

Fayetteville leaders and teens came together for the first-ever Shaping the Future Youth Symposium on Friday, Aug. 22 at the Way2Real Community Center to discuss youth facing rising challenges in mental health, workforce readiness and safety.
Hosted by the city’s Economic and Community Development Department and the Office of Community Safety, this event was designed for nonprofits that serve youth to address urgent challenges facing Fayetteville’s young people.
“This symposium showed what happens when we bring every voice to the table - nonprofits, mentors, city leaders and youth,” said Chris Cauley, Director of Economic and Community Development in a press release. “Conversations like these directly shape the city’s priorities for upcoming grant funding cycles.”
Through a panel discussion and a collaborative roundtable session, participants discussed youth issues, encouraged collective problem solving among mentoring organizations and established a foundation for long-term impact through shared action and citywide partnerships.
Office of Community Safety Director John Jones added, “Youth are not just participants in this process, they are leaders. We’re taking their recommendations seriously and working collaboratively to turn their vision into real opportunities for Fayetteville’s future.”
Panelist included community and youth leaders:
Please visit FayettevilleNC.gov for more information about the Office of Community Safety or the Fayetteville Economic and Community Development programs.

In just four short years, Book Black Women Inc. has flourished exponentially. New partnerships, serious sponsorships, a new location and putting on an all-original play are just some of the accomplishments on the horizon for Ayana Washington’s creati
Bobby Kulp and Forth Heffner, the entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf, are hoping their drone delivery service can become a household name for golfers who want to experience maximum comfort on demand. Photo provided by Kulp.An entrepreneur and tech w
Photo by Stephanie MeadorAs the trees and bushes bloom and the weather heats up, I’m enjoying spending more and more time outdoors, walking on trails, dining on patios and even driving with the windows down to soak in the fresh air. I’ve always