Mary and Frances Youth Center

The construction of the Mary and Frances Youth Center has been made possible by a private gift from Michael Fraizer, chairman and CEO of Genworth Financial Inc., and his wife Elizabeth. This facility is located on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus and held the official grand opening on Sept. 28, 2007. The building will allow the Lobs & Lessons children to come to a college campus and expose them to a university setting. This will be a great opportunity to increase their knowledge about college, education tracks and career opportunities. The Youth Center boasts two classrooms, a seminar room, administrative office space and two tennis courts. The building is named in honor of the Fraizer’s mothers, who were active in youth and family programs. 

In addition to Lobs & Lessons, TheCollegePlace-Richmond will also have space in the building. This program is one of three college information centers established by the ECMC Foundation with the mission of increasing postsecondary educational access among underserved populations. Students and their families are provided with comprehensive services that include individualized counseling, workshops, assistance with admissions and financial aid, and internet access for collegiate research. All services are free.

The Especially for Nonprofit Organization will hold classes daily in the Mary and Frances Youth Center. ENPO’s is an educational program that provides professional development opportunities for the vast network of nonprofit employees and volunteers in Richmond. ENPO has provided more than 5,000 people with high quality relevant and affordable courses, conferences and seminars and is funded by corporate giving and local foundations.