What Makes Cabarrus Great series

Keeping up with the rapidly growing population is challenging, but it hasn’t stopped Cabarrus County from thriving through it all. This is one of the many reasons why it’s such a great place to live.

Thanks to the dedication of our nonprofit and government agencies, the evolving needs of our community are being addressed to ensure the health and well-being of everyone living here.

MOUNT PLEASANT — In a small town like Mount Pleasant, community isn’t just a word — it’s a way of life. Over the past two decades, one local organization has embodied that spirit of compassion and service: Mount Pleasant Food Ministry. This year, the ministry celebrates an extraordinary milestone — 20 years of feeding families, supporting neighbors, and being a cornerstone of hope for the eastern side of Cabarrus County.

Founded in 2005, the Mount Pleasant Food Ministry began as a vision shared by a handful of caring individuals who recognized a pressing need in their hometown. With no local food pantry or clothing closet available at the time, a group of women in the community — including the wife of founder Harry Lassiter — sparked the idea for what would become a vital support system for families facing food insecurity.

Barbi Jones knows Cabarrus County. As the executive director of The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus, she’s been one of the strongest voices championing the region’s businesses, nonprofits and community leaders. But her connection to this community began long before her role at the Chamber — it started when she and her husband chose to make Cabarrus County their home more than two decades ago.

“When my husband was transferred to Charlotte in 1997, we were trying to decide between living in Charlotte or a surrounding county,” she explains. “We had a great Realtor that showed us homes in several locations, but the friendliness, schools, abundant churches and quality of life amenities sold us on Cabarrus County.”

Walk through the doors of the NCWorks Career Center in Concord, and you will find a hub of hope, empowerment and transformative community impact.

Under the leadership of Center Leader Denisha Nesbit and One-Stop Operator John Smith, the NCWorks Career Center is connecting individuals with employment, employers with talent, and local partners with solutions that reach beyond traditional workforce development.