GIBSON — The Rockingham District Partners In Ministry invites those who live in Scotland, Richmond and Robeson counties to attend their Resource and Referral open house on Aug. 22 from 3 to 6 p.m.

The center, which is located in Gibson, will be a one-stop place for people to receive resources and the help they need, said resource developer Julia Woehrer.

“Many aspects of this center will be geared towards low and moderate-income families, however, we would like to involve as many people from the community in the center and its activities,” Woehrer said.

The open house will feature refreshments, games for children, tours of the center and a performance by the Piney Grove United Methodist youth choir.

The center will serve people from Richmond, Scotland, and Robeson counties through a variety of outlets and will include a community garden, youth programs, Teen Closet and a food pantry. Gibson is in Scotland County.

Computers, books and informational resources will be available for people when they come to the center, said Woehrer.

United Methodist district superintendent Rev. Leonard Fairley said he is excited about the opening of the center.

“The center will be a catalyst of re-igniting the passion for servant leadership and will allow embracing, equipping and empowering of ordinary people for extraordinary leadership,” he said.

Rockingham District Partners In Ministry director Dr. Melba McCallum said the open house will allow people to see the various resources that are available within these three counties.

“A lot of folks don’t know what’s available in the district, we have a wealth of resources in our district,” she said.

If the center cannot offer a certain resource, they will be able to steer people in the right direction and refer them to the proper organization or agency, McCallum said.

“If someone doesn’t have a computer or Internet at home, they will be able to come here and work on their resume, search for jobs, keep in contact with family, or work on homework,” said Woehrer, “and we hope that those using the center will embrace it and volunteer their time to also help others.”

A Teen Closet, run by volunteers and the organization’s Youth Empowered to Succeed participants, will also be housed at the center. Anyone can drop off gently used or new teen clothes and accessories at the center or at Murphy Brown, LLC in Laurinburg. More donation drop-off locations will be added soon. Volunteers and youth will also run a food pantry at the center which will be open every second and fourth Saturday of the month once enough donations are acquired.

The Resource and Referral Center is located at 13280 Church St. in Gibson off Hamlet Road. Organizations, agencies, or businesses that provide assistance to low-income families or have informational materials that they would like to provide to the center may arrange for pick-up or may drop them off at the center. Call Julie Woehrer at 910-268-4688 for more information.