Cabarrus County Schools leaders are raising concerns after county commissioners, during Tuesday’s budget workshop, delayed discussion of its 2026–27 budget and directed staff to hold local funding at last year’s levels — a move district leaders warn could hinder its ability to keep pace with growing needs.

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The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners abruptly halted a planned budget presentation from Cabarrus County Schools on Tuesday night, instead directing staff to hold the district’s funding at last year’s level while raising concerns about its spending plans.

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An hours-long public hearing Tuesday to consider the removal of Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court Bill Baggs from office ended when a judge dismissed the case.

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Cabarrus Brewing Company is marking a major milestone, celebrating its 10-year anniversary with the launch of statewide distribution across North Carolina.

The expansion comes through a new partnership with Johnson Brothers Mutual Distributing of N.C., which will bring the brewery’s beers to restaurants, bars, grocery stores and bottle shops throughout the state beginning tomorrow.

Founded in 2016 and based at Gibson Mill, Cabarrus Brewing, located at 329 McGill Ave. NW, has grown from a local taproom into one of the region’s most recognizable craft breweries, building a reputation for approachable, high-quality beers and a strong regional following.

“As we enter our second decade, this next step is about building a smarter, more sustainable growth model,” said Steve Steinbacher, managing partner of Cabarrus Brewing. “Growth for growth’s sake has never been the goal. After evaluating several partners, Johnson Brothers stood out for their scale, craft portfolio experience and statewide reach.”

Steinbacher said the partnership will allow the company to expand more efficiently while maintaining consistency in its products — a key priority as the craft beer industry faces increasing competition and tightening margins.

“In a challenging craft beer market, efficiency and focus are critical, and this positions us well for long-term success,” he said.

Under the agreement, Johnson Brothers will lead distribution efforts, with an initial rollout focused on the Charlotte metro area, the Triad, Hickory, the foothills and western North Carolina. The expansion will be supported through the distributor’s Charlotte network.

Over the past decade, Cabarrus Brewing has also become a destination in its own right. Its taproom regularly hosts live music, food trucks and community events that draw visitors from across the region.

In addition to its Concord operations, the brewery’s beers are also produced on-site at its sister company, Towel City Tavern, further expanding its footprint within Cabarrus County.

The statewide launch represents a significant step forward for the company as it looks to grow its presence while maintaining the local identity that helped define its first decade.

For more information, visit Cabarrus Brewing Company’s website or follow @cabarrusbrewco on social media.

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Former Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant delivered a pointed critique of the City Council during public comment at Monday’s meeting, sharply opposing proposed cuts to the CK Rider bus system.

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Musician Dawn Anthony promises an evening of rhythm, nostalgia and storytelling when she takes the stage at the Davis Theatre on April 24.

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Students from A.T. Allen Elementary School are preparing to take the stage later this month as their after-school drama club readies its fourth annual spring musical.

Led by music teacher Jennifer Newton, who serves as the production director, the program brings together elementary students who dedicate hours beyond the classroom — including after school, on weekends and even teacher workdays — to stage this year’s production of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids.

The musical follows pet owners Roger and Anita, who live in London with their devoted Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, as they raise a lively litter of puppies. Their peaceful world is disrupted when the villainous Cruella de Vil plots to steal the puppies for a fur coat, prompting a citywide canine rescue effort.

A total of 65 students are participating in the production, Newton said.

Beyond the performance itself, organizers say the program plays a vital role in student development.

“A.T. Allen is a Title I school, and all of our rehearsals are after school and on teacher workdays,” Newton said. “I’ll say this — the musicals we put on are pretty spectacular given our resources and funding.”

Previous productions have included Willy Wonka Kids, Jungle Book Kids and Aladdin Kids.

The club is open to third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students, offering a space where participants can explore talents that may not surface during the regular school day. Through the experience, many students build confidence, creativity and a lasting appreciation for the arts.

Participation costs are kept minimal, covering a T-shirt and a small portion of costume expenses, with efforts made to ensure every interested student can take part. Proceeds from ticket sales are reinvested into the program to support future productions.

“We ensure that every student who wants to participate is able,” Newton said.

Performances of 101 Dalmatians Kids are scheduled for April 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant High School. Tickets are $7 and will be available at the door or by contacting Newton via email at jennifer.newton@cabarrus.k12.nc.us.

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Opponents of a proposed ICE detention facility filled the Concord City Council chambers Thursday night, pressing elected officials to take a stand.

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This article is based on a news release from the N.C. Department of Transportation.

N.C. Department of Transportation officials have awarded a $2.8 million contract to upgrade more than nine miles of Cabarrus County roads.

The project, which will be carried out by Albemarle-based NJR Group Inc., includes milling, patching, resurfacing, shoulder reconstruc…

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Just a year ago, Daniel Montoni walked the floor at Cabarrus County’s Career Connections Day unsure of what came next after high school.

Now, he’s back — this time on the other side of the table.

Montoni, a first-year brick mason with Huntley Brothers, a local construction company, returned to this year’s event representing his employer, sharing his experience with students navigating the same uncertainty he recently faced as a senior at West Cabarrus High School.

“It’s crazy because a year ago when I was here, I just thought it was something fun to do and get out of class,” Montoni said. “I had no idea what I was going to do.”

Now, his message is different.

“I’m really trying to relate to the students so that they can see that this is something you have to take seriously,” he said. “You have to start somewhere, and there’s opportunities out there.”

Montoni was among the representatives of roughly 60 Cabarrus-based employers at this year’s Cabarrus County Career Connections Day — known as C4 Day — which brought together about 1,000 students Wednesday morning from Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center.

Hosted by the Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce and the Cabarrus County Economic Development Corporation, the annual event is designed to connect students — primarily juniors and seniors, along with some younger participants — with local industries through hands-on demonstrations and conversations about career pathways.

For many students, that exposure is the point.

“It gets them excited,” said Daryle Adams, Kannapolis City Schools’ CTE director. “The fact that they’re able to touch the equipment and learn firsthand what is actually available to them.”

From health care providers like Eli Lilly and Company, Atrium Health and Cabarrus Health Alliance to hospitality employers such as Hilton Garden Inn and Great Wolf Lodge — along with skilled trades companies like Huntley Brothers, Ike’s Construction and Wayne Brothers and public safety agencies including Cabarrus County EMS and the Concord and Kannapolis fire departments — the event offers a cross-section of the local economy, helping students better understand the range of opportunities available to them.

That kind of awareness is increasingly important in a changing workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median job tenure in 2024 was just 3.9 years, with younger workers often changing jobs after about two years.

Events like this are especially important, given that roughly 72% of Americans live and work within 25 miles of where they were born, said Barbi Jones, president and CEO of the Cabarrus Chamber.

“Young people know what their parents do and their aunts and uncles do, but they don’t necessarily know what’s right here in Cabarrus County,” said Melony Ritter, Cabarrus County Schools’ CTE director.

For educators like Danny Kiser, a masonry teacher at Jay M. Robinson High School, the event provides a chance for students to connect directly with employers.

“It’s a great opportunity, and it’s awesome to see that there are this many people in the county that would like to hire people coming out of high school,” Kiser said.

Students say those conversations matter.

“This is a great opportunity for anybody because this involves interacting with other people — it’s not like online,” said Many Banegas, a junior at Jay M. Robinson considering a career in construction.

Those conversations also give employers a chance to engage directly with students.

For professionals like Tori Rogers, an EMT with Cabarrus County EMS, many students express interest in health care, but events like C4 Day help them better understand the range of options available.

“I think the best way to figure out what you want to do in healthcare is to get into healthcare and to have hands-on experiences with patients,” Rogers said.

A steady stream of students visited her table throughout the morning, asking thoughtful and mature questions about the field.

Having joined Cabarrus County EMS in December, Rogers said she is able to offer students a fresh perspective as someone just beginning her career.

“Many are interested in healthcare, and they didn’t even really know that EMS is an option,” she said.

Dana Itani, senior director of HR at Eli Lilly’s Concord site, said she appreciated the opportunity to connect with students — both those who have clear career goals and those still exploring their options.

Many students, particularly those interested in STEM-related fields, stopped by Lilly’s table.

“Here at Lilly, there’s an opportunity for whatever you want to go into, whether you like people, you like devices, you like science — there’s a path for you,” Itani said.

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The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners received a sobering update Tuesday as local officials outlined a rise in child fatalities and growing concerns about youth violence.

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The Cabarrus County Board of Education is asking county commissioners to place a $300 million school bond referendum on the November 2026 ballot, a move aimed at addressing what district leaders describe as urgent and growing facility needs.

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The Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education signaled support Monday for increasing the district’s local teacher supplement from 13% to 14%, a move that would require approval from the county commissioners, which funds the district’s local operating budget.

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At first glance, stepping into Baba Bread feels less like entering a storefront near downtown Concord and more like walking into a Parisian boulangerie along the Champs-Élysées.

From its rustic sourdough loaves and long, crusty baguettes to its golden, airy croissants, the new Church Street bakery leans heavily into its French roots — both in flavor and philosophy. But behind the bread is a story that spans continents, careers and a pandemic-era reinvention.

Baba Bread, located at 340 Church St. N in Concord, officially opened March 20, marking a new chapter for co-owners Bruno and Allison Oghittu, who had spent the past few years building a loyal following at the Salisbury Farmers Market and Piedmont Farmers Market in Concord, where they still sell on Saturday mornings.

“We’ve had a great response, and it just became clear to us that opening a brick-and-mortar was the next phase,” Allison said.

The bakery specializes in French artisan bread, with a commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional methods. The couple sources 100% organic flour from Lindley Mills in Graham — a 10th-generation North Carolina mill dating to 1755 — while also importing specialty flour from France for certain loaves, including a flax bran baguette with a nutty flavor and a hearty seeded sourdough.

Their breads rely on natural leaven — sourdough — as their only preservative, a centuries-old technique that enhances both flavor and longevity.

Many of their sourdough loaves take up to three days to make, allowing for a slower fermentation process that develops both depth and texture.

“True luxury requires two components: fine materials and savoir-faire (or expertise),” Allison said. “By working with the best ingredients and training with baking masters, we turn artisan breads, pastries, and specialty foods into an accessible luxury for our customers here in the North Carolina Piedmont.”

Bruno echoed that commitment to craft and ambition.

“We uphold a daily — hourly — commitment to excellence,” he said. “Our goal is to become one of the best bakeries in North Carolina — and in America.”

Beyond its signature sourdough, Baba Bread offers tomato-olive rosemary focaccia, sandwich loaves, sourdough pretzels, chocolate croissants, éclairs and even Firenze hummus. Despite the storefront presence, however, all baking happens offsite.

The Oghittus have converted a 2,000-square-foot garage at their Rowan County home into a professional production kitchen, where they bake fresh each morning before transporting the goods to Concord.

For now, the business operates with four employees, though plans are already in place to hire an additional baker. The couple also hopes to expand the experience by adding indoor and outdoor seating and eventually offering drip coffee.

The name “Baba” carries layered meaning. In many languages, it translates to “father” or serves as a respectful term for an elder, while also being one of the first sounds babies learn to say.

“It’s basically a word that has meaning or significance for different people for different reasons,” Allison said. “We feel like it’s a universal word.”

Though still in its infancy, the bakery has already built a loyal following, including customers Audrey and Dustin Sprinkle. Audrey favors the sourdough loaves and éclairs, while Dustin enjoys the seeded sourdough.

“I am in love with it,” Audrey said. “It’s just the first time Concord has had this quality sourdough available.”

The Concord couple had previously sourced sourdough from Charlotte. “I’m thankful they’re here,” Audrey said.

So far, the bakery has relied largely on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising.

“The reception has been great,” Allison said. “We like to grow organically — just like our sourdough.”

The road to opening Baba Bread was anything but traditional.

Allison grew up in Kentucky before moving to Salisbury as a teenager. She later studied dance at the North Carolina School of the Arts and spent time pursuing a creative career in New York City, working with contemporary choreographers and briefly living in France as an au pair.

“I took a lot of risks in my twenties,” she said. “I did a lot of stuff.”

Around 2012, while working as the maître d’ for the breakfast shift at The Standard High Line hotel in New York’s Meatpacking District, Allison met Bruno, a guest who returned often that summer as they got to know each other.

A native of France, Bruno was working as an e-commerce director for luxury fashion brand Christian Louboutin. Their relationship took them from New York to London, where he later worked for designer Manolo Blahnik. They married in July 2022 in Eschbach-au-Val, Alsace, France — where Bruno’s sister lives.

The couple returned stateside just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

During lockdown in Brooklyn, the couple regularly bought sourdough bread from a local butcher. When the supply stopped, Bruno decided to learn how to make it himself.

“Bruno is French and needs bread every day,” Allison said.

With an engineer’s mindset and a passion for hands-on work, Bruno immersed himself in the craft, experimenting to perfect his sourdough.

He traces some of that connection back to his childhood in France, where his father worked delivering flour to local bakeries — an early exposure to the craft that still resonates today.

“It’s something that he really enjoyed and put a lot of time into,” Allison said.

After leaving his job in 2021, the couple moved to Salisbury to stay with Allison’s parents and began exploring how to turn that passion into a business.

While Bruno continued baking sourdough, Allison’s mother, Anne Cave, shared photos of his bread on social media — catching the attention of Gianni Moscardini, owner of La Cava, an Italian fine dining restaurant in Salisbury.

Moscardini invited Bruno to experiment with his bread in the restaurant’s kitchen during off-hours, baking loaves for service.

There, Bruno discovered that traditional commercial ovens weren’t ideal for sourdough, leading him to design an oven insert — what the couple now calls the “Baba oven” — that replicates the steam-injected environment of a professional bread oven.

They first considered selling the oven insert itself, but quickly realized the greater opportunity was in the bread.

“Initially Bruno didn’t think he wanted to be a baker,” Allison said. “But then he realized he actually enjoys it.”

By 2024, the Oghittus were selling bread and pastries at local markets, beginning with the Fun in Faith Farmers Market in the town of Faith, followed by the Salisbury Farmers Market and the Piedmont Farmers Market.

The couple has also trained with accomplished bakers. French master baker Jean-Claude Iltis, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France — one of the country’s highest honors for craftsmen — spent two weeks with them last fall teaching new recipes and techniques. They have also trained alongside bakers at La Fournette Bakery in Chicago under Pierre Zimmermann, the only two-time world champion of French boulangerie.

The bakery’s commitment to training extends beyond the owners. Their full-time baker, Audrey Oliphant — a Culinary Institute of America graduate — traveled to France in January to train in kitchens in Munster and Colmar, including Patisserie Gilg, the Michelin-starred La Nouvelle Auberge and Boulangerie Imhoff.

Now, with a storefront and a growing base of loyal customers, Baba Bread reflects a circuitous global journey that has taken the Oghittus from New York and London to France and, ultimately, to Concord — built through patience, craft and a steady rise, one loaf at a time.

Baba Bread is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People can follow Baba Bread on Instagram (@bababreadnc) and on Facebook.

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Concord is once again drawing national attention — this time as one of the top places to live in the country.

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Kathy Lista was working in the corporate world in October 2015 when she was invited to Florida for a service project through her job.

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April Cook, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina Senate District 34, revealed Thursday that she is facing a personal health battle.

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This article was adapted from an Explore Cabarrus news release.

After a month of sizzling competition and community voting, Lee’s Sandwich Shop in Kannapolis has been crowned the winner of the sixth annual Cabarrus Burger Madness, organizers announced this week.

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Students across Cabarrus County’s STEM schools recently put their problem-solving skills — and their creativity — to the test in a challenge that blended engineering with community impact.

Through a partnership between the Cabarrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), the nonprofit 1Can and Cabarrus County Schools’ STEM programs, the first-ever “STEM Builds the Future: 1 CAN at a Time” challenge invited students to collect canned food donations and transform them into large-scale structures, applying the engineering design process through planning, testing, redesign and collaboration.

There were no height or weight limits on the designs.

But the project extended beyond the classroom: all donated items will help stock Blessing Boxes across Cabarrus County through 1Can, providing food directly to families facing insecurity.

Participating schools included Coltrane-Webb, Patriots, R. Brown McAllister and W.M. Irvin elementary schools; C.C. Griffin and J.N. Fries middle schools; and Central Cabarrus and Northwest Cabarrus high schools.

“I think one of the biggest pieces of the partnership between 1Can and CCS STEM is that our design cycle starts with empathy,” said Jennifer Caligan, Cabarrus County Schools’ District STEM coordinator and Central Cabarrus STEM coach. “What better way to help our community than those in need?”

Though rooted in STEM, the challenge often leaned into STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — as students combined technical thinking with artistic vision, Caligan said.

Many younger students gravitated toward the artistic side of the challenge, while older students emphasized engineering and design, Caligan said.

The initiative is expected to become an annual event, she added.

The Cabarrus Compass visited three schools Tuesday morning as about a dozen community judges evaluated the finished projects — each one reflecting a different approach to both design and teamwork.

At Central Cabarrus, a group of students in a 3D Modeling and Animation class quickly learned that engineering often requires adaptation.

Their original plan — a Viking longboat — proved too ambitious when the design didn’t come together. Instead, they pivoted, creating “Victor the Viking,” a seated figure constructed from roughly 150 to 200 cans.

Senior Camden Cobb said his favorite part was bouncing ideas off teammates and working through the challenge of pivoting from the boat concept to the Viking. The biggest obstacle, he said, was shaping the cans into a human form.

Junior Hadassah Edward said the process began with visualization, including sketching out the original longboat design before realizing it wouldn’t work — a key lesson in iteration.

The small team, just four students, spent several weeks bringing the project to life.

“Even though there were only a few of us, we were still able to collaborate and worked really smoothly together,” junior Leeleean Dawkins said.

“I loved this so much,” Dawkins added. “That’s probably my favorite part about STEM — it’s building stuff.”

At J.N. Fries Middle School, the project took on a cinematic twist.

Roughly 45 students, led by art and theater teacher Amber Hyatt-Lisk, created a large-scale version of WALL-E, the beloved robot from the 2008 Disney/Pixar film. The structure, made from 192 cans, was inspired by eighth grader Pax Melton.

“It just kind of came to me naturally,” Melton said. “The first thing I thought of was a Disney robot.”

For students like eighth grader Katelyn Bechtol, the build reinforced the importance of teamwork.

“It definitely took a lot of collaboration,” she said. “We had to work together and listen to each other’s ideas.”

Hyatt-Lisk said the project underscored how art is inseparable from design.

“You have to have artists in everything that is done and built and designed,” she said. “Sometimes the artists get overlooked by the engineers and architects — but you can’t spell architect without art.”

At Coltrane-Webb Elementary, younger students embraced both creativity and scale.

Using roughly 430 cans, third graders constructed a colorful version of Nyan Cat — a colorful, pixelated cat with a Pop-Tart body inspired by a viral YouTube video that is now an Internet meme.

Up close, the structure appears abstract. But from a distance, the image sharpens — a lesson in perspective that students quickly recognized.

“Usually a pixel becomes clearer if you see it far away,” said Tanushree Srinivasan.

The project helped teach Max Donner “to have better teamwork.”

Art teacher Heather Geiser said the project pushed her students beyond their initial doubts.

“I’m so proud of my third graders because they really rose to the challenge,” she said. “They didn’t think they could do it at the beginning. It was a little rough at first, but then they all came together and worked really hard as a team.”

In the end, Northwest Cabarrus took top honors at the high school level, while Coltrane-Webb earned the top spot among elementary and middle schools.

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For Kim Jackson, years spent in youth ministry instilled a deep understanding of the power of human connection — and what it means to those who go without it.

Originally from Illinois, Jackson moved to Cabarrus County in 2007 and began working in an assisted living center, where she found purpose in serving what she calls “God’s older children.”

But her perspective began to shift in 2016.

After several years partnering with pastors in Romania to support homeless senior adults — helping fund housing, deliver supplies and organize care — Jackson realized a similar, largely unseen need existed much closer to home.

That realization led Elder Orphan Care — originally created to serve older adults in Romania — to formally establish itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in January 2016, with a new focus on serving seniors in Cabarrus County.

Today, the organization provides help and hope to adults ages 60 and older who are aging alone or without adequate support — a population Jackson believes is too often overlooked. The organization still maintains ties to its roots, making one or two trips to Romania each year.

Now marking its 15-year anniversary — including 10 years serving Cabarrus County — Elder Orphan Care, which currently serves about 32 senior clients, many in their late 70s and early 80s, continues to focus on addressing isolation among older adults.

The name itself can sometimes cause confusion. While the term “orphan” is typically associated with children, Jackson said the concept applies just as strongly to older adults who lack family support or meaningful social connections — including those who are estranged from relatives or whose loved ones live far away.

“Our people who are considered elder orphans, there’s no cookie cutter,” said Jackson, founder and executive director of Elder Orphan Care. “None of them look the same.”

Still, she said, the common thread is clear.

“Isolation is isolation, and aging challenges are aging challenges,” Jackson said. “It’s a population that is overlooked and underserved, in my estimation.”

Through education, advocacy and a network of roughly 200 volunteers, the organization works to combat isolation and improve quality of life.

Volunteers help organize group events that bring seniors together, while a smaller group serves as one-on-one “buddies,” building consistent, personal relationships with older adults who may otherwise go days — or even weeks — without meaningful interaction. About a third of the seniors are paired with a buddy.

The buddy program is built around what Jackson describes as a “ministry of presence” — a commitment not just to provide services, but to show up.

Volunteers are paired with seniors for regular visits, phone calls and check-ins, offering companionship and emotional support while also helping identify practical needs. In some cases, that might mean assisting with errands or ensuring a home is safe. In others, it simply means sitting together, listening and sharing conversation.

“These relationships are where the real impact happens,” Jackson said. “It’s not just about what we do — it’s about being there.”

Valerie Polk has served as a volunteer buddy with Elder Orphan Care for three years. She meets several times a week with Wilma Jackson, who is in her late 70s, and the two have bonded over shared interests.

“When we first met, I found out we both enjoyed a lot of the same things, like sewing and needlework,” Polk said. Earlier this week, she took Wilma to Hobby Lobby to pick out supplies for a knitting project, and she has even made cat-themed curtains for Wilma’s kitchen.

Wilma also has a longtime friend outside of Elder Orphan Care who helps with finances and other major needs.

“Wilma and I, we like to just play,” Polk said.

Polk said the organization’s leadership plays a key role in fostering those connections, noting that Jackson and her staff “have a gift for offering hope and friendship to so many senior citizens who are alone — and they make everyone feel special.”

For many seniors, relationships like the one Polk and Wilma share become a vital lifeline.

Volunteers often serve as an extra set of eyes and ears, helping connect individuals to resources, coordinate care or flag concerns before they become crises. But just as important, Jackson said, is the sense of dignity and belonging that comes from being known.

“We just feel like people have a purpose as a long as they have a pulse,” Jackson said.

Much of that work to improve the lives of senior adults is carried out through the organization’s “Safe and Loved at Home” program, which focuses on helping seniors remain independent while maintaining dignity and connection.

Services range from coordinating transportation to medical appointments and improving home safety, to delivering essential supplies and helping seniors navigate access to care.

Volunteers assist with medical advocacy and transportation, driving seniors to doctor’s appointments and, in many cases, accompanying them inside to help listen, ask questions and advocate for their care.

They may also help organize medications and ensure seniors understand what to take and when.

“We love that we can do that,” Jackson said.

The organization also creates opportunities for social connection — from gatherings and holiday celebrations to simple, consistent check-ins that can make the difference between isolation and belonging.

“We’re trying to help people stay in their homes and be safe and loved,” Jackson said.

Elder Orphan Care organizes a variety of social activities, often partnering with local churches to host summer gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Jackson said she especially values opportunities for intergenerational connection between senior adults and young people.

“One of our primary goals is to make sure the generations spend time together,” Jackson said.

At One Life Church in Concord, a youth group recently invited seniors affiliated with Elder Orphan Care for an evening of pizza, Uno and crafts.

One of the seniors, who had spent decades teaching piano and organ, struck up a conversation with a teenager who was in the band. The two quickly bonded over their shared appreciation for classical composers, Jackson said.

“You had a 14-year-old and an 84-year-old having this conversation,” Jackson said. “You could just see her eyes light up because this kid was engaged with her.”

Another example, Jackson said, involves the grandson of a volunteer who regularly reads to a senior with limited vision.

“Something as simple as that is a game changer,” she said.

Elder Orphan Care receives referrals from a range of local partners, including churches, Atrium Health Cabarrus, Meals on Wheels and the Department of Social Services.

Before services begin, staff conduct an initial assessment with each senior to determine eligibility, focusing on those who are aging alone, lack nearby family support or have limited access to care.

The assessment evaluates home safety and includes screening for emotional well-being, such as measuring levels of depression. Once enrolled, clients are reassessed over time, and many show improvements in both mood and overall well-being.

The need for senior adult services is only growing.

Roughly 14% of Cabarrus County residents are 65 or older, according to U.S. Census data. With the county continuing to experience rapid growth, that share is expected to rise in the coming years.

That number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. County data projects the 65-and-older population will grow from about 33,600 residents in 2023 to more than 60,000 by 2043 — an increase of roughly 80%.

The fastest growth is expected among the oldest residents. The number of adults age 85 and older is projected to more than double during that time, rising from about 2,900 in 2023 to nearly 8,000 by 2043.

The trend extends beyond Cabarrus County. Across North Carolina, there were 3,781 centenarians — people age 100 or older — in 2025, according data from the state’s Division of Aging. That number is projected to surge to nearly 14,844 by 2050, a 293% increase.

At the same time, local data points to increasing vulnerability among older adults. While single mothers with children make up the largest share of the homeless population in Cabarrus County, senior adults represent the fastest-growing demographic, according to information from Cooperative Christian Ministry.

Jackson said the trend reflects a broader national shift.

Older Americans are projected to outnumber children within the next decade — part of what the U.S. Census Bureau has described as “the graying of America.”

“There’s no future in old people, but there’s sure a lot of old people in our future,” Jackson said. “And the world is aging faster than it ever has.”

That need isn’t limited to Cabarrus County.

Elder Orphan Care gained national attention last year after being featured in the November/December issue of the AARP Bulletin, which included a story on the growing number of “solo agers” in America.

Though the mention was brief, the impact was immediate. Jackson said she was quickly inundated with calls and messages from older adults across the country seeking help.

“I got voicemails from people saying, ‘I’m in Florida, I’m all alone,’” Jackson recalled. Some even expressed interest in relocating to Cabarrus County in hopes of finding support. “It was so heartbreaking.”

The response, she said, underscored both the depth of the need and the lack of comparable services.

Elder Orphan Care now draws support from donors in 24 states, Jackson said — a sign of the organization’s growing reach.

While other organizations provide support for older adults, Jackson said few take the same relationship-driven approach.

“Many don’t do it as relationally as we do or as deeply as we do,” she said. “I think we’re a unique gig.”

Still, Jackson believes the mission of Elder Orphan Care is ultimately about something simple — and deeply human.

“Wherever we serve older adults, our goal is to instill a deep sense of value and purpose in every life we touch,” she said.

Jackson and her small staff — Tammy Blackburn, director of development, and Janna Syester, director of community programs, both occupational therapists — along with a dedicated corps of volunteers, often go beyond meeting basic needs.

In some cases, that means helping fulfill long-held dreams.

The organization has arranged experiences such as a hot air balloon ride for one senior and a trip to Myrtle Beach for others eager to see the ocean again.

For Jackson, who will turn 70 next year, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the impact the organization has on the lives of older adults.

“There’s nothing like being hugged by a 95-year-old and hearing her say, ‘I’ve never felt so loved in all my life,’” Jackson said.

As the organization looks ahead, Elder Orphan Care is working with The Greater Cabarrus Foundation on capacity building, board alignment, strategic planning, volunteer management and succession planning for when Jackson eventually steps aside.

Still, she said her passion for the work remains as strong as ever.

“There’s nothing I’d rather do than what I’m doing,” Jackson said. “And if God gives me the breath, I want to do this till the day I die.”

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