On March 28, 1970 the citizens of the Belgrade Community established an organization called The Belgrade Community Action Association. It was incorporated July 31, 1970 and received it’s 501c(3) status in April 1983. The purpose of the organization was to promote a better community, provide programs, and recreational activities for the youth and senior citizens.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Dorothy M. Duncan, the Belgrade Community Action Association was able to secure grant funding and organize fundraisers that enabled the purchase of 3.5 acres of land, which was used to establish a recreational area in 1984. In 1986 a grant for $15,000.00 was awarded and was used to construct a building with rest rooms and to house our athletic equipment.
In 2000, under the leadership of Eldridge Paige Sr., BCAA began a strong effort to raise funds that would be directed solely to the Community Center Project. The land for that project was donated by Mr. Brack Dudley.
In October 2007, with funds raised by members of BCAA in the amount of $87,000, a grant for $125,000 from the County and a $125,000 mortgage from Wachovia Bank, we had the resources needed to start on our long awaited dream. In October 2007, construction began for building our facility. It was completed May 12, 2008, and dedicated May 16, 2008.
In July 2008, under the direction of Mr. Brennan and Ronda Williams, the summer program was implemented. Shortly thereafter, working in partnership with Onslow County Schools, an after-school youth enrichment program was started. Out of that program, several success stories were born.
On February 28, 2014, BCAA held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its new technology center. This was made possible through efforts of the Boys and Girls Club who applied for a $20,000 grant from the North Carolina Education Lottery. With major assistance from GTECH, BCAA received 12 computers, software, and TVs, as well as funds for room renovations, to stand up a brand new technology center. This was a major hallmark for Belgrade, as it was the very first program of its kind in the State of North Carolina.
In 1990 funds were raised to build a 50×80-foot pavilion. The Pavilion provides a place for functions such as the Annual Gospel Festival, Family Reunions, Fun Day, Church Services and Youth activities. On May 17, 1997 the Pavilion was dedicated to the late Mrs. Dorothy M. Duncan through a ceremony organized by Ms. Gwendolyn Ellis Young and Mr. Lionell Mattocks.
On May 10, 1999 the Belgrade Community Action Association was officially recognized as a Community Health Improvement Process (CHIP) partner. The goal of CHIP was to bring concerned citizens together, forming synergistic partnerships to improve the quality of life in Onslow County. We also received a plaque from CHIP in recognition of our accomplishments in the year 2000- 2001.
In late 2009 and throughout 2010, BCAA created a number of initiatives, including a computer/technology lab, which has been enhanced through the generous donations of Wachovia/Wells Fargo and ABA Rental Properties. We partnered with Onslow County to create the Seniors Program. We also formed strategic partnerships with Coastal Carolina Community College, Sylvan Learning, United Way of Onslow County and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Onslow, further enhancing our youth and senior programs.
In 2011-2014, BCAA worked to enhance a number of important updates to our outdoor equipment, including: improvements to the recreational facilities, including new playground equipment, the addition of a raised bed garden, the construction of a patio and sitting area, installation of a fenced-in play area.
In April of 2015, BCAA held it’s first annual Appreciation Banquet honoring our partners: Onslow County Commissioners, Sylvan Learning, Boys & Girls Club, United Way & ABA Rentals (Mrs. Debbie Rouse). In September of 2015, the Maysville rock quarry donated 150 tons of rock for our driveway.
A year later, at our second annual Appreciation Banquet honored our partnership with Wells Fargo, Coastal Carolina Community College, Best Buy, Onslow County Senior Services, Mr. Rodney Priestor and Mrs. Martha Bynum. To our great honor, we were also able to present the prestigious Long-Leaf Pine award to Mr. Eldridge Paige Sr.
We are looking forward to a rewarding future and hopefully you will fill the spot in this legacy that is reserved especially for you.
