Beyond Our Imagination: A New Chapter for CJF America

Hello Community Family,

As I take a moment to reconnect with you all after several months of focused engagement on various projects, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast support. Although my silence may have seemed prolonged, my commitment to our mission and the communities we serve remains unwavering.

I am elated to share a monumental achievement that encapsulates the essence of our work: the grand opening of the Mayfield Ragland Center in Roxboro, North Carolina. In the span of just a month, this once-empty building has been transformed into a vibrant hub of hope and opportunity for the teens of the Harris Gardens apartment complex—a true testament to the miraculous power of community collaboration, as Felts Lewis, Executive Director of the Roxboro Housing Authority, aptly remarked.

This center is not merely a physical structure; it is a manifestation of our enduring commitment to uplift individuals and families. Funded by the Courtney Jordan Foundation, the Mayfield Ragland Center boasts a state-of-the-art computer lab, gaming areas, reading nooks, and more—an environment designed to foster growth and exploration. Here, our teens will find the tools necessary to thrive, embodying the transformative vision we hold for our communities.

The inception of the Mayfield Ragland Center is a remarkable story of vision and resilience. It began with the dedicated service of Pastor John Lyon, who brought hope and nourishment to the Harris Gardens community. His friendship with Courtney Jordan sparked an interest that would lead to the center’s creation. Witnessing the potential and needs of the residents, Jordan pledged his support—igniting a chain reaction of hope that has resulted in this vibrant space.

Larry Mayfield and Jonica Ragland, both exemplary members of the RHA team, were instrumental in turning this vision into reality. Their unyielding passion for community engagement laid the foundational groundwork for what has become a beacon of hope. During the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, we celebrated not just a physical structure, but a manifestation of transformation that speaks to the heart of our mission. As C.S. Lewis poignantly noted, “You can make anything by writing,” and indeed, through our collective efforts, we are crafting a narrative of hope and opportunity.

The Mayfield Ragland Center serves as the inaugural launchpad for our Cornerstone America initiative, a movement deeply rooted in the belief that rebuilding our communities requires collective action. As Søren Kierkegaard wisely observed, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” With this understanding, we embrace our role in nurturing the social fabric that binds us together.

This center is merely the beginning. Plans are already underway to offer coding certificate programs, mentoring, and various youth initiatives designed to empower our residents. As Courtney Jordan expressed during the ceremony, “This door is open to you at all times.” Together, we can uplift and inspire, paving the way for brighter tomorrows.

For over a decade, CJF America has invested significantly in combating poverty—not merely as a financial status but as a mindset. Our motto, “help one, help many,” reflects our belief that empowering one individual can catalyze transformative change within entire communities. This ethos propels our initiatives, ensuring that every endeavor contributes to a greater ripple effect of positivity and growth.

As we embark on this journey of empowerment and community building, I invite each of you to engage with our projects, share your insights, and participate in our forthcoming programs. The Mayfield Ragland Center stands as a testament to what we can achieve together. Let us continue to craft this remarkable narrative of transformation and hope.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission. I look forward to reconnecting with you all and sharing more updates in the months to come.

Warmest regards,

Kristen Picot
President, CJF America