State Investment Through LEO Community Center Grant Nears Completion of Bishop Marvin C. Pryor Impact Center in Saginaw
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –SAGINAW, MI – What was once a vacant school building on Saginaw's east side is quickly becoming a vibrant center of opportunity for children, youth, families, and the entire community. Thanks to the support of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) through the Michigan Community Center Grant Program, Victorious Community Development (VCD) is nearing completion of the Bishop Marvin C. Pryor Impact Center, a transformational investment that will serve as a hub for education, workforce development, mentoring, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and family support.
Construction is now in its final stages, bringing to life a vision that has been years in the making. "This project represents far more than the renovation of a building," said Pastor Chris Pryor, President of Victorious Community Development. "It represents hope, opportunity, and a long-term investment in the people of Saginaw. We are incredibly grateful to the State of Michigan and LEO for believing in this vision and helping make it a reality."
The $1.3 million Community Center Grant served as the catalyst that moved the project from vision to construction, allowing critical rehabilitation work to begin on the former Trinity Lutheran School. Since construction commenced, additional public and private investments have strengthened the project, demonstrating the power of state investment to leverage broader community support.
When completed, the Bishop Marvin C. Pryor Impact Center will offer year-round programming designed to strengthen families and create pathways to success for residents of all ages. Planned programming includes:
- Academic enrichment and tutoring
- STEAM education and innovation opportunities
- Workforce readiness and career development
- Youth mentoring and leadership programs
- Family engagement activities
- Community meeting and collaboration spaces
- Health, wellness, and prevention initiatives
- Partnerships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community agencies
The center has been intentionally designed as a collaborative space where multiple organizations can work together under one roof to address community needs while maximizing resources and impact.
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"As we near the finish line on construction, our focus is rapidly shifting toward launching programs and activating the building," Pryor said. "Our goal has never simply been to renovate a facility. Our goal is to create a place where lives are changed every single day."
Construction crews continue completing the remaining interior and site improvements, while VCD is simultaneously finalizing operational planning, building partnerships, recruiting program providers, and securing additional investments to support long-term sustainability.
Once fully operational, the Impact Center is expected to become one of Saginaw's premier destinations for youth development, educational opportunity, workforce training, and community engagement. "The Community Center Grant Program demonstrates what strategic public investment can accomplish," Pryor added. "The State's investment didn't just restore a building, it helped create a lasting community asset that will serve generations to come."
Victorious Community Development also extends its sincere appreciation to Spence Brothers, whose partnership and expertise have been instrumental throughout the construction process. The Spence Brothers team has worked alongside VCD to help transform the vision for the Bishop Marvin C. Pryor Impact Center into reality. Their commitment to quality, collaboration, and community investment has been invaluable in advancing this transformational project. Victorious Community Development anticipates announcing grand opening events and initial programming opportunities in the coming months as construction reaches completion.
Media Contact
Jordan Brown
Vice President
SIPI, Inc.
810-240-4804
jordan@sipi-inc.com
About Victorious Community Development
Victorious Community Development (VCD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods by expanding educational opportunity, supporting youth and families, fostering economic mobility, and developing collaborative community partnerships. Through innovative programming and strategic investments, VCD works to create lasting change that improves quality of life throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
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