ROCKINGHAM — One elementary school in Richmond County now has a special room where families in need can get a little help.
The Eagle’s Branch Family Resource Center officially opened late Friday morning at Washington Street School, with Superintendent Dr. Joe Ferrell cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
“We’re hoping to be, ongoing, supportive of families, communities, students, teachers in this area,” said Kendra Faries, community school coordinator at the school. “And we’re hoping that this will become something that really, really impacts the community, and to be a resource for those and fill those gaps.”
According to Faries, the project is a collaboration between the N.C. Community Schools Coalition and Student U.
“Across North Carolina, many students face barriers to meeting basic needs such as mental health care, adequate food and stable housing,” according to the NCCSC website. “More than 40% of NC’s public school students are economically disadvantaged, and for many, schools are the most consistent access point for critical services. Without stronger connections between schools, families, and community resources, these gaps persist — holding back both student outcomes and community growth.”
Richmond County Schools was one of 12 districts to join the NCCSC in 2026, part of a contiguous swath that also includes: Columbus County Schools, Whiteville City Schools, Bladen County Schools, Robeson County Schools, Cumberland County Schools, Scotland County Schools, Hoke County Schools, Harnett County Schools, Lee County Schools Montgomery County Schools and Anson County Schools.
Of the 11 counties represented, seven are Tier 1 counties and four of those are ranked among the top 10 most economically distressed — Columbus (10), Richmond (7), Robeson (7) and Scotland (4) — according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Washington Street is, so far, the only participating school in the district.
The Family Resource Center, located in a renovated classroom at the school, will be able to provide food and clothing, as well as resources to other agencies throughout the community, according to Faires.
There will also be afterschool programs for both students and adults, Faries added.
“Parents might need help with resume building or they might need someone to help them with a job,” Fairies continued, saying that NC Works would be able to come in and assist.
Along one wall of the FRC are shelves with green metal bins filled with snacks, which Faries said were provided through a grant. On the same wall, farther down are boxes of grits, macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles and cereal, as well as bottles of laundry and dish detergent.
The front corner has racks of donated clothes with shoes at the bottom. Faries said they will accept “gently used” clothing items, adding that they are requesting leggings for girls and stretchy pants for boys.
There is also a ventless washer-dryer in the room to clean the donated clothes.
In the future, Faries said she would like to include diapers, formula and car seats, hygiene items and fresh fruit and vegetables: “Whatever is identified in our survey, those are the things that we will probably have in stock and readily available to those who need it.”
Faries went on to mention the creation of a 12-member school advisory board with teachers, families and community partners to determine programming, funding priorities and how to address needs.
Surveys are currently being sent out to parents, students and teachers to determine the needs to be served by the Family Resource Center, which Faries will help the advisory board prioritize spending.
NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the superintendent's last name. 6:26 p.m. 3-20-26.
