Faith, Business, And Government Unite For Lead Beyond Business Summit

By Kelly Blanchard

SELMA — Faith leaders, business executives, and government officials from across North Carolina gathered at the Selma Civic Center for the Lead Beyond Business Summit, a faith-based luncheon focused on recovery, workforce development, and community restoration.

Hosted by Hope Center Ministries, Inc., a faith-based recovery housing and workforce development organization, the luncheon brought together local, state, and federal officials alongside corporate partners, small business leaders, and church ministries to recognize achievements and strengthen partnerships that support life transformation and economic stability.

Hope Center Ministries President and CEO Joshua Hannah thanked attendees for their continued support, highlighting the organization’s expanding impact across eastern North Carolina. In recent years, Hope Center Ministries has opened three residential recovery homes in Wayne County and one home in Harnett County. The organization also operates a women’s recovery center in Johnston County, with plans underway to construct a new men’s facility in Selma at the Eastfield development.

“These homes represent more than housing,” Hannah said. “They provide structure, spiritual support, and a pathway to meaningful employment and restored lives.”

Speakers emphasized that faith-based partnerships play a central role in recovery and reentry success. Local churches and ministry volunteers provide mentorship, transportation, job connections, and spiritual guidance, helping residents rebuild stability and purpose as they reenter the workforce.

The luncheon also honored business and community leaders whose support has helped expand recovery services and workforce opportunities across the region. Honorees included:

• Kevin Dougherty, President of AdVenture Development
• Robert Parvin, Owner, East Raleigh Concrete
• John Lampe, Guy C. Lee Building Materials
• Sloan Stevens, Stevens Sausage Company
• Ken Jones, Deacon Jones Auto Group
• Barrett Johnson, Bay Valley Companies
• Nick McKeel, RiverWild

Throughout the gathering, speakers underscored the importance of collaboration among faith communities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private industry to address substance use recovery, workforce shortages, and long-term community resilience. The faith-based summit in Johnston County reinforced Selma’s role as a regional hub for cooperative solutions that support recovery, economic vitality, and community restoration.