Our Community Journey

The Greater Pleasant Grove Development Corporation grew out of the work of a group of individuals from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The church had served Wendell and the East Wake County area for more than 150 years. 

Along with traditional spiritual development, It was already involved in food distributions to area families, youth enrichment services, Bible studies, and other outreach ministries.

Yet among some of the leaders, there was a growing sense that more needed to be done to improve the holistic quality of life for residents. 

East Wake students were over-represented among Wake County Public School's low-performing students. Too many were dropping out without diplomas. Gang involvement was starting to soar.

As a result, a group of individuals from the community came together to create the Greater Pleasant Grove Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization. Its mission was to provide a continuum (an unbroken series) of supports.

Since creating the Corporation, leaders have developed multiple partnerships with area stakeholders to achieve its mission in a holistic manner. it has been an effort to expand the relationships with partners who share a common vision and aspirations for the region.

In January 2018, the GPGDC developed the East Wake Leadership Academy. Its goal was to provide year-round academic and social-emotional support for school-age children and youths.

 Based on the teaching and social-emotional development

methodologies of Marva Collins and educational research by Dr. Delores Richardson, the EWLA was formed to develop year-round supplemental support for K-12 students.

The afterschool and summer enrichment services include homework help, academic skill-building, leadership training, recreation, and youth employment. It also offers youth employment and employment training.

The EWLA program is structured, engaging, and provides appropriate one-on-one help to ensure students get the specific help they need. Importantly, students targeted for the program were those who participated in the summer camp and in the after-school program. 

The idea is to provide participants with a continuum of supports to foster students' academic and overall success.

Student progress is monitored through report cards, observation, and communication with parents and teachers.

In addition to helping students succeed, GPGDC leaders derived to support whole families. It was with that goal in mind that the corporation began operating the Pride for Parents Christmas Store. 

The store offers a way for struggling parents to purchase Christmas gifts for their own children instead of relying on strangers to do so.

Since it was started, dozens of families have participated.