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What Makes Cabarrus County Great: Present Age Ministries
By Cindy Stone and Avalin Inman
Present Age Ministries stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the qualities that make Cabarrus County a remarkable place to live, work, and play. Headquartered at 280 Concord Parkway South in Concord, North Carolina, this nonprofit organization is committed to confronting the harrowing realities of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of teen girls. By equipping our communities with prevention strategies, awareness campaigns, and holistic survivor care, Present Age Ministries strengthens the county’s fabric with a profound sense of purpose and compassion.
Founded over 15 years ago by Hannah Arrowood, Present Age Ministries has become a steadfast advocate for survivors. The organization’s mission is grounded in three key pillars: advocacy, education, and direct services. Through partnerships with local law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and community agencies, they provide a lifeline to those affected. Their collaborative approach fosters a safer environment, while their tailored programs address the unique challenges faced by each survivor.
Prevention and Education at the Forefront
Prevention lies at the heart of Present Age Ministries’ efforts. With targeted education and early intervention strategies, they have achieved remarkable results, including a 30% reduction in risk factors associated with trafficking among students who participate in their programs. One example is their high school outreach initiative, which has empowered students to recognize warning signs and seek help. These successes underscore the transformative impact of their prevention programs and their adaptability to community needs.
In partnership with Cabarrus County Schools, Present Age Ministries has developed and implemented a child abuse prevention curriculum for grades K-5, with plans to expand to middle schools in 2025. This proactive initiative equips children with the language and understanding to recognize and resist grooming and exploitation. Senate Bills 199 and 279, which mandate trafficking prevention education, further bolster their efforts by enabling them to train educators, nurses, and law enforcement officers. Collaborations with federal agencies like the FBI enhance their ability to deliver comprehensive support for young survivors.
Hannah Arrowood emphasizes the importance of education, “Awareness is the first step toward prevention. By equipping our community with knowledge, we’re creating a safer environment for everyone.”
Holistic Support for Survivors
Recovery for survivors of trafficking is a multifaceted journey, and Present Age Ministries provides individualized care tailored to each girl’s unique needs. Their comprehensive services include medical care, psychological counseling, educational support, and relational mentorship, fostering trust and rebuilding lives.
Hannah Arrowood explains, “Every child’s story is different, and our support reflects that. We’re dedicated to meeting each girl where she is and walking alongside her on her path to healing.”
One poignant success story involves a young girl from Cabarrus County who was rescued from a trafficking situation in Chicago. Present Age Ministries provided court advocacy, family counseling, and educational resources, transforming her journey from one of trauma to one of hope and possibility.
A Community That Cares
The collaborative spirit of Cabarrus County plays a crucial role in the success of Present Age Ministries. Hannah Arrowood highlights this unique culture: “Our community has a ‘not on our watch’ mindset. It’s a place where people rally together to address challenges and find solutions.”
Present Age Ministries embodies this ethos by forging partnerships with housing organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based groups, and other nonprofits. Their faith-driven mission to “love well” resonates deeply within the community, creating a network of support that extends beyond their immediate reach.
Meeting Growing Challenges
Despite their impactful work, Present Age Ministries faces increasing challenges. Referrals surged by 70% in 2023, with over 241 cases reported in 2024. To meet this growing demand, the organization is actively exploring strategies to expand its capacity. Potential solutions include forging new partnerships, increasing volunteer engagement, and securing grants to fund their initiatives. Transportation remains a critical need, as rising costs for vehicles, fuel, and insurance strain their resources.
“The demand is growing, but so is our resolve,” says Arrowood. “We’re committed to finding innovative ways to ensure every girl receives the support she deserves.”
Measuring Impact
The effectiveness of Present Age Ministries’ initiatives is reflected in tangible outcomes. For example, their prevention programs have led to increased reporting of abuse and exploitation cases, demonstrating a growing awareness within the community. Additionally, their survivor support services have enabled countless young girls to rebuild their lives, pursue education, and regain a sense of normalcy.
By integrating research-driven tools and evidence-based practices, Present Age Ministries continues to set a standard for excellence in combating trafficking and exploitation. Their ability to measure success through real-world impact ensures that their efforts remain focused and effective.
What Makes Cabarrus County Great
Present Age Ministries exemplifies the resilience, compassion, and determination that defines Cabarrus County. Their unwavering commitment to empowering survivors and preventing exploitation showcases the transformative power of community collaboration. Through education, advocacy, and direct services, they create a brighter future for the county’s youth.
As Cabarrus County grows, so does the need for organizations like Present Age Ministries. The community’s support—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy—is vital to sustaining their mission.
“Together, we can ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and supported,” Arrowood affirms. “This is what makes Cabarrus County truly great.”
How You Can Help
Present Age Ministries invites you to join their mission by supporting their efforts. Consider volunteering your time to assist with outreach and survivor care or spreading awareness about their cause. Visit their website to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of young survivors and help build a safer, more compassionate community: presentageministries.org.
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