2020 GRANT PROGRAM
Our Communities of Northwest Stokes Foundation is pleased to announce a grants program made possible through funds raised by Francisco FarmFest. The purpose of this program is to encourage citizens of Northwest Stokes County to carry out projects that will benefit our local communities. Individuals or groups such as school, community organizations, or clubs located in Northwest Stokes County are eligible. For more details and access to the application form
click here
COVID-19 Update, May 28 North Carolina has moved into Phase 2 of the reopening process (see below), but we have by no means passed the danger of COVID-19 in our area. A five-fold increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has occurred in the area over the past three weeks. Stokes County increased from 10 cases on May 5 to 22 cases on May 13 to 39 cases on May 20 to 50 cases on May 22 to 60 cases on May 28. Over the same 3-week period Surry County increased from 20 to 187 cases, Yadkin from 25 to 154, Forsyth from 287 to 1081, and Rockingham from 30 to 76. Wilkes County has been particularly affected recently with 496 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Large increases in confirmed cases also have been seen in the Virginia counties along the border. The increased numbers are in part explained by an increase in testing but also attest to increased occurrence of coronavirus infections in our area. Please stay home as much as possible, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands with soap and water.
An executive order that allows NC to move into phase 2 of the reopening plan went into effect May 22. The following places have opened to limited capacities and with social distancing measures in effect:
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Dine-in eating establishments
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Hair and nail salons, barbershops
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Playgrounds, pools, entertainment venues
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Churches
IMPORTANT Dr. Deborah Birx one of the leaders of the White House coronavirus task force said on March 31, 2020, “There’s no magic bullet. There’s no magic vaccine or therapy. It’s just behaviors. Each of our behaviors translating into something that changes the course of this viral pandemic over the next 30 days.”
Our Communities of Northwest Stokes will provide reliable information and answers to questions for residents of the area during the COVID-19 crisis. This website will serve as our information hub, but periodic updates also will be available through Facebook, and beginning Saturday, March 28, at the Community Information Exchange kiosk near the Francisco Fire Station. A community member who is professor emeritus at UNC School of Medicine has agreed to serve as a resource person on coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional sources of information (click on them to go to the page):
LifeBrite Community Hospital’s Facebook page
Stokes County Health Department's Facebook page
Our Communities NW Stokes FaceBook
Volunteers
"I'd lived here 40 years but never felt like a member of this community till I started helping with ..FarmFest"
Our Community
The name Our Communities of Northwest Stokes reflects our vision and primary mission: strong communities in Northwest Stokes, NC. Based in the tiny unincorporated hamlet of Francisco, population approximately 500, our active volunteer base is approximately 50 and always expanding. The impact of our work extends throughout the county. We focus on strengthening community well-being through the support of education, agriculture, small businesses, recreation, the arts, and other needs as they evolve.