OUR ROOTS

A Ministry of Motion

Street Reach grew from relationships built with people experiencing homelessness and a desire to respond to needs that were going unmet in Johnston County.

What began as a small outreach ministry soon revealed larger gaps in shelter, treatment, transportation, recovery support, and other resources. Those experiences shaped a simple approach that continues to guide Street Reach today: meet people where they are, build relationships, identify the gaps, and work with the community to create pathways forward.

FEBRUARY 2019

Street Reach began as a homeless outreach ministry of Temple Dream Center, taking meals and hygiene kits into the woods, under bridges, and into parking lots to reach individuals experiencing homelessness where they were. Through those relationships, it became clear that Johnston County lacked many of the resources needed to help people move beyond crisis.

JANUARY 2024

The White Flag Emergency Shelter opened in partnership with a local church, providing safe, temporary shelter during severe winter weather and strengthening connections with individuals experiencing homelessness.

MARCH 2024

The Resource Center opened in partnership with a local church, creating a place where individuals could access showers, clothing, hygiene supplies, computer and phone access, identification assistance, referrals, recovery resources, and other essential services.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Street Reach of Johnston County became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, creating new opportunities to expand services, strengthen community partnerships, and respond to unmet needs throughout Johnston County.

JUNE 2025

Street Reach partnered with First Baptist Church Smithfield to expand the Community Resource & Stabilization Center and bring it together with the White Flag Emergency Shelter under one roof, creating a more consistent and comprehensive place for individuals to access resources, support, and connection.

2026

Street Reach expanded its focus beyond immediate crisis response to include structured recovery and stabilization services, creating pathways toward recovery, housing, employment, and long-term stability.

THE HEARTS BEHIND THE MISSION

Compassionate Leadership

Regina Rodgers

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Regina Rodgers is the Founder, President and Executive Director of Street Reach of Johnston County NC, where she leads efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and challenges related to recovery. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Regina draws on her own lived experience with substance use and mental health recovery to connect authentically with the people she serves — paired with training as a Certified Mental Health Coach, accounting experience, and a background in nonprofit leadership. She brings both lived experience and practical expertise to her work, and is passionate about building bridges between people in crisis and the community resources and supportive relationships that can help restore stability and hope. Guided by her faith, Regina believes every person has God-given value and that lasting change happens when compassion is paired with meaningful action.

"Don't be afraid to Recover Out Loud." — Regina Rodgers

Mark Rodgers

Co-Founder

Mark Rodgers co-founded Street Reach of Johnston County NC and served as its Operations Director. His hands-on service, operational leadership, and commitment to meeting practical needs helped lay the foundation for many of the services Street Reach provides today. Street Reach is grateful for Mark's contributions to the growth of the organization and advancing its mission.

Kevin Tatem

Sherry Edwards

Brooke McCloskey

Jaylen Hayes

Street Outreach Coordinator

Secretary, Board Member

Treasurer, Board Member

Community Operations Coordinator

Kevin Tatem and his wife, Emily, retired from Virginia and moved to Johnston County to be closer to their grandchildren. Before retiring, they served in various service and volunteer roles through local and home churches. Kevin now volunteers with Street Reach of Johnston County, Smithfield Rescue Mission, First Baptist Church of Smithfield, and Bethesda Baptist Church. He works to address practical and logistical gaps between sheltered and homeless communities and the organizations and processes that help meet their needs. Outside of service, Kevin enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Sherry Edwards serves as Secretary to the Street Reach Board of Directors. Following the closing of the Johnston County Dream Center, Sherry was more than willing to continue serving our homeless community as we launched Street Reach of Johnston County. With a heart for service and, with a busy weekday work schedule, she knows her role as Secretary is an important way for her to contribute. Sherry lives in Selma with her husband of 31 years. She has two adult daughters and a granddaughter. She enjoys spending time with family and a good game of Scrabble with any willing opponent.

Brooke McCloskey serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, bringing six years of experience in accounting and finance. After moving to North Carolina from Pennsylvania in 2023, Brooke and her husband began volunteering with their church’s homeless ministry, inspiring her to become more involved in serving the local community. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband and their two Rottweilers, exploring new crafting ideas, and taking on DIY projects, especially working with wood.

As the Community Operations Coordinator, I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where people feel seen, valued, and cared for. I love being part of Street Reach because it gives me the opportunity to care for God’s people in a new way and serve our community with compassion and purpose.

Outside of Street Reach, I spend much of my time volunteering at my church, where I serve with the student ministry and lead a Bible study for young adult women. I also enjoy crocheting and finding creative ways to serve others.

I’m grateful to be part of a ministry that meets people where they are!

THE HEARTS BEHIND THE MISSION

Board Members

Jack Sasser

Mike Schall

Rebekah Salinas

Street Reach currently has 2 open board seats.