Local advocacy group urges Rowan County to fund Communities That Care coordinator for youth prevention

Members of Down Home North Carolina told the Rowan County Board of Commissioners on June 2, 2025, that the county should invest in a Communities That Care prevention model and fund a full‑time coordinator to connect youth to existing local services.

Megan Mack, introduced by the clerk as a Down Home North Carolina member, told commissioners the model “is versatile” and centers on a “full time coordinator” who would help parents and youth find resources. “We know that it’s a good investment with a $6 return for every dollar that’s invested,” Mack said.

Elias Barber, also with Down Home North Carolina, described personal experience of youth disconnection and said the county has resources but that those resources are often inaccessible to the families who need them most. “We have programs. We have county resources. But how could [a disconnected youth] discover these resources on his own?” Barber asked.

Nut Graf: The group asked commissioners to fund a coordinator who would work with existing coalitions and service providers to bridge gaps between providers and at‑risk youth; the speakers framed the request as prevention that could reduce long‑term social harm and criminal involvement.

Other speakers from the group, including Daquan DeClement Coleman and Adina Lyerly, echoed the call to connect young people with business and training opportunities and local providers so youth can access skills and summer activities. The speakers did not supply a specific cost for the coordinator position or a funding source and asked the board to consider the request during budget decisions.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the testimony and the budget conversation underway but took no immediate action on the specific funding request; allocations would be subject to the budget process or future appropriation if the board elects to fund the position.