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Local nonprofit describes federally funded youth reentry program and asks county for space, advisory appointment
Summary
Maggie's Outreach Center and partner Breaking Every Chain presented a federally funded program serving youth returning from detention in Scotland and Hoke counties, asked for county facility space and a county appointment to the program’s advisory council.
Ofelia Ray, CEO and founder of Maggie's Outreach Center, told the Scotland County Board of Commissioners on July 7 that her nonprofit and partners have been awarded a three-year federal grant to serve youth returning from juvenile detention and youth development centers (YDCs) in Scotland and Hoke counties.
Ray said the program has received 10 referrals from Scotland County so far and provides case management, family engagement, GED and educational supports, and trade-school training through the Road to Success Trade Academy (an NCCER-authorized training program). "We have received 10 referrals of youth from Scotland County, since we've had the grant," Ray told the board.
Ray asked the county to consider offering facility space in Scotland County so the program can operate locally rather than transporting youth to Hoke County for services. She also asked commissioners to appoint a county representative to serve on the program’s advisory council and described a plan to include youth voices on that council. Ray said the grant covers transportation and training but did not fund two separate physical locations in the two counties, which is why local space would reduce travel time and improve family engagement.
Board members discussed options for local space, naming possible locations and noting the county would have to check availability and suitability. Commissioners asked questions about program capacity and partnerships; Ray said the trade academy has graduated 10 students in foundational credentials and that the program can accept referrals from the county’s juvenile services and JCPC (Juvenile Crime Prevention Council).
The presenters included Angela McFadden and India (identified in the presentation as financial manager). Ray said the program will serve youth ages 13–17 who have been in detention or YDCs and that services begin while youth are still in custody when appropriate to facilitate reentry.
The county took no formal binding action on the request at the meeting but directed staff to consider facility availability and to follow up on the advisory-council appointment process if the presenters submit formal requests.
