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GREETINGS – Second Quarter flew away!
As we close out the summer and the third quarter of 2026, it is hard to believe how quickly the time has flown by, almost like a summer breeze! So much has been accomplished over the past three months, and we are proud to share this quarterly update with you.
Tried By Fire, Inc. continues its mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing each justice-involved resident and guest of My Sister’s House, located in New Bern, North Carolina, with a nonjudgmental living environment that supports her journey toward the productive, self-sufficient life she desires and deserves.
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THANK YOU to all our staff and volunteers for your outstanding contributions and support in helping the women at My Sister’s House. | | | | |
July 3-4
Tried by Fire participated in the 46th Annual Croaker Festival and hosted a booth in the park in Oriental, NC. We had the opportunity to share Tried by Fire Inc’s mission of supporting women post incarceration, while also providing information and accepting donations for The INN at Pamlico.
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July 21
We are excited to share that Tried by Fire Inc. launched our brand-new website. Please visit us at: www.triedbyfire.net.
Tried by Fire Inc. received three $500 community Spark grants from Walmart on MLK Blvd, New Bern, NC, Walmart #7098 New Port, NC and Walmart #719 in Swansboro, NC.
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August 19
TBFI board member and The Inn at Pamlico spear header, Lorraine Yager, had the honor of sharing the Tried by Fire Inc. mission to provide a safe home for post incarcerated women at the Lighthouse Christian Camp in Somerset, NY
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August 22
TBFI's The Inn at Pamlico shared the mission to help post incarcerated women at the United Women of Faith Breakfast, alongside nearly fifty incredible women in the community.
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August 24
TBFI welcomed our 13th sister at My Sister’s House. Welcome home Pamela Plemmons.
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September 3
TBFI welcomed our 14th sister, Teresa Henry, since our original opening on October 16,2023.
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September 11
Volunteer Ms. Barabara Pearson from the Greenbriar Home & Garden Club visited My Sister’s House and helped the ladies with beautiful mums and basic horticulture & landscaping.
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September 12
TBFI held its 5th annual Sisterhood Par-Tea fundraiser, formerly known as the Sandy Valentine Par-Tea, at the Harrison Center. This year’s event was our best-attended tea party since its inception!
Guests enjoyed a special presentation on the history of tea led by tea connoisseur Kathy Hamilton. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our event organizers, Deedra Durocher, Nancy Mansfield, and Kathy Hamilton, for helping make this year’s Par-Tea such a success. After expenses, the event raised an impressive $4,584.65.
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September 15
TBFI welcomed our 15th sister, Joanna Daniels.
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September 15
Executive Director Bonita Burney Simmons and Operations Coordinator Robert Brock attended the Women’s Reentry in NC: Then, Now and Next working lunch, sponsored by Anonymous Trust. The meeting opened with a message from First Lady Anna Stein and focused on several key areas: Getting Started, Economic Stability, Belonging & Navigation, Voice & Advocacy, Health & Recovery, Education, Family, Housing, and Legal Barriers.
The gathering brought together participants to identify gaps, strengthen existing resources, and explore ways to better support women returning to their communities. With bridging gaps and filling holes in current services as a primary goal, the information and data gathered during the meeting will be shared to help improve and enhance existing reentry systems.
| | Four sisters from My Sister's House enrolled in the job readiness bootcamp that began on September 14th. Way to go! | | |
Good food, great cause, stronger community! Mark your calendars and come hungry! Join Tried By Fire, Inc. for a special Fundraiser at Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q!
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Smithfield’s Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q
2507 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562
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TBFI is proud to partner with Temple Church and New Bern Parks & Recreation to help build a healthier community! A FREE Health & Dental Clinic will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Stanley A. White Recreation Center, 601 Third Avenue, New Bern, NC.
For assistance with registration, contact Temple Church at 252-633-3330. Additional information is available by calling 252-639-2919.
| |  | Tried by Fire Inc. presents the Gala fundraiser on behalf of The Inn at Pamlico program. Tickets are $65 individuals, $120, couples & $600 for a table of eight. The event will be held at Grove & Vine in Oriental, NC on November 7th. Doors open at 5pm. Please contact Nickey White at 252-671-3063. See sponsorship opportunities here. | Mark your calendars for November 1, 2026, as Tried by Fire Inc. and United Gospel Outreach hosts Sunday Brunch (Hymns & HIM) fundraiser at U.G.O. 2682 NC-11, Kinston, NC 28501 from 1:30pm- 4pm. | Tried by Fire Inc. will partner with Temple Church @ Andrew Peterson’s (Behold the Lamb of God) musical Christmas story on December 13th. The Craven Community College Gospel Choir will be Christmas caroling on the campus of Temple Church before the musical production. | | | |
A dream remains a dream until you wake up and build it. Every day, your gifts of time, talent, and treasure turn our shared vision into a tangible reality.
As John Lennon famously sang in "Imagine," "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." Thank you for standing with us, dreaming of a better life for post-incarcerated women, and actively building a brighter future for everyone.
Remember, we are only blessed to be a blessing!
Bonita Burney Simmons,
CEO
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