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Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect the proper spelling of Highpoint.
A female entrepreneur is paving the way for women of color by starting her own workforce program at the site of a historical Black church in the heart of Newburgh.
Those who grew up around Newburgh may be familiar with the city’s iconic First United Methodist Church, a staple in the community that closed its doors in January 2019.
Melanie Collins of Newburgh will operate this 18,000-square-foot campus that spans across an entire block in the heart of the city, and she has big plans to open its doors this summer.
“The reason we named it Highpoint is because it is the tallest point in the city of Newburgh,” said Collins.
What You Need To Know
- Melanie Collins has been a Newburgh resident for over 20 years
- She runs the LYNC Community Foundation
- Her new project, Highpoint, will be home to nonprofit organizations, a culture center and a co-working space
Serving generations over the last several decades, Collins said many community members made memories in the church.
“Everything from getting married, working here their first job, singing in the choir, being a member of the church, burying loved ones,” said Collins.
That’s why it was important to keep the space alive. Thanks to partnerships with other community organizations, such as LYNC and Rupco, that Melanie is involved with, Highpoint was born.
The goal, Collins said, is to create a nonprofit cultural and workforce center that will specifically help and serve women of color.
“We will house a multitude of different businesses and organizations, really acting as an ecosystem and incubator for all types of different businesses, but focusing primarily on businesses that are owned and operated by women of color,” said Collins.
She hopes to pave the way for others who may be overlooked in certain career paths because of their gender or race.
“We are regularly overlooked in these industries and underrepresented in trades that include construction, real estate development, plumbing and electric, which is why I’m so proud to have launched Youth Build at Highpoint with a million dollar grant that allows us to train young women in these trades,” said Collins.
Through Highpoint, Collins hopes she can provide a platform for other girls in her community to dream big.
“Being able to share the vision that I’ve had for so long with girls and women is something that is really unique, and I do feel like it’s my personal responsibility to make sure that I’m sharing that in a way that other women of color have the same opportunities that I’ve had,” said Collins.
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