Our history
The Community Powerhouse History

On May 7, 2004 ten citizens from the Newtown community of Lancaster SC met with pastor AnThony E. Pelham of Faith, Hope & Victory Christian Church for a Community Leader Rap Session to discuss his concerns about the large number of African-American males who were hanging out on the street corners participating in unproductive behaviors.

2004

Launched Community Powerhouse
On May 7, 2004 was founded by Rev. AnThony Pelham and 10 members

2004

Awarded Grant
October 1, 2004 grant submitted to J. Marion Sims Foundation & awarded $287, 297 to power up the Community Powerhouse

2004

Opened The Community Powerhouse Doors
November 22, 2004 The Community Powerhouse opened its doors serving 49 participants

2007

International Reading Association Visit
February 28, 2007 Program visited by Linda Gambrell, President of the International Reading Association

2007

Presented Program Methodology at National Commission
March & November 2007 Presented program methodology at National Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) Conference Philadelphia PA and Pro-Literacy Worldwide Conference Louisville KY

2008

Children’s Law Center Visit
September 12, 2008 Invited by the Children’s Law Center to present along with six other SC programs and initiates at the Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) conference. The conference and panel discussion highlighted strategies for developing and sustaining programs that attract & retain at-risk populations

2008

2nd Franchise Opened
November 7, 2008 A second franchise opened in Chester S.C through a grant from the SC Dept. of Mental Health and partnership with the Chester County Alternative education program

2015

3rd Franchise Opened
January 13, 2015 A third franchise was established at Lancaster High School through a collaborative partnership with the Lancaster County School District to assist with their dropout prevention

2016

4th Franchise Opened
August 1, 2016 A fourth franchise (The Powerhouse Eagle’s Academy) was established with Lancaster County Adult Education & the Barr Street Learning Center through the Lancaster County School District to strengthen their alternative education program and assist with dropout prevention

2017

Fabric of the Community Award Nomination
August 24, 2017 Received the Fabric of the Community Award nomination and recognition from the Springs Close Foundation Fabric of The Community Awards

2019

Present Day
As of 2019 the program has received over $1,691,432 in local and grant funding and has served (517) at-risk males

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