12/09/23 Email

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to be invited to events at the Barry-Robinson Center in Norfolk, which offers a residential treatment program for military-connected youth with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Many people in the Hampton Roads area are familiar the important work done there, but in case it is new to you, you can read about the history and all they do here.

Yesterday, Bishop Knestout and I traveled to Barry-Robinson to celebrate its 90th anniversary, which happens to be on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I knew I was in store for a beautiful Mass, with exceptional music from a show-stopping guest soloist as well as the Center’s Youth Choir.

But there was more – a special announcement, which was made public just yesterday at the luncheon that followed the Mass. The organization announced that it has acquired Virginia’s oldest hospital property, DePaul Medical Center, to be the new home for its bold initiative, Next Step to Success, which aims to tackle intergenerational
poverty in Norfolk.

As the announcement was made, I noticed quiet gasps from around my table. There were nods and moistened eyes. It is my sense that there was relief of what would happen to the old DePaul, which was for so long a center of the neighborhood, but moreover hopefulness and gratitude that the James Barry-Robinson Institute is taking on the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty in Norfolk. I have attached the press release, which I hope you will take the time to read. In these heavy times at home and around the world, I am especially grateful for good news like Next Step to Success. DePaul Press Release

God Bless,

Margaret

Margaret Keightley
Executive Director
Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond