he Robeson County Church and Community Center, Inc. has received a grant from The Duke Endowment in the amount of $284,200 to fund and support various ministries including feeding the hungry and those struggling with housing issues, states Rev. Dr. Terry Hunt, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Formed by United Methodists, the Robeson County Church and Community Center is the largest ecumenical non-profit organization in Robeson County. The non-profit organization serves Robeson County with emergency assistance with utilities, rental assistance, home repairs, baby closet, medical closet, and vouchers for clothes and shoes for those who are getting out of prison, victims of a fire or those escaping domestic violence.
“We are extremely excited and proud to be a recipient of The Duke Endowment grant. This grant will be used to have an even greater impact on hunger across the county and assist with home repairs and improve one’s quality of life regardless of age. Statistics shows that 32% of the adult population lives below the poverty level and almost 22% of households have a disability under the age of 60. Additionally, 1 in 5 children receive food assistance but do not know where their next meal is coming from. Funds will also assist clients with utilities and rent assistance.”
Services and programs offered by the Center have touched about 44,000 lives for 2015-2016. The Robeson County Church and Community Center, Inc. ministry was established in 1969 and has been a beacon of hope hundreds of families and individuals across this county. “We are trying to make a difference in the lives of people who are marginalized and down trodden with seemingly nowhere to turn for help says Jacobs.
Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed more than $3.4 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.
For more information on Robeson County Church and Community Center, Inc. regarding how you can support this community effort, please call Darlene Jacobs, Executive Director at 910-738-5204 or visit our website at www.robesoncccc.org