Pamlico Rose Institute loses AmeriCorps program funding, seeks “emergency financial support”

Published 10:36 am Thursday, May 8, 2025

Washington, NC  — Pamlico Rose Institute (PRI) announces with deep regret that its Health Corps program was one of eight North Carolina and many AmeriCorps projects across the country abruptly terminated on April 25 by the national AmeriCorps office.

Now in its third year of a multi-year grant, PRI’s Health Corps program has become an innovative contributor to community well-being in Beaufort County. The initiative focused on building and sustaining wellness gardens to provide fresh produce and promote healthy eating and active living in underserved communities. At the time of termination, the program engaged nine AmeriCorps members and two staff.

Since its inception, the program established four wellness gardens—located at Beaufort County Community College, Chocowinity Primary School, Snowden School in Aurora, and the Rose Haven Center of Healing in Washington, NC. These gardens have been producing fruits and vegetables since spring 2023, with harvests distributed to underserved populations, including local families, students, and nonprofits such as Ruth’s House, Open Door, and Eagle’s Wings. Health Corps members had recently expanded their impact by teaching gardening and wellness classes at Chocowinity Primary and Snowden School, fostering hands-on education around healthy lifestyle choices for youth.

The sudden loss of AmeriCorps support puts several vital initiatives at risk, including:

• Maintenance, harvesting, and distribution of this spring’s crops

• Completion of a permanent greenhouse at the Aurora gardens

• Ongoing wellness classes at local schools

• Delivery of the planned “Read and Feed” summer literacy and nutrition program in partnership with Chocowinity Primary School

Pamlico Rose Institute is actively seeking emergency financial support to maintain current Health Corps members through the summer and bridge the unexpected funding gap. Community members, donors, and local businesses are urged to step in to help preserve the momentum and impact of these programs.

For more information, visit www.pamlicorose.org or email robert@pamlicorose.org.

Advancing programs of wellness and resilience-building for women Veterans and others in need. One meaningful way to contribute is by purchasing PRI’s newly released book, “On Herbs: A Sprig of Knowledge for a Healthier Life” (April 2025). All proceeds support Health Corps initiatives. The book is available at Pamlico Books and Water Street Café in Washington, NC, or directly through Pamlico Rose Institute.

About Pamlico Rose Institute

Pamlico Rose Institute is a nonprofit based in Washington, NC, dedicated to promoting well-being and resilience through community-based wellness gardens, women veteran-centered healing programs, and arts and health initiatives.