Robbinsville pastor recognized on statewide list
Fort Hill – To celebrate the unique calendar occasion of 2-22-22 – and to pay tribute to some special people across the state – the Institute for Emerging Issues at N.C. State University recognized 22 people who are making North Carolina “Better 2Gether,” and one of them is from Robbinsville.
The Rev. Eric Reece, pastor at Robbinsville United Methodist Church, was listed as one of two “Faith Champions” and was among 22 people the institute honored for “making North Carolina a better place to work, learn and grow by bringing together coalitions to get things done.”
Reece watched the remote presentation on Feb. 22 from his receptionist’s desk at Robbinsville United Methodist Church.
“These folks are working day-to-day in communities to solve problems that hold us back and to build support for ideas that move us forward,” said IEI Director Leslie Boney. “They aren’t the only 22 people worthy of recognition, but they are building and bridging connections in their communities, making North Carolina a more vibrant and prosperous state.”
Reece was nominated anonymously under one of several criteria in which the institute seeks to be “#NCBetter2Gether,” in his case within the Faith Champions category.
Faith communities can serve as anchor institutions for progress in rural communities and beyond, according to the institute.
“We fight against food insecurity in our area and work to improve the quality of life for all,” Reece is quoted in his section of the honorees’ website, iei.ncsu.edu/2-22-22/.
“Our current efforts are partnering with Impact Health and MANNA Foodbank, ImagineHub (Boundless Impact), Summer Literacy for Children, CREATE Bridges, Partners for Sacred Places, and Graham County Schools.”
Reece was asked how North Carolina can be made more vibrant and prosperous. He replied:
“I hope North Carolina will expand Medicaid so more people, especially children, will have health insurance.”
Here is the complete list:
* Rev. Hanna R. Broome, AME Zion Church
* Cherene Caraco, Promise Resource Network
* Heddy Kovach Clark, UNC Wilmington
* Ron Dumas, UNC Asheville
* Danielle Frazier, Charlotte Works
* Rev. Dawn Baldwin Gibson, Peletah Ministries
* Sarah Glover, United Way of Greater Greensboro
* Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Services Agency (LUESA)
* Carol Hardison, Crisis Assistance Ministry
* Merald Holloway, NC 100 & MDC, Rural Forward
* Rev. Nicole Jones, Smoky Mountain District of the United Methodist Church
* Bruce McDonald, School of Public and International Affairs, NC State University
* Lily Morrell, Campus Conversations Project, NC State University
* Kim Pevia, K.A.P. Inner Prizes
* Rev. Eric Reece, Robbinsville United Methodist Church
* Trishonda Roberson, The REACH Center
* Seth Saeugling, Rural Opportunity Institute (ROI)
* Jocelyn Romina Santillan-Deras, NC Farmworker Health Program, Office of Rural Health
* William Teasley, NC A&T State University
* Diana Urieta, NC State Juntos 4-H Program
ν Noah Wilson, Mountain BizWorks
ν Magalie Yacinthe, HUSTLE Winston-Salem.