40 Years of Partnership

IN CONVERSATION WITH DIAHANN WHITTINGTON
St. James’s most comprehensive Outreach partnership is with the St. James’s Children’s Center, whose impact on Richmond families takes place on our campus year-round.

As the Children’s Center celebrates its 40th anniversary, The Rev. Beth Franklin was eager to sit down and chat with Executive Director Diahann Whittingon. You can tune in below for the first part of this profound conversation—and stay tuned for more exciting highlights.

In 1986, St. James’s responded courageously to the need for an early childhood program welcoming children of all developmental abilities and family incomes. When other churches opened nursery schools for their own members, St. James’s realized that quality early education could level the playing field for all children. For the last 40 years, the church has donated classroom and office space as an in-kind annual gift to the Children’s Center. Our partnership with the Children’s Center is just one example of how we live into our commitment of generosity.

The Children's Center mission is to prepare young hearts and minds for life in a loving and inclusive learning environment. The Center creates a more connected, compassionate, and capable community, today and in the future.