For many in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro region, the nonprofit Club Nova has served as both a refuge and a beacon of hope. Since 1987, Club Nova has served those in the Orange County community dealing with serious mental illnesses by providing support, education and employment opportunities.
After being hit hard by the pandemic in 2020, Club Nova broke ground on a new facility earlier this year after their former facilities in Carrboro had fallen into disrepair. At that time, Club Nova had raised $3.5 million of its $4.3 million goal. Now, that number will rise even higher.
In late September, the North Carolina State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation announced the donation of a $350,000 grant to aid the construction of Club Nova’s new, 9,125 square foot facility.
“This organization has a dedicated and experienced staff working to provide critical support to people affected by serious mental illness,” said Jama Campbell, executive director of the SECU Foundation. “We are proud to help Club Nova expand their practice and provide greater access to mental health support services for North Carolina families and their loved ones.”
According to a release from the SECU Foundation, Club Nova currently serves an average of 45 individuals daily and 117 individuals annually.
“The SECU grant was truly a godsend,” Club Nova Board President Gretchen Davis said in a statement. “It brought us to within $440,000 of what we need to complete construction and furnish and equip the new clubhouse.”
“We express our deepest gratitude to [the] SECU Foundation,” said Club Nova executive director Karen Kincaid-Dunn. “This generous gift will allow Club Nova to complete its new, larger facility and more importantly, offer life-changing support to more people who need our comprehensive community-based approach.”
The new Club Nova facility will include a 70-person dining room, a stargazer terrace, a greenhouse and a garden. With its new space, Club Nova hopes to be able to serve 100 people daily.
To learn more about Club Nova’s building campaign, click here.
Featured image via Club Nova
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Related Stories
‹

Club Nova Breaks Ground on New Facility in CarrboroOne local nonprofit held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new clubhouse in Carrboro earlier this month.
![]()
State Employees’ Credit Union Members Award $10,000 Scholarship to Area High School Student!State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members via the SECU Foundation, presented a $10,000 four-year college scholarship to Tanasha Lertjanyarak, a senior at Carrboro High School. The scholarship was awarded for study at North Carolina State University, part of North Carolina’s 16-campus University of North Carolina System. Funded solely by Credit Union members and given based […]

Orange County Approves More Than $500,000 for Community Climate Action Grant ProgramEarlier in December, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved more than $500,000 in various grants through the county’s Community Climate Action Program. Eight programs around the county will receive funding. Three different organizations will use the money to install rooftop solar panels: Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, the Hillsborough United Church of Christ […]

Club Nova Permanently Closes Carrboro Thrift Shop Amid COVID-19 ConcernsThe Club Nova Thrift Shop in downtown Carrboro has permanently closed, according to the local non-profit. A release from Club Nova on Monday shared the news that the shop, located at 103 West Main Street in Carrboro at its rehabilitation clubhouse, will not be reopening. The organization, which serves community members who have serious mental illnesses […]
![]()
How To Help Family Members With Mental IllnessClasses begin Thursday at the Seymour Center for residents with family members struggling with mental illness.

Carrboro Man, Chatham County Schools Staffer Arrested on Child Exploitation ChargesChristopher James Rex, 40, faces ten counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor following an SBI investigation.

Extraordinary Thrift Store In Carrboro Sets February Opening DateExtraordinary Thrift Store in Carrboro, formerly CommunityWorx Thrift Store, announced it will open to the public on Friday, Feb. 27.

Carrboro's E. Weaver Street to Close to Vehicles Every Weekend in April, Temporary Bike-Ped PlazaStarting in April, Carrboro’s East Weaver Street will be closed to vehicles every weekend — the town's next step in reimagining East Weaver.

Local Government Meetings: February 9-13, 2025This week in local government: residents in Chatham County push back against Flock license-plate cameras and AI data centers.
![]()
Carrboro: Comprehensive Plan, Black History, Refreshed WebsiteCarrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, February 6, discussing town news and events. She talked about the recent meeting of the town council, which saw an update on the town's comprehensive plan. She also talked about the council directing town staff to see if there are more support options for unhoused residents. She discussed some of the town's numerous Black History Month events, talked about the recently refreshed town website, and more.
›