Community+Internship

Gateway Community Development Corporation


 **Juanita K. Somerville**, Director  314 S. Garnett St.  Henderson, NC 27536  Office: 252-492-6298  Email: jsomerville.gatewaycdc@ncol.net

Gateway Community Development Corporation was formed as a community action organization. Since 1986, Gateway has made tremendous strides as a model of engaging the community in the physical revitalization of some of one of our most deprived neighborhoods. The facility remains open to the public. The organizations mission is to provide social, educational, and economic empowerment opportunities to low and moderate-income families within our communities. I learned about the vision, mission, and daily operations of Gateway. I also obtained knowledge of how communities work together to meet the many needs of the community. I gained a deeper appreciation for the work and the many assets that work alongside schools to support students and their families. The NELA Community Internship was designed and delivered through a partnership between NCSU NELA and the // [|Rural School and Community Trust.] //

As part of the School and Community Engagement program component, NELA Fellows participated in an internship with a community organization during the summer of 2011. NELA Fellows worked with organizations, which have a significant, positive impact in northeastern North Carolina communities. I interned at the Gateway Community Development Corporation in the heart of downtown Henderson, North Carolina in Vance County. I was fortunate to work with Ms. Juanita Somerville, a highly respected and strong pillar in the Vance County community. Below are some of the things I was able to participate in while serving Vance County through Gateway Community Development Corporation.