Teresa Barnes is a native of Harnett County. She graduated with an Associate Degree from Central Carolina Community College in General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Fayetteville State University, Master’s in Social Work from Fayetteville State University. Certifications in Business/Marketing, Special Population Coordinator, and Career Development Coordinator and license as School Social Worker from North Carolina State University. 

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In 2000, a recent college graduate student living in Erwin, NC had a vision to pursue her Master’s in Social Work to better serve many underserved children and families in her community. Teresa shared her concern with close family members and friends without any hesitations. They supported her vision and accepted all the challenges presented to her. It was the early part of October when Teresa had noticed that many of her students avoided school and parents expressed concerns of lack of resources for clothing. Many of her colleagues worried about the growing number of students missing school and the risk of students falling behind in their studies.

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Teresa and some volunteers were able to seek support from local churches, family members, friends, and community members who donated new/gently used clothes to them. They were able to deliver the clothes to the students and watched the smiles on their faces. We never knew making a small act of kindness to our Harnett County students would make a huge impact in our small-town.