Email from Koinonia Community Solutions

View The KCS Connection Newsletter Online

THE KCS CONNECTION

2025 SUMMER EDITION

A Message from our Executive Director Watsi M. Sutton

Dear Friends,

I’m grateful to welcome you back to the KCS newsletter as we step into the second half of 2025. After a season of steady work and quiet progress, I’m excited to share more about how KCS continues to grow with purpose.

At Koinonia, access isn’t just about what’s available—it’s about what’s understandable, navigable, and rooted in care. We remain deeply committed to walking alongside individuals and families as they seek pathways in education, economic empowerment, and housing—not just to meet urgent needs, but to thrive within systems that often feel too complex or out of reach.

From youth programs that open doors to learning and leadership, to reentry supports and financial coaching that build agency and stability, to supportive housing through Cross Creek powered by Koinonia Community Housing and beyond—our work is about helping people move forward with dignity, clarity, and control.

We also know that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s fueled by community—with neighbors, partners, and supporters like you. Thank you for being part of this mission. We’re ready for what’s next—there's more work to do and room at the table. Let's continue building, together.

In partnership and gratitude,

Watsi M. Sutton, Esq.

Executive Director

Koinonia Community Solutions

Our 2025 Kids Excel-Pitt County Summer Camp is off to a joyful and energetic start! During ALOHA SUMMER Week, our campers explored social-emotional learning through fun, hands-on activities that celebrated peace, respect, and friendship — all while enjoying themed games, field trips, and free summer meals.

Our Kids Excel-Pitt County campers engaging in team building activities.

There’s still time to join the fun! 😎

Camp is open to students in K–5th grade, Monday–Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM at Koinonia Christian Center Church.

Reserve your child’s spot today!

Limited spots remain for the upcoming themed weeks:

🏆 Kids Excel Choice Awards Week

Face painting was a huge hit at Kids Excel-Martin County Summer Camp.

Kids Excel-Pitt County is supported through program fees paid by families and through generous support of the Koinonia Christian Center Church and RSO Ministries

StrongHER Shines at the Girls in Pearls Event

StrongHER’s signature “Girls in Pearls” event brought together middle school girls for a day designed to uplift, affirm, and empower them through connection, celebration, and purpose.

One of our StrongHER girls, MaKayla Warren, receiving her pearls from her mother, City Councilwoman Portia Willis, and her bonus mom, Alicia Warren.

Held at the Journey Building at Koinonia Christian Center, the girls arrived dressed in pearls, stepping into a space created to honor their strength, brilliance, and potential. Through hands-on empowerment activities and meaningful peer connections, they explored themes of self-worth, purpose, and leadership in a way that was both joyful and deeply affirming.

Attended by several female elected and key appointed leaders and community stakeholders, the event affirmed the importance of each girl in the room and the power of StrongHER’s mission.

Our 2025 Girls in Pearls.

The highlight was a powerful keynote from Chief District Court Judge Regina R. Parker, who shared a message of faith, courage, and self-belief. Her words resonated deeply, encouraging each girl to embrace her identity and walk boldly in her purpose.

Another one of our StrongHER girls, Maleah Johnson with her proud mother, Janelle Johnson and older sister.

“Girls in Pearls” wasn’t just an event; it was a transformational experience, reflecting StrongHER’s mission to cultivate bold, resilient, and empowered girls who are discovering not just who they are, but who they are becoming.

Check Out The Album

Several trailblazing elected and appointed officials stand proudly in support of our StrongHER girls, celebrating women leadership, community, and the power of young women stepping into their potential. Left to right: KCS Education Director Tara Powe, Judge Regina R. Parker, County Manager Janis Gallagher, Judge Wendy Hazelton, NC House Rep. Gloristine Brown, Sheriff Paula Dance, Greenville City Councilwoman Monica Daniels, Greenville City Councilwoman Portia Willis, and KCS Executive Director Watsi Sutton — pictured with our radiant Girls in Pearls, who took center stage.

MaxFactor Leadership Institute Launches in Martin County

We’re excited to announce the official launch of the MaxFactor Leadership Institute in Martin County — an initiative designed to empower middle school boys to lead with character, confidence, and community purpose.

Nothing beats the summer heat like a pool day! Our MaxFactor boys making a splash and memories.

This new expansion brings the MaxFactor program to students in Martin County through weekly leadership development sessions, mentorship, and personal growth activities tailored to the unique experiences and potential of young men in underserved communities.

The program fosters values like discipline, respect, academic excellence, and identity development — equipping students to lead both inside and outside the classroom.

Sunshine, smiles, and summer fun with the MaxFactor crew.

MaxFactor boys wrapped up pool day with a pizza party at the office!

We extend our deepest thanks to Martin County Schools and Prison Alliance for their partnership and support in making this program possible.

Together, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and creating lasting impact for youth and families across the region.

Introducing A New Direction Local Reentry Council

We’re proud to announce the launch of A New Direction Local Reentry Council (ANDLRC)—a partnership between Koinonia Community Solutions and Agape Health Services—serving justice-involved individuals across Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington counties.

Participants attending the ANDLRC's monthly Growth Gathering. The Growth Gathering is a welcoming space where reentry participants can gather, learn about local service and program opportunities, receive one-on-one support from staff and peers, and share their experiences, unmet needs and offer feedback and ideas to help strengthen our services. Together, we grow stronger.

Funded by the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, with support from the Camber Foundation and our AmeriCorps partnership with the NC Literacy Corps, this initiative provides coordinated case management, resource navigation, and access to critical services including mental health care, housing, and workforce training.

ANDLRC participants engaging in Mock Interview sessions at our recent Mini Level Up work readiness event in Beaufort County.

Building on early success and a growing network of partners, we’re excited to welcome our second cohort and continue creating equitable, community-based reentry pathways that support growth, stability, and a new direction.

ANDLRC participants engaging in Financial Literacy Training. A special Thank You to Spring Garden Baptist Church in Washington for hosting our participant training sessions.

Koinonia Community Housing: Expanding Access to Home

Thanks to our supporters and partners, Koinonia Community Housing, in partnership with Koinonia Christian Center Church, continues to open doors to safe, stable, and sustainable living in Eastern North Carolina through our Cross Creek Phase II initiative.

From supporting first-time homebuyers to providing long-term rental opportunities at below-market rates, our team remains committed to creating pathways to housing security and generational stability. Future homebuyers can receive free financial and housing counseling through our partnership with Metropolitan Community Development Corporation.

We’re excited to share that this initiative has already helped 38 families secure safe and affordable housing. On the homeownership side, 75% of units are now sold, with one unit under contract and one unit available. Among new Cross Creek Phase II homeowners, 83% accessed down payment assistance designed to make homeownership accessible through the City of Greenville, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency or Federal Home Loan Bank through First Citizens Bank with 66% of households at or below 80% of Area Median Income.

On the rental side, 94% of units are leased, with just two vacancies remaining. In total, 32 of 34 rental units have been leased at below-market rates, offering more attainable housing options for working families. While place-based subsidies are not available, these homes serve households who often fall above the threshold for subsidized housing yet struggle to find quality housing they can afford.

Phase II at Cross Creek includes 42 multi-family units.

WITN featuring Koinonia Community Housing Empowerment Workshop.

Watch This News Story

For current availability and application information, contact Metropolitan Property Management at (252) 946-0110 or click below to request an application.

Request An Application

Koinonia Community Housing is proud to stand in this critical housing gap, advancing long-term affordability and community-rooted opportunity—one family at a time.

WITN featuring Koinonia Community Housing's affordable housing options amid market increase

Watch KCH in the News

ANDLRC Participant Becomes Homeowner

We are proud to celebrate Ms. McNair, A New Direction Local Reentry Council (ANDLRC) participant, who has officially become the first homeowner to close through KCH's Future Homeowner Program! Future Homeowners is a program that connects program participants with financial literacy, housing coaching, lending and down payment resources and other supports tailored to participant needs.

A heartfelt embrace between Executive Director Watsi Sutton and Ms. McNair, moments after she officially closed on her first home.

Ms. McNair and her son are all smiles after closing.

A journey filled with emotion, growth, and resilience, Ms. McNair begins a new chapter in a home she can call her own. Ms. McNair’s achievement represents what’s possible when community support and personal determination come together.

This milestone marks a proud moment for KCH and the beginning of many more families reaching their housing dreams.

Special thanks to Kenya Meyers, DeMario Stanley of First Citizens Bank, Capital to Coast Law Group, and our ANDLRC staff for making this possible!

We are filled with gratitude for the generous supporters and funding partners who continue to believe and invest in the mission of Koinonia Community Solutions. Your contributions help us strengthen our core programs in education, economic empowerment, and housing across Eastern North Carolina.

We are proud to recognize recent grant awards from our community that are fueling growth, expanding access, and deepening our impact. Thank you for making progress possible — one student, one returning citizen, one family, and one home at a time.

$1.5 MILLION Awarded to Kids Excel - Martin County by NC Department of Public Instructions 21st Century Community Learning Centers

$12,000 Awarded to StrongHER Girls Empowerment by the Pitt Women for Women Fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation

$50,000 Awarded to the Economic Empowerment Program by Camber Foundation

$7,000 Awarded to StrongHER Girls Empowerment

by the ECU Health Foundation

If you’re a community leader, agency partner or advocate looking to collaborate toward building mission-aligned, community-rooted solutions, we want to work with you.

Complete our Partner Interest Form below to get the conversation started!

Partner Interest Form