The Adult Literacy & Education Center was established in 1976 to address the nearly a quarter of the adults in Cumberland County who read at or below a 5th grade level and assists adults who are challenged in the areas of reading, writing, math, general academics, English language, job readiness and computer skills. One-on-one tutors, group classes and a full computer lab help students to begin their journey to success. These services will affect not only the adult student, but also their children and generations thereafter. It is fundamental for creating better health care access, lowering crime rates, and ensuring safer family environments. Last year, trained volunteers from the community worked with 244 adult students, touching 741 lives. In addition, 6 students gained U.S. citizenship, and 103 attained their educational or employment goals. The gift of literacy is one that will make a lasting difference in our entire community. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Frederick Douglass

FUM came into existence in 1974 to address the widespread needs of people suffering in crisis situations throughout the county. Starting from a basement, Emergency Assistance grew into an effective grass roots operation that touches thousands of lives. Now the program houses a food pantry, clothing closet, and a financial assistance service for families and individuals in crisis. All of this is made possible by community partners who donate non-perishable food items, new & lightly used clothing, hygiene items, household goods, and money. In fiscal year 2014-15, we served more than 8,000 people, over 500 homeless, and 632 military-affiliated lives. “It is simply amazing what a bag of groceries, clothing, or a few dollars can do to transform a life story!”

The FAF program began in 1982 as one of the first mentoring programs established by Governor Hunt in North Carolina. Since then, it has flourished and added multiple afterschool components to keep at-risk youth fully motivated and enriched through wrap-around support services. Our program helps modify youths’ behavior positively at school, home, and in the community. The FAF program was named a “Champion for Children” in 2009 by the Child Advocacy Center. Serving over 200 at-risk and court-involved youth per year, with a 96% success rate at keeping kids out of trouble and successful in school, this program truly makes an impact. It costs tax payers over $125,000 per year to house 1 juvenile in confinement. It takes less than $1,500 to sponsor a youth for 1 full year of preventive services with FAF. “Our kids are our most valuable investment!”

We started in August of 1993, repairing the homes of low-income home owners with the help of volunteer groups from local churches. In 1994 the program assumed the Emergency Home Repair Program for the Community Development Department, City of Fayetteville. Nehemiah partners with many contractors, the Re-Store Warehouse, and other agencies as a vital resource for this community’s elderly and low-income population. This program’s impact is invaluable as it ensures that our low-income home owners are housed in safe and comfortable living conditions. Each year, the program will assist approximately 170-200 home owners. Imagine being on a fixed or low income and facing the crisis of costly home repairs. “We build up homes and families by repairing houses!”