Mar 28

Mar 28 Meet me Jones County: Beverly Hines, a beacon of community involvement

In Jones County, Beverly Hines stands as a beacon of community involvement and dedication. At 60, Hines' roles span from being a Media Specialist at Jones Senior High School to holding key positions in local organizations, including Secretary at Jones County Community Hope and Secretary of St. Stephen Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ. Furthermore, she is the owner of Simply Grants, a testament to her commitment to fostering growth and development within her community.

Hines, a Trenton native, carries the legacy of the Irving family, known for their significant contributions to Jones County and beyond. From land ownership to pioneering in journalism and community connections, the Irving lineage is intertwined with the fabric of the area. Hines expressed, "My family history is large... our lineage includes my grandfather, Mr. Clin Irving, who became a landowner in Jones County, and my uncle, Mr. Charles Irving, who started the first black newspaper in Raleigh, NC."

Despite the challenges of division within the community, Hines finds Jones County special due to its strong sense of family and community. "Jones County is special to me because this is my home... Even though there is still much division between races, religion, and politics, I think we all know how to get together and make great things happen for the common good," Hines shared.

Hines is actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Jones County Arts Council, and Jones County Coming Together in Unity. Her work with Jones County Community Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering residents through health, safety, and education, has led to significant achievements, including the successful acquisition of a Golden Leaf Grant of $246,000 for the expansion of the local food pantry. "I wrote this grant and was very happy that we received it. This will make a huge difference in the lives of many of our residents," Hines remarked.

Beyond her organizational involvement, Hines finds motivation in the well-being of her community, particularly seniors. Facing challenges such as limited resources, Hines and her team have relied on fundraising, donor support, and grant writing to bring various programs to life in Jones County.

The sense of community in Jones County was exemplified during Hurricane Florence, where Hines and others worked tirelessly to provide essential aid to residents affected by flooding. Looking to the future, Hines remains committed to initiating projects and programs that will continue to enrich the lives of those within her community.

Hines' story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and community spirit in making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Her contributions and the legacy of her family continue to inspire and drive positive change in Jones County, North Carolina.

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