Impact Report 23/24 Final

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Impact Report 2023/2024

Who We Are: The CARE Group, Inc. is the nonprofit merger organization of Moore Buddies Mentoring and Moore County Literacy. Combined, our mission is to equip, empower, and encourage individuals through education, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities. Our vision is to have a community in which families are thriving, and youth have promising futures.

Who We Serve: We serve at-risk youth and low-literacy adults in Moore County and surrounding areas free of charge. Our youth are referred to our programs through their schools and the juvenile justice system. We serve adult English Language Learners (ELLs), those seeking basic adult education, those seeking assistance with citizenship preparation, those wanting to improve their digital literacy, and those wishing to learn about how and why reading to children at a young age is essential.

What Sets Us Apart: We are the ONLY nonprofit in Moore County that offers ONE-ON-ONE Youth Mentoring and ONE-ON-ONE Adult Tutoring. This means our students are matched with a caring and trained volunteer instead of a group, allowing trust and personal connections.

We are a referral program for the Juvenile Justice System and Moore County Schools for juveniles who are suspended, expelled, or currently in the court system.

No one cares how much you know until they know how much you CARE. -Theodore Roosevelt

A Message from Our Executive Director Dear friends of the CARE Group, In 2021, Moore Buddies Mentoring and the Moore Council Literacy Council merged to form the CARE Group, united by a mission to equip, empower, and encourage individuals through education, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities. While the mission was clear, the organization needed a guiding method to fulfill it. The answer was found in a set of core values that define the organization’s identity and drive its work.

The foundational value that we all were committed to was relationships. Our relationships are first and foremost in everything we do - with one another, with our dedicated volunteers, our clients, and the children and families that we serve, as well as the relationships that form between the tutor and the student, and the mentor and the mentee. It is imperative in everything we do as an organization.

And without respect to guide our relationships, we would simply be unable to work alongside those from different cultures, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds with integrity and authenticity. This is the glue that holds the organization together in our efforts to serve the community effectively.

Since our goal is to provide the best possible service to our clients, we look to be innovative in our approach. We are the only agency that provides direct one-on-one service to the folks we serve. We value that relationship above everything else and can individualize the program to their specific needs and goals. This takes initiative and resourcefulness on the part of staff, as well as our volunteers and students. To have the courage to walk through our doors for help takes great initiative on the part of the student. Success hinges on the initiative shown by everyone involved—from the students seeking help to the staff staying informed and innovative, to the volunteers applying their skills in tutoring and mentoring. They must also be empowered to do what they need to do to achieve their goals. Staff must be empowered to run their programs with excellence. Our volunteers must be empowered to use their skills and abilities to tutor and mentor others, and our students must be empowered to take the steps necessary to work toward their goals. And all of us are empowered by your support, to be able to do what we do.

In this report, you will hear from staff about a core value that impacts their performance and provides compassion and drive for their work. I am continually amazed at how both our staff and our volunteers reflect these values in their work and in their lives. As you read, I hope that you will know that what they accomplish is directly related to your generosity. Their work is possible because you care about relationships, about working with integrity, innovation, and taking initiative to help others reach their goals. We are able to do what we do because you EMPOWER us with your support. You empower us with your encouragement and with your friendship and with your belief in what we believe in - that people are worth our time and effort and all deserve a chance at a successful life. We are continually grateful for you and for what you enable us to do.

With the hope that you understand how much we value you,

Joyce Clevenger Joyce Clevenger Executive Director The CARE Group, Inc.

Relationships - Integrity - Respect Innovation - Initiative - Empowerment

The CARE Group Programs Serving All Ages at All Stages

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING & TUTORING Our mentoring coordinators connect a positive, caring adult to a student referred to us from schools and other agencies. Our mentors & tutors work with young people between the ages of 6 and 17, serving both in school and the community for at least one year for a minimum of 8 hours per month.

ONE-ON-ONE ADULT TUTORING Our Adult Literacy programs teach basic life and literacy skills to adults who wish to learn English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education, depending on the student's individual needs and goals. Students are matched with a trained volunteer tutor and meet once a week.

CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION ONE-ON-ONE ADULT TUTORING Our Citizenship Program serves students wanting to gain the knowledge needed for the Naturalization Exam and Interview while working on their English reading and writing skills.

DIGITAL LITERACY CLASSES Our Digital Literacy Classes are open to adults over the age of 18, including ELLs, who want to learn or sharpen their computer skills.

From basic keyboard, email, and internet skills to spreadsheets and multimedia presentations, our classes have something for everyone.

RISE (INTENSIVE INTERVENTION) The RISE Program’s goal is to help our youth with four focus points: R. realize my potential I. invest in myself/others S. strengthen my resolve E. envision the possibilities. This is an Intensive Intervention Service where paid mentors are matched with adjudicated juveniles with level II

RISE

or III disposition or PRS. Mentors provide mentees with behavior contracting services, skills, and set goals preventing recidivism.

Upcoming Events Find out more information and purchase tickets at www.thecaregroupinc.org/events

January 23rd 7pm-9pm Pinehurst Fair Barn

March 22nd 10am-2pm Old Aberdeen Elementary School Gym

July and August

August 9th

November 3rd December 5th

Blingo Bingo Fundraiser Break out your Bedazzler and join us for a fun evening of cheesy bling and bingo! We will be crowning a Queen and King of Bling, giving away prizes from local businesses, enjoying drinks and desserts, striking a pose at the Bling Booth, and having a great time raising money for the C.A.R.E. Group programs.

Adult Dodgeball Tournament All of you Average Joes and Purple Cobras come out and join us for a fun day of dodgeball and fundraising for the CARE Group programs!

Teams of 6 plus 1 substitute players face off in a double-elimination tournament Food trucks, drinks, raffles, and contests! Prizes for firstplace and second -place teams, best team uniform, and highest fundraising team.

Summer Reading Initiative This is a volunteer program collaboration with the existing Moore County Schools Summer Camps. Our mission is to improve reading outcomes for PreK - Grade 5 campers through structured small-group work and one-on-one engagement. Learn more by emailing nancy@mcliteracy.org.

Stuff the Bus Our 19th Annual Stuff the Bus event will take place outside of Staples in Aberdeen to help support our students as they return to school with much-needed school supplies. To find our wish list, partners, and impact visit www.thecaregroupinc.org/stuff-the-bus

Holiday Food Drive Help our CARE Group Families who worry about how or what to feed their family over the holidays. A number of our community partners will be collecting nonperishable food items for our families around Moore County. You may also drop items off at our office.

One person CARING about another represents life's greatest values. -Jim Rohn Showing Appreciation for Our Volunteers The Village Chapel lent us their amazing space for a night of appreciation and recognition for the people who make our work possible- our hard working and dedicated volunteers. Linda Pearson, Executive Director of the United Way of Moore County, gave an amazing speech to let them know their worth not only to our organization, but our community.

Stuffing the Bus with Our Community Our Moore County community businesses had a fantastic outreach to help us make our 18th annual Stuff the Bus event a success. Thanks to First Health Fitness Center, Pinehurst Resort and Country Club staff and members, D & I Council of Pinehurst Resort, Olmstead Village Dental, Staples, Cox’s Harley Double Eagle Harley Davidson, Active Defender, the Village Chapel, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and Our Saviour Lutheran Church for helping us fill 74 bookbags and provide supplies to Moore County DSS, and Moore County Schools.

Blingo Bingo Our 2nd Blingo Bingo Fundraiser grew exponentially this year with an even larger turnout of local supporters decked out in all of their shiny “bling”. Congratulations to Bonnie Archibald and Miles Archibald, our 2024 Blingo Queen and King, and to all of our bingo and raffle winners!

Dip, Dodge, Duck, Dive, Donate!

The inaugural Adult Dodgeball Competition was a great addition to our fundraising lineup and so much fun! Teams were decked out in their uniforms and really went all in for the win! Congratulations to our winners, Top Guns Gym, and our second-place team, Rec Room Hawgs. We can’t wait for next year!

RISE Program: Empowering Youth, Transforming Lives The RISE program is a newly established initiative designed to serve young people referred from Juvenile Court who need the encouragement, support, and guidance of a dedicated mentor. Through this program, we provide specially trained, professional mentors who work one-on-one with youth aged 11-21, helping them transition back into the community after release from a detention center. These mentors are paid professionals, equipped to support each youth as they focus on specific, targeted behaviors and personal goals. The program is currently available in Moore, Montgomery, and Randolph counties, sponsored by the local Juvenile Crime Prevention Council through the state of North Carolina.

Research shows that mentoring is the most effective way to deter deviant behavior, which is why many mentoring programs across the U.S. receive funding from juvenile justice departments. Our aim is to help these young individuals understand the root causes of their risky behavior and to empower them to make better life choices. By working on social and emotional skills and committing to regular school attendance, each youth develops a personalized behavior contract with their mentor, setting specific, individualized goals that reflect their unique needs and challenges.

Renowned child psychiatrist and author Bruce Perry emphasizes that trauma occurs in relationships and that healing must also take place within relationships: “The more healthy relationships a child has, the more likely they will be able to recover from trauma and thrive. Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.” This insight forms the cornerstone of our program. Mentoring works because it provides these youth with a caring, supportive relationship with a positive adult—a relationship that is built on trust, understanding, and genuine love.

R-Realize my Potential I- Invest in Myself and Others S-Strengthen my Resolve E-Envision the Possibilities

Relocating to West End: A New Chapter for the CARE Group Less than 2 years after our ribbon cutting on our new mentoring space and in response to rising rent costs from new landlords that made it financially unsustainable to continue operating at that location, the CARE Group has relocated to West End. Our new office, generously shared with our community partner, Pinnacle Family Services, allows us to continue providing essential services in a cost-effective manner. We have individual rooms for our adult literacy students to meet, a space for our mentoring pairs to cook and work together on their goals, and space for us to host small events with our community partners.

Although West End is further from some of the students we traditionally serve, we are committed to maintaining our connection with them and to extending our reach to new students and tutors in the area. To support students who may face challenges traveling to our new office, the Southern Pines Library and local churches have been gracious enough to reserve space for those tutor pairs to continue their work uninterrupted while we are actively seeking a satellite location in the Southern Pines area.

This move, while initially challenging, has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth. We are excited to be a part of this great community and believe that we can help the underserved populations that are in and around this area.

3 Private Tutor Rooms

Full Size Kitchen

Meeting/Group Space

Mentoring & Tutoring Programs

Katie Wilson Mentoring Coordinator

Respect: “I believe respect is such an important part of my job when dealing with the families and children I work with. To gain the trust of the children and families they need to be able to see that you respect them and their circumstances. It is so very important to put yourself in their shoes and to have understanding for them and their needs. It would be impossible for me to do this job effectively if I was not able to respect their courage to ask for assistance and for them in turn to trust those willing to assist them.”

Integrity: “A character of being honest and doing the right thing whether anyone else is looking or not. We should take our commitments seriously, which would help in being ethical in our decision-making.”

Craig Ogden Mentoring Coordinator Respect: “Respect goes a long way, it’s something that I am and have always been firm on. To get it one must also give it. Our organization as a collective shows respect to one another because we admire each other’s abilities, qualities, and achievements we each bring to the team. As a result, we are always celebrating one another. When speaking with the youth we service I always iterate how important it is to be respectful to their mentors, our staff, and each other. I assure them that it Cynthia McLean will take them far in life and they too should require respect.”

Mentoring Coordinator A Mother’s Gratitude: Our Mentoring Coordinator, Katie, shared a wonderful conversation that she had with the mother of one of our mentees. She told her that since her son joined our program, he has started acting like his old self again. She shared that having another adult actively involved with her son has taught him to me more respectful and take accountability for his actions. She also said that through contact with our staff, she herself has learned how to be more patient and how to better deal with conflict and resolution in their home. She was very grateful for the mentoring program and the support she and her son are given.

The CARE Group provides guitar lessons for mentees, offering a creative outlet that promotes emotional healing. Music engages the brain in ways that can relieve stress, build confidence, and process trauma, making it a powerful tool for young people facing difficult challenges. Through these lessons with instructor Lewis Beeman, mentees explore self-expression and build resilience in a safe, supportive space.

Our Moore Buddies Mentoring Program served 81 students this year through our one-on-one mentoring, tutoring, and group programs.

Isaiah graduated! He invited his mentors Bobby & Patricia to his Senior night and celebrated with dinner to receive his letterman’s jacket. He’s off to community college in Florida to study engineering like his mentor Bobby.

We were able to gift him a new laptop to help with his studies.

Empowering Through Experience: A Mentor's Role in Shaping Ambitions of Our Youth Katie and Her Girls In just eight months as a mentor, Katie has made a significant impact on the lives of her mentees, especially Sania. Katie describes her experience, saying, "Sania is an intelligent, funny, caring young woman who has huge aspirations in life. She is working towards becoming a lawyer, specifically to work with juveniles and those in need. To that end, my role in helping her achieve that goal includes meeting with her school counselors, going on college tours, and planning extracurricular activities.

We also do a lot of fun things like going to the movies and trying new places to eat. On the practical end, we run errands together and practice budgeting and comparison shopping. Sania has even gotten a job, started building her resume, and is doing very well in school. It's an honor to support her however I can, in a way that would have been helpful to me at that age. Hanging out with her and watching her grow is a reminder of that time in my life, and it means a lot to be there for her."

But Katie's impact doesn't stop with Sania’s legal aspirations. Katie, a licensed Cosmetologist, is also working with other mentees on a special project centered around their shared interest in cosmetology. Both girls have expressed a desire to pursue a career in the beauty industry after they finish school, and Katie has taken the lead in guiding them on this journey.

Together, they have started working on a cosmetology project, allowing the girls to learn from Katie's professional expertise, explore hands-on techniques, and get a sense of what the profession involves. This project not only helps them develop practical skills but also builds confidence and gives them a clear vision of their future. Katie's influence is helping to open doors and shape aspirations, proving that even in a short period of time, a mentor can make a profound difference.

Motheread/Fatheread® Program Empowerment: “Courageous citizens who speak a language other than English walk through our doors wanting to make a positive change in their lives by learning the language and having the ability to control many facets of their lives here in the United States. They are empowered to stand up for themselves, to apply for a job that requires more English language skills, go to community college and beyond, confidently attend their children’s school events and teacher conferences, and advocate for services to enhance their families’ well-being. There are also those who come through the door Nancy Bryant embarrassed that they graduated high school but are unable to read. They too want Family Literacy Program Coordinator more opportunities and they know as adults that education is what opens these doors to opportunity. Each time they meet with their tutor they feel a little more empowered to continue their education and begin to see the world through a lens of possibility. The mentoring program uplifts and empowers the young citizens of Moore County by partnering them with a champion, a person who can accept, guide, educate, and love them into growing up to be the person they are meant to be. A mentor works to empower and equip their mentee with the skills to control the direction of their life. Lastly, The CARE Group works with citizens of other countries who are seeking citizenship in the United States. Over many hours of instruction, we have witnessed this gain in citizenship and seen the life transformation through empowerment.”

Empowerment: ”I give Motheread and Computer classes, that help our students better communicate with their families, teachers, and their kids' teachers. We provide resources to complete personal and work goals. We can see empowerment when students finally accomplish their goals and how much that helps their self-esteem, confidence, and, overall, their trust within themselves.”

Patty Lopez Outreach & Recruitment Officer

“Thank You! First things first, Motheread/Fatheread is definitely worth its weight in gold. I’ve benefitted tremendously not only as a parent but as a human being. I was gracefully reminded of the fact that we grow when we choose to embrace and appreciate the difference. Mrs. Nancy is a Godsend and is the right person for the position, we are blessed to have her. My experience has been all pleasant and therapeutic. I have learned to be able to put a different pair of glasses on and see from others perspective. I have learned to effectively read to my daughter and promote interaction. I’m honored to have participated in this great program and the lesson that I have learned will benefit me for the rest of my life.”- Donnie, Motheread/Fatheread participant

This year our Motheread/Fatheread® program had 22 parents participate with 34 children.

“Motheread/Fatheread taught me different ways to engage my kids in the books depending on their ages. With one of my kids I might point out the different colors or count objects, with my older child the story might open a conversation, “What would you do in that situation?”, or “ What’s another way to solve that problem?” I’m a more confident reader and we have fun changing our voices to match the characters when reading. “

Adult Literacy Program Initiative: ”Be first out of the gate and don't be afraid to try! FAIL is just an acronym for First Attempt In Learning, after all. Our mentees and students live by this every time they walk through our door. They put their trust in their tutors, mentors, and our staff to be right there with them as they take risks to grow, learn, and improve their lives. For me, taking initiative means not just accepting the status quo, but getting creative and adaptive, working around obstacles, and seeking alternate ways to better serve our people and help them be successful.”

Heather Lussier Literacy Programs Director Relationship: "Of the many important aspects of what I do and believe is important is that of building relationships. As a coordinator, I interact with tutors and students individually and collectively creating a positive learning environment that begins with me and my interactions with each of them. Authenticity, trust, respect, and commitment must be an ongoing trait that is displayed and evidenced in support of our student's needs. Our program is built on caring for individuals and the success of that will be knowing, understanding, and addressing the needs of our constituents.”

Judith Douglas

Adult Literacy Program Coordinator

Mary’s Career Change Empowered by Learning "Mary" joined our program two years ago with a strong determination to improve her English speaking, reading, and writing skills. Working closely with her tutor, she found a deep interest in health-related topics, particularly in understanding vocabulary around the human body, illness, and caregiving. Driven by her new confidence and knowledge, Mary took a bold step forward and enrolled in a massage therapy course—a remarkable milestone for her.

Today, Mary no longer works at the factory where she began her journey. Instead, she has established herself as a massage therapist, partnering with a company that connects her with clients. In addition to her new career, Mary has also ventured into home-based cooking, preparing and selling meals within her community.

Julia’s Journey: From Learner to Leader “Julia” joined the Literacy Council two years ago as an ESOL student, eager to improve her English skills—particularly speaking, reading, and writing. Like many, she sought language proficiency and the confidence to use her voice effectively. As she worked closely with her dedicated tutor, Julia’s progress was evident.

After gaining experience in a local retail store, Julia earned a promotion to department supervisor. With her growing confidence and continuous improvement, Julia sought opportunities with greater potential for advancement. She and her tutor dedicated a lesson to preparing for interviews, practicing real-world scenarios, reviewing key vocabulary, and polishing her responses to common questions like, “What are your strengths?”

Within a week, Julia applied for a supervisory role at a new retail store coming to the area. When the interview came, her preparation paid off—Julia excelled and secured the position, a head department supervisory role with higher pay and more growth opportunities.

From Loss to New Beginnings: How Tutoring and Friendship Changed Susie’s Life

“Susie” who, despite the sudden loss of her husband right at the start of her tutoring, discovered that her investment in her education turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to her. After learning that her tutor was much more than simply a tutor, but a friend as well, she found ways to grow through each challenge in the most difficult time of her life. Her education will open doors for this next phase of her life, and her tutor will be there beside her all the way.

Wanting to become a member of a local church, but lacking the confidence to mingle and keep up with listening and reading during service, Susie's tutor accompanied her to a church of her (Susie) choosing. She chose this particular church because the Pastor, who is also the chaplain for the Police Department, was the one who came to tell her of her husband's death. Her tutor accompanied Susie at least 5 times and helped her with the reading from the church bulletins. Susie is now attending church on her own and in addition, she meets weekly with a women's knitting group that makes hats for babies in the community. There is also a single women's group that she meets with monthly for lunch.

Needless to say, the story continues with Susie who felt her English language was poor and she lacked confidence in speaking with others. She has certainly made big strides in that now she has even socialized outside of the church and accepted an invitation to attend a party at one of the member's homes and brought food she had made. She has now become very social and has found some new joy. She was introduced to the Senior Center (in Carthage) by her tutor and has gone there to engage in exercise. **Some names are changed to respect our students’ privacy.

Our Moore County Literacy Program provided tutoring to 78 low-literacy adults this year in our ESL and ABE programs.

2024 Digital Literacy Graduates We hosted the first graduation of our 6 intermediatelevel digital literacy students this year! Our intermediatelevel students learned how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Docs for work and personal use. Each student presented their final PowerPoint presentation to their class and proud friends and families.

Admin Team

Joyce Clevenger Executive Director

Innovation: “Innovation is defined as “the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services, or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value.” The CARE Group continually seeks to be innovative as we continue to provide for children and families in ways that offer tangible, practical and impactful change to their lives. One of the most innovative things we do is to work one-on-one with each adult student and each child that we serve. Not only does this allow for individualized care and support but it creates life-altering relationships that are at the core of change. There are classes to learn how to read or speak English. There are programs for at-risk kids, but nowhere else will that child have someone working in a one-on-one relationship with them to love, encourage, support, and guide them. Nowhere else will an adult student have one person solely dedicated to their success. In today’s world of technology, artificial intelligence, and a lack of social connection, relationships are becoming rare.

And although it shouldn’t have to be, it is innovative to work within relationships to affect change, and we are committed to doing just that.”

Relationship: “At the CARE Group, we believe in the power of personal connections. Whether we're working with our students, donors, or volunteers, our one-on-one approach ensures that everyone feels valued and heard. This individualized attention helps us build deep and meaningful relationships that strengthen our community and drive our mission forward. By working closely with each person, we create a network of support that uplifts everyone involved.”

Jackie Cornell Chief Operating Officer

Innovation: “I've always enjoyed being challenged and thinking of new ways to increase productivity or come up with a creative solution to identify, solve, and resolve a problem or issue. Because the non-profit world is constantly changing, being innovative and able to adapt to those changes provides me with an opportunity to continually try new approaches and gain new skills."

Leslie Elizeus Financial Officer

Board of Directors David Helms President Birche Meese Vice President

John Mecimore Treasurer Laura Douglass Secretary

Tammy Hernandez

Andrea Marks

Laura May

William Johnson

Harper Wilmoth

Twana McKnight

See what you've helped us accomplish this year...

Over 7,300 hours of mentoring

100% graduation rate for our Digital Literacy Classes

Over 790 hours of volunteer training

43 active tutor pairs

More than $5,400 of food donations for our families

Over $16,600 of school supplies donated

Over 20 families served in our Motheread classes

6 Adult Literacy Students with Measurable Skills Gains

Over 500 hours of in-school tutoring

How to Give...

We rely on donations the most during this time of year. We hope that you will help us prepare for yet another unpredictable year.

Mail a Check: The CARE Group, Inc. P.O. Box 1996 Southern Pines, NC 28388 EIN #42-1576564 Donate Online: Can the QR code to be taken to our donation form or visit www.thecaregroupinc.org/donate

Volunteer!

Do you want to get involved in giving back to the community? We hope you will consider giving one to two hours a week to help our students achieve their educational and life goals. We currently have a waitlist of students who need mentors and tutors.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer with our organization, please contact us today! 910-692-5954

We would like to thank all our individual and corporate donors for supporting the CARE Group, Inc. YOU are helping change the futures of so many individuals in our community of all ages and all stages of their lives.

Thank You to Our Business Partners For Your Continued Support Each Year

There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it CARES about.

-Margaret J. Wheatley

The CARE Group, Inc. P.O. Box 1966, Southern Pines, NC 28388 | 910-692-5954 www.thecaregroupinc.org | joyce@moorebuddiesmentoring.com | @caregroupinc