Robeson County Social Impact Mini Grants

Project Abstract: Providing transportation services and employment training for rural community members. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Driver’s License Reinstatement and Employment Pathways for Justice-Involved Individuals.
• Expanding Digital Access and Technical Support for Justice-Involved Individuals in Network Deserts.

Project Abstract: Building a county-wide transportation system through a 24/7 call center, coordinated provider network, and long-term planning to ensure residents can access essential services, jobs, and care. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Strengthen Partner Collaboration for Service Coverage.
• Develop Sustainable Revenue Streams.
• Improve Call Response, Ride Scheduling and Invoicing Efficiency.

Project Abstract: Expanding its mobile food pantry to reach Pembroke and St. Paul’s, providing residents with monthly access to balanced meals despite transportation challenges. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Implement the Mobile Assistance Unit in two new regions of the county (St. Pauls, Pembroke).
• Increase our 21,000 annual food pantry clients’ access to fresh foods by partnering with our robust local agriculture infrastructure.
• Utilize increased funding to build organizational capacity to receive feedback about current nutrition services including selection and accessibility.

Project Abstract: Transporting patients to medical appointments and support virtual visits, reducing transportation barriers to healthcare access. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Reduce No-Show Rates for Primary Care Appointments.
• Decrease Unnecessary Emergency Room Visits.
• Reduce Preventable Hospitalizations.

Project Abstract: Expanding its mobile health center to deliver care directly to patients, reducing missed appointments and improving health outcomes for residents facing transportation barriers. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Increase Access to Healthcare – The mobile healthcare unit will serve a minimum of 300 unique patients in the rural community using transportation grant funding.
• Improve Preventive Health Outcomes – Deliver a minimum of 500 preventive health services through the mobile unit.
• Increase Awareness of Mobile Unit Services – Conduct an outreach campaign that reaches at least 1,000 rural residents to increase awareness of the mobile healthcare unit’s services.

Project Abstract: Expanding rural transit options—including on-demand rides, extended service hours, and culturally competent outreach—to connect residents with healthcare, jobs, and essential resources. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• To help or assist with transportation for medical appointments for individuals not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or insurance, with a strong focus on out of county medical.
• To assist and provide partnering agencies with transportation to and from various destinations.

Project Abstract: Removes travel barriers for students, expanding internship opportunities and strengthening the local health and behavioral health workforce. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Direct Student Support.
• Professional Development.

Project Abstract: This resident-centered project empowers individuals most impacted by systemic barriers to shape policies that reflect their realities. Through Community Cafés, civic engagement workshops, and immersive simulations, residents will be trained to advocate for change. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Increase Awareness and Empathy: Having elected officials or policy-makers participate in the “Walking in Their Shoes” grocery store simulation.
• Strengthen Cross-Sector Participation in learning opportunities such as simulations, trainings, and Robeson Partner in Action meetings.

Project Abstract: Using Uber Health to provide free, reliable rides for patients, reducing missed appointments and improving health equity in Robeson County. Learn more here.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be completed by June 2026:

• Establish at least one partnership with another grantee to expand transportation collaboration and sustainability at UNC Health Southeastern.
• Collect post-ride surveys with a response rate of at least 30% to evaluate patient satisfaction and ease of use with Uber Health services.

Addressing workforce challenges impacting access to health and behavioral health resources by reducing student transportation barriers. Learn more here.

Providing reliable, stigma-free transportation and a standardized, systematic approach for individuals seeking recovery from mental health or substance use disorders. Learn more here.

Addressing transportation-related food insecurity by bringing fresh affordable food to marginalized and food desert communities and residents using a mobile market. Learn more here.

Addressing transportation barriers for patients by leveraging community health workers, community paramedics, and private third-party transportation to ensure equitable access to healthcare services that can improve patient outcomes. Learn more here.

Improving access to integrated health services and promoting healthier lifestyles across rural service areas through mobile health center unit. Learn more here.