PRIDEConnect360 is a high-impact social innovation hub operated by Providing Resources to Inspire, Develop & Empower (PRIDE), Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in Fluvanna County in 2010. Our mission is to inspire, develop, and empower community residents through an integrated 360° approach that unites youth opportunity, health and wellness, neighborhood vitality, and economic empowerment under one connected platform.
We serve families, students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and seniors across the rural Piedmont region of Virginia. Every program we run is designed to meet people where they are — whether that is a graduating senior seeking scholarship support, a parent looking for affordable mental health resources, or a neighbor ready to launch a small business. Our work is built and sustained by local volunteers, civic partners, faith-based organizations, and grant partners like the Bama Works Fund of the Dave Matthews Band at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.
What makes PRIDEConnect360 distinctive is the connection between its pillars. A scholarship recipient gains more than tuition assistance — they join a network of mentorship, wellness resources, and economic tools that follow them through every stage of life. Explore the four program pillars below to see how each contributes to measurable, lasting community transformation.
The Adrian Maurice Cary Scholarship Foundation is the cornerstone of our youth work. Since 2023 we have awarded more than $70,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at Fluvanna County High School, helping students like NeVaeh Bishop earn her degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Beyond scholarships, our Youth Leadership Guide equips young people with mentorship, goal-setting, and community engagement skills that prepare them for college, careers, and lifelong civic participation.
We believe community vitality begins with wellbeing. Our Community Wellness Directory connects residents to free and low-cost health screenings, mental health services, fitness programs, and nutrition classes. The Mental Health First Aid Guide helps neighbors recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect loved ones with professional care. By removing cost and stigma barriers, we make wellness reachable for every household in the region.
Strong neighborhoods are built by engaged neighbors. Our Neighborhood Safety Handbook provides block captain training, emergency preparedness checklists, and community watch guidelines. Through seasonal gatherings and volunteer days, we help residents form the relationships that make a place feel like home — because a connected community is a resilient community.
Financial stability unlocks opportunity. Our Small Business Starter Kit and Job Readiness Workshop Series give aspiring entrepreneurs and job seekers the tools to build sustainable income — from business plan templates and funding sources to resume writing, interview coaching, and professional networking. The Family Financial Planning Toolkit extends that support to households managing budgets, savings, and debt at every stage of life.