Robeson County Social Impact Mini Grants
Learn more about the Social Impact Mini Grant Recipients below. Reach out to social.impact@ncha.org to learn more.
2025 Grant Recipients
LifeBridge Integrated Services
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.
Rides for Robeson – PAWSS, Inc.
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.
Robeson County Church and Community Center
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.
Scotland@Home: Community Health Transportation Program – Scotland Memorial Foundation
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.
RHCC Mobile Unit Impact Project – Robeson Health Care Corporation
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.
Robeson County SEATS
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.
BRAVES Health & Behavioral Health Workforce Transportation Program – UNC Pembroke
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.
Walking in Their Shoes – Southern Carolina Housing
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.
UNC Health Southeastern
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.
2024 Grant Recipients
BRAVES Behavioral Health Workforce Transportation Program – UNC Pembroke
Addressing workforce challenges impacting access to health and behavioral health resources by reducing student transportation barriers. Learn more here.
Robeson Behavioral Health Transportation Network – PAWSS, Inc.
Providing reliable, stigma-free transportation and a standardized, systematic approach for individuals seeking recovery from mental health or substance use disorders. Learn more here.
Robeson Fresh Moves Initiative – Southern Carolina Housing
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.
Scotland@Home: Community Health Transportation Program – Scotland Memorial Foundation
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.
RHCC Mobile Unit Impact Project – Robeson Health Care Corporation
Improving access to integrated health services and promoting healthier lifestyles across rural service areas through mobile health center unit. Learn more here.
NCHA Staff Contact
Please reach out to social.impact@ncha.org with any questions.