Our Communities initiative strives to build partnerships and programs that benefit Stokes County, NC
Progress Through Partnerships
Francisco Ruritans
Ruritan is a civic service organization with the purpose of creating a better understanding between people. Through volunteer community service, Ruritan makes America’s communities a better place to live and work. The mission of Ruritan is Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service. Each Ruritan club surveys the needs of its community and then works to meet those needs.
Stokes Future
Farmers Market
Our newest partner---their mission is to grow and feed our own. The market is open each Saturday at
Hanging Rock State Park
Opening the 2020n Season April 25
Visitor Center, 11 AM - 2 PM.
Stokes Extension Master
Gardener Volunteer Association
The Master Gardeners assisted OC in beautifying the old Francisco School grounds. Master Gardeners also share vegetables from their home gardens with the North Stokes Food Pantry .
Francisco Community Building Board
Our Communities volunteers lend a hand supporting the Francisco Community Building with overhead costs and much-needed improvements. We host meetings and classes in the building.
LifeBright Community
Hospital of Stokes
This self-guided e-course was created by experts, using the best of science and mindfulness, to help parents achieve long-term success in sleep for their baby.
The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) protects and promotes the Dan River Basin through recreation, education and stewardship.
Learn about the birds you might find singing and flying (or swimming) around the Dan River Basin in this live webinar co-hosted by Kendall Harden. You will learn about the species in our region and what time of year you might see them. You’ll also find out about the basics of bird watching and how to make your yard a bird haven!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82o02YAWocw&ab_channel=danriverbasinassocdanriverbasinassoc
Northern Stokes Food Pantry
Northern Stokes Food Pantry
located in the Francisco community provides food assistance to the community and surrounding areas. Many OC members volunteer at the pantry. We support the Pantry with donations and a raffle for their benefit during Farmfest.
"Please continue to support partnerships on your block in a rural county, it's all about
networking", Eddie McGee, Director Stokes County Arts Council.
The mission of the Stokes County Arts Council is to support and promote the cultural arts in Stokes County, North Carolina. The Stokes County Arts Council continues to expand and to successfully present high-quality arts and arts education programming for Stokes County citizens. Their programs create shared and lasting experiences that connect the participants to their heritage.
The Take the Lead Dance Camp was taught by professional dancers Julianne Harper and David Hawk at The Arts Place of Stokes This camp was made possible by a collaboration of Take the Lead North Carolina, Our Communities of NW Stokes, and the Stokes County Arts Council.
“Dancing Classrooms” at Nancy Reynolds Elementary school the pilot for Stokes County, sponcored by Communities of Northwest Stokes County and the Arts Council.
Stokes County
Beekeepers Association
Members of the Stokes County Beekeepers Association are interested in learning more about beekeeping and support FarmFest with educational demonstrations along with the sale of local honey.
Northern Stokes Future Farmers of America
FFA students have contributed time and talents for each of our FarmFest events. Our Community enjoyed the addition of a metal sculpture from the FFA's annual art auction in the 2021 Farmfest raffle.