MOUNT AIRY – This year, Surry Medical Ministries is celebrating Christmas a few days early.

Earlier this week, leaders of the clinic learned that the Rye Foundation in Winston-Salem is making a charitable investment of $10,000 to help SMM expand its services to children.

“This is a wonderful gift to receive right at Christmas,” said Nancy Dixon, executive director of the ministry since 2012.

Warren Steen, the president of the Rye Foundation, recalled his very first conversation with Dixon. “Nancy told me, ‘We have strong support from our faith community, strong support from the medical community, and strong support from our business community.’ We decided that we wanted to be involved in a partnership like that.”

Indeed, since SMM moved to its new facility in 2022, total medical appointments here increased by 49 percent.

According to Dixon, the Rye charitable gift will allow SMM to accommodate up to 200 more children, and, in addition, provide funds to purchase Bibles in Spanish and English.

Within the past few weeks, leaders of the two organizations met at SMM to review priority funding needs. While meeting in a conference room, they heard “happy noises” in the lobby waiting area.

Then they met Tadeo, a 2-year-old waiting for his follow-up appointment, riding a scooter!

Rye board member, Ingram Hedgpeth, summarized the importance of that chance encounter. “At that moment,” he stated, “we realized that Surry Medical Ministries is about patient efficiency and budgeting. It is about children like Tadeo who need quality medical services.”

For that reason, Christmas has come early at 951 Rockford Street.

The latest edition of the foundation’s newsletter is now available online.  Examples of Rye philanthropy are featured in this issue which can be accessed by clicking HERE.

WINSTON-SALEM – With its latest philanthropic gift, the Rye Foundation is helping teenaged students turn obstacles into opportunities.

Volunteers for the Winston Salem Street School’s “Meals and Mentors” program prepare lunch for the students.

A charitable gift totaling $20,000 has been strategically directed to the rebranded “Meals and Mentors” program at the Winston-Salem Street School. The popular event brings role models to the school each Friday, and has been successful in improving classroom attendance.

Every Friday, a guest speaker talks with students, and then the entire student body enjoys a meal prepared by a local civic club, business, or church. Past speakers include Police Chief Catrina Thompson, businessman and former basketball star Skip Brown, and nationally – known author Dr. Gary Chapman.

“Before coming to the Street School, many of our students had very poor class attendance,” said Mike Foster, executive director of the school. “We have tried to make Friday a fun day, with a great speaker, student clubs, and a great meal. Now, they look forward to being at school.”

Founded in 2004, the faith-based Street School has produced 280 graduates. It features small classes, frequent field trips, and a dual enrollment program which allows seniors to learn job skills at Forsyth Tech Community College.

Foster and development coordinator Bonnie Flythe both expressed their appreciation to the Rye Foundation for its financial commitment. “It is really encouraging to know that there are leaders in our community who believe in giving teenagers a second chance,” said Flythe.

Latest Winner is Pitt County Nonprofit

Students at the Building Hope Community Life Center receive instruction and encouragement from adult role models.

GREENVILLE – The Rye Foundation has named the recipient of the annual Bryan Award, and the winner is Pitt County’s faith-based Building Hope Community Life Center.

Warren Steen, the President of the Rye Foundation, said the Bryan Award is the highest honor given by the foundation and includes a charitable grant of $25,000 to expand and enhance programming. He said the award is named for Goldsboro businessman and philanthropist Ray Bryan, who died in 2016 at the age of 84.

Atlas Kelly, the executive director of Building Hope, described the organization as “a Jeremiah 29:11 ministry.” which helps children and youth to discover and develop their God-given talents. The Center offers after-school programs, summer camps, and a Service Saturday, where participants give back to the community in hands-on activities such as painting and raking leaves.

Rye board member Ingram Hedgpeth traveled to Greenville for a recent site tour at Building Hope and came away impressed. “It was uplifting to learn that their mission places an emphasis on academic achievement and spiritual development,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of project we are looking to support.”

Steen expressed his appreciation to Sid Bradsher of Heart for Eastern North Carolina, whose phone call started the process that led to the big announcement. “I want to thank Sid for his role in connecting the Rye Foundation with Building Hope,” he stated.

The $25,000 award will be used to:

• Launch a new program for young entrepreneurs.
• Sponsor summer camp field trips to colleges and area businesses.
• Increase technology at the Center.

Building Hope is the sixth winner of the Bryan Award, and a total of $150,000 has now been distributed to help children’s charities fulfill their mission.