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United Way unveils Cumberland County Literacy Council; Hope Mills proclaims local recognition day
Summary
United Way executive director Scott Embry told the Town of Hope Mills board the new countywide literacy council will coordinate early-reading programs, expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library reach and recruit trained literacy ambassadors; the board issued a proclamation recognizing April 7, 2025, as Cumberland County Literacy Council Day in Hope Mills.
Scott Embry, executive director of United Way of Cumberland County, told the Town of Hope Mills board that a newly launched Cumberland County Literacy Council will marshal local partners to tackle low reading scores and expand early-literacy services. "Economic prosperity begins with literacy," Embry said, adding that the county now sends every newborn home with a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book and that the council will recruit and train literacy ambassadors to support libraries and schools.
The council — described as a coalition including city and county government, Fort Bragg, the public library system and nonprofit partners — aims to close reading gaps the board heard are evident by third grade. Embry said the council is building a curriculum for volunteer ambassadors so they can immediately support story time and reading coaching in schools and libraries.
Mayor Jesse Bellflower presented a proclamation recognizing April 7, 2025, as United Way of Cumberland County Literacy Council Day in the Town of Hope Mills, and the board accepted the proclamation as part of presentations. The mayor praised the partnerships and encouraged continued collaboration among municipalities, county leaders and nonprofit groups.
The announcement followed a short demonstration of literacy programming by a local student and an educator; commissioners discussed potential volunteer composition, including college-age participants and certified volunteers able to work in school and library settings. Embry said the council planned to begin soliciting and certifying ambassadors within two to three weeks.
The board did not take a formal vote tied to funding at the meeting; the proclamation recognizes the local partnership and signals the town's support for the countywide initiative.
The town's manager indicated staff will stay in contact with United Way about opportunities for Hope Mills to participate in ambassador recruitment and story-time events.
