Kindness shows up in many ways.
Sometimes it’s recognizing a need and bringing an entire community together to meet it. Sometimes it’s mentoring a child or supporting a family. It can be feeding a neighbor, sharing resources, or simply making sure someone knows they are not alone.
Each year, the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County Kindness Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose compassion goes beyond words. Our 2026 Kindness Awards honorees are people who care and do. They see a need and choose to act.
This year, we are proud to recognize nine incredible honorees. Through their service, generosity, and commitment, they continue to make a difference for children, families, and our community.
Meet Our 2026 Kindness Awards Honorees
Sonia Roldan-Jackson
When Sonia Roldan-Jackson recognized that children in the community needed warm coats for the winter, she took action. What started as a children’s coat drive grew into a community-wide effort that collected more than 300 coats.
Her ability to see a need, bring others together, and turn compassion into action is a beautiful example of what the Kindness Awards represent.
Christopher Baumann
Detective Christopher Baumann has dedicated his service to strengthening relationships with children and families throughout the community.
Whether connecting with young people through community programs or helping families during some of their most difficult moments, he leads with patience, compassion, and a commitment to making sure people feel seen and supported.
Spring Lake Family Support Services Center at The Kinsey House
The story of The Kinsey House is rooted in friendship, compassion, and a desire to serve Spring Lake families.
Today, the Spring Lake Family Support Services Center at The Kinsey House continues that legacy by meeting families where they are, connecting them with resources, and providing support with dignity and care. Their work reminds us that kindness can create ripples that reach an entire community.
Saneequa Barlow
Through The Jr. Artist Program, Saneequa Barlow has created a place where young girls can feel seen, supported, and empowered to become leaders.
For more than six years, her program has provided mentorship, leadership development, life skills, mental health awareness, and educational opportunities to girls throughout Cumberland County. Her continued investment in young people is helping build confidence and leadership for the future.
Tashonda McCormick
Educator, author, mentor, and community servant—Tashonda McCormick’s kindness reaches children and families in many ways.
From participating in children’s reading programs and providing free books to families to mentoring through her church and connecting families with resources, she consistently creates opportunities for children to learn, grow, and feel supported.
Wendy McAdams-Flores
Wendy McAdams-Flores has made service a consistent part of her life.
Her work has included caring for community spaces, supporting schools, distributing backpacks and supplies, feeding individuals experiencing homelessness, and mentoring young people. Across the years, one thing has remained constant: her willingness to show up for others and help wherever she can.
Nekya Brown
Nekya Brown’s kindness is rooted in her genuine care for children and her willingness to serve wherever she is needed.
Through her church and community involvement, she has helped create welcoming spaces for young people, supported families, volunteered with children, and used her voice as a mental health advocate. Her everyday acts of service help people feel valued, included, and supported.
Felisha Williams-Brown
Felisha Williams-Brown leads with purpose and a heart for service.
Through her church, community organizations, and work with young people, she helps connect children and families with resources, educational support, and opportunities. Her kindness is reflected not only in what she does, but in the way she brings people together and helps others feel encouraged and cared for.
Carl Pringle
Known throughout the community as “Uncle Carl,” Carl Pringle has spent years creating safe and supportive spaces for children and families.
From volunteering at local schools and supporting children at summer camp to providing food, clothing, and essential resources to families, his service is centered on making sure people know they have someone in their corner.
Kindness Deserves to Be Celebrated
Throughout our Kindness Awards celebrations, we’ve had the opportunity to recognize these honorees in the places where they live, work, and serve. We also celebrated several of them in front of our Board of Directors.
Each story is different, but they share something important.
They care. They show up. They do the work.
To all nine of our 2026 Kindness Awards honorees, thank you for your time, compassion, and leadership. Thank you for the love you continue to pour into our community.
Your kindness matters, and we are honored to celebrate you.
Celebrate Kindness. Celebrate Community.
