2025 Annual Report

The Power of Preservation

Year In Review

This year, our nonprofit has experienced truly uplifting results, and it's all thanks to the unwavering dedication of our incredible volunteers, the generous hearts of our contributors, and the steadfast support of our partners. Each person's commitment has created a ripple effect of positive change, and we are deeply grateful for everyone who has played a part in this journey.

Because of you, we were able to accomplish the following:

Pierce Street Farmers Market
Pierce Street Pavilion
Pierce Street Children’s Play Garden

Our Mission

The Pierce Street Neighborhood will be recognized as a model of Black excellence and known for its historical and cultural significance, sense of community, and positive impact on the lives of all area residents.

Vision Statement

Pierce Street Gateway will preserve the historical significance of the Calloway Store as a cultural hub and the neighborhood. It will also attract visitors to the Pierce Street historic district by serving as an educational resource. We will fulfill this mission by collaborating with other entities to bring information and services to the neighborhood, delivering educational and developmental programs, and developing programs and resources that reduce food insecurity

Core Values

Our passion is telling the stories of those who made an impact on Pierce Street, and improving the lived experiences of our current neighbors is supported by our values of encouraging innovation, collaboration, creativity, and sustainability, understanding the unique needs of the neighborhood, recognizing our neighbors as our greatest asset, and investing in partnerships and community education.

The Neighborhood Facts

Low-to-Moderate Income

Approximately 65% of residents have low-to-moderate incomes, limiting their access to resources.

Poverty

31.4% of persons live below the federal poverty line. That is roughly double the rate of Lynchburg overall.

Food Insecurity

With limited access to fresh food resources, residents often rely on convenience stores and fast food options.

Where We Come In

Pierce Street Community Garden

The garden serves as a hub for community engagement, a shared space to help promote sustainable agriculture, and to provide a fresh food source for the neighborhood.

Pierce Street Farmers Market

The market emphasizes entrepreneurship, specifically by creating opportunities to engage with school-aged children. This initiative aims to teach essential skills such as critical thinking, financial literacy, and problem-solving.

The Calloway Store

This iconic community touchstone will raise awareness of the legacy of the Pierce Street Historic District and support residents through storytelling, advocacy, leadership, education, partnership, and innovation.

Success Stories

When Terence Steeples and his family moved to the area, they brought with them a spirit of community and kindness. Facing challenges in finding employment, Terence turned his passion for helping others into action by volunteering at Pierce Street Gateway as a laborer of love. His dedication shone through, and we welcomed him into a part-time role, where he contributes to our Capital Campaign projects.

Terence has been instrumental in completing numerous initiatives, including the vibrant Children’s Play Garden, where his enthusiasm inspires everyone around him. His willingness to learn and the warmth he brings to the job site create a joyful atmosphere, making each project feel like a celebration of community and collaboration.

Terence Steeples and child standing in yard

Local Impact

This year, we experienced an unprecedented surge in visitors and volunteers, surpassing all previous records and highlighting the growing support and enthusiasm for our cause. Together, we are building a stronger community than ever before!

1275 Visitors

Each visitor brought unique perspectives and energy, enriching our community and fostering valuable connections.

274 Volunteers

Each volunteer brought their unique skills, passion, and unwavering commitment, helping us to achieve our goals and extend our reach.

How We Use Funds

Chart showing 50% of funds spent on Capital Campaign, 40% on Programs and Operations, and 10% on Endowment.

Most contributions to Pierce Street Gateway directly support the rejuvenation of the Calloway Store. A significant portion also funds our programming and operations. The remaining gifts bolster our endowment, securing our success for the future.

*All of our events in 2025 were grant-funded.

Accountability Matters

Calloway Store in background with pavilion and garden in the foreground

Fueling the Mission

We have raised over $195,000 for the restoration of the Calloway Store and the Pierce Street Community Garden from corporate and individual donors.

The funds have been used to stabilize the foundation of the building, repair the roof, reglaze the historic windows, build a community pavilion, construct a natural play garden for children, create stone benches, and begin indoor repairs.

An estimate of $244,479 has also been donated in-kind to this revitalization project.

PSG Programs

In 2025, our programming landscape underwent a remarkable transformation, marked by groundbreaking advancements that redefined how we develop and interact with neighbors and the community.

Pierce Street Farmers Market

The seasonal farmers’ market supports African American farmers and small businesses while encouraging entrepreneurship in local youth.

Green Leaders

Our community garden is a destination for field trips and civic groups, teaching eco-friendly practices to young minds.

Annual Events

2025 marked a transformative chapter, bursting with remarkable events and groundbreaking advancements that reshaped our world. Excitement filled the air as innovation and creativity flourished, setting the stage for a brighter future!

Community Appreciation BBQ

Every April, in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we celebrate another growing season by opening the community garden with a block party.

Party on Pierce

Hosted by Pierce Street Gateway and the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation, we celebrate the work we are accomplishing with a robust street festival.

Community Partnerships

Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation

Centra Foundation

KVA Foundation

Watt Foster Family Foundation

L3Harris Technologies

Genworth Financial

Change for Change Caring Meters

Lynchburg Office of Economic Development

LU Serve - Liberty University

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Lynchburg Youth Area Sports Initiative

Girls on the Run of Central Virginia and the Blue Ridge

Girl Scout Troop 99

Atelier 11, Ltd. Architecture

Whirlwind Johnson Foundation

Elks Lodge 118

The Cloverlea Foundation

Park View Community Mission

Randolph College Office of Sustainability

RS Payne Elementary School

Looking Ahead

Preservation

The completed Calloway Store will serve as a community hub and a museum that celebrates the rich history of the Pierce Street Renaissance Historic District.

Education

The museum will attract visitors by using holographic and virtual reality components, making it a go-to destination for learning.

Fresh Food

The community garden, which is free and open to the public 24/7, provides a fresh food resource to those living inside the food desert.

Healthier Communities

Our farmers’ market accepts SNAP, which makes accessing resources that cannot be produced in the community garden affordable and accessible.

Get Involved

Take a Tour

Join us for a tour of the neighborhood’s eight historical markers. Open to individuals and groups, we encourage you to learn more about the neighborhood’s history.

Give

Visit PSGLYH.org to learn how you can make a one-time, monthly, or annual donation to Pierce Street Gateway and support our mission.

In-Kind

Support the preservation and restoration of the Calloway Store by offering materials and services.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer tending to the community garden

Garden Keepers

Spend time outdoors while serving others. Volunteers are needed to weed, plant, harvest, and compost the ADA-compliant raised beds.

Skill & Reskill

Do you have the desire to learn more about construction, landscaping, or historic renovation? We are always seeking passionate people who wish to learn or enhance themselves.

Let’s Get in Touch

Contact our Executive Director, Sarah Blankenship, with any questions, concerns, or inquiries about Pierce Street Gateway.

info@psglyh.org

PO Box 761, Lynchburg VA 24505

PSGLYH.org

Thank You

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