Local News

United Way of CC launches Literacy Council

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Written by Amber Little

For decades, stations like PBS brought stories right into the living room of children all over the nation with LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow. Most can still sing in full harmony the theme song that encouraged kids to “take a look, it’s in a book.”
According to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, North Carolina ranks 35th in the country for Literacy, and 21.3% of adults in North Carolina have low literacy (https://map.barbarabush.org/assets/cards/BBFFL-Literacy-Card-NC.pdf). Low adult literacy is directly connected with the accessibility of books and literacy tools for children. Literacy among children has always been a top priority for the United Way of Cumberland County, as facilitators for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This program is completely free for residents, and children aged 0-5 are eligible. Once children are signed up for the program, they receive a free book in the mail every month until they turn five. The program helps families start a library and encourages parents to read to their children, a habit that is said to establish a good relationship between children and reading. For more information about the Imagination Library, visit the website at https://www.unitedway-cc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/dolly-parton-imagination-library/dolly-partons-imagination-library.html.
To increase literacy in Cumberland County, United Way has launched the Cumberland County Literacy Council, “a collaborative effort uniting public and private partners to address one of the community’s most critical challenges: literacy.”
The mission of the Cumberland County Literacy Council is to foster literacy and learning across generations by meeting families where they are and embracing their diverse needs. Through meaningful partnerships, the Council is committed to creating opportunities that transform lives and strengthen our community.
Who is on the Cumberland County Literacy Council?
• United Way of Cumberland County
• City of Fayetteville
• Cumberland County
• Cumberland County Public Library
• Cumberland County Schools
• Partnership for Children of Cumberland County
• Fayetteville State University
• FTCC
• Methodist University
• The Town of Spring Lake
• The Town of Hope Mills
What is the first initiative of the Cumberland County Literacy Council?
In March 2025, in partnership with the Cumberland County Public Library, Fort Bragg Library, and Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, the council launched Imagination Library Storytime. Storytimes are open to children 0-5 and offer an interactive session that encourages the love of reading and books.
“Our goal is to foster a lifelong passion for reading that empowers children to dream big and reach their full potential,” said Scott Embry, executive director of United Way of Cumberland County. “Strong readers become strong students. By investing in literacy today, we’re building a stronger future for our community.”
“The Literacy Council is currently seeking a core group of volunteers with experience in education, including educators, retired educators, librarians, and retired librarians, and education students. This founding group will play a vital role in shaping the Council’s future by helping to establish best practices and onboarding processes for future volunteers.
"If you're passionate about early literacy and want to help lay the foundation for long-term community impact, we invite you to join us. Additionally, if your organization is hosting a literacy-related event, we’d love to help promote it. Community partners can submit events for inclusion on our Literacy Council Events Calendar. We are also welcoming new donor partners to support and grow this vital work.”
For more information on how to get involved with the council, visit the website at https://www.unitedway-cc.org/cumberland-county-literacy-council/.

FAST offers summer bus pass for Fayetteville teens

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

Teenagers in Fayetteville now have a low-cost way to explore the city this summer, thanks to a new initiative by the Fayetteville Area System of Transit. The Summer Youth Pass, launched in early June, offers unlimited rides on all FAST fixed routes for just $15 and is available to youth ages 13 to 18. The pass is valid through August 31 and aims to provide teens with greater access to transportation for jobs, summer programs, volunteering, recreation, and other community resources. Available for purchase at the FAST Transit Center at 505 Franklin Street, the pass requires proof of age and offers significant savings compared to the regular $1.25 one-way fare.
By introducing this program, FAST is promoting youth mobility, supporting families, and encouraging more young people to use public transit. The summer months can be a critical time for teens to engage in developmental activities, and transportation can often be a barrier. This affordable option may also relieve parents of the burden of coordinating rides during a season when schedules are less structured. The initiative also raises important questions about long-term engagement with younger riders. Public transportation advocates often cite that early use of transit systems fosters lifelong habits, helping cities reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact. For many teens, this summer pass may be their first consistent interaction with a public transit system. Will this early exposure translate into regular ridership in the years to come?
FAST operates 18 routes across Fayetteville, connecting neighborhoods with key destinations like libraries, recreation centers, medical offices, parks, and shopping areas. Enhancing access to these services aligns with city-wide goals for equity, inclusion, and community development. Though the Summer Youth Pass is new, FAST has historically offered reduced fares for students, seniors, and disabled passengers. This particular program, however, stands out for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. At $15 for unlimited rides, teens who commute even a few times a week will see significant savings.
With ridership trends steadily increasing over the past few years, especially among younger passengers, the Summer Youth Pass could provide valuable data for FAST planners. Observing how many passes are sold, how frequently they are used, and what routes are most popular could influence whether the agency continues or expands youth-focused transit options during the school year or summer months ahead.
Another key consideration is rider safety. As teenagers become more independent travelers, questions naturally arise about how public transportation systems can create an environment that is safe, welcoming, and age-appropriate. Whether through increased security measures, improved lighting at bus stops, or rider education, ensuring teen comfort and protection is likely to be a focus moving forward.
To promote awareness of the pass, FAST has rolled out marketing materials across social media and community venues, including youth centers and schools. The agency also encourages new riders to download the FAST app to plan trips, check routes, and receive real-time updates.
As Fayetteville continues to grow and diversify its population, accessible and affordable public transit remains a key pillar in its development strategy. The Summer Youth Pass offers a glimpse of how transit systems can respond creatively to community needs, particularly for younger residents. More information on routes, passes, and rider tools can be found at www.ridefast.net.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Area System of Transit)

Health & Wellness: Finding hope: A veteran’s journey from combat to healing

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Written by A Cape Fear Valley Health Staff Report

Luis has seen the unimaginable. As a veteran with repeated exposure to military combat engagements, he fought on battlefields far from home. But when he returned, the war continued within him. The memories didn’t fade; instead, they haunted him.
Emotional reactions to everyday issues, waking up from nightmares and struggling to find peace became part of his daily life with post-traumatic stress disorder. It wasn’t until his family intervened that Luis began to confront the reality of his condition.
One day, Luis’ family sat him down, gently but firmly urging him to seek help. They were worried — his aggression, his intense reactions and the emotional outbursts weren’t just affecting him but also those who loved him.
That conversation became the turning point. His wife took him to Cape Fear Valley’s Community Mental Health Center in Fayetteville, a place where many veterans like Luis find the support they desperately need.
Breaking down barriers
When Luis first arrived, he wasn’t ready to accept help and start treatment. Accepting that he needed assistance was the hardest battle of all.
“At the beginning, I did not want to go and looked for any possible excuse not to do so,” he reflected.
In his mind, seeking help felt like admitting weakness, a perception shaped by years of military resilience.
But once he took that first step, Luis began to see a different path. The journey wasn’t about erasing the past but learning to live with it.
“I don’t look at it as recovery,” he said. “Personally, I look at it as just learning to live with something that will haunt me forever and realizing that I can’t change the past. I live day by day; some days are better than others.”
A network of support
Through the support of his primary care provider, his wife and the dedicated team of mental health providers, Luis found his footing. One of the first things he learned was that he wasn’t the only veteran struggling with these issues.
“Especially to my military brothers and sisters: you are not alone,” he shared. “We started this mission together, and we are going to finish it together. No one gets left behind.”
Luis’ treatment plan includes seeing a counselor every two weeks and meeting with a psychiatrist once a month. The consistency helps him stay grounded, along with knowing that help is just a drive or phone call away, which keeps him from spiraling into crisis. His team, whom he considers his extended family, includes Scott MacKenzie, PNP, and Terrence Sproul, LCSW.
“It took a while to open up and reveal some of my deepest secrets. But it has been worth it,” Luis said.
From struggle to strength
Today, Luis approaches life one day at a time. Each morning is a new mission: a chance to battle internally with the same tenacity he once used in combat. He understands that healing isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about accepting his limitations and learning how to live with them.
His advice to others struggling with PTSD? “Remember that your family and your mental health team are there to help you navigate through the complexity of your issues. You owe it to yourself, your family and your friends to seek help. You can’t change or erase the past, but you can learn how to live with it.”
For Luis and many others like him, Cape Fear Valley Health’s Community Mental Health Center, which provides outpatient behavioral healthcare, is more than just a place of treatment, it’s a lifeline. The compassionate, professional team provides veterans with the tools and support to navigate their struggles. Whether through counseling, medication management or simply being there to listen, the center is dedicated to helping patients reclaim their lives.

(Photo: If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or any mental health issue, the Community Mental Health Center of Cape Fear Valley is here to help. Call (910) 615-3333 to schedule an appointment. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

A visit from furry friends: Pet therapy brings joy to seniors

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by John Riggio

At LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines, recreational therapy is a core part of the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly care model. One of the most popular activities is pet therapy, a powerful form of therapy helping participants relax and connect. This has quickly become a favorite activity with furry visitors bringing joy and lifting spirits.
Each month, the center welcomes a group of friendly dogs and their handlers from Bright and Beautiful, a volunteer program that brings therapy dogs into community spaces. These special guests are always met with big smiles and open arms. Many of our participants say that visits from the dogs are the highlight of their day, and some even wish the dogs could come more often!
Are there real health benefits to pet therapy? According to LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines Recreational Therapist Jessica Gonzalez, yes.
“Spending time with the therapy dogs helps reduce stress and anxiety, lift spirits, and bring comfort, especially for those who may feel lonely or are missing pets they had in the past. Being around animals can also spark happy memories of beloved pets and past experiences. It’s a gentle reminder of home, love, and the warmth of companionship,” she said.
Pet therapy also fosters community. Participants often gather to interact with the dogs, share stories, or simply enjoy the moment together. These shared experiences naturally build friendships and support mental wellness.
One of the most special parts of the program is the bond that forms between participants and the visiting dogs. The dogs and their volunteer handlers brighten days, bringing laughter and joy.
In addition to pet therapy, LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines offers a wide range of recreational activities designed to support the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. Painting sessions allow for creative expression, while chair exercises encourage gentle movement and mindfulness, and activities like gardening offer participants a hands-on way to connect with nature, build community, and enjoy the outdoors.
From crafting and music to games and special events, each activity is thoughtfully chosen to inspire joy, connection, and active living.
LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines is committed to helping older adults live well, age in place, and stay engaged in the communities they love. Pet Therapy is just one of the many services offered to support that mission. Whether it’s through health care, meals, or transportation, LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines is here to help seniors thrive.
To learn more about how LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines supports seniors and their families, call 910-429-7200 or visit lifestjosephofthepines.org.

(Photo: A therapy dog visits one of the seniors at LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph of the Pines)