About Us

Mission & Vision

GPCDC is committed to fostering strong, self-sufficient communities by addressing critical social needs. Our mission is to create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive through high-quality housing, early childhood education, childcare, and youth educational programs, workforce development, and food assistance programs. We envision a future where every family has the stability and resources needed to succeed.

History and Impact

The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC), established in 2000 by Rev. Dr. Clifford E. Jones, ” a faith-based nonprofit organization with its main office on the campus of Greater Peace Baptist Church. Affiliated with the Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, GPCDC is dedicated to revitalizing economically distressed neighborhoods in Opelika, Auburn, and the broader Lee County area.

Since its founding in 2000, GPCDC has played a pivotal role in community transformation, serving hundreds of families annually. Our holistic approach ensures that individuals receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs. From housing assistance to educational initiatives, we have successfully empowered families to achieve long-term stability. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programming, we continue to drive positive change in the communities we serve.

Stakeholders & Donors

Our work is made possible by the generous support of stakeholders, donors, and community partners. We collaborate with businesses, foundations, and government entities that share our commitment to fostering economic stability and social equity. Every contribution—whether financial support, volunteerism, or resource sharing—helps us expand our reach and impact.

Our Team

GPCDC is powered by a passionate team of professionals, educators, and advocates who are committed to creating meaningful change. Our staff members work tirelessly to provide high-quality programs and services that uplift individuals and families, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed.

Rev. Clifford E. Jones

Founder and Board President

Mrs. Clarinda Jones-Turner

Executive Director

Shae Gray

Child Development Center Director

"The Summer Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP) through the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation was a game-changer for our boys! The program helped to build on the fundamentals that they developed and learned during their regular academic school year by promoting critical thinking and education through engaging, hands-on activities. The best part was that the program helped to cultivate a love for mathematics and science and better prepared them for the coming school year. We are so grateful for the dedicated instructors and enriching curriculum that made their summer so enjoyable.”

“The Bennett Group has partnered with Greater Peace Community Development Corporation for the past couple of decades in various ways. Together, we have successfully developed affordable housing communities in Opelika, Enterprise and Pell City, and we have plans for future projects together as well. The commitment of the CDC—its staff and Board of Directors—to building happy, healthy, and family-friendly communities is unrivaled. We are honored to work with the Greater Peace CDC."

"Our son transferred from another pre-k program after having a difficult time there. He has flourished after becoming a part of the Child Development Program at Greater Peace. Within days, I heard him singing songs about the days of the week, numbers, months of the year, and letters. Our son has grown in his ability to articulate how he feels and what he desires to do. He has developed socially as well. He is excited to go to school and loves his teachers. His teachers are the absolute best! They have loved on my baby, even those who aren't teachers. All the staff are extremely friendly and caring. The family-type atmosphere exudes from this establishment. I'm forever grateful for all this program has offered my son and our family by extension."

“I tip my hat to the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation and Rev. Clifford E. Jones for their leadership over the years. The difference the Greater Peace CDC has made in our community is astonishing. Since 2000, they’ve been working hard to help low to moderate income families in our area.”

"It is an absolute pleasure to be a teacher in the Greater Peace Community Development Program during the Summer. Over the years, lasting relationships with the students, parents, and community partners continue to warm my heart. I will always be in support of the Greater Peace Community Development Program and its many life-changing endeavors. May God continue to show you favor as you positively impact this community's present and future leaders."

“Working with Greater Peace Community Development Corporation as the Summer Enrichment/After School Program Director was an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the privilege of creating engaging youth activities that fostered growth, creativity, and confidence in a supportive community environment. Seeing the positive impact on the students and collaborating with such a dedicated team made it an unforgettable and fulfilling opportunity.”

"My 8-year-old twins were blessed to be accepted into the Greater Peace Community Development's Summer Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP) last summer. They became more engaged and inquisitive by the day because this program made learning fun! As a parent, I was most impressed by the weekly field trips they took the children on to expand their learning into the real world. As a result of their experience, I enrolled them in the STEM After-School program and plan to reenroll them in SEEP this upcoming summer."

"The Greater Peace CDC has played a significant role in my daughter Lauren's growth and development. She was one of the first participants at the Child Development Center. The staff gave her a sense of comfort, making it feel like home away from home. The Greater Peace CDC's influence extended well beyond her early childhood development. As she grew, she had the opportunity to participate in impactful experiences, including the HBCU Tour and Youth Leadership Academy, serve as a teen volunteer, and later be employed as a camp counselor with their summer program. Lauren developed into an outgoing, confident, and active young lady through every stage of her journey with the Greater Peace CDC. I am forever grateful for the nurturing environment and the strong foundation GPCDC provided her, which has contributed to her success and personal growth."

"If you want to know how important an organization is, like Greater Peace CDC, let's do this exercise. Let's pretend the Greater Peace CDC doesn't exist, let's pretend it isn't in Opelika, Alabama, and let's pretend Rev. Jones has never been here. How would this community be affected? How much worse off would the community be? The answer is simple: they impact the lives of young people who need help the most. Many young people who receive the benefits of the Greater Peace CDC do not have the advantages that other children have. Don't they deserve the same opportunity? Who better that the Greater Peace CDC to help them become a great parent, friend, or employee and have a closer relationship with God? I can't think of anyone else. I am blessed to be a friend, a supporter, and a donor."

Stay Updated on Impact & Opportunities

Enter your name and email address to Subscribe: