Hoke County Schools celebrates opening of the Community Schools Family Resource Center at Upchurch Elementary
By Staff Report, posted Mar 19, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
Hoke County Schools proudly announces the opening of the Community Schools Family Resource Center (FRC) at Upchurch Elementary School, known as The Eagle Market. The center is designed to support students, families, staff and community members by providing access to essential resources.
The Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 18 to commemorate the opening. Elected officials, chamber members and community partners gathered to celebrate this important milestone.
The Eagle Market offers a variety of resources, including clothing, a food pantry, hygiene items, cleaning products and connections to additional community services. The initiative is facilitated by Community Schools Coordinator Cassie Harjala and is part of the broader Community Schools Program – a collaboration between Hoke County Schools, Student U and the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition.
“This Family Resource Center is an important step in strengthening our Community Schools initiative,” said Harjala in a press release. “Our goal with The Eagle Market is to remove barriers and ensure that families have access to the resources they need to thrive. We hope this space becomes a trusted and welcoming hub for the entire Hoke County community.”
Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Spells emphasized the significance of the opening and its impact beyond the school walls.
“I am incredibly proud that Hoke County Schools is part of something that directly serves and uplifts our community,” said Dr. Spells in a press release. “The Eagle Market represents our commitment to supporting the whole child and the whole family. We are especially excited that this is the first Community Schools Family Resource Center to officially open in the Sandhills Region, setting the standard for what’s possible through strong partnerships and a shared vision.”
The Family Resource Center will be open to the public during the following hours:
● Mondays and Wednesdays: 7:30 – 9 a.m.
● Tuesdays and Thursdays: 3 – 5 p.m.
● Fridays: By appointment only
The center will also be open during after-school Family Engagement events hosted by Upchurch Elementary. Individuals needing access outside of regular hours may contact the Community Schools Coordinator to schedule an appointment.
The Eagle Market is located at Upchurch Elementary School, 730 Turnpike Road, Raeford, N.C. 28376. Visitors should park in the gym parking lot and enter through the main building entrance. During school hours, all visitors must sign in at the front office using a valid state-issued photo ID. After school hours, sign-in is not required; however, visitors should notify staff upon arrival.
The Family Resource Center is located in Room 19, in the fifth-grade hallway adjacent to the main office. Visitors must be accompanied by a staff member or the Community Schools Coordinator when accessing the center.
The opening of The Eagle Market marks a significant step forward in Hoke County Schools’ mission to support students and families beyond the classroom and strengthen community partnerships that make a lasting impact.
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