At the request of the Economic Improvement Council Board of Directors, community leaders, elected officials, valued partners, devoted family members, and distinguished dignitaries joined EIC staff for a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the Dr. Landon B. Mason, Sr. Training Center in Edenton. The celebration marked a milestone moment for the agency and a powerful affirmation of the vision and leadership that brought this facility to life.

Located at 760 Virginia Road in Edenton, the center will serve as a hub for staff development, new employee orientations, and community meetings. The state-of-the-art facility features three spacious training rooms, each dedicated to individuals whose leadership has shaped EICs ongoing success:

Training Room 1: Albert Butts III, Past Board President

Training Room 2: Robert E. Williams

Training Room 3: Dr. William Sawyer, Current Board President

In addition, the Reception Area was dedicated in honor of Past President Roger McCobb, recognizing his longstanding commitment to NCCAA’s mission.

The dedication of this new center is more than the opening of a building — it is a vision fulfilled, representing the power of collaboration and the shared belief in what is possible when partners,

leaders, and communities work together. As noted during the ceremony, “the success belongs to all of us,” a sentiment underscoring the united pursuit of progress that continues to move Community Action programs forward. Much of this achievement is also a testament to Dr.

Mason’s leadership, which guided the project from concept to completion.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the facility, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, shared warm fellowship, and celebrated a meaningful and memorable afternoon together.

With rising food prices, delayed SNAP benefits, and many Head Start centers still closed due to the government shutdown, many HEAL NC families are under enormous stress heading into the holidays.

HEAL NC is a lifeline for Head Start families facing financial hardship, mental health and addiction challenges, early trauma, and limited support — stepping in when parents have nowhere else to turn. One HEAL NC family recently shared that their oldest son — a protective big brother — has begun skipping meals so his younger siblings can eat. His parents reassure him, but children feel the stress around them.

NCCAA is asking for donations to support HEAL NC families. Your gift can help ensure families stay fed, warm, and stable this holiday season.

How to Give:

Online: Click here to donate online

By mail (memo: “HEAL NC”):

North Carolina Community Action Association

4428 Louisburg Road, Suite 101

Raleigh, NC 27616

Questions?

Contact Peg Morrison, HEAL NC Manager: Peg.Morrison@nccaa.net

In Cumberland County, local relief efforts are stepping up to help feed and support neighbors during difficult times. At Second Harvest Food Bank in Fayetteville, staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to meet the growing need.

"There's nothing like seeing a mother come down with a child who is asking you for food, knowing they can't provide for their family," said David Griffin, food bank director at Second Harvest.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC is a program of Action Pathways, Inc.

Click the video to watch the full news story

Mountain Projects helped support local families this holiday season by collecting shelf-stable food donations throughout November and participating in the 7th annual Turkey Jam event.

Held on November 20, the Turkey Jam provided food boxes—including a turkey—to anyone in need, with no income documentation required.

Mountain Projects contributed by supplying shelf-stable items collected at our offices and helping ensure families had access to nutritious food during a critical time of year.

Thank you to all donors whose generosity made this support possible. Your kindness helped brighten the holidays for many in our community.

Thanks - Giveaway a Big Success

The Gaston Community Action Head Start team participated in the 3rd Annual Kenneth Falls Ministries Thanks-Giveaway event in Gastonia, NC.

The event was a big success with a large crowd stopping by to collect free items. The event reached families across multiple communities, distributing 600 turkeys, non-perishable food, clothing, household goods, art, and more.

Congratulations to Gail Murray, with Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc (BJEOC) for winning the NCCAA gift card raffle during the Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies conference last month.

Gail is a community support specialist at BJEOC, located in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Millie, age 88, has lived through two hurricanes and has worked hard to rebuild each time. After losing her home in 2004 during Hurricane Frances, she moved into a used double-wide on her sister’s property and made it her home over the years.

In April 2024, she discovered a roof leak. After Hurricane Helene, volunteers placed a tarp over the roof, but she still needed long-term help. WAMY Community Action's housing team — Tyler and Amber — helped secure funding and a contractor to replace the roof.

During weatherization, an energy audit revealed disconnected ductwork and furnace issues. WAMY completed repairs, added insulation, air-sealed the home, and installed a vapor barrier under the house — something Millie had wanted but had never been able to do. When shown the before-and-after photos, Millie said she could hardly believe the change.

Way to go WAMY for making her home safe and comfortable again!

Charlotte Area Fund's Financial Opportunity Center offers a partnership with a dedicated coach to create a personalized plan for lasting financial freedom.

Through one-on-one guidance, clients gain the tools, support, and resources to increase their income, reduce expenses, and achieve financial wellness.

The Financial Opportunity Center® model combines three powerful services to help you thrive: Financial coaching, employment support, and benefits assistance.

Learn more at https://www.charlotteareafund.org/financial-opportunity-center/.

Feeding Families in Kinston

The week before Thanksgiving, Greene Lamp Community Action gave out 400 free hot meals to the community at Southeast Elementary School in Kinston, NC.

Long lines formed before the event began, and everyone received a free hot meal from McCall's BBQ & Seafood. Thank you to the volunteers and everyone who made this event possible!


Learn more about Greene Lamp Community Action at their website: https://greenelamp.org/.