Brenda Powell

I have lived in Conover my entire life and believe there is no better place to live, work, and raise a family. 

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Candidate Summary:

• Lifetime resident of Conover

• Former Conover Business Owner: JandB Vending

• Worked for Eckerd Drug Company  for 15 years

• Worked as night staff for domestic violence shelter

• Married to Jerry Powell for 50 years, mother to 5, and grandmother to 10

• Active lifetime member of Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church, current treasurer

• Member - Associate of the Vietnam Veterans of America

 

Accomplishments & Awards:

 

• City of Conover Mayor’s Citizenship Award (2018)

• City of Conover Outstanding Community Service Award (2006-2008)  

• North Carolina NAACP Mother of The Year (1992)

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 Community Service:

• Participated in training workshops and Forums through Western Piedmont Council of Government

• Backpack Program Advisory Team (2018-present)

  • Working together as part of a team to advise the direction and goals of the

  • Backpack Program and cultivate resource partnerships with churches, businesses, and individuals 

• Conover Summer Read OUT (2016-present, Creator and Co-founder)

  • A unique neighborhood experience designed to keep children 3-15 engaged in learning, reading, and growing healthy and strong over the summer

  • Teaches essential life-skills such as Listening, Speaking, Saying “No!”, Choices and Consequences, and Problem-Solving

  • Pairs discussions with reading, hands-on crafts, activities, and games

  • Provides participants at completion of program with backpacks containing their school’s required supplies to insure a successful start to the school year

• South West Conover Community Watch (2004-present, current Chairperson)

  • Helping neighbors meet neighbors and work together with city, police and first responders to create a safe and secure neighborhood

  • Facilitated community participation in Conover Litter Sweep

  • Facilitated community participation in National Night Out

• Catawba County Election Board - Poll Worker

• Currently serving on the board of Neighbors Network of Conover.  This program  provides resources and services that enable adults 50+ to "Thrive in Community."

• Shamir Grier Scholarship Committee (1999-present)

  • Selects deserving Newton-Conover High School students to receive college scholarships given in memory of Shamir Grier

  • Plans and executes event to raise scholarship funds at First United Methodist Church, Conover

• Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry Board Member (2010-2013)

  • Helped ECCCM realize its goal of bringing together the resources of the Christian community to serve Catawba County citizens in need of crisis assistance, support and education

• Village Hands Resource Center Board Member and Volunteer (1996-2005)

  • Provided weekly after school tutoring at Thomas Chapel AME Zion church to strengthen children and youth of the Southwest Conover community

• Majestic Men and Booster Club Member (1975-1992)

  • Instrumental as a leader in addressing needs and seeking out opportunities to improve Conover’s Southwest community

  • Assisted in construction of Majestic Park in Southwest Conover

• Straight-Up Boys Club (1985-1992, Co-founder)

  • Collaborated with Sherriff's Department to provide a weekly program for at-risk boys, including field trips, with focus on life skills and community service