Cleveland County Project Awarded
for Improving Lives
Community recognized for fixing social issues affecting health
From free haircuts for kids to workforce readiness for adults, the Partnership for Community Prosperity offers people in west Shelby ways to combat adverse social issues affecting community health.
West Shelby in Cleveland County, NC, was honored by the North Carolina Council of Community Programs for creating child and adult resources to address social determinants of health.
“We don’t do it for the community, we do it with them,” said Chris Gash, Community Coordinator for the Partnership for Community Prosperity project in Cleveland County. “I am grateful for the partnerships with agencies in the community. And the public is grateful and excited to have these opportunities for the first time. We’re serious about what we’re doing and very strategic about the trust and relationships we create to meet the needs of and empower an entire community.”
For the past year, citizens and community agencies have rallied around the idea of strengthening their own communities through the partnership created by Cleveland County Schools, Cleveland County Government, Partners, and Benchmarks.
Accepting the award are (left to right) Rhett Melton, CEO of Partners; Karen McLeod, President and CEO of Benchmarks; Chris Gash, Community Coordinator for the project; and Dr. Stephen Fisher, Cleveland County Schools Superintendent. Awards were presented at the NC Council of Community Programs 2017 Conference & Exhibition in Pinehurst, NC, on December 7, 2017.
Community Partners
Partnership for Community Prosperity success comes from community supporters including Carolinas HealthCare System Cleveland, Cleveland Community College, Gardner-Webb University, Graham Elementary School, Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland County, Cleveland County YMCA, Shelby Children’s Clinic, and citizen volunteers.
Benefits for adults and children
The collaboration within the community is making life-improving programs available for its people. Benefits include health care, health education, an after-school program, and mentors.
Social factors impacting health
Social factors impacting health—also known as social determinants of health—are conditions in an area directly affecting a population’s health. The partnership currently focuses on education, health care, transportation, and employment.
Programs of Excellence Award for Prevention, Outreach and Wellness
The North Carolina Council of Community Programs gives this award to recipients demonstrating their program’s effectiveness in offering prevention, outreach, or wellness services to a community. Find out more about the Partnership for Community Prosperity.