Harnessing the Power of Community by CORE, Hosted by RCC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2025
LUMBERTON, NC – CORE: Community Organized Relief Effort organized and led Harnessing the Power of Community, a one-day event focused on strengthening collaboration, compassion, and communication among agencies and individuals working to address substance use disorder and systemic barriers within Robeson County. The event was hosted by Robeson Community College (RCC).
Held in the Truist Room at RCC, the event welcomed participants from across the region for a day of education, reflection, and dialogue. Attendees included representatives from law enforcement, healthcare, social services, tribal organizations, and higher education, as well as individuals with lived experiences.
The day began with networking and a Family Systems Simulation, a powerful exercise allowing participants to experience the challenges families face when navigating support systems such as DSS, the courts, and recovery programs. The simulation revealed common frustrations, such as lost paperwork, confusing processes, and emotional fatigue, mirroring real-world obstacles many families encounter daily.
“Each person’s journey to recover and stability is different,” shared Mr. Larece Hunt, one of the simulation participants. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Compassion and understanding must come first.”
Following the simulation, Ms. Faith Bason shared her personal story of addiction, relapse, and recovery. Her emotional testimony underscored the importance of empathy, education, and access to detox and treatment resources.
The afternoon featured a presentation from Dr. Robyn Jordan, MD, PhD, on evidence-based approaches to treating opioid use disorder. Dr. Jordan emphasized the need for communities to embrace evidence-based treatment models and build partnerships that bridge the gap between law enforcement, medical professionals, and recovery organizations.
One of the most moving moments of the day came from Ms. Leslie Maynor Locklear, who shared her experience of losing both sons, Matthew and Ryan, to fentanyl poisoning. “Addiction does not discriminate,” she reminded attendees, calling for continued advocacy, prevention, and education.
During the Open Forum and Community Discussion, participants shared insights and strategies to improve cross-agency communication, reduce stigma, and increase coordination of care. Suggestions included developing a unified county-wide resource list, holding regular interagency meetings, and enhancing outreach to faith-based and civic organizations.
The event concluded with a Friendship Dance led by Mr. Reggie Brewer, Culture Coordinator for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Attendees joined hands in a circle to symbolize unity, healing, and shared purpose in addressing the county’s most pressing challenges.
Key takeaways from the day included:
- Compassion, education, and collaboration are essential to overcoming systemic barriers.
- Improved communication among agencies ensures individuals do not fall through the cracks.
- Listening and empathy are the foundation of recovery-centered service.
- Sustainable change begins with shared responsibility and commitment across all sectors.
###
For media inquiries, please contact Courtney Jacobs, Executive Director of Governance and Marketing, at 910-272-3231 or cjacobs@robeson.edu.
