones, Enteros Design, JT Morris Funeral Services, SunTrust Bank, Virginia Eye Institute, Virginia Cherry, Team Sponsors – Petersburg YMCA, Unforgettable Suites,LLC., Bank St. Joseph Church, Sam Rhue, Nationwide Insurance, John Brockwell, Greg Gwaltney

Core Consulting, Cleve Wright, Builders Supply of Petersburg, Brick House Run, Bob Simcoe, Boyd Chevrolet, B.I. Chemical, Other Contributors – Bank of McKinney, Bank of Southside Virginia, Cheseppi Pizza, Dr. Jimmy Mason, The Mad Italian, Tourism Dept, Phil Phillips, Walnut Hill Barber Shop

Petersburg YMCA, The Cameron Foundation, Adolph’s Men’s Clothing, Swaders Sports Park.

As of October 25, 2011 PLF has collected $8,495,000 towards the $12.7 million needed to complete the project. Visit www.petersburglibrary foundation.org and learn how you can support the construction efforts for this new building.

VJJHS Ambassadors: Left to right – Shakeeah Staton, Jordan Costly, Tiera Smith, Mrs. Dance, Janae Hollemon, Malik Tyler, Martin Short, Crystal Albanowicz

Left to right – Dr. Ronnie Watson, principal VJJHS, Wayne M. Crocker, director Library Services and Angela Dance, sponsor and school counselor

Left to right: Petersburg Rotarians – Bob Walker, board chair for the Petersburg Library Foundation (PLF), Scott Ashman, Cindy Morgan, co-chair PLF Campaign Cabinet, Wayne M. Crocker, director, Library Services