By Linda Maynor Oxendine
North Carolina Area Manager at CORE
In 2018, after Hurricane Florence devastated Robeson County, the Public Schools of Robeson
County, UNC Pembroke’s McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing, Robeson Community College,
and CORE: Community Organized Relief Effort joined forces to train high school students to
become community emergency responders. Robeson Community College provided CERT
trainers to train students, and the Anonymous Trust Fund made the program possible by
providing critical funding to launch and sustain the effort.
It was through this partnership that Jada Allen began her CERT journey in 2021 as a member of
the Robeson County Teen CERT while attending Lumberton High School. Even as a teenager,
Jada showed an early commitment to service and resilience in her community. During high
school, she was called to serve on two important occasions. First, she participated in a CORE-
facilitated community vaccination event during Lumbee Homecoming, helping gather critical
information through surveys. Soon after, she stepped up again at a CORE-led COVID-19 food
box giveaway, ensuring families in need had access to food during the pandemic.
Her willingness to serve in moments of crisis reflects the heart of CERT, neighbors helping
neighbors. Jada’s leadership, compassion, and dedication have made her a role model for other
youth in Robeson County who are interested in public safety and community preparedness. Jada
recently graduated from Duke University with a degree in Public Policy, a milestone that reflects
her dedication to both education and service. She continues to serve as an active member of the
Robeson County CERT, carrying forward the skills, values, and community spirit she first
developed through Teen CERT.
At CORE’s annual Youth Preparedness CERT Summer Camp, held August 18–20, Jada stepped
forward not just as a participant, but as a leader and teacher. She presented a workshop titled
“Protecting Community and Creating Supportive Environments: Emergency Preparedness in
Robeson County”, empowering CERT certified students from the Public Schools of Robeson
County to see their role in keeping their communities safe.
Her session guided junior and high school campers through understanding community-level
vulnerabilities to natural disasters and highlighted how long-term planning and collaboration can
build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. The workshop also included an engaging team-
based simulation where youth practiced empathy and learned how to navigate the pressures and
challenges of real-life emergencies. Jada’s session came at the perfect time, just as the governor
declared a state of emergency due to Hurricane Erin.
Jada has also presented alongside CORE at a CERT orientation for UNC Pembroke’s McKenzie-
Elliott School of Nursing, where she shared how being part of CERT has shaped her life and
future goals. Through her leadership, Jada demonstrates that preparedness isn’t only about
responding to disaster, it’s about building support, connection and hope.
Looking ahead, Jada plans to attend law school and support her community as a legal advocate.
She is proof that when young people are empowered, they can become a driving force for
resilience and hope in their communities.
(Photo Courtesy of CORE)