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College and nonprofits report local workforce and housing supports for Pender County
Summary
Cape Fear Community College reported strong enrollment growth in Pender County and a $4 million state grant to double the Surf City campus; WARM NC and Share the Table outlined repairs, volunteer hours and food distribution increases in Pender County.
Two community partners updated commissioners on education, workforce development and housing stability efforts in Pender County.
Jim (President) Morton, president of Cape Fear Community College, described double‑digit growth in curriculum and dual‑enrollment across county campuses and said the state approved a $4,000,000 appropriation to expand the Surf City campus with new lab and workforce training spaces (opening Jan. 2026). He highlighted strong growth in continuing education, dual‑enrollment (31% increase since prior academic year in some cohorts) and an early college/accelerated program that allows students to graduate with an associate degree.
Kim Gore, COO of Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministries (WARM NC), reviewed an almost 30‑year history of disaster recovery and home repair work, reported having touched roughly 2,622 homes overall and 363 families regionally in 2025, and described volunteer hours and the organization’s work in Pender County. Gore noted eligibility is currently limited to homeowners (three‑year minimum) absent the Healthy Opportunities pilot; she urged continued advocacy for program restoration and more local volunteers.
Dawn Ellis of Share the Table described a 34% increase in pantry demand, a client‑choice pantry model and more than 22,000 volunteer hours in 2024 that extended service reach to seniors, children and working families.
Commissioners thanked the presenters and asked staff to continue coordinating workforce pathways and volunteer recruitment.
