New Bern Ridge Center Hosts Open House

Jan. 26, 2012— Community partners gathered at New Bern Ridge Center in Raleigh for an Open House to celebrate recent remodeling and upgrades. The center is Wake Health Services’ headquarters for children, with staff dedicated to pediatrics, children’s dentistry (with a focus on early prevention “from the first tooth”), social worker services, Medicaid eligibility, and Spanish translation.  Remodeling in December 2011 included removing and repainting walls and replacing flooring throughout the entire facility.  

The center also features a Young Explorers Learning Station in the lobby. The kid-sized computer station was donated by IBM (RTP) in December as part of their KidSmart Early Learning Program.  Tina Wilson, IBM Corporate Affairs, was on hand to explain how the learning software is the result of a focus on bringing together technology and the world’s youngest students, especially in underserved areas, through IBM’s Community Impact Grant program.   
Ms. Wilson expressed support for supplying additional systems for other Wake Health Services sites.

The Open House was attended by over two dozen community partners, including Raleigh Councilman Eugene Weeks, Wake Health & Human Services  Director Ramon Rojano, and Wake County SmartStart Director of Program Coordination Anna Troutman.

“I was very impressed with the facility and all that I learned about the marvelous services you provide to the community,” said Troutman.