The John 3 16 Center

Eradicating Generational Poverty: Throughout the course of the year, we provided food boxes for 306 families (788 individuals); for each of these families, we include an intake that gives us information regarding the situation the family is in and resources they are currently accessing so we can ensure they are connected to concrete resources and support. Additionally, we provided school supplies for 380 students to ensure they had the tools they needed to succeed in school. 7,738 meals and snacks were served to supplement food accessible at home or school and to reduce hunger. Taking care of the basic need for food additionally empowers children and families to be able to focus on learning and longer-term needs. 433 children had their needs met for Christmas and 466 individuals received hygiene supplies. Through our newer facility, the John 3:16 Community Resource Center, we met needs for clothing and/or household items for 48 families in crisis free of charge, offered days that we were open to the public so that low-income families can purchase needed items at a very low price point, and another location to access services for parenting, school supplies, Christmas outreach, and community education. 13 families received financial assistance with bills, which were paid directly to the service provider.

Deepening Community Engagement: We worked to ensure our programs were present in some manner in each of the three counties we served, delivering food and educational materials to community partner sites for distribution. 450 individuals engaged in recreational activities through our programs and facilities. Additionally, we regularly met virtually with community organizations and worked together to meet significant needs that one organization alone could not address. 107 referrals were sent to other organizations with which we coordinate for services we do not provide.

Educating Children and Families: Thirty students participated in Wired for Success afterschool, receiving educational support, daily meals and snacks, and mentoring. 115 children were registered for Camp J316, who participated over the course of 6 weeks of camp. Camp J316 offered educational and socio-emotional skill building, character development, and recreation at the lake and in the community. Ten adults participated in parenting conferences, which included some information on child development. Twelve adults participated in CPR and First Aid training. Through our new Roanoke Valley Afterschool Collaborative, we hosted 6 "Table Talks" in different communities throughout Halifax, Warren, and Northampton counties to discuss the benefits of collaborating as afterschool/out-of-school time programs to increase support & access for all students. The table talk held at Warren County Memorial Library featured guest speaker Elizabeth Anderson, Executive Director of NC Center for Afterschool Programs. This included an in-depth look at resources and support available through their networks and website. We have been in discussions to support a pilot program that may be initiated at a housing development in Weldon by partnering with Tammy Vincent of Roanoke-Chowan Housing Authority. Additionally, we have connected stakeholders to begin work that will start an arts program for students in Warren County. We connected with 10 other programs in our community and are in discussions to determine the best ways to support them and ensure they are connected to the resources they need.Our collaborative members convened in the fall for a brainstorming session to identify needs within the categories the grant focuses in on: professional development, recreation, nutrition, and curriculum. Four collaborative members, in addition to four John 3:16 Center staff, attended the NC Center for Afterschool Programs Synergy conference in November. Each indicated that they left excited, with new ideas, and feeling supported in ways they had not experienced before. A collaborative member was supported by supplying 20 STEM projects to add an enrichment component to their 1-day male youth event held on December 2, 2023 in Roanoke Rapids.