Rooted in Legacy.
Rising in Unity.

The East End Civic Association is a 501(c)(3) community-led movement dedicated to strengthening our neighborhood through civic engagement, advocacy, and collective action.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA

STATS

Our Impact in Action in the East End

Each number tells a story of community engagement, advocacy, and progress. Together, these milestones reflect how collective action continues to move the East End community forward.

12+

local partnerships across government, nonprofits, churches, & small businesses

6

strategic pillars guiding sustainable, people-centered progress

184k

residents served across the East End through community-led initiatives

Born from a deep love for the East End, the East End Civic Association exists to honor our past while building a stronger future. We are neighbors, elders, youth, and advocates working together to ensure our community remains empowered, connected, and heard.

Rooted in faith, culture, and civic responsibility, our work reflects the belief that real progress begins at home, with the people.

OUR JOURNEY

Our Roots, Our Rise.

01

Our Roots

Born from generations of civic pride, church leadership, and grassroots advocacy, the East End Civic Association grew from a long-standing tradition of neighbors organizing for one another.

02

Building Structure

As community needs evolved, EECA formalized its leadership and developed six strategic pillars to address housing, safety, economic opportunity, environmental justice, and engagement.

03

Growing Partnerships

Through trusted relationships with residents, faith leaders, nonprofits, and local government, EECA expanded its reach and influence while remaining deeply community-led.

04

Today & Beyond

Today, EECA stands as a bridge, connecting history to hope, elders to youth, and vision to action. Working toward an East End that thrives socially, culturally, and economically.

The East End Civic Association empowers the people of the East End through education, advocacy, and civic engagement. Rooted in the legacy of our Elders and Ancestors, we strengthen unity, preserve culture, and build pathways to opportunity by bridging relationships between residents, organizations, faith-based institutions, and government. Our mission is to ensure that progress is resident-led, equitable, and sustainable for generations to come.

The East End Civic Association’s work is resident-informed, partnership-driven, and systems-aware. We collaborate closely with residents, the City of Newport News, businesses, nonprofits, faith-based institutions, and external partners to remove barriers to access and expand opportunity.

Our approach prioritizes education, relationship-building, and long-term impact, ensuring that revitalization does not stop at development, but continues through organized residents, strong partnerships, and sustained civic voice.

Community change happens when people show up together. The East End Civic Association invites residents, partners, and supporters to take part in strengthening the East End through connection, collaboration, and action.

Whether you’re looking to get support, give your time, or partner in meaningful work, there are many ways to engage:

Contact Us to ask questions, share ideas, or learn more about resources and opportunities
Volunteer With Us to support programs, events, and community-led initiatives
Explore Our Pillars to learn how our work advances housing stability, economic opportunity, environmental justice, public safety, and community empowerment

Together, we can turn engagement into impact and ensure progress is shaped by the people who call the East End home.

Meet Our Leadership

The East End Civic Association is led by dedicated community members who bring lived experience, professional expertise, and a deep love for the East End. Our leadership reflects the people we serve: intergenerational, committed, and grounded in service.

Yugonda Sample-Jones

Founder

Quionna Tynes

Co-Director of Engagement & Support Services

Grace Wynn

Executive Operations & Strategy Fellow, Environmental Justice

Moneka Evans

Director of Communications

Teante Gray

Director of Economic Mobility & Homeownership Pathways

Valerie Murphy-Point

Director of Business & Economic Initiatives

LaTesha Holloman

Co-Director of Engagement & Support Services

Lathaniel Kirts

Director of Environmental Justice

DeAnna Smith

Director of Public Safety & Reentry Support Services

Rooted in Legacy. Rising in Unity. Empowering the East End.

OUR PILLARS

How We Show Up for the East End

Everything we do is rooted in six core pillars. These focus areas help us turn community voices into action, address challenges holistically, and ensure the East End continues to grow with intention, equity, and care.

Economic Mobility & Homeownership

Expanding pathways to stable housing and long-term financial security for current and future generations.

Business & Economic Initiatives

Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow strong, sustainable economic roots.

Communications

Connecting residents to information, resources, and opportunities through trusted community channels.

Environmental Justice

Advocating for a healthy, sustainable, and resilient East End.

Engagement & Empowerment

Walking alongside residents to build confidence, capacity, and long-term independence.

Public Safety & Reentry

Creating safer communities by supporting accountability, healing, and second chances.

Rooted in Legacy. Rising in Unity.