From After-School Program to College Graduate
When Lauren Landry first walked through the doors of Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC), she was just a bright-eyed elementary student eager for a safe place to grow and learn. What she found was much more than an after-school program; she found a second home, a place where her potential was nurtured and her dreams were encouraged.
Lauren actively participated in GPCDC’s after-school program and later the Summer Educational Enrichment Program, where she received not only academic support but also life skills, mentorship, and encouragement that extended far beyond the classroom. As she entered high school, Lauren transitioned from participant to volunteer, stepping up to serve in various capacities across GPCDC’s programs and community events.
Whether she was helping younger students with their homework, assisting with food distributions, or welcoming guests at community gatherings, Lauren took every opportunity to give back. It was through these moments that she began to understand the importance of service, civility, and community connection. Volunteering at events organized by GPCDC opened doors for her to network with local leaders and develop the interpersonal and leadership skills that continue to define her journey today.
“The staff at Greater Peace didn’t just support me, they believed in me,” Lauren shares. “They became family. Their encouragement was constant, and their presence is still felt in my life even now.”
GPCDC’s influence extended beyond academic enrichment. Staff members helped Lauren navigate the college application process by providing recommendations and awarding her the Clifford E. Jones Scholarship in 2022.
On May 3, Lauren proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Alabama. Her college years were marked by leadership and impact. She served as a Capstone Woman and university ambassador, took on influential roles within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and advocated for community service and empowerment.
Lauren’s story is a testament to what’s possible when a young person is surrounded by support, opportunity, and love. Greater Peace Community Development Corporation was more than an organization, it was part of a foundation for her future.
