About SPARC
Building a unified voice for substance prevention, treatment, and recovery in Robeson County
The Southeastern Prevention and Addiction Recovery Resource Center (SPARC) is housed at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), funded by the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation, and supports the Robeson Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Consortium through academic research and community partnerships.
Our Mission
To unite community resources and create accessible pathways to prevention, treatment, and recovery for all residents of Robeson County affected by substance use disorders.
We work to create one unified voice to address substance prevention, treatment, and recovery needs in the Robeson County community. Through collaboration with over 60 partner organizations, we're building a comprehensive support network for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Our Approach
Collaborative
Uniting over 60 partner organizations to create a comprehensive support network
Data-Driven
Using evidence-based strategies and tracking outcomes to ensure effectiveness
Community-Focused
Tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of Robeson County's rural communities
Holistic
Addressing prevention, treatment, and recovery as interconnected components
Our Journey
2021
SPARC established with initial funding from Kate B. Reynolds Foundation
Coalition recruitment and building based on needs assessment conducted by RHCC
2022-2023
Rapid expansion of partnership network
Workforce development support for addiction specialist certification
2024
60+ partner organizations now part of the consortium
Continued expansion of services and community partnerships
End of initial three-year stipend program, membership remains open
Consortium Structure
The Robeson Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Consortium operates as a collective impact model, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address the opioid epidemic comprehensively.
RCORP Consortium
Central Coordination
Healthcare Providers
Treatment centers, hospitals, clinics
Community Organizations
Faith-based groups, nonprofits
Government Partners
County services, law enforcement
Recovery Support
Peer groups, housing services
Workforce Development
SPARC supports the development of qualified addiction professionals in Robeson County through comprehensive training and certification programs.
Professional Certification
Exam preparation support for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC), Certified Clinical Supervisors (CCS), and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS)
Academic Partnership
Collaborative teams of faculty and students conduct community-based participatory research to identify gaps and barriers
Community Training
Ongoing resources and training opportunities for consortium members to enhance professional capabilities
Our Core Values
Compassion
Meeting people where they are with dignity and respect
Collaboration
Working together to create lasting change
Accountability
Transparent reporting and measurable outcomes
Hope
Believing in recovery and the potential for change
Community Recognition
SPARC's impact has been recognized by local media and community partners. The center has been featured in WBTW news coverage, highlighting its collaborative approach to addressing substance use disorders in Robeson County.
Join Our Mission
Together, we can build a stronger, healthier Robeson County