Community Grants Program
In June 2007 the Carolina Community Network initiated the CCN Community Grants Program. Recognizing
that communities have unique strengths and untapped resources, the program invites community
organizations to partner with the CCN to develop small-scale projects that address breast, prostate
and colorectal cancer disparities in the adult African American population.
The CCN competitively awards community grants to community-based, faith-based, health care
organizations and other community groups that serve one or more of the CCN's 13 targeted counties.
Projects range in funding from $500-$10,000 and must be completed within 12 months. The goal of the CCN
Community Grants Program is to engage community organizations in the research process regardless of
their size, capacity or experience.
2009 Community Grantees (Projects)
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Black Men's Health Initiative
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Crossworks, Inc.
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EBC – ATOM
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Haw River Missionary Baptist Church
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Nia's Ark, Inc.
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Pitt County Memorial Hospital
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Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries
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Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN)
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Rural Health Group, Inc.
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YMCA of the Greater Triangle
2008 Community Grantees (Projects)
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Black Men’s Health Initiative
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Crossworks, Inc.
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Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation
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Roanoke Salem Outreach and Development Corporation
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Rural Health Group, Inc.
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Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center
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Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries
2007 Community Grantees (Projects)
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Alamance County Health Department
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Nia's Ark, Inc.
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Union Grove AME Zion Church
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His Majesty's Church
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Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries
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Crossworks, Inc.
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Rocky Mount Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc.
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Rural Health Group, Inc.
2009 Projects
Carolina Community Network
2009 Community Grants Recipients
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The Black Men’s Health Initiative
Contact: William Robinson at Blackmhi@aol.com
Network Partner: The Black Men’s Health Initiative was chartered as a non-profit corporation in South Carolina in March 2005 as a vehicle to educate African American and men of the African Diaspora about the risks and complications of chronic disease. The Black Men’s Health Initiative (BMHI) is focused on community competent prevention education and innovative interventions that have direct results in lowering risk and improving the health status of Black men. The BMHI couples lightheartedness and humor with a direct and frank approach to engaging Black men around health. BMHI has targeted ten (10) states in the Southeast region that include Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas for its signature programs that address prostate cancer, hypertension via nutrition, and physical activity.
Project Description: B.A.P. CapsTM – Brothers Against Prostate Cancer Awareness Program - this barbershop-based initiative will continue to provide prostate health, screening and treatment information to Black men in Caswell and Northampton counties, and expand to Guilford county by offering a culturally appropriate incentive item (baseball cap) and materials in non-traditional settings. It will continue to expand the number of Black men that are informed decision-makers with regard to their prostate health and help to reduce cancer amongst Black men, improve utilization of an innovative intervention, increase community knowledge, and potentially increase the number of Black men participation in clinical trials.
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Crossworks, Inc.
Contact: Debra Long at dlongrd@hotmail.com
Network Partner: Crosswork’s mission is to prevent, reduce, or eliminate chronic diseases and health disparities through nutrition and health education, community outreach and screening services. Specific health focuses are to prevent and improve self-management skills of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They serve all individuals regardless of age, gender, physical and mental ability, religious belief or creed living in Nash Edgecombe, Halifax, Northampton, and the surrounding counties in North Carolina.
Project Description: This project will educate African American women, ages 25 and older on the importance of regular breast self-exams, and early detection by receiving mammograms. This will be a community-based project targeting both individuals and groups, networking through local Nash and Edgecombe county beauty salons and other venues that serve predominantly African American women in an effort to promote breast cancer awareness and prevention. The project will also focus on a research question addressing the difference in breast cancer rates between Nash and Edgecombe counties and the attributing factors. The project will also attempt to increase participation by African Americans in cancer clinical trials and other forms of cancer research.
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EBC ATOM – EMPOWER
Contact: Dr. Felisha Bullock at felishadee@aol.com
Network Partner: EMPOWER (Empowering Men through Prostate Organ Wellness Education and Recovery) serves to de-stigmatize prostate cancer by actively engaging the pastoral community with non-time consuming actionable tactics that remove the cloud of fatalism and complacency that surrounds prostate cancer and homophobia in relation to early detection mechanisms that allow prostate cancer to be effectively treated. The program embraces the African-American Pastor as a prominent leader that has achieved a rare trust and respect and is in a unique position to effect change and eliminate the physical, emotional and financial burden prostate cancer inflicts upon the members of his/her congregation.
Project Description: The EMPOWER Men’s Health Ministry will provide pastors with train the trainer seminars, educational awareness breakfasts, support groups and prostate cancer resources for the church library.
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Haw River Missionary Baptist Church
Contact: Wanda Fearrington @ wfearrington@nc.rr.com
Network Partner: Haw River Missionary Baptist Church Health Warriors Ministry’s mission is to provide health awareness and educational material to our church community to promote healthier living. Our body is a temple of God and we must take care of it spiritually and physically. We feel knowledge is power. Providing educational material, awareness of health issues, encouraging exercising and healthy eating, we will give our church community the power and knowledge they need to improve their lifestyle.
Project Description: Haw River Missionary Baptist Church Health Warriors plan to implement Body and Soul at their church to educate members on taking control of their health through healthy eating and physical activity. The Warriors will offer healthier food choices at church dinners, invite speakers (i.e. nutritionists) and implement an exercise program.
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Nia’s Ark, Inc.
Contact: Ronald Weatherford at niasark@aol.com
Network Partner: The mission of Nia’s Ark is to build the capacity of faith-based and community-based organizations to address health disparities. Nia’s Ark focuses on prevention education about the leading causes of death in the African American community. By focusing its efforts on community opinion leaders rather than on the masses, Nia’s Ark can reach a wider audience through its represented organizations and constituencies. Nia’s Ark has presented prevention education programs throughout North Carolina.
Project Description: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long recognized that the faith community provides spiritual leadership and social support. This project will target Guilford, Rockingham, Caswell, Alamance and Randolph counties, where African American males are at high risk for developing prostate cancer. This project will engage faith and community leaders to address barriers that limit African American participation in prostate cancer research and raise prostate cancer awareness in the community.
The project will hold focus groups and training sessions for faith leaders and local congregations, and an information session for thirty (30) faith leaders whose constituencies include over 6,000 African American men in congregations and the community.
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Pitt County Memorial Hospital
Contact: Phyllis DeAntonio at pdeanton@pcmh.com
Network Partner: Cancer Services Mission Statement: To provide comprehensive cancer services to the citizens in eastern North Carolina, through prevention, screening and early detection programs/services and cancer treatment.
Project Description: Cancer Services and its partners will develop a project directed toward the African American community that will increase educational programs by arranging training sessions, presentations and demonstrations to promote awareness of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer targeting the African American population living in Wilson County.
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Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries
Contact: Rev. Linda Taybron at RevLindaT@aol.com
Network Partner: The mission of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and its Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries is to improve the lives of the people residing in the Halifax, Nash, Franklin, and Warren County area in North Carolina through community based intervention projects while partnering with local, state, and federal agencies to reduce or eliminate health disparities. Our vision is that the Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries will serve as a middle ground between the church and community. Halifax County and our neighboring communities need a place, which would cater to both the spiritual and physical needs of the community. A sense of “community” promotes unity, strength, accomplishments and opportunities to provide a healthier standard of living of all families.
Project Description: The H.E.A.L. (Helping Everyone Access Life) project was initiated by the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and our Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries to address the major health disparities and improve our quality of life. We join in embracing the Body & Soul Program’s ideas for eating a healthy diet along with an active lifestyle to lower our chances of diseases such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Their goal is to make needed health promotion services and programs more accessible to the residents in our service area through implementation of all four pillars of Body and Soul.
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Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN)
Contact: Geraldine Martin at gerri@prostatehealthed.org
Network Partner: The Prostate Health Education Network, Inc., (PHEN) is a non-profit 501© 3 organization. PHEN was founded in 2003 by Thomas A. Farrington, a Chapel Hill native, a prostate cancer survivor, and author of the books, “Battling the Killer Within”, and “Battling the Killer Within and Winning.” Mr. Farrington’s father and both grandfathers died from prostate cancer. Two were life long residents of Orange County, and one was a life long resident of Chatham County.
PHEN’s primary mission is to increase prostate health education and awareness among African Americans to foster early detection and eliminate the African American prostate cancer disparity. PHEN’s mission also includes efforts to increase the overall support and resources to wage a war on prostate cancer that will eventually lead to a cure for all men. PHEN efforts and activities are nationwide in scope.
Project Description: The PHEN “Rally Against Prostate Cancer” (RAP Cancer) initiative combines the outreach leadership efforts of prostate cancer survivors, cancer center partners, and the power of the internet, radio and television broadcasts to address the prostate cancer crisis. “RAP Cancer” evolved from successful PHEN national program efforts and builds upon this foundation. PHEN television programs are currently being aired on community TV stations in Chapel Hill and Raleigh. This project will mobilize survivors and students as part of RAP Cancer in Orange and Chatham counties.
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Rural Health Group, Inc.
Contact: Patricia Peele at patricia.peele@rhgnc.org
Network Partner: The mission of the Rural Health Group, Inc. is “to offer excellent quality primary care and health education to every individual in our community while providing this care in a culturally sensitive, professional and compassionate manner with special emphasis on reaching the underserved.”
The organization today serves more than 77,000 residents in seven medical clinics, two dental offices, a pharmacy and a Health Education program. These entities are currently combined under the corporate identity of the Rural Health Group, Inc. It is the largest primary care provider in Halifax, Northampton and Warren Counties, which are all designated as Tier One (economically deprived) counties located in northeastern North Carolina.
The target special populations for the comprehensive cancer program include high risk populations including: uninsured and underserved, African American men and women, and Native American men and women.
Project Description: The Health Education Division of the Rural Health Group, Inc. will continue its long range plan to develop a comprehensive cancer education and outreach program in northeastern North Carolina; as well as increase breast, prostate and colorectal cancer awareness and clinical screenings through the maintenance and expansion of an existing Lay Health Advisor Network. “Lay Health Advisors: Bridging the Gap of Health Disparities” will provide training for 30 community volunteers in cancer awareness, access and advocacy. Their efforts will provide education and support to 2500 African American and Native American adults and underserved families.
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YWCA of the Greater Triangle
Contact: Julie Seibert at jseibert@ymcatriangle.org
Network Partner: Since 1923, the YWCA has locally carried forth its mission of empowering women and eliminating racism, offering programs and services to people of all ages and abilities. Health and wellness has been an integral part of the YWCA's services for women for over 30 years.
Local YWCA health and wellness programs address health issues of critical concern to women and the growing gap in health disparities impacting people of color - especially African-American and Hispanic/Latino populations - helping women and their families take control of their health and make healthy choices to prevent diseases. YWCA programs and services focus on health education, disease prevention and providing opportunities for families to engage in regular physical activity.
Project Description: The encoreplus® program is the only community based breast cancer early detection education and screening program of its kind in this area of North Carolina. encoreplus® provides free education, mammograms, clinical breast exams, patient navigation support, post-diagnostic support, and transportation to screenings for eligible women. The program focuses efforts on low-resource, medically underserved African American women ages forty and over who face significant barriers to adequate healthcare. The goal of the program is to decrease cancer mortality rates in women through education, screening, and early detection.
2008 Projects
Carolina Community Network
2008 Community Grants Recipients
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B.A.P. CapsTM –Brothers Against Prostate Cancer Awareness Program in Caswell and Northampton Counties—The
Black Men’s Health Initiative
Contact: William Robinson at Blackmhi@aol.com
Network Partner: The Black Men’s Health Initiative (BMHI) was chartered as a non-profit corporation in
South Carolina in March 2005 as a vehicle to educate African American men and men of the African Diaspora about
the risks and complications of chronic disease. The (BMHI) is focused on community competent prevention
education and innovative interventions that have direct results in lowering risk and improving the health
status of Black men. The BMHI couples lightheartedness and humor with a direct and frank approach to unite
Black men around health concerns. BMHI has targeted ten (10) states in the Southeast region that include
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and
Texas for its signature programs that address prostate cancer, hypertension via nutrition, and physical activity.
Project Description: B.A.P. CapsTM – Brothers Against Prostate Cancer Awareness Program - this
barbershop-based initiative will bring prostate health, screening and treatment information to a hard-to-reach
segment of the population in Caswell and Northampton counties by offering a free culturally appropriate
incentive item (baseball cap) and providing materials in a non-traditional setting. B.A.P. CapsTM will expand
the number of Black men that are informed decision-makers with regard to their prostate health and help to reduce
cancer amongst African American adults, improve utilization of an innovative intervention, increase community
knowledge and potentially increase Black male participation in clinical trials.
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"Breaking Free!" – Breast Cancer Awareness for Black Beauties—Crossworks, Inc.
Contact: Debra Long at dlongrd@hotmail.com
Network Partner: Crossworks, Inc. established in 1999 is a 501c3, faith-based nonprofit organization.
Its mission is to prevent, reduce, or eliminate chronic diseases and health disparities through nutrition and
health education, community outreach, and screening services. Crossworks, Inc. serves individuals of all ages,
genders, and racial backgrounds living in Nash Edgecombe, Halifax, Wilson, Northampton, and the surrounding
counties in North Carolina. The purpose of Crossworks, Inc. is to provide a comprehensive array of
community-based nutrition services designed to alleviate the human suffering of chronic disease, malnutrition,
and hunger among people living the service area.
Project Description: This project will educate African American women, ages 25 and older on the importance
of regular breast self-exams, having routine clinical exams and mammograms. This project will be based in the
community, targeting both individuals and groups, networking through local Nash and Edgecombe county beauty salons
and other venues that serve predominantly African American women in an effort to promote breast cancer awareness
and prevention. Ten beauty consultants and other lay people will be trained in effective methods of sharing breast
health information with their clientele and peers and making proper referrals to local health care providers.
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Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation Health and Demographics Census–Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation
Contact: Vivette Jeffries-Logan at vivej@embarqmail.com
Network Partner: The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation (OBSN) was incorporated January 16, 1985
(NC General Statue 55A), under the name of the Eno-Occaneechi Indian Association, to preserve the Indigenous Heritage
in the community and to transfer historical knowledge to the community’s youth. In 1995, the Tribal Council
amended the name of the organization to The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation to reflect historical records
more accurately; the OBSN received Federal 501(c)3 status in 1996. Over the last two decades, we have undergone
a cultural resurgence, resulting in the renewal of our native language, initiation of the Homeland Preservation
Project, and hosting of the 2007 Annual Occaneechi-Saponi Pow Wow on our newly purchased tribal grounds. Due to
this resurgence, tribal enrollment continues to grow each day. The Territory of the OBSN includes, but is not
limited to: Orange, Alamance and Caswell Counties in North Carolina for the purpose of delivering Federal and State
Indian Services, concentrating its delivery of services to the people in the Pleasant Grove, Mebane Oaks, Anderson,
and Cedar Grove townships.
Project Description: North Carolina has the largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River
(approximately 110,000). In 2002, NC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survery (BRFSS) over sampled American Indian
communities with larger tribal enrollments. Therefore, no baseline data exist for smaller but equally important tribes
(e.g. Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation). The OBSN Health Circle, created in December 2007, is currently designing
and planning implementation of a Health and Demographics Census of enrolled adult tribal members. This project will
assess cancer prevalence, risk factors, and cultural buffers because knowing what diseases affect our community will
assist in the restoration of balance to our People (Yesah).
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Roanoke Salem Prostate Cancer Initiative—Roanoke Salem Outreach and Development Corporation
Contact: Rev. Robert Sessoms at roanoakesalempci@gmail.com
Network Partner: The Roanoke Salem Prostate Cancer Initiative (RSPCI) is a faith-based organization whose mission
is to decrease the number of deaths caused by prostate cancer by educating African American males in Northampton County
on prostate cancer. RSPCI will focus on increasing knowledge and awareness on the prevention, treatment, and early
detection of prostate cancer by having yearly Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings. RSCPI also seeks to improve
awareness of the availability of a support group network for those at risk of or with prostate cancer. By utilizing
educational activities, workshops and roundtable discussions, and community health fairs, RSPCI targets African
American males, age 40 and above or with a family history of prostate cancer, in Northampton County. RSPCI
anticipates future educational endeavors in Halifax, Edgecombe and Nash Counties.
Project Description: The RSPCI seeks to significantly decrease the number of deaths of African American
males due to prostate cancer in Northampton County. RSPCI will accomplish this by providing monthly workshops,
roundtable discussions, support groups and community health fairs, facilitated by qualified area health care
professionals and community leaders. It is the goal of RSPCI to increase the education and understanding on the
prevention, early detection screening, and treatment to a level that will evoke a change in perceptions and
behaviors, causing African American males to actively participate in the prevention, screening for, and
treatment of prostate cancer.
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Rural Health Group Lay Health Advisor Program—Rural Health Group
Contact: Netha Taylor at netha.taylor@rhgnc.org
Network Partner: The mission of the Rural Health Group, Inc. is "to offer excellent quality primary
care and health education to every individual in our community while providing this care in a culturally
sensitive, professional and compassionate manner with special emphasis on reaching the underserved." The
organization's service area includes Halifax, Northampton and parts of Warren Counties in eastern North Carolina,
all of which are considered Tier One (economically deprived) counties. Division conducts outreach programs
including Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Avon Foundation Breast Care Awareness, BCCCP breast and cervical
cancer screening, Ryan White Program, Health Outreach and Patient Education (HOPE) diabetes and nutrition
education programs and most recently, the Lay Health Advisor Program made possible by the Carolina Community Network.
Project Description: The Health Education Division of the Rural Health Group, Inc. will create a
comprehensive cancer education and outreach program to increase prostate health education and awareness
and clinical screening among African American males by adding a prostate cancer prevention component to
an existing health disparities initiative in Halifax, Northampton and Warren Counties. The project will
provide prostate cancer education to 1200 African American and Native American males and will target
underserved families.
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The African-American Prostate Cancer Support Group Pilot Project for Orange County—Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center
Contact: Joy Bryde at chsupport@mindspring.com
Network Partner:Established in 1996 and based in Chapel Hill, NC, Cornucopia House Cancer Support
Center (CH) is a community-based, nonprofit organization that offers a supportive atmosphere where anyone
touched by cancer can gather to share and receive free support, resources and education to live life to
the fullest. CH believes in returning some of the control cancer takes away, and that the support and
well being of a cancer patient’s loved ones is vital to their quality of life. CH programs are provided
free of charge to people with cancer, their families, and caregivers primarily from the four counties of
Orange, Chatham, Durham and Wake. The program’s complement and enhance the services of three hospital-based
cancer centers in the Research Triangle region of central NC by serving as an adjunct to traditional
medical treatment. Many participants are referred to CH by a member of their hospital-based treatment team,
and the supportive effects of CH are magnified by the fact that 50% of the staff are cancer survivors themselves.
Project Description: This project is designed to provide education and support services to African-American
men living with prostate cancer in Orange County, NC. Based on current experience in Durham County and through
partnerships with African-American community leaders in Orange County, we will design and deliver one or more
support groups tailored to the cultural needs of the participants. The support groups will be designed to
reduce participant stress and increase understanding of living with prostate cancer. As we implement the Orange
County program, we will evaluate the performance of the support groups and assess for any changes that need to be
made.
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H.E.A.L. (Helping Everyone to Access Life)—Pleasant Grove Refuge Ministries
Contact: RevLindaT@aol.com
Network Partner:The mission of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and its Pleasant Grove Refuge
Center Ministries is to improve the lives of people residing in the Halifax, Nash, Franklin and Warren
County areas in North Carolina through community based intervention projects while partnering with local,
state and federal agencies to reduce or eliminate health disparities. The vision of Pleasant Grove
Refuge Center Ministries serves as a middle ground between the church and community. Halifax County
and our neighboring communities need a place, which would cater to both the spiritual and physical needs
of the community. A sense of "community" promotes unity, strength, accomplishments and opportunities to
provide a healthier standard of living of all families.
Project Description: The H.E.A.L. (Helping Everyone Access Life) project was initiated by the Pleasant
Grove Baptist Church and our Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries to address the major health disparities and
improve quality of life. The Body & Soul Project will be used to encourage eating a healthy diet along with
an active lifestyle to lower our chances of diseases such as breast, prostate and colorectal cancer. The targeted
population is geographically located in a rural, isolated community in need; this project, offers access to
health promotion services to the community.
2007 Projects
Carolina Community Network
2007 Community Grants Recipients
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African American Male Prostate Cancer Awareness Program-Nia's Ark
Network Partner: The mission of Nia's Ark is to build the capacity of faith based and community
based organizations to address health disparities. Its focus is prevention education for the
leading causes of death in the African American community. By focusing its efforts on community
leaders, Nia's Ark can reach a wider audience through its represented organizations and
constituencies. Nia's Ark has presented programs throughout North Carolina.
Project Description: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has long recognized that the
faith community provides spiritual leadership and social support. Many clergy are unequipped to
address prostate cancer issues. This project will consist of focus groups and training sessions
for religious leaders and local congregations. This project will also target population groups in
Guilford, Rockingham, Caswell, Alamance and Randolph Counties where African American males are at
high risk for developing prostate cancer. To reach the target population the project will conduct
an information session for thirty church leaders in each county resulting in the potential to reach
over 6,000 African American Men.
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Cancer Awareness Project Union Grove AME Zion Church
Network Partner: The mission of Union Grove AME Zion Church is "to increase our love for God, the Creator,
Christ Jesus, the Savior and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, to increase our love for one another, and to
assist in meeting the needs of humanity in a holistic manner." This mission is actualized by studying and
obeying the word of God, attending worship services, Bible Study, other spiritual gatherings, and witnessing
through the work of Christian education, missionary and evangelism. The focus population and geographic
area served will be southwest Chatham County, the Union Grove Church Community and neighboring African
American Churches.
Project Description: The Union Grove AME Zion Church in collaboration with other community members will
initiate a plan to raise awareness of breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer and the need for
health living practices including diet and physical activity in surrounding African American Church
communities in Southwest Chatham County. The Body & Soul Program and principles will also be incorporated
into church related activities. Union Grove will be the primary focus but invitations will be sent to
surrounding African American Churches within 10 miles of the church. Health education will be provided
with assistance of professionals from the local public health department, and other local providers in
addition to individuals within our agency. To add a personal element, we will include stories and
experience of cancer survivors.
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Carolina Community Network-His Majesty's Church
Network Partner: His Majesty's Children Deliverance Church mission is to teach the Bible, both Old and New
Testaments, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body
of Christ. The church embraces the mind, body and spirit. The membership is 99% African American and is
located in East Tarboro. East Tarboro is a small pocket within the city limits of Tarboro on the eastern
coast of NC. As a nonprofit organization, His Majesty's Children Deliverance Church is affiliated with
Faith-Based community church. It provides assistance for dealing with issues during family crisis, births,
weddings, spiritual matters, and health and safety training which help the community empower its people.
Project Description: The goal of this project is to prepare the community to eat well through Body & Soul.
As a dynamic educational outreach program, it will serve to educate the community on better eating habits,
and it will provide support from qualified and experienced professional instructors. Services will be
offered to the Childcare center and parents throughout Edgecombe County and surrounding areas. This will
be the start of the His Majesty's Children Deliverance Church's health ministry.
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H.E.A.L.- Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries
Network Partner: The mission of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and Pleasant Grove Refuge Center Ministries is to
improve the lives of all people residing in the Halifax, Nash, Franklin and Warren County area in North Carolina
through community-based intervention projects while partnering with local, state and federal agencies to reduce or
eliminate health disparities. The vision of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church is to serve as a middle ground between
the church and community. Halifax County and its neighboring communities need a place that will cater to both the
spiritual and physical needs of the community. A sense of "community" promotes unity, strength, accomplishments
and opportunities to provide a healthier standard of living for all families.
Project Description: The Pleasant Grove Church formed a non-profit organization to address the needs of people in
the rural, isolated majority-minority community of Hollister, NC. The Body & Soul Project will be used to empower
families in an effort to raise the awareness of healthy eating and living. Nutrition education and fitness
interventions will encourage individuals to change health habits, which will reduce health disparities. The project
will introduce resources and programs within the community to avoid cultural and economic barriers that have prevented
participation of the target audience in traditional health and wellness programs.
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"Breaking Free!"-Breast Cancer Awareness for Black Beauties-Crossworks, Inc.
Network Partner: Crossworks, Inc., established in 1999 is a 501c3, faith-based, nonprofit organization. Its mission
is to prevent, reduce, or eliminate chronic diseases and health disparities through nutrition and health education,
community outreach, and screening services. Crossworks, Inc. serves individuals of all ages, genders, and racial
backgrounds living in Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, Wilson, and Northampton counties in North Carolina. The purpose of
Crossworks, Inc. is to provide a comprehensive array of community-based nutrition services designed to alleviate the
human suffering of chronic disease, malnutrition, and hunger among people living in the service area.
Project Description: This project will educate African American women, ages 25 and older, on the importance of regular breast
self-exams, and having routine clinical exams and mammograms. This project will be based in the community, targeting both
individuals and groups, networking through local Nash and Edgecombe county beauty salons and other venues that serve predominantly
African American women in an effort to promote breast cancer awareness and prevention. Ten beauty consultants and other lay
people will be trained in effective methods of sharing breast health information with their clientele and peers and making
proper referrals to local health care providers.
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Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc.
Network Partner: The Rocky Mount Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) was established in 1969 as a non-profit
organization purposed with providing education, training and human services opportunities to area residents. OIC
delivers services through seven major units: The Health Services Division; The Family Medical Center (OIC FMC); Child
Development; The Training Division; The Skills Center, Business Services; and Administration & Finance. Since opening
its doors 37 years ago, OIC has served over 22, 000 individuals. OIC is moving towards doubling that number in the
next five years by augmenting formerly established and new community alliances, such as that with Heritage Hospital in
Tarboro and Nash Health Care Systems in Rocky Mount. OIC, Inc. provides services in Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson Counties.
Project Description: The primary goal for the Rocky Mount Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc (OIC) Breast Health
and Breast Cancer Prevention Program is to, by direct contact with 5,500 women annually, increase awareness of breast
self-exam (BSE), clinical breast exam (CBE) and screening mammography as early detection methods for breast cancer,
and to increase the appropriate use of new existing health resources in Nash, Wilson and Edgecombe counties.
This project seeks to track OIC breast cancer services and to develop a local safety net to ensure follow-up and treatment
for uninsured and under-insured women in Nash and Edgecombe counties.
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Rural Health Group Lay Health Advisor Program-Rural Health Group
Network Partner: Rural Health Group Inc. (RHG) management group provides primary care, dental care, Health Outreach
and Patient Education (HOPE) for a consortium of 5 rural health centers in Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties.
The Education Division focuses on eliminating health disparities. RHG clinics provide services for uninsured clients
regardless of ability to pay. The mission of the organization is, "to offer excellent quality primary care and health
education to every individual in our community while providing this care in a culturally sensitive, professional and
compassionate manner with special emphasis on reaching the underserved."
Project Description: A five-member Volunteer Training Partnership will join the Carolina Community Network (CCN)
to help reduce major health disparities by conducting a breast cancer education project to recruit, train and
manage Lay Health Advisors who will extend breast cancer awareness outreach to rural isolated communities throughout
Halifax and Northampton Counties. The LHA Training Partnership will certify peer educators to conduct awareness
outreach related to health disparities. A public graduation will include a health fair to give volunteers the
opportunity to provide continuing education, evaluations and volunteer appreciations.
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