Wayne County, NC — A grassroots organization led by founder Stacey Perkins is sowing seeds of empowerment and education throughout Wayne County. Growing Generations, an organization focused on youth engagement and family support, continues to expand its footprint with a variety of hands-on programs, community partnerships, and heartfelt service.

At the heart of Growing Generations is a gardening and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) enrichment program designed for youth living in communities supported by the Goldsboro Housing Authority. What began as an after-school initiative in the Lincoln Homes community has blossomed to include Fairview and the WA Foster Community Center.

“We do gardening-related activities and STEM-related activities with the youth in those communities,” said Perkins. “We have fun, we implement gardening and then we implement STEM.”

The after-school program currently meets every Wednesday at Lincoln Homes and Fairview, and every other Friday at WA Foster. On April 26, Growing Generations will kick off its seasonal gardening program, rotating through the three communities on successive Saturdays—starting with Lincoln Homes, then Fairview, followed by WA Foster.

Beyond educational enrichment, Growing Generations provides essential items to families in need through their Welcome Home Baskets and Dignity Kits. The Welcome Home Baskets include cleaning supplies and are distributed quarterly and by referrals through partner agencies such as Wayne Pregnancy Center, Cry Freedom, Goldsboro Housing Authority, 1 to 1 Youth Inc., Wayne Uplift, and Habitat for Humanity. These baskets are offered to families transitioning out of homelessness, escaping domestic violence, or simply in need of basic household items.

Dignity Kits provide personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, and menstrual supplies, and are often distributed during community meal events hosted by Growing Generations.

“We’re here to be a blessing,” Perkins shared. “That’s the whole purpose behind Growing Generations—just to help, to share, and to support our community however we can.”

To sustain these efforts, the organization is planning several fundraising events:

• Halloween Sip & Paint – Guests are encouraged to come in costume for a night of games, raffles, drinks, appetizers, and a contest for best dressed.
  
• Winter Bingo Night – A seasonal event packed with prizes and community spirit.
  
• Hats for Heels – Slated for March 2026 in celebration of Women’s History Month. This signature event will honor trailblazing women; in past years, the organization recognized legendary milliner Mae Reeves, who was a pioneering milliner. The 2026 theme may focus on the “Hidden Figures” of history.

Volunteers are always welcome to join the Growing Generations mission. For more information or to get involved, email: [email protected].

With gratitude and vision, Stacey Perkins and Growing Generations continue to cultivate hope and growth across Wayne County—one community at a time.