In November 2023, Tracy King, Executive Director of the Ransom Activity Center, was introduced to the Rural Partners Network (RPN) during a community meeting held at the Center in Southeast North Carolina. The event brought together key figures like USDA Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight, Rural Partners Network Community Liaison Floria Oates-Williams, and representatives from Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP) and NC Rural to discuss how their organizations could support the Center’s efforts in securing much-needed funding.
By December, King had rallied the Center’s Board members to form a working group and sought further guidance from Floria. Recognizing that the Center faced challenges typical of many RPN communities, such as limited grant-writing capacity, Floria stepped in to provide a solution. Staying true to RPN’s mission of removing barriers for rural organizations, she reached out to one of her many North Carolina partners who shared a similar commitment to community development.
North Carolina's Hometown Strong Initiative Supports Ransom Activity Center's Revitalization
Just as the Biden-Harris Administration emphasizes supporting underserved communities, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper launched the Hometown Strong (HTS) initiative to empower rural and underserved areas with resources for capacity building. HTS, staffed with skilled grant writers, assists communities in securing funding for critical projects. HTS team member Mackenzie Patak was eager to contribute to the Ransom Activity Center’s efforts.
In a meeting held at the Center, Floria Oates-Williams from the Rural Partners Network (RPN) and Mackenzie sat down with board members, surrounded by the cheerful sounds of seniors in the recreation room. The group shared the Center’s rich history, its mission, and the urgent need for repairs and renovations. While many improvements were discussed, the immediate priority was securing funding for two additional HVAC units before the scorching southeastern North Carolina.
With Mackenzie’s assistance, the first grant application for just under $50,000 was submitted that same day. Though the initial application and the next two were unsuccessful, Community Liaison Floria Oates-Williams encouraged the team to remain optimistic and persistent, reminding them that setbacks are part of the journey. She continued to support the Center by sharing new funding opportunities and providing additional grant writing training to board members.
Perseverance Pays Off: A Philanthropic organization, The Columbus County Community Foundation, a local affiliate of the NC Community Foundation, awards Essential Funding, for the Ransom Activity Center
In June 2024, Shenita Waddell, the Correspondence Secretary and a key board member who had taken on the responsibility of preparing and submitting grant applications, received great news. The Columbus County Community Foundation, a local affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation, awarded the Center a $15,000 grant to purchase two HVAC units—just in time, as record-high temperatures began sweeping across eastern North Carolina. Shenita expressed her gratitude, stating, “Through USDA and RPN, I began this journey in grant writing, and they have been a constant presence in the process. This wouldn’t have happened without RPN!”
The Ransom Activity Center: A Vital Hub for Riegelwood and Surrounding Communities
The new HVAC units are now installed, and the Ransom Activity Center is continuing to move forward with further improvements. Recently, the Center was selected to participate in the Rural LISC Broadband Help Hub project, which aims to bring high-speed internet to Columbus County. With adequate internet access, the Center plans to upgrade its computer equipment, offering seniors the chance to learn digital skills and providing local youth a reliable place to complete homework with strong internet connections.