Center honors community with banquet

The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C.
·2 min read

Jun. 29—LUMBERTON — The North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center held its Community Appreciation banquet recently at Adelio's with more than 50 people in attendance.

Over the years, the Robeson County Teen Court program had held the volunteer appreciation banquets but COVID-19 concerns halted the event over the last two years, according to Jim Barbee, the center's executive director.

"This year the Center made the decision to acknowledge not just the teen court volunteers but also the organization's partners and collaborators within the various programs," Barbee said.

At the banquet, Chief District Court Judge Angelica Chavis-McIntyre was the guest speaker. Judge McIntyre spoke about the importance of volunteers in the Robeson County community and how much of an impact they have on the Center's programs and services.

Recognition Awards were given to the Lumberton Police Department, Robeson County Sheriff's Office, Cumberland County Dispute Resolution Center, Public Schools of Robeson County and Robeson House from the Community Impact Division of the Center. Through the Victim Services and Support Division, awards were given to the Rape Crisis Center, Robeson County Administration and Columbus County Child Advocacy Center.

The Community Based Programs Division that oversees Teen Court and Parenting Wisely, recognized Allie Hendren, as the Youth Volunteer of the Year; Leaha Hendren, Adult Volunteer of the Year; Steve Branch, Program Impact Award; and Rudy T. Locklear with the J. Stanley Carmichael Award, serving as the Teen Court Judge for many sessions and fill-ins when another teen court judge is not available. The Division also recognized the Robeson County District Attorney's office for its "unwavering support" of the teen court program.

Recognition was given to our sponsors of the evening including Shaw Office Supply and Locklear, Jacobs, Hunt and Brooks Law Firm.

The North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center has provided programs and services to the youth and families for more than a decade.

"It's hard to believe we have been here since 2010," Barbee said.