Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) Interim Director Paula Woodhouse toured the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy (TCA) in Salemburg and New London earlier this week.
“It was a great experience to see first-hand how the TCA is working to make a positive difference in the lives of so many young people,” said Woodhouse. “It is really extraordinary what the Academy is doing!”
The Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy is a program that gives at-risk youth a second chance. The program provides young adults with the discipline and life skills necessary to be productive members of society.
More than 4,400 young men and women have graduated from the program. Last year, TCA opened another campus in Stanly County.
Col. Edward Timmons, TCA’s Director, invited Woodhouse to visit both sites and meet with leaders and cadets. Timmons has increased enrollment and brought dramatic improvements to the TCA since he took over in November 2013. He received a Governor’s Awards for Excellence this year for his efforts to strengthen the academy and increase its sustainability.
Left Photo: Paula Woodhouse, OSHR's Interim Director, met with leaders and cadets at the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy. Right Photo: Woodhouse joins Col. Gary Allen and DPS Sec. Frank Perry in presenting Col. Edward Timmons the Governor's Awards for Excellence.