Programs & Services

Children are at the core of William Byrd Community House’s mission to support families and communities. Our most precious asset, children are often the most at risk when families suffer economic or other hardships. In our Early Childhood Education program, our staff seek to build up children’s confidence, encourage curiosity through art and creative play, and promote nutrition and healthy living.

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The School Age Program (nationally accredited by the National AfterSchool Association) allows children aged 5 to 12 opportunities to develop positive social skills in an affordable, high quality, licensed and accredited after-school program. Children participate in group discussions, games, weekly clubs, computer labs, a community garden, our Byrd House Market, educational field trips, health and nutrition education, physical activity and making choices.

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The Career Readiness Program provides curriculum-based workforce readiness and leadership education. We have divided our program offerings to serve two distinct groups: younger teens (14-18 years old) and young adult (19-21 years old). The philosophy behind serving two age groups is that youth need support both in the formative years (ages 14-18) and in the post-secondary years (ages 19-21) to overcome barriers to entering and maintaining employment while promotng positive social behavior.

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Supporting families and individuals is integral to William Byrd’s mission to build a strong community. The Emergency and Family Support Services programs provide emergency and case management services to Richmond residents as well as Housing Opportunities for People with HIV/AIDS.

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The WBCH building was built by local philanthropist Grace Arents in 1908 to house Richmond’s first free library. Grace gathered and disseminated ideas, which were manifested in projects that changed the social and domestic fabric of the Oregon Hill community and Richmond for the next century. Today, the Grace Arents Library and Education Center is a library resource and idea center augmenting WBCH programs and opening our doors to our surrounding communities.

The Grace Arents Community Garden and Byrd House Market were established to work through the Education Center to support WBCH’s goal of creating a healthy community where good nutrition, good community, and the environment are important priorities.

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