SHANNON — The Public Schools of Robeson County (PSRC) proudly hosted a Grand Opening Ceremony today for its new Family Resource Center, also known as the Buffalo Support Center, at Rex-Rennert Elementary School. The center is designed to provide vital support and resources for students, families and the surrounding community.
The ceremony took place at 1:30 p.m. at Rex-Rennert Elementary School, located at 11780 Rennert Road in Shannon. The event brought together PSRC district leadership and school staff to celebrate this important addition.
“Today, we are contributing to a piece of history within the school and the community. In January, Rex-Rennert, along with 11 other schools across the Sandhills Region, became a Community School. As a Community School, we do not replace what is already in place, but instead contribute to the same mission, one that aims to bring forth the very best for our children,” said Gabriela Vample, Community Schools Coordinator, Robeson County: Rex -Rennert Elementary School.
“The Buffalo Support Center, a name adopted by our staff, will be more than just a place with resources. It will be a place that provides support, restores dignity, and shows that this community truly cares,” she said.
The mission is personal for Vample who is motivated to give back to students because of her own experiences.
“Being placed at Rex-Rennert Elementary has reminded me of my own childhood struggles. I can relate to many of the children because they are facing some of the same challenges I once endured. Coming from a single parent home, I did not always understand the sacrifices my mother had to make. However, I do remember being grateful for all the help we received. I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in a position to give back, I would,” she said.
The Family Resource Center will serve as a central hub for connecting families with educational tools, community services and support systems that strengthen student success. Attendees enjoyed brief remarks from Vample and Rex-Rennert Elementary Principal Nikki Brooks, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and toured the new facility.
The center, which began operating in January, has already provided valuable resources to nearly 20 students. The location is part of a regional initiative to support learning and remove barriers through Student U’s Community Schools Program.
“The NC Community Schools Framework fits us in the Sandhills Region because it's not another ‘program’ that can be completed and put away, it's a long-term strategy,” said Dr. Ron Hargrave, Executive Director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium.
“It moves schools and districts away from fragmented services and toward a model where the entire community is aligned with the school and district around student success.The Sandhills is hoping to become a statewide and national model for how rural and regional collaboration can redefine public education,” Dr. Hargrave said.
Brendalyn Thompson, Sandhills Regional Associate Director of Community Schools, also shared remarks about the resource center and how beneficial it is to the school and community.
“I’m incredibly excited to support the opening of this Family Resource Center in Robeson County. This initiative represents a powerful step forward in strengthening families, expanding access to critical resources and building a more connected, resilient region. I’m proud to help champion this effort and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have across our communities,” Thompson said.
For more information about the Family Resource Center and available services, please contact Vample by emailing her at gabriela.vample-csc@robeson.k12.nc.us or by calling 910 843-5298.
“Today, we are not just opening a center, we are opening doors, creating opportunities and reminding every child and family that they are seen, they are supported and they are never alone,” Vample said.