Our Story
The Good Ground Family Church is Formed
Rev. Wendell and Dona Williams form Good Ground Ministries International, Inc.
Learn More8/1/1998Finding a New Home
Good Ground makes the historic St. Agnes Cathedral, a former Catholic Church in Cohoes, it’s permanent home.
Learn More3/1/2001An Important Realization
Rev. Wendell and Dona Williams see the need for the city youth to have a safe destination to go to after school hours. This leads them to conceptualize the Connect Center for Youth.
9/1/2009Formally Established
The Connect Center is established as a not for profit 501(c)3 organization and work in collaboration with other local organizations, businesses and the school system to strengthen the Connect Center.
1/1/2012Ground is Broken on the New Connect Center
Rev. Williams begins leading the construction to create a recreational and education space for children in grades 6-12
Learn More6/6/2012The Connect Center mourns the loss of its originator, Rev. Wendall Williams
After Rev. Williams passing, there was a hiatus on progress at the Connect Center.
Learn More8/2/2016Ben Williams is named Executive Director
Rev. Williams' son, Ben, takes over as Executive Director with the goal of finishing construction of the Connect Center.
1/1/2018Construction Begins on the New STEAM Lab
After a several year hiatus, new construction begins at the Connect Center. Ben documents the start in the video embedded here!
Learn More2/2/2020Ribbon Cutting for the Connect Classroom & Music Studio
The Connect Center finishes construction for the connect classroom and music studio and officially opens its doors.
2/17/2021New Programming Initiatives Begin
New program series' like FIRST LEGO League, BPM Music Production Workshops, and Financial Literacy workshops begin in the Connect Center.
3/9/2021The First Summer of STEAM Begins!
The Connect Center starts its summer-long free program series for the community.
6/28/2021
