TABOR CITY  -  Friends and supporters from southeastern North Carolina participated in a festive dedication ceremony for the Matthew 25 Center, a 5,160 square foot structure built to provide overnight accommodations for family members of inmates at the nearby Tabor Correctional Institution.

The Rye Foundation made a $10,000 charitable gift for the project, and the children’s activity room has been named the Rye Children’s Room.

Retired banker Burnett Coleman led the region-wide campaign to raise funds from  businesses, churches, and individuals. He explained the purpose of the new ministry center in three words  -  “maintaining family relationships.” He said that the prison has a population of 1,750 inmates, and that children staying at the new center will receive love, support, and Christian hospitality.

Warren Steen, the President of the Rye Foundation, attended the ribbon-cutting event and spoke about the importance of the center. “Every child who comes here will meet positive role models who can share a message of encouragement,” he said. “It is vitally important for these children to learn that there is a much better life than a life of crime.”

Research studies have shown that children of prisoners face many obstacles, and need adult  role models who will provide guidance and stability. Helping children of prisoners is a top priority for the Rye Foundation, and substantial gifts have been made for similar projects in Taylorsville, Burgaw, and Winston-Salem.