hrcea
Partnered Organizations & Community Engagement
Who Our Organizations Are
Our partnered organizations include Norfolk State University Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work, local non-profits, as well as other community engaging events.
Urban Church Social Work Internship Program
The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work (SSW) at Norfolk State University in collaboration with the Hampton Roads Community Empowerment Alliance (HRCEA) partnered to create an internship program for undergraduate and graduate social work students. The Urban Church Social Work Internship Program (UCSWIP) was created. This nonsectarian internship program seeks to provide learning opportunities for students to serve, educate, and support urban church congregations and communities in the city of Norfolk and surrounding areas.
Partnership with NRHA
The Hampton Roads Community Empowerment Alliance (HRCEA) has built a partnership with Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), the largest redevelopment and housing authority in Virginia. Through a common vision of fostering sustainable communities, both the HRCEA and NRHA set out to strengthen community engagement and better understand the needs of the communities in which they serve.
Community Faith-Based Evening
A Community Faith-Based Evening was held on March 23, 2023, at Norfolk State University to engage, welcome, and celebrate our partnered pastors and their church leaders. The banquet style event had over 18 churches, Norfolk State faculty and staff, HRCEA advisory board members, and community leaders in attendance. There were special performances by Malaki Fraizer, a violinist from Chesapeake, VA, and the 7th and 8th grade chorus from The Academy of International Studies at Rosemont, directed by Mr. Latron Baker-Pierce.
Tuskegee Airman Event
The Tuskegee Airman Assembly was hosted in the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on the campus of Norfolk State University on October 11th, 2023. This assembly highlighted the contributions made by Mr. Thomas W. Newton. An open panel discussion was had with him, and other current and veteran military members. The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) from some Norfolk Public School high schools attended.
Non-Profit Holiday Celebration
The HRCEA hosted a holiday celebration for local non-profit organizations at Gethsemane Community Fellowship. This celebration focused on introducing the HRCEA to these organization and networking amongst the group.
Juneteenth in the Park
The HRCEA represented Norfolk State University at Juneteenth in the Park for the past two years.
Regional Farmer's Markets
HRCEA supports access to fresh, local food by connecting our community to a network of farmers markets across the region.
Community Harvest Farmer's Market
hosted & sponsored by the James E. Newby Jr. Foundation Locally grown & harvested produce, cooking demos, music, nutrition education & wellness resources, family activities, community, celebration, and more. Location: The Historic First Baptist Church, 418 E Bute Street Norfolk, VA 23510 in the Parking Lot Dates: Saturdays, May 31st, June 21st, July 19th, and August 16th Time: 10 am - 12:30 pm
Southside Farmer's Market in Norfolk
(Elizabeth River Project + local businesses) Locally grown produce from Thelonius Cook (Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest), live cooking demonstrations, SNAP (including WIC & EBT) accepted Location: 1401B Melon Street, Norfolk, VA, 23523Dates: Runs every second Sunday, March 2025 - August 2025 Sundays, June 8th, July 13th, August 10 Time: 11 am - 3 pm
East Beach Farmer's Market (Ocean View)
Location: 2413 E Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23518 Two public parking lots located along 3rd Bay Street; parallel parking available on surrounding side streets in all directions, including 5th & 6th Bay Streets and Pleasant Ave.Dates: Saturdays, May 3rd - November 22nd, rain or shine unless the weather is truly severe or City of Norfolk says park is unsafe for use Time: 9 am - 12 pm