The counties we serve are rural and have high rates of poverty. According to the 2023 Roadmap of Need, published by the NC Public School Forum, Halifax County ranks 100 in the state for Economic Development, 88 for Physical Health, and 92 for Educational Outcomes. Key data shows that household income in Halifax County is only 66% of the state average, the housing cost burden is 37%, and child food insecurity is experienced by 30% of our children, in addition to 69.5% of children not meeting 3rd grade reading proficiency. Warren County ranks 87 for Economic Development, 59 for Physical Health, and 99 for Educational Outcomes. Their median household income is 72% of the state average, the housing cost burden is 29%, and 28.2% of children are food insecure. Additionally, 77.1% of children do not meet 3rd grade reading proficiency. Stress in families correlates to higher child maltreatment, causing long-lasting adverse effects. Many children in these counties additionally have high ACE (adverse childhood experience) scores due to maltreatment, parental issues, and mental health challenges, correlating with poor health, school disengagement, disciplinary issues, and substance abuse. Educational deficits require community support; if our children cannot read, they cannot succeed.
We address these needs with a two-pronged, multi-generational approach. Our emergency food pantry, crisis clothing, and household item provision help families move from survival mode to future planning. Programs like "Stock the Classroom" reach about 400 students through our area schools and our Christmas Outreach serves about 450 children annually. We work to develop relationships with those we serve, so that we gain an understanding of the barriers they are encountering and can support them effectively.
Educationally, we offer afterschool programs and free summer day camps, focusing on literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to combat learning loss and foster a love of learning. For parents and caregivers, we provide financial literacy, the Positive Parenting Program, and "Table Talk" discussions, along with referrals for additional support such mental health services. We also focus on community education to increase trauma-informed community, build resilience, as well as recognizing and responding to child maltreatment.
252-586-1800
(1-252-537-3372)
Helps address homelessness for men, women, and children. They also operate a food pantry. They assist with housing, utilities, and clothing insecurities when funds are available.
Helpful Hands and Hearts, a project of the Lake Gaston Retirement Village Foundation, Inc., organizes volunteers to help meet the needs of seniors who are living at home and need assistance to physically access their homes, physicians, pharmacies, and more. Volunteers also make home visits with individuals who are housebound or not able to get out frequently for socialization.
Service is a cornerstone of Scouting, and it is evident throughout Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County. All of our local Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops participate in local service projects.
Leadership is another foundation of the Scouting movement. Whether an older Scout is teaching younger boys or Scouts working together to achieve more, the Boy Scouts help our youth reach their potential by giving them the tools and opportunity to succeed.
Of course, the Boy Scouts go camping. Each year, our older boys go on con campouts monthly, preparing for the highlight of the Boy Scouting year: week-long Summer Camp. Our younger boys get in the action, too. Local campouts at Medoc Mountain and countless other locations prepare our Cub Scouts for a bright future in Scouting.
In response to the changing world, young women can now participate in Boy Scouting in the "non-traditional" youth program, Exploring. This program gives our youth experience in potential career fields, providing an advantage as they plan to enter the workforce after graduating. Currently, Explorer Posts are up and running at Gaston EMS and the Halifax Sheriff's Department, with plans to start fire and health posts in the near future.
Whether it is celebrating the traditions of the past or looking forward to the future, the Boy Scouts of America give our youth the tools to excel in a changing world.
Contact us:
Phone: (252) 522-1521
Fax: (252) 522-9707
The American Red Cross Frederick E. Turnage Chapter serves Halifax, Northampton, Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson Counties. Our main office is located at 301 N. Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.