Page 28 - Robeson Living Spring 2022

Submitted by Stacie Kinlaw-
Community Engagement Manager Robeson
County Partnership for Children Inc

Robeson Overcoming Adversity

Through Resilience

Robeson County Commissioners recently signed a resolution bers become more trauma informed, teaching about the impor-
to support the work of ROAR – Robeson Overcoming Adver- tance of protective factors, and raising awareness which is key
sity through Resilience – marking a major milestone in years of to transforming outcomes for generations of Robeson County
work and efforts from community members to grow awareness residents that suffer currently as children or long-term as adults
and support around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). that have developed chronic health concerns related to their
ROAR is a committed group of stakeholders that meet regu- exposure to ACEs.
larly to learn, partner, and to work together to help build aware-
ness of ACEs and grow resilience for our community by focus- In 2020, our county received added support from Prevent Child
ing on five protective factors known to help buffer the effects Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) to improve the coordination
of ACEs and essentially prevent child abuse and neglect. within and between systems to enhance care for people in our
community impacted by adverse experiences. This work was
While the group boasts the new, formal name of ROAR, the funded by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to support
work has been in progress for many years. County leaders and build resilience in southeastern NC. PCANC worked with
in health and family service organizations began to recognize Robeson County as part of a tri-county regional focus that also
that lingering effects of childhood trauma are not just individ- included Bladen and Columbus counties as well. As a result of
ual problems but hazardous for our entire community. Many this collaboration, a tri-county community prevention action
joined to support efforts that are helping our community mem- plan was created, as well as each county was able to develop

Page 28 Robeson Living ~ Spring 2022