A New Chapter for PCC: Celebrating Our Open House and Ribbon Cutting

On Friday, Presbyterian Community Center welcomed friends, neighbors, donors, volunteers, community partners, elected officials, board members, staff, and families to celebrate the open house and ribbon cutting of PCC’s new home in Southeast Roanoke.

The day marked more than the opening of a new building. It was a celebration of PCC’s history, the strength of this community, and the hopeful future ahead.

For nearly six decades, PCC has served families in Southeast Roanoke through changing times and changing needs. During the opening remarks, Bev Fitzpatrick reflected on PCC’s beginning in 1967, when churches and community leaders recognized that Southeast Roanoke needed support and chose to respond with action. He connected PCC’s work to the image of a mustard seed, small at first, but capable of growing into something strong, sturdy, and protective. “Under this mustard seed tree is strength and commitment and God’s grace,” he shared.

Reverend Dr. George Anderson offered a prayer of dedication, giving thanks for those who helped PCC grow from its earliest days. He spoke of the people who “refused simply to lament the struggles of this neighborhood, but instead responded with courage, imagination, and compassion.” His prayer asked that the new building be a place where people are welcomed with kindness and respect, where many are fed and cared for, and where lives are encouraged.

Mayor Joe Cobb recognized PCC as a trusted partner for families in Southeast Roanoke and described the new 15,000-square-foot facility as an important step forward for the city. The new center will strengthen PCC’s ability to provide food pantry services, emergency assistance, Pathways for Youth programming, wellness resources, and spaces where neighbors and organizations can come together. In his remarks, he described PCC as “a place where hope, opportunity, and community unite.”

Throughout the celebration, speakers recognized the many people and partners who helped make the new building possible. Sam Lionberger reminded those gathered that “a project like this is never built by one person; it requires the village.” Daniel Wickham thanked PCC’s staff, donors, board members, and construction partners, noting that the work of PCC continues to change lives in meaningful ways.

Executive Director Nicole Jennings reflected on what the day means for PCC and the families served through its programs. She shared that the open house was “more than just an open house,” calling it “a celebration of community resilience and hope.” She also reminded those gathered that while PCC’s programs serve different needs, they are rooted in one shared belief: every person deserves an opportunity to thrive. “Hope is powerful,” she said, “and when a community comes together, lives can be transformed.”

During the event, PCC also announced that its new home will be officially known as

the Anne Cecil Rennick Building. Anne Cecil Rennick was remembered as a longtime donor, supporter, advocate, educator, and friend of PCC. Her generosity and vision helped make this building possible, and her legacy will continue through the families, children, and community members who walk through its doors.

The celebration also included the unveiling of PCC’s new logo, which reflects the organization’s values and direction for the future. The colors represent hope, resilience, and community, and they symbolize PCC’s commitment to walking alongside those it serves while helping create opportunities for a brighter future.

PCC is deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this special celebration and to all who continue to believe in our mission. This new building honors PCC’s past while preparing us for the future. Most importantly, it creates new opportunities to serve families with dignity, compassion, and hope.

This is a new chapter for PCC, and we are grateful to begin it with this community beside us.

Watch the ribbon-cutting speeches here: