TA Grady Community Center reopens in Durham after vandalism

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon to celebrate reopening the new and improved TA Grady Community Center, which had been vandalized in Durham.

Vandals caused extensive damage to the property in August 2022. They pulled out the water fountain, overturned the stove, smashed the sinks in the bathroom, and broke the windows.

"We breathed new life into this space," Suzette Spence, program manager.

Spence, manager of the Jobs Plus Program housed at the center, recalls the last time WRAL was there.

"Last time you were here this building was we couldn't even work in here," said Spence. "There was such horrible vandalism."

The center has since undergone a makeover, with all damaged items replaced. The newest addition is workstations to help residents get training and skills for the working world.

"We needed TA Grady open; we needed it," said Latoya Williams lives in Durham.

She knows the impact that TA Grady has on local families. Williams was gifted a laptop by the Jobs Plus Program to help her jumpstart her future.

"I'm trying to better my education and do better for my kids," said Williams.

Her goals could be possible once again with a newly renovated resource center.

"It was welcoming and it's an indescribable," said Williams.

WRAL learned from DHA officials some of the volunteers involved were the vandals tracked down by community members.