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AHOSKIE – The former home of First Presbyterian Church has found a new purpose.

The Roanoke Chowan Christian Women’s Job Corps has taken ownership of the buildings and named it The Gathering Place.

“We want this space to be a place that brings our community together for events, ministry, learning, and help,” stated Pat Byrd, Executive Director of the Women’s Job Corps.

In an effort to showcase what is offered, the group will host an open house for the public at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8. The event will include a meal.

“We are a religious organization, but we are not a church,” Byrd noted. “We have classes for women on Friday and try to help them gain employment, a place to live, help, education, and help with their goals. We are signing up women who need assistance for classes beginning again in January and serve Hertford, Bertie, Gates, and Northampton counties.”

Meanwhile, the Ahoskie Food Pantry continues their good work at the same location.

“We are so happy that they will remain with us to do all the good work they do that fits our mission as well,” Byrd said. “Our fellowship hall has been renovated, we have a great kitchen, and we have a beautiful Sanctuary. All of those areas of our building can be rented for private events and can be used to host community events.”

Anyone interested in knowing more about that can call Byrd at 252-209-4301.

“We have been working with Lacount and Anna Anderson and Together for Hope for months on this project and will add missionaries Woody and Beverly Baker to help us as they return to the United States in January,” Byrd said. “We are expected to add other classes in January and hope to also add a special class for men who need assistance as well and hope to expand to work with Disaster Relief.”

Byrd added that The Gathering Place includes a clothing closet and household goods for those in need by referral from a church or agency.

“Our board is made up of retired and professional women in our area and includes President Jill Awuni, Vice President Shirley Harmon, Secretary/Ex. Director, Pat Byrd, Treasurer Linda Alexander, and board members at large Jeannette Tinkham, Winnie Matthews, and Sandra Woodard. All are welcome, come and see what God is doing,” Byrd concluded.