As the possibility of a federal government shutdown looms, Community Action Agencies across North Carolina are preparing to protect essential services and support vulnerable communities. We recognize that a shutdown could disrupt critical programs that families, seniors, and low-income households depend on—such as housing, nutrition, energy assistance, workforce development, and early childhood education.

What This Means for You:

• Families & Community Members: Some programs may face delays or temporary suspension. We will continue to connect you with available resources and share updates quickly.
• Employees: Stay in close contact with agency leadership for guidance on work schedules, contingency planning, and program adjustments.
• Vendors & Partners: Contractual obligations may be temporarily adjusted. Your patience and collaboration are deeply appreciated.

While federal funding may be delayed, our agencies remain steadfast in our mission. We are working closely with state and local partners to minimize disruption, safeguard core services, and keep our communities informed.

Community Action was created in moments of national challenge, and we continue to stand strong with resilience and resolve. In uncertain times, our commitment remains clear: to fight poverty, empower families, and serve our communities with compassion and purpose.

Leading With Purpose

NCCAA Staff Members have been on-site at Passage Home, Wake County’s Community Action Agency, to offer support and collaboration.

"Passage Home is a dynamic organization filled with wonderful people who truly understand and care about those living in poverty. Supporting this team has been a professional highlight, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their efforts to help local residents build better lives. We are so grateful to Krystina Chavis for serving as the interim director."

— Sharon Goodson, NCCAA Executive Director

This is a powerful example of leaders coming together to ensure that our agencies continue to grow in effectiveness and impact.

Pictured: Aurelio Dorris, Sharon Goodson, Sheryl Andrews, Frankie Miller

Stay tuned for the announcement of Passage Home's new CEO via social media.

WAGES is proud to be part of Wayne Children's Action Network alongside NC Child: The Voice for North Carolina’s Children and many dedicated community partners. This month’s gathering strengthened connections and built new relationships with key voices for families in Wayne County.

Special thanks to Dr. Tim Harrell, Wayne County Commissioner and WAGES Board Chair, for sharing thoughtful remarks on issues facing local children and families. We were also honored to hear from Gabriella Carrasquillo, 2025 Wayne Early Middle College High School graduate and former NC Child Youth Advocacy Council member, who joined us via video message. Gabriella reminded us that meaningful change often begins with small steps—focusing on families and listening to youth voices.

Celebrating Excellence in Teacher Engagement

Macon Program for Progress Head Start teachers play a vital role in supporting families as their child’s first teacher. Through classroom connections, family engagement, and tools like Ready Rosie, they help strengthen the home-school partnership and empower families every day.

Congratulations to MPP's 2024–2025 Top Ready Rosie Teacher Engagement Performers:

• New Horizons I: Lora Duvall and Kristi Queen
• New Horizons II: Merissa Dehart and Joyce Webb
• New Horizons III: Deborah Lanning and Emma Owens

A heartfelt thank you to all of our dedicated teachers for your passion, consistency, and commitment to families. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are proud to celebrate you!

Experiment in Self-Reliance received a sponsorship donation from Self Help Credit Union to support its New Century Individual Development Account (IDA) program.

The IDA Program focuses on helping clients build assets to achieve homeownership or enhance their small businesses. Participants receive economic literacy training, first-time homebuyer training, and support from a Success Coach to help create a personalized schedule of matched savings toward a down payment on a home or matching funds to enhance their small business.

PurpleTooth Visits Head Start Classes

A big thank you to PurpleTooth Pediatric Dentist in Mount Holly, NC, for visiting Highland Charter Head Start and Rankin Head Start classes to check on the children's teeth.

The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and Gaston Community Action is grateful that they put the centers on their schedule. A great example of community partnership at its finest — working together to keep our children smiling bright!

Kinston Mayor Don D. Hardy recently visited the Marvin B. Spence Head Start Center, part of Greene Lamp Community Action, to spend time with youth scholars ages 3–5. The children’s excitement, curiosity, and thoughtful questions made the visit truly inspiring.

Together, Mayor Hardy and the students talked about the importance of good manners, explored different career paths, and learned how local government serves the community. He also highlighted the vital roles of police officers, firefighters, utility workers, and environmental service workers in keeping Kinston safe and thriving.

Reflecting on the visit, Mayor Hardy shared:

“It was a joy to see their enthusiasm as they learned about the people and services that touch their daily lives. These young scholars are our future, and I left feeling hopeful and encouraged by their energy, their questions, and their eagerness to learn!”

A big thank-you to Mayor Hardy for inspiring our students and reminding us that the future is bright with young leaders in the making.

CAO Welcomes New Early Childhood Team Members

Thanks to the support of a Dogwood Health Trust Grant, Community Action Opportunities has announced the expansion of its Early Childhood Workforce with eight new staff members — four Lead Teachers and four Teacher Assistants.

These new team members bring fresh energy and expertise to our classrooms, helping us continue to provide high-quality learning experiences for children and families in our community.