Impact Alamance 2024 Annual Report by Alamance Reports

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

A Decade of Progress, A Future of Possibilities

Ten years ago, Impact Alamance began with a simple belief: Communities thrive when people come together to create change. As we celebrate and reflect on a decade of partnerships, progress and possibility, our belief in the power of communities has only grown stronger.

Much of our focus now is on belonging and connection — helping people and communities communicate and collaborate to meet common challenges. When we all participate, the grid of resources in our county grows stronger, benefiting everyone.

From the beginning, we’ve said that Impact Alamance cannot — and should not — drive change on its own. Our role is to amplify the energy and vision of those working to improve our communities. To listen to, invest in and connect people — to be a catalyst for a healthier, smarter, and stronger community.

In 2024, we deepened our commitment to a connected and caring Alamance County. We helped bring inclusive playgrounds to life, ensuring children of all abilities have spaces to play and belong. We invested in leadership development across generations, equipping emerging and experienced leaders with the tools to strengthen our community. And we continued our dedication to education, supporting programs that give children the best start in life.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen firsthand how collaboration is the key to meaningful, lasting change. When people come together — across neighborhoods, backgrounds, and experiences — they create solutions that benefit everyone. Our grant investments are stepping stones toward a future where every person in Alamance County has access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

Looking ahead, we know there is still more work to do. Impact Alamance will continue to convene and connect people, share know-how, and make resources available. There is also a critical role for you.

Engaged citizens create healthier communities. Communities that have a higher level of engagement have better health outcomes. And it isn’t just about voting. It’s about creating a civic culture where people find ways to connect and contribute, like volunteering. It’s about staying informed and bridging differences to find common ground, identify problems and work together to solve them.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or engaging in conversations that shape our community, your actions contribute to a healthier, smarter and stronger Alamance County.

F.D. Hornaday, Board Chair

Tracey Grayzer, President

Protecting Lives in Alamance-Burlington Schools

Picture this: a student collapses during gym class, or a parent struggles to breathe at a school event. These moments, though rare, are frightening reminders of how important it is that schools be prepared to protect the health and safety of students, staff and visitors.

“We are building a culture of care and preparedness across our district,” said Dr. Aaron Fleming, Superintendent of Alamance-Burlington School System. “This effort also keeps ABSS in compliance with North Carolina’s recent legislative mandate on this issue. It’s a proactive step to protect the health and safety of students, staff, and community members. We are thankful for our community partnership with Impact Alamance, which helped us realize this goal.”

That’s why the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS), with a $72,470 grant from Impact Alamance, is equipping schools with 34 lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The AEDs will be placed in high-traffic areas like gymnasiums, main offices and athletic facilities. The devices include pediatric pads in case younger children need them. The grant also supports training to help school staff respond effectively during emergencies.

Sudden cardiac arrest can affect anyone including children. But when an AED is used within the first few minutes, survival rates jump from 5 percent to 70 percent.

Everyone’s Playground: A Community for All

The addition of Everyone’s Playground at Cates Farm Park in Mebane adds to the grid of assets that help nurture a healthier community for all children and families. Hundreds of families visit the playground, which opened in 2024.

This inclusive playground, funded primarily by Impact Alamance, marks a significant milestone in creating public spaces that welcome everyone. With Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and a wheelchair swing, the playground redefines play by breaking down physical and social barriers for children of all abilities.

“Everyone’s Playground is a great example of what we can achieve when we come together as a community,” said Recreation and Parks Director Aaron Davis. “This space represents inclusion and the promise of a healthier future for Mebane.”

Designed to develop balance, agility and motor skills, Everyone’s Playground combines fun and inclusivity. Parents can relax on a large cargo net while children explore climbing structures and wooden play equipment that harmonize with the park’s natural beauty. The playground adds to Cates Farm’s 54 acres of walking trails, a butterfly garden and an original barn.

Plans are also underway for a $75,000 expansion tailored to children ages 2-5, supported by an Impact Alamance grant. While the current playground is ideal for ages 5-12, the next phase will add more features focused on younger children, such as a smaller slide and youth swings, helping even more children have a safe place to play.

Impact Alamance is proud to support the ongoing development of Cates Farm Park, reinforcing its commitment to building healthier spaces for everyone in Alamance County. As Cates Farm grows, it remains a cornerstone of connection, play and community for all.

Investing in Active, Healthy Futures for Alamance County Students

Physical activity is key to student health, well-being, and academic success. Yet, many middle and high schools in Alamance County lack the equipment needed to provide engaging and varied physical education (PE) experiences. To bridge this gap, Impact Alamance is investing $100,000 to equip ABSS secondary schools with modern PE resources.

This investment will help shift PE beyond traditional athletics, giving students the chance to learn new skills, discover activities they enjoy, and build a lifelong love of movement. Physical activity is required daily in middle school and at least once in high school, so this funding will directly impact thousands of students across the county.

Expanding access to high-quality PE helps students move more, feel better, and create lasting healthy habits—strengthening our community one step at a time.

Transforming Hillcrest Elementary through Telehealth

Hillcrest Elementary is becoming the first Alamance County public school to host a telehealth clinic. This approach to supporting student health has been shown to reduce absenteeism and early dismissals due to sickness, enhancing learning. In Guilford County, telehealth in several Title I schools reduced student absenteeism due to sickness by 10% and cut early dismissals by 25%.

Impact Alamance is supporting the initiative through a $103,112 grant in partnership with Cone Health. Students in Title I schools, such as Hillcrest Elementary, often face challenges that hinder their ability to learn and thrive.

Many children in Title 1 schools come from households grappling with economic insecurity, which can lead to untreated health issues, frequent absenteeism and poor academic outcomes. The telehealth program provides on-site access to medical care, helping students stay in school and focus on learning.

Technology Plus the Human Touch

“Healthy students are better learners.”

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The program’s heart is a certified medical assistant trained to connect students, parents and healthcare providers. Teachers can refer sick students to the telehealth clinic, where a virtual consultation is conducted using stateof-the-art tools like digital otoscopes and stethoscopes. Parents join the session remotely, without needing to leave work or home.

No family is billed for these services. Care is integrated with students’ electronic health records, and the program helps families without a primary care doctor establish a medical home.

This initiative reflects Impact Alamance’s commitment to equity, ensuring every student — regardless of their economic status — has access to high-quality healthcare. By eliminating barriers to care, the program levels the playing field for Hillcrest students, offering them the tools they need to succeed.

Building a Culture of Wellness and Belonging

What does it take to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive? That question was at the heart of the Alamance Wellness Summit, held Sept. 17, 2024. The summit brought together local leaders, advocates, and residents to explore solutions for health, belonging, and equity, reinforcing Impact Alamance’s mission to invest in a healthier, smarter, and stronger community.

The morning began with a panel discussion featuring local changemakers, each working to strengthen Alamance County in unique ways. From Lisa Edwards of CityGate Dream Center, who fosters belonging for Latinx and Black youth, to Joshua Alston, a musician and mental health advocate breaking stigma through art, these leaders brought powerful perspectives on how wellness includes community, connection and opportunity — not just physical health.

In interactive breakout sessions, attendees explored what it means to preserve local history, build healthier neighborhoods, and advocate for policies that drive lasting change. Discussions ranged from the revitalization efforts in Morrowtown to the importance of storytelling in fostering a more inclusive Alamance.

But the real impact of the summit isn’t in what happened that day — it’s in what happens next. Impact Alamance remains committed to turning these conversations into action, ensuring that wellness is embedded in the policies, systems and environments that shape daily life. The call to action is clear: Engage, connect and help shape the future of Alamance County. Together, we can create a culture of belonging — one where every voice matters and every person has a path to well-being.

Smarter

Smarter Starts: Helping New Teachers be Stronger Educators

Alamance County’s success is rooted in the classrooms where the next generation is shaped. Recognizing this, Impact Alamance proudly supports the Resources for Beginning Teachers Grant, a collaboration with the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS). This initiative empowers new educators to grow as confident leaders and skilled professionals in their fields.

“Impact Alamance’s investment in supporting new teachers is making a profound difference in the future of education in the Alamance-Burlington School System,” said Jodi Hofberg, ABSS Teacher Scholars Coordinator and Teacher Cadet Instructor. “By providing professional development, resources, and creating opportunities for collaboration, we are ensuring that our Teacher Scholars, Cadets, and Beginning Teachers have the tools and support they need to succeed and inspire the next generation of educators.”

The program provides Teacher Cadets, Teacher Scholars and first-year teachers access to the Rising Educator Curriculum. This platform offers tools and training to navigate the challenges of modern teaching. The curriculum equips educators to create productive learning environments by covering topics such as effective classroom management, instructional strategies and integrating technology into lesson plans.

Beyond the curriculum, the grant also supports additional professional development opportunities. Through in-person workshops, virtual training and opportunities to attend educational conferences, beginning teachers connect with peers and mentors, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared expertise.

The Resources for Beginning Teachers Grant is also aimed at helping improve first-year teacher retention. Across the state about 1 in 10 teachers exit the profession each year. But among first-year teachers, the attrition rate is 50 percent higher.

The grant program enhances the skills of new teachers and also signals community support —important for their morale and encouraging them to stay in the profession during the early years.

This investment extends beyond individual teachers. It also strengthens ties between ABSS, community partners, and higher education institutions like Elon University and Alamance Community College. Together, these partnerships provide new teachers and their students a supportive network dedicated to their success.

When teachers thrive, students reap the rewards through enriched classrooms and stronger academic outcomes.

Fueling Innovation through Honda STEAM Grants

Impact Alamance and Honda are investing in the future of Alamance County with $100,000 in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) grants, awarded to nine educators across ABSS in 2024. These grants equip students with hands-on experiences, preparing them for future careers and real-world problem-solving.

By funding interactive learning environments and real-world applications, these grants prepare students to explore career pathways, think critically, and engage with innovation. Key investments include:

• Tech-Powered Makerspaces

At Graham, Williams and Western Alamance high schools and Grove Park Elementary, students will engage in hands-on 3D printing, laser engraving, and coding, expanding access to high-quality STEAM activities.

• Pathways to Biomedical Careers

Eastern Alamance High will introduce DNA analysis equipment, giving students early exposure to forensic science and biomedical research.

• Coding and Robotics for All Ages

E.M. Holt Elementary will integrate Sphero robots for an interactive coding curriculum, while Cummings High and Alexander Wilson Elementary will bring robotics and STEM kits into classrooms.

• Sustainability in Action

Eastlawn Elementary will create a solar-powered greenhouse, incorporating hydroponic systems and farm robots to connect students with environmental science and renewable energy solutions.

These grants support educators as catalysts for innovation, creating dynamic learning environments where students can explore, experiment and build critical skills. With access to emerging technology and real-world applications, Alamance County students will be better prepared to lead, create and shape the workforce of tomorrow.

Stronger

Community-Led Change Starts Here

At Impact Alamance, we believe that lasting change begins with community-led solutions. Our Community Forward Grants fuel grassroots initiatives that expand access to opportunity, strengthen community bonds and foster resilience.

In 2024, we invested a total of $30,000 in three organizations — King’s Guidance, Queen’s Guidance and Eating from the Garden. Each initiative tackles barriers to opportunity while building a foundation for a healthier, smarter and stronger Alamance County. These projects meet immediate needs and inspire participants and partners to continue driving change.

King’s & Queen’s Guidance

Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders King’s Guidance and Queen’s Guidance are two leadership development programs designed to equip Black teens in Alamance County with the tools, mentorship and confidence to reach their full potential.

King’s Guidance, led by Jakory Valines and TaiSean Jones, creates a support network for young men, pairing them with mentors who provide guidance, life skills and leadership training. Through group discussions, retreats and one-on-one coaching, participants gain the skills to navigate challenges and build bright futures.

Similarly, Queen’s Guidance, founded by Armani Graves, helps young women build leadership skills, explore career and college pathways, and connect with mentors who champion their growth. With a motto of “Fixing Crowns Today to Empower Leaders Tomorrow,” the program fosters self-confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.

Eating from the Garden Nurturing Well-Being for Women of Color

Led by Erica Johnson, Eating from the Garden is a wellness retreat designed to help Black, Indigenous, and women of color (BIWOC) reclaim space for healing and community care.

Through self-care workshops, panel discussions, and mindfulness activities, participants explore holistic wellness practices that strengthen individual and collective well-being. The retreat provides a platform where women can build resilience, share experiences and develop strategies to overcome obstacles in their daily lives.

By investing in wellness, connection, and empowerment, Eating from the Garden is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more supportive community.

Enough. Time to Build: Alamance Steps Forward

For too long, the narrative around Alamance County has been one of division — across geography, race, and economics. But something powerful is happening here. A growing movement proves that when we listen to each other and work together, we can build something better.

This energy filled the Paramount Theater on April 11, 2024, when Rich Harwood, founder of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, brought his national civic campaign, “Enough. Time to Build.”, to Alamance County. Harwood challenged the audience to reclaim the public square from divisive voices and step forward as builders and doers.

This event built on Impact Alamance’s ongoing work with the Harwood Institute, a partnership launched in 2022 to help Alamance residents connect, build trust and take action together. It began with deep listening sessions, where residents across the county — rural and urban, young and old — talked openly about their experiences. A shared understanding emerged: people want to move forward together, but they need spaces to connect, trust and build.

That’s why, in 2023, 50 local leaders joined the Public Innovators Lab, learning how to turn good intentions into real change. Five action teams have since formed, tackling key areas like youth wellness, bridge-building, faith, the arts and shifting the county’s narrative from division to possibility.

This work is just beginning. But one thing is clear: Alamance is choosing hope — together.

As Impact Alamance President Tracey Grayzer put it, “Listening to each other, learning and building bridges to strengthen our community is more important now than ever. It’s the way to find common ground, celebrate our humanity and join together so that Alamance County flourishes. Together, we are stronger.”

Interested in learning more?

Read The Harwood Institute’s initial report, Alamance Choosing Hope: A New Path Forward for the Community at impactalamance.org/for-alamance-initiative.

A Second Chance at Childhood through Camp HOPE

The Family Justice Center of Alamance County launched Camp HOPE, the county’s only sleepaway camp designed to help children impacted by domestic violence set goals, believe in themselves and find community.

A $35,000 grant from Impact Alamance supported the launch of the new program.

This evidence-based camping and mentoring program offers youth living with domestic violence and trauma a pathway to hope and healing through year-round community, mentoring and a transformative summer camp experience.

In August, 20 campers and 16 staff and counselors traveled to Camp Kanata for a week of adventure, support, and personal growth. From scaling rock walls to sharing stories around the campfire, every activity helps children rediscover their confidence and build resilience. High-adventure activities encouraged campers to conquer fears. Team-building exercises and quiet moments of reflection fostered connection and resilience. Most importantly, Camp HOPE gave these children a chance to just be kids again — free from the weight of domestic violence.

Each year, the Family Justice Center serves more than 2,000 victims of domestic violence; about 1,000 children accompany their caregivers. The toxic stress children experience from exposure to violence increases their risk for mental health challenges, substance use, and repeating cycles of violence in adulthood.

Camp HOPE is part of Alamance County’s prosperity grid — a network of interconnected resources and programs that ensures all children get

the support they need, no matter their background or circumstances. Beyond the summer experience, Camp HOPE includes year-round support. Campers participate in monthly activities and mentoring through the Pathways program, helping them build on camp experiences and reinforcing positive growth.

The Family Justice Center plans to expand Camp HOPE to reach more children and strengthen year-round initiatives.

Progress and Enhancement Grants at Work

Impact Alamance awarded Progress and Enhancement Fund grants totalling $150,000 to eight projects making a difference in our community. These included funding to expand the First Presbyterian Church Child Development Center (CDC) and to create a Student Support Center at Alamance Community College’s (ACC) Dillingham Center.

These grants to improve education, access to care and economic opportunities in Alamance County reflect the shared goal of creating a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

Opportunities for Our Youngest Learners

Finding quality infant and toddler care is a growing challenge for Alamance County families. First Presbyterian Church’s CDC meets this need with the addition of four new classrooms for young children.

The $25,000 grant for these classrooms offers child-friendly furnishings and educational materials to foster growth and learning.

The investment supports the 100-plus children the childcare center serves and helps parents rejoin the workforce.

A Place for Support and Success

For students attending Alamance Community College’s Dillingham Center, access to resources can make all the difference in achieving their goals. With a $40,000 Progress and Enhancement Fund grant, the college is creating a new Student Support Center to bring essential services closer to where students learn.

Blending hospitality and student services, the center will feature easy-to-use technology, inviting furniture and refrigerated storage space. It will connect students to crucial support like a food pantry, financial aid guidance, mentoring and counseling, mental health support and more.

The center will serve over 1,500 students annually, helping remove barriers to academic and career success.

The ACRE Co-lab Launches Fourth Cohort

Impact Alamance and North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ) launched the fourth Alamance County Racial Equity Collaborative (ACRE Co-lab) cohort in fall 2024 as part of our ongoing commitment to equity and leadership development.

In response to feedback from past participants, we restructured this year’s program to meet more frequently over a shorter time frame. This adjustment allowed for deeper, more consistent engagement while reducing barriers to participation. The latest cohort, consisting of 20 nonprofit and municipal leaders, completed the program in December.

Participants engaged in candid conversations about race and equity, built connections across sectors, and explored how systemic disparities shape Alamance County. Many reported a stronger sense of confidence in discussing racial equity within their workplaces, a deeper understanding of local and national power structures, and an increased sense of community belonging.

Here’s what this year’s participants had to say:

“It allowed me to know the deep history of Alamance that affects its structure and residents today.”

“I am more confident in my abilities to talk about race and equity in the workplace, something I never had to do before.”

“It has connected me with other leaders I may not have gotten to know otherwise.”

“I better understand my place in the local and national power structure, which will allow me to better navigate these systems.”

Teacher Leadership Academy Relaunches

After a four-year pause, the Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA) returns in early 2025 — stronger than ever. With over 60 educators enrolled from elementary, middle, and high schools across Alamance County, this restructured program is designed to equip teachers with the tools, networks and confidence to lead — with less time away from the classroom.

Led by Impact Alamance and Alamance-Burlington School System, participants engage with local leaders, develop strategies to strengthen public education, and gain insight into their role as change-makers.

Ahead of the relaunch, TLA alumni reunited in July 2024 to reconnect, receive professional development, and help shape the program’s next chapter. Their insight and experience reinforce TLA’s ongoing impact — and the power of strong teacher-leaders in Alamance County.

Stronger Leaders for a Stronger Alamance

The Leadership Institute continues to shape the future of Alamance County by equipping nonprofit and government leaders with the skills to drive meaningful change.

Now in its eighth year, the program welcomed 22 participants to its 20232024 cohort, led by facilitators Lisa Withers (Leadership Development Solutions) and Linda Smith (Splash Performance). Over 10 months of sessions, participants strengthened their leadership skills, expanded their networks, and gained practical strategies to navigate challenges.

Since its launch, the Leadership Institute has supported over 100 leaders across more than 50 organizations, helping them lead confidently, collaborate effectively, and make a lasting impact.

With another class of engaged leaders now part of the network, the ripple effect of this program continues to shape a stronger, more connected Alamance County.

Strengthening Schools Through Parent Engagement

IImpact Alamance invested $20,000 to support the continuation of Alamance County’s Parent Engagement Program (PEP), a nationally recognized model by Parents for Public Schools that promotes familyschool collaboration, civic engagement, and community improvement.

This year, Impact Alamance made an additional $7,000 investment to launch the first-ever PEP Community Grants. Awarded to parents enrolled in the program, the grants empowered them to lead innovative school-based initiatives tailored to the school’s unique needs.

Funded initiatives included a kindergarten readiness program offering tools, supplies, and bilingual support; community events for Spanish-speaking families focused on education, wellness, and adolescent mental health; increased parent engagement through PTO development at Graham High and Graham Middle; a Family Resource Cart at Hillcrest Elementary stocked with free educational materials; and racial equity training for volunteers at Newlin Elementary to foster more inclusive learning environments.

Elon University Year of Service Fellows

Year of Service Fellows are Elon University alumni who spend 12 months following graduation working as a staff member in an Alamance County community organization.

“I pursued this fellowship because of my interest in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. I knew I wanted to work with the community but wasn’t sure where my skills fit best. Through my role, I’ve had the opportunity to help the For Alamance Narrative Team share more stories of positive change in the county. I’ve worked on expanding our distribution list and developing better outreach strategies, which have helped more people learn about the work being done here. This experience has shown me how my writing and storytelling skills can support nonprofit work. I’ve also deepened my understanding of Alamance County and how community narratives shape resilience.

“Moving forward, I hope to continue digital communications for nonprofits, using my skills to highlight impactful work across the state and beyond.”

—

Mollie Lund, Stronger

“This fellowship appealed to me because I wanted a balance of support and independence — a space to grow professionally while staying connected to the Elon community. One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on is the Parent Engagement Program (PEP). Being involved from the application process to leading sessions has taught me how to organize and run a program from the ground up. More than anything, this experience has reinforced how vital communication is at every level whether with teachers, coworkers, mentors, or parents.

“I’m leaving this fellowship with a broader perspective on education, understanding how all the moving parts must come together to provide the best opportunities for students.”

— Nyjah Rollins, Smarter

“The fellowship with Impact Alamance allowed me to explore public health within a community health foundation while focusing on my interests in the built environment and community engagement. A highlight has been developing a virtual nonprofit capacity-building series, where I collaborated with consultants to offer training sessions on hiring, donor attraction, and other key topics. I also helped organize the Wellness Summit, working on logistics for an event that brought together over 80 community leaders. This experience has strengthened my writing, event planning, and facilitation skills while deepening my understanding of community-driven change.

“Moving forward, I hope to apply these lessons by continuing to build strong relationships and leveraging public knowledge to create meaningful impact.”

— Nicole McGinty, Healthier

Striking the Right Chord: Honoring John Currin’s Legacy through Play

Music brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. No one knew this better than the late John Currin, a founding Impact Alamance board member, former CEO of Alamance Regional Medical Center, and respected community leader.

As a lasting tribute to Currin, Impact Alamance and the New Leaf Society are transforming the children’s area of the Burlington Arboretum into a symphony of play with an 11-foot interactive guitar sculpture.

“We hope this new guitar sculpture will be a symbol of unity, creativity, and the joy of music and play,” said Katie Snider, executive director of the New Leaf Society. “Once installed, it will be a fitting tribute to John, who gave so much to our community and loved bringing people together.”

In addition to his numerous contributions to Alamance County Currin was also known for his passion for music, his love for his grandchildren, and his concern for all our community’s children.

John Currin

1948-2023

Designed by Casey Lewis of Beechwood Metalworks in collaboration with Tracey Grayzer and Marcy Green from Impact Alamance, the structure invites children to climb, explore and engage with music in ways that spark curiosity and connection.

Younger children can climb through the guitar’s sound hole, creating a welcoming space for imaginative play and memorable photos. Older children can climb a ladder along the guitar’s neck to tap on tuning pegs, creating their own musical medley. The front of the guitar features metal piping strings that transform into playable instruments, adding an auditory layer to the adventure.

Impact Alamance has committed $25,000 to this project, emphasizing the importance of spaces that foster connection and joy. Burlington Parks and Recreation will maintain the sculpture, ensuring Currin’s legacy will inspire creativity and connection for future generations.