Taking Charge of Your Financial Health – Creating a Legacy of Wealth
“I had the privilege to come out to Gates County Community Partnership’s event to learn about Financial Planning. The speaker was awesome and people need to hear her,” emphasized community member Terri Boatwright. “What was taught in this program will help set you on your way to starting your own businesses, learning about financial wealth and planning for yourself.”
On Saturday, February 1, 2020, Gates County Community Partnership presented a free Financial Literacy Workshop to Gates County at its high school. The keynote speaker, Tiffany Eubanks, Managing Director for Bank of America, outlined the importance of creating a financial plan that is realistic and based on personal short-term and long-term goals. She impressed upon the audience that it is never too late to begin creating wealth and provided manageable practices that everyone can put into place. “Everyone should set aside funds equal to at least three months of your normal living expenses, pay off credit card debt, set aside savings for large expenses, directly draft savings from your paycheck and be disciplined by making regular deposits into investment accounts,” stated Ms. Eubanks. A highlight was the discussion on college loan debt. She emphasized it is imperative to be smart when funding post-secondary education as the “best” university may not be the best for you. “It rarely makes sense to take on a large amount of debt for college when lower cost options are accessible.”
“This was a very successful meeting. People need to be aware of what is going on as far as money management. Everybody teaches you how to make money, but no one tells you how to manage it after you make it,” stated community member Vincent Riddick.
“We were excited about the opportunity to bring this important dialogue to the Gates County community and are pleased by the tremendous response from those who attended,” said Brian Rountree, Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “We would like to thank Ms. Eubanks for bringing a powerful and inspiring message and our local institutions, First Citizens Bank and Southern Bank for participating. It means a great deal to us that they chose to take time out of their weekend to serve Gates County and assist our organization.”
This was just the first program in what Gates County Community Partnership hopes will be a value-added series for this community. Simply stated by attendee Daniel Bowser, “The workshop was very informative!”
Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.
Gates County Community Partnership Attends "The Jupiter Ball" at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Gates County Community Partnership participated in "The 20th Annual Jupiter Ball', Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's fundraising gala. Proceeds from the event allow children to participate in exciting science education experiences that will develop their love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center has delivered significant resources to Gates County through the Saunders Science Scholars science enrichment program and other related endeavors designed to touch the entire community. Their fascinating work has compelled others, like Gates County Community Partnership. "We would not exist without Morehead. With the Saunders Science Scholars, they inspired us to organize and give back," emphasized Gates County Community Partnership Director Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. "It was great to have the opportunity to take part in the program as a representative of the county. We are excited to continue our work in concert with Morehead and Gates County Schools."
Gates County was featured during the presentation of the 2019 Morehead Medal of Science as the recipients, Steve Butts and Addie Miller, were the guiding force and main funders of the extended outreach into Gates County. Participants included Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools, Mrs. Tammy Boone, Assistant Superintendent of Gates County Schools and Mrs. Barbara Austin and Justin Powell, participants in the Saunders Science Scholars. Mrs. Christie Bartoli, Ms. Claudette Smith, Bella Bartoli and Ace Austin also represented as Saunders Science Scholars.
The mission of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is to serve North Carolina and beyond by bringing together the unique resources of UNC to engage the public for an improved public understanding of science, technology and health. The Morehead Building houses the GSK Fulldome Theater, as well as the Science Stage, exhibits and Morehead classrooms.
UNC’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and Gates County Community Partnership Donate Science Supplies to Gates County Schools
On November 20, 2019, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and Gates County Community Partnership donated science supplies to four Gates County Schools. “This was something that we wanted to do for a while. We are thankful that Morehead allowed us the chance to participate,” emphasized Brian Rountree, Director of Gates County Community Partnership.
Representatives from Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Gates County Schools and Gates County Community Partnership visited Gatesville Elementary School, Central Middle School, T.S. Cooper Elementary School and Buckland Elementary School, dropping off science related articles at each. The union plans to donate even more materials prior to years end. “Unfortunately, we did not order enough storage bins,” said Sherley Jones, Jr., Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “We will make up for it on our next visit!”
"It was great to see the response of the staff and children from the different schools. We were fervently welcomed,” stated Gates County Community Partnership Director Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. “Interacting with our community in a positive manner is exciting. This part of the journey brings the most joy, as it feeds our spirit.”
Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.
Gates and Pasquotank to Collaborate on ACT Prep through 4-H
According to the United States Census Bureau and the United States Department of Agriculture, educational attainment of people living in rural areas has increased but there is a large and growing gap in college and postgraduate educational attainment between rural and urban areas. With a goal of closing this gap, Gates County and Pasquotank County are joining forces to offer ACT Preparatory training to high school sophomores and juniors. The courses will start in January 2020 at Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City. “We are ecstatic that this opportunity is coming to the youth of Gates County. Education is key and the importance of college as a means to reaching your potential is paramount,” stated Sherley Jones, Jr., Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “We appreciate the chance to be involved in this effort to make college more accessible for our students.”
4-H, a network of youth organizations whose mission is engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development, is managing the program through “ASPIRE” (ACT Supplemental Preparation in Rural Education). The program, which is offered by North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is designed to bridge deficits in rural high school students’ performance on the ACT College Entrance Examination in order to increase the number of students pursuing higher education. Participants will receive 30 hours of ACT course instruction, a Princeton Review ACT Study Manual, a Princeton Review 1,460 practice question manual and four full length practice exams with score analysis. Financial assistance will be offered to those deemed of need.
“Getting ready for the ACT can be hard. We have a great relationship with Pasquotank County 4-H and their agent, Mason Lawrence, who is a Gates County native. They are allowing us to participate in their program while we work to have one of our own next year,” said Keli Boone, Gates County 4-H Extension Agent. “Jonathan Hayes, the principal of Gates County High School, was instrumental in emphasizing the need of this training and fully supports the initiative. We are elated to have resources available to provide this to our students.”
ASPIRE delivers access to enrichment activities more easily available to urban and economically advantaged parts of the country, as ACT success is often a determining factor for acceptance and merit based financial aid at the nation’s colleges and universities. Students must have a minimum 3.2 unweighted GPA to be considered for the program. The application can be found at go.ncsu.edu/aspire and the deadline to apply is December 13, 2019.
For more information, see https://cals.ncsu.edu/students/my-path-to-cals/aspire/ or contact Keli Boone of Gates County 4-H at 252-357-1400.
GlaxoSmithKline’s Science in the Summer is Expanding to Gates County
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies with offices in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is expanding its “GSK Science in the Summer” to Gates County for 2020 and 2021 through a $1.345 million grant. Gates County will be the first location served by this program in the northeastern part of the state as it currently focuses on the contiguous counties of Alamance, Orange, Durham, Chatham, Harnett, Johnston, Wake, Franklin, Granville and Vance. “A goal of ours at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center was to influence the extension of the program to a rural area of North Carolina,” stated Crystal Harden, Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at Morehead. “Gates County was the perfect choice due to the investment already made in the community through the Saunders Science Scholars and other activities. The response has been phenomenal!”
“GSK Science in the Summer”, is a free science education program for students entering second through eighth grades. It is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline and offered in partnership with The Franklin Institute and UNC’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. The program takes place in science centers, community centers and libraries across the country. Goals are to increase engagement in science, math and reading, enhance K-12 science education and community engagement through “Science on Your Street”, create a well-trained pool of teachers and assistants and extend support during the school year. "We are so grateful in Gates County to have a strong and amazing collaborative partnership with Morehead that touches the lives of our students and offers them educational and cultural experiences that will support their growth and development," stated Tammy Boone, Assistant Superintendent of Gates County Schools.
GlaxoSmithKline aspires to engage students early in STEM learning to foster the next generation of scientists and innovators. By offering opportunities to students, particularly those from underserved populations across the country not widely represented in the scientific community, they are able to reach populations who would not otherwise have access to high-quality STEM experiences.
“This is great for our community! As an organization, we support anything that we feel advances the fortunes of our youth,” emphasized Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr, President of Gates County Community Partnership. “Education is key to progress and we are thankful for this opportunity from GSK and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.”
Science RISING! Gates County to Benefit from Grant by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center has been awarded funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to collaborate and partner over the next two years with Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) and Gates County Community Partnership, a non-profit organization based in Gates County. The grant will cover two weeks of free middle school level summer science enrichment camps in Gates County over the next two summers. The project, referred to as “Science RISING!”, will create an informal science education relationship demonstrating equity in access to science resources for northeastern North Carolina. “Morehead’s objective for this collaboration is to address the STEM gap in resources and opportunities for elementary and middle school students in rural communities,” communicated Crystal Harden, Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at Morehead. “This initiative will create high-quality science education opportunities tailored to the community’s needs. The goal is to make science education and STEM careers more relevant and reachable for children in rural northeastern North Carolina.”
The mission of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is to serve North Carolina and beyond by bringing together the unique resources of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to engage the public for an improved understanding of science, technology and health. Morehead has spent the past decade addressing inequities in STEM education. This particular undertaking specifically leverages Morehead’s relationship with Elizabeth City State University. Together, they will facilitate one-week, whole-day summer science enrichment camps in Gates County with ECSU leading a design of curricula that focuses on aerospace technology. Subjects will include hot air balloons, flight simulation, robotics, drones and rocketry. The campers will also take field trips to ECSU to visit the Aviation Science Program. “This is another win for the Gates County Community! We are providing our full support to this effort as it offers opportunities for our youth to learn and broaden their horizons,” mentioned Michael Gatling, Director of Gates County Community Partnership.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation makes grants primarily to support original research and education related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. It believes that these fields, and the scholars and practitioners who work in them, are chief drivers of the nation's health and prosperity. The Foundation also accepts that a reasoned, systematic understanding of the forces of nature and society, when applied inventively and wisely, can lead to a better world for all.
Gates County Chamber Welcomes New Member
The Gates County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) as a new member of the Chamber. GCCP is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth. For more information, contact [email protected].
Pictured from left (see the picture in the folder): Chamber President Ed Morgan, Chamber Treasurer Katharine Hunter, Chamber Board Member Susan Ward, Chamber Board Member Cecil Bagley and Gates County Community Partnership Director Brian Rountree.
Gates County Community Partnership and the Gates County Community Center Sponsor Basketball Camp
Gates County Community Partnership and the Gates County Community Center sponsored the “Elite Skills 4 Day Basketball Camp” on July 8th through July 11th. This free event took place at the Gates County Community Center. “The children totally enjoyed themselves as they learned about basketball and life. It was important for us to stimulate the kids athletically and intellectually in a safe and positive environment,” stated Gates County Community Partnership Director Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr.
The four day camp separated participants into two age groups, 6 to 11 years old and 12 to 18 years old. Activities included a variety of drills and contests followed by afternoon scrimmages. Antonio Davis, current college basketball head coach and Gates County native, was the Featured Instructor of the camp. His wisdom, expertise and legendary status as a high school and college basketball standout inspired the participants. Coach Davis was assisted by Central Middle School head coach Marcus Barber, whose dedication and enthusiasm were essential to the success of the camp. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the young people of Gates County in a collaborative effort alongside Gates County Community Partnership. It was a fabulous week,” said Coach Davis. “Anytime I can get involved in efforts to serve, especially in my hometown, I will be the first in line! I would like to thank Gates County Community Partnership for its continued commitment to engaging and inspiring our young people. They should be embraced and commended.”
The camp had over 80 participants and the Gates County community stepped up as volunteers to assist with the logistical demands. “I was pleasantly surprised at the number of recent high school graduates who toiled with us in the heat throughout the camp,” stated Gates County Community Partnership Director Brian Rountree. “Their fervor was indispensable. Young people are just better equipped to do some things and I have no problem admitting it.” Older adults also volunteered, working as administrators, cooks and servers, while completing numerous other tasks. "Community involvement is very important. It is imperative to work with our youth to help build their future for a successful life," stated camp volunteer Shalland Beamon, who works as the Genesis Assistant for Gates County 4-H. In addition, the Blaque Buttaflyz, Gates County Hurricanes and Gates County High School Cheerleaders represented as group volunteers.
The Gates County Community Center proved to be the ideal venue for the event by providing the necessary infrastructure and staffing to ensure that all campers and instructors were able to focus. The industrial kitchen simplified meal preparation as the camp provided hot lunches and snacks to all participants and volunteers. “The youth that learn the value of hard work, commitment, teamwork and sacrifice are the ones that make their team great. The prominence of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. When the community believes in the youth, everything is possible,” emphasized Renee Nicholson, Recreation Director of the Gates County Community Center.
Gates County Community Partnership and the Gates County Community Center genuinely appreciate the tremendous support of the community and are looking forward to future events. “Collaboration is a key to success. Therefore, we would be remiss if we did not mention the free basketball training that is currently taking place at the community center. It is for kids ages 7 to 14 on every Thursday from 3 pm – 6 pm and every Saturday from 9 am – 12 pm,” stated Gates County Community Partnership Director Michael Gatling. “Support of this effort is essential because it is about being the best you can be, as excellence requires hard work and dedication.” For more information on this training, please contact Renee Nicholson at the Gates County Community Center.
“I am thrilled that we were able to work with Gates County on the “Elite Skills 4 Day Basketball Camp.” It is important to keep our youth engaged and active during the summer break. As our mission implies, we labor to inspire others to become even more involved working for our youth,” said Gates County Community Partnership Director Sherley Jones, Jr.
Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth. Donations are welcome at paypal.me/gatescountycp and P.O. Box 64, Sunbury, NC 27979. For more information, contact [email protected].
New Direction and Gates County Community Partnership Collaborate for Youth Development
Recently, Gates County Community Partnership partnered with New Direction to provide inspiration and motivation to young men from the area. The event took place at St. John Community Christian Church in Eure under the oversight of Kris Kahn, McKinley Wilson, Brian Rountree and Sherley Jones Jr. New Direction is a mentoring program that provides young males opportunities to participate in skill enhancing tasks that motivate, build confidence and amplify self-esteem.
"Encouraging our youth today to display positive attitudes and behaviors is integral for their well-being, ultimately contributing to great results at home and at school. Our two organizations united to help young men better understand how their demeanor and disposition will benefit them in the short and long term," stated Brian Rountree of Gates County Community Partnership.
The mentors utilized activities where the participants answered questions about information shared with them by Gates County Community Partnership director Sherley Jones. Advice was offered on being responsible, respectful and mannerly. Exhibiting a strong work ethic, developing relationships and recognizing good role models were emphasized. "Reinforcing life principles is so important for these young men because too often they are exposed to negative factors which can derail their success. If you meet young people where they are and show them you care, they will trust you. That is what mentorship is about,” said Jones.
The seminar was a success as representatives of the two organizations enthusiastically discussed their plans to work together in the future. Each has a goal of uplift and recognizes that the way to have a lasting effect is to be present with wisdom and a “helping hand.”
"If we collectively work together with parents, teachers, counselors and school boards, these young men and others will not become a statistic of the challenging socioeconomic environments faced in some of our local communities. Mentoring young people and connecting them to positivity through activities in the community prescribes to the philosophy of it takes a village to raise a child,” shared Kris Khan of New Direction. “Our goal is for these young men to do well academically, go on to college or a trade school and attain great professional careers. These students shared aspirations to become lawyers, engineers and policemen. They believe in themselves and can do anything they set their minds to do."
Gates County Community Partnership is a 501(c)3 designated non-profit whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.