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Louisburg council endorses Oasis Project to coordinate county services
Summary
The Louisburg Town Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the Franklin County Interfaith Council’s Oasis Project, a network of service hubs aimed at reducing rural access gaps in food, medical, internet and navigation services; one councilmember disclosed membership on the Oasis committee and abstained.
The Louisburg Town Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution endorsing the Oasis Project, an interfaith-driven effort to coordinate food pantries, mobile medical services and other community supports across Franklin County.
Beverly Kegley, who presented the project to the council, said Oasis is a coordination effort rather than a new town-run program. Kegley told the council the project has run a pilot since February, involves a six-person committee and has secured participation from 11 county department heads. "We spoke with the county department heads this morning and we have 11 department heads signed into this program," she said.
Reverend Chris Far, one of the presenters, described Oasis as a way to reduce duplication and establish local "hubs" for services in locations such as Perry School, Allen Chapel Church and the Cowboy Church. "We're not asking you for any money," he said, stressing the project’s emphasis on using existing facilities and leveraging small grants and volunteer capacity.
The resolution read into the record by Dr. Stover recognized the Franklin County Interfaith Council’s initiative and encouraged cooperation among public, private, nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Dr. Stover disclosed membership on the Oasis committee and abstained from the vote; the council moved, seconded and adopted the resolution. The resolution notes the town’s support is consistent with efforts to promote residents' health, safety and welfare.
Project leaders said Oasis distributes food brought in from partner churches to a network of about 11 food pantries and is exploring partnerships for mobile dental and medical services, workforce navigation and expanded volunteer recruitment. Presenters also described a memorandum of understanding to formalize hub commitments and said some small grants already support local produce purchases to both feed residents and support local farmers.
Council members and staff encouraged the group to share contact information for volunteers and to circulate the endorsement letter for signatures. The resolution does not obligate Louisburg to fund Oasis projects; it is an official endorsement and invitation to collaborate.
Next steps: organizers asked council members and residents to sign on to a letter of support and to help recruit volunteers as the pilot expands to additional hub locations.
