Local News

Manna Dream Center to run Day Resource Center

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Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Written by Staff Report, CityView Today

Fayetteville has selected the Manna Dream Center, a local nonprofit organization and church, to operate the city’s Day Resource Center for a year starting July 1.
The Fayetteville City Council unanimously agreed to install the Manna Dream Center as the new operator during Monday’s work session, moving the item forward for a legally binding vote at a future council meeting. The Manna Dream Center has experience serving people experiencing homelessness, including running a men’s shelter and providing free meals to unhoused people in Fayetteville.
The decision comes after the DRC’s current operator, Cumberland HealthNET, declined to renew its contract, which was up for renewal at the end of June. In a presentation to the Fayetteville City Council on March 4, Shelley Hudson, executive director of Cumberland HealthNET, acknowledged that a number of challenges have arisen during the organization’s operational period. Among them: unexpected high traffic at the center, building maintenance problems, and the unexpected financial cost of operations and staffing. On March 6, Fayetteville put out a request for a proposal to find a new DRC operator.
Alex Baker, assistant director of the city’s Economic and Community Development department, said Fayetteville had received four proposals to operate the DRC. In addition to the Manna Dream Center, other proposals came from the Marius Maximus Foundation, ServiceSource and United Ministries in Christ.
Baker said the DRC committee made the decision to recommend Manna’s approval. Baker serves on the committee; other members are the chairperson of the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care, a Fayetteville Redevelopment Commissioner, a community advocate, the head of Off-Road Outreach and the president of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
As Manna takes over operations at the DRC, Baker said the organization will work with community partners to provide additional outreach services. Though Manna Dream Center is a faith-based organization, anyone can use the DRC’s services, Baker said, and no participation in religious programs is required. The Manna Dream Center will base its services on the model provided by Oak City Cares, a homeless support center in Raleigh, he added.
Baker said the organization also included in its proposal a maintenance commitment to the center, which is currently being upgraded.
“The kitchen is in the process of being upgraded with a sink and a conventional oven and other necessities to transform the kitchen,” Baker said. “All the showers are now operational, as well as the washers. The floor is being maintained. The phone station is fixed.”
Homeless community advocates have for months said that crucial support services — such as connecting unhoused people with shelter, employment, child and medical care — are absent from the DRC, despite the city previously advertising that support services from nonprofit partners would be available at the center.
Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin expressed optimism for the change in management.
“I think things will work out better this go around, because I think we learned from our past mistakes,” Banks-McLaughlin said.
Councilman D.J. Haire praised city staff for selecting Manna Dream Center as the new DRC operator.
“The group that's in now, Cumberland HealthNET, there were some missing [services] there, and I was glad to see that you all responded to those concerns,” Haire said.
Councilman Derrick Thompson emphasized the need to continue expanding the DRC’s operational hours beyond the typical workweek. Advocates and unhoused individuals have previously voiced concern about the limited hours of the DRC, which closes at 5 p.m. and is not open on weekends.
“Homelessness is not a nine to five, and extended hours and extended meals would be optimal,” Thompson said. “How do we get the county to fill in some of those gaps to help us until their facility gets built?”
In response, City Manager Doug Hewett said the city hoped to send a list to the county this week with requests for assistance in filling service gaps. During a recent meeting of the Joint City-County Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s City-County Liaison Committee, Glenn Adams, chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, had requested the city send a detailed list of such gaps.
“It was the chairman's request that we send something to him, and we're looking forward to his positive response back once we get it to him,” Hewett said.
Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen noted that the city previously sent a list of service gaps, but the county had requested a more detailed list.

(Mana Dream Center, located in downtown Fayetteville, has been selected as the city's Day Resource Center.  Photo by Aly Hansen)

Fayetteville Fire Department receives grant for Summer Teen Certification and Fire Academy

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Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Written by Staff Report

The City of Fayetteville Fire Department has been awarded an Office of State Fire Marshal and Blue Cross Blue Shield grant for its Summer Teen Certification and Fire Academy.
The program is set to run from June 10 to June 14, at the Fayetteville Fire Station 14, located at 632 Langdon St.
This summer camp is designed to engage local youth, particularly rising 9th to 12th graders from Cumberland County, in a variety of critical skills ranging from Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Certification to life-saving techniques such as Stop the Bleed and Hands-only CPR. The program also addresses important issues like teen depression, bullying, distracted driving, human trafficking, drugs, gangs, firearm safety and financial awareness.
"We are deeply committed to not only providing first-rate emergency response training but also to cultivating the next generation of first responders," said Deputy Fire Chief Moisbiell Alvarez. "This grant enables us to offer this enriching program free of charge to the first 25 students who sign up, ensuring wide accessibility for our community's youth."
The Summer Teen CERT & Fire Academy is part of the Fayetteville Fire Department's broader goal to inspire young individuals to pursue careers in firefighting and public safety. Program activities will introduce participants to various aspects of the fire service and other public safety careers through hands-on learning and real-life simulations.
"We’re grateful for the support from the OSFM and BCBS, which helps us make a tangible impact in the lives of young people in our community," added Alvarez.
The program includes partnerships with local and state organizations like Cape Fear CERT, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, NC Highway Patrol, and Cape Fear Valley Hospital System Trauma Program, among others.
The grant amount of $6,000 will cover expenses such as training materials, emergency preparedness kits, and other program necessities, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
For more information on the Fayetteville Fire Department Summer Teen CERT & Fire Academy, or to apply for the program, email CapeFearCERT@gmail.com
Space is limited to 25 individuals. Applications will be accepted until the program is full.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Fire Department's Facebook Page)

Yoga and meditation popular in Fayetteville area

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Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

In recent years, yoga and meditation have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. Once considered niche practices, they have now reached the mainstream, captivating people from all walks of life. This transformation can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as increased awareness about mental health and well-being, as well as the accessibility of these practices through online platforms and local studios.
Fayetteville happens to be one of the areas with a good variety of local studios offering both great disciplines. Below is a compilation of nearby studios and a selection of the yoga and meditation classes they provide.

 Blissful Alchemists
414 Ray Ave 910-303-0192

• Inner Journey Meditation with Barbara
Tuesdays at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/3bkxw6uc

• Vinyasa Yoga With Sydnei
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/2nme96d3

• Hallowed Heart Meditation with Kris
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/capw43ax

• Meditation with Saha
Thursdays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
$10 per class
https://tinyurl.com/y2cc7785

• Yoga & Sound
Saturdays noon to 1 p.m
https://tinyurl.com/y8yckb8h

Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center
124 Anderson Street 910-483-8406

• Yoga with Yolanda
Tuesdays at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/mryyzaye

• Weekly Mindfulness Meetups
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/u3musvs6

• Morning Soul Yoga
Thursdays at 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/ycyhu565

Living Balance Studio
201 South McPherson Church Rd, Suite 225
434-409-6415

• Check out their website for the full class schedule:
https://www.livingbalancestudiosnc.com/group-classes

Triangle Rock Club
5213 Raeford Dr #103 910-868-7625

• Yoga Classes-See their website for the full class schedule:
https://tinyurl.com/2ctbuwc4

Cape Fear Botanical Garden
536 North Eastern Boulevard 910-486-0221

• Yoga in the Garden
Thursdays at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/y8j4nx59

Wana Navu Kava Bar
500 N Reilly Road #106 910-339-1822

• Community Yoga with Celeste
Sundays at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/dy78pb7z

Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom
5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills
910-426-2537

• Yoga at Dirtbag Farmers Market
Sundays at 10 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/yrxykcme

Patriot K Nine Training & Behavior
3760 Sycamore Dairy Rd 910-920-1000

• Dog Yoga
Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/294cjuw4

Soul Dimension
(Online)

• Breathwork
Wednesdays at 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/55brme3u

As more people recognize the profound benefits these practices offer for both the body and mind, their popularity will likely continue to grow in the future.

FTCC announces graduation commencement ceremonies

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Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Written by Christopher Thrasher

“The future is always uncertain, but we who celebrate what you have done, who celebrate all of your achievements, we are certain of one thing on this day: You will not let us down.”
— Tom Hanks
The Board of Trustees of Fayetteville Technical Community College and FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells invite the community to join in celebrating the graduating class of 2024. On May 17, FTCC will hold graduation ceremonies at the Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr. Due to the large number of graduates, FTCC will hold two ceremonies.
The first ceremony, at 10 a.m. on May 17, will recognize graduates from FTCC’s Allied Health, Business, College & Career Readiness, Computer Information Technology, and Nursing programs. Students graduating at 10 a.m. should arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. Guests attending the morning ceremony may enter the Crown Center starting at 9 a.m.
The second ceremony, at 2 p.m. on May 17, will recognize graduates from FTCC’s Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Applied Technology, Math & Sciences, and Public Service programs. Students graduating at 2 p.m. should arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. Guests attending the afternoon graduation may enter the Crown Center starting at 1 p.m.
For both ceremonies, students may only use the Expo entrance doors, and guests should use the north, east, and west doors but not the Expo entrance doors.
Please be mindful of heavy traffic. Guests attending the morning ceremony should leave as soon as the ceremony ends to make room for guests attending the afternoon ceremony.
Both ceremonies will last roughly ninety minutes. FTCC asks everyone who attends a commencement to remain for the entire ceremony.

Key Facts
• The event is free and open to the public.
• Graduates may bring an unlimited number of guests.
• Metal detectors will be at every entrance.
• No food, drinks, flowers, balloons, gift bags, etc., will be allowed in the Crown Complex.
Everyone is encouraged to eat before arriving at the event.
• Bags are not encouraged and only the following bags will be permitted:
• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 x 6.5.
• Medically necessary items (after proper inspection and tagging).
• Parking is limited, and guests are encouraged to carpool, when possible.
• The event will be livestreamed through the FTCC YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@faytechcc/featured
• Handicap access will be handled by the Crown Complex. More information about handicap access is available at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/visit/safetyaccessibility or contact the Crown Complex directly at 910-438-4100.
For more information about the commencement ceremonies, please visit the FTCC commencement website. https://www.faytechcc.edu/campus-life/academic-resources/graduationandcommencement/commencement/
If you have any questions about graduation, please contact the front desk in the Tony Rand Student Center at 2220 Hull Road. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 910-678-8379. For more info, email gradceremony@faytechcc.edu