PRI Wellness Corps
Where service meets soil, wellness begins
"Its the dirtiest job you will ever love!"
Former PRI Wellness Corps member
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PRI Wellness Corps, formerly PRI Health Corps, is a partnership between Pamlico Rose Institute and AmeriCorps dedicated to advancing well-being through inclusive programming in community wellness gardens. These gardens meet people where they are—providing safe, welcoming spaces that promote healthy living, connection, healing, and growth. The PRI Wellness Corps supports garden sites across North Carolina, including its flagship wellness gardens in Aurora.
PRI Wellness Corps
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Build, maintain and expand wellness gardens
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Offer learning experiences on healthy living, nutrition, and gardening
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Facilitate nature-based wellness activities (e.g., creative expression, movement, mindfulness)
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Engage volunteers and school partners
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Help communities take ownership of garden spaces
Members have the opportunity to reach underserved and at-risk community members, promoting nature-based wellness through their service. Service focuses on mitigating food insecurity, promoting the benefits of outdoor activities, fostering community connections, and providing opportunities to learn about and develop skills supporting healthy living.
Member Impact
Member Benefits
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Living Allowance: Dependent on member position
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Mental Health First Aid Training
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Other Professional Development Training
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Education Award which may be transferred to another person (e.g. child, grandchild) if the member 55 yrs of age or older
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May be eligible for loan deferment during the service term
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On completion of the service year, gain access to the AmeriCorps Alums national network (1+ million members); qualify for Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment; and receive consideration for employment by National Service agencies
2026-2027 Site Locations (east to west)
Wellness Gardens of Aurora
Aurora, NC
Our "Flagship" Wellness Garden
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Click here for more information on Wellness Gardens of Aurora.
The Living Canvas
Turnage Theater
Washington, NC
Urban nature and art garden
Click here for more information on the Living Canvas Garden
Briggs Community Garden
North Carolina State Ag Extension
Durham, NC
Empowering citizens with access to agriculture information and production
Click here for more information on Briggs Community Garden
Peacehaven Farm
Whitsett, NC
A living classroom — a place where people learn, practice, and grow together
Click here for more information on Peacehaven Farm
Hesed House of Hope
Lincolnton, NC
We blend our collective hearts as one to shelter and feed those in need.
Click here for more information on Hesed House of Hope
Volunteer at a Garden
Wellness Gardens of Aurora
Contact: Joy Dunn
Briggs Community Garden
Contact: Cindy K. Riley
Volunteer Services Coordinator
(919)560-7319
This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the program, services, or activities of the program, or be subjected to discrimination by the program. Nor shall the program exclude or otherwise deny equal services, programs, or activities to an individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the individual is known to have a relationship or association. PRI Wellness Corps will make every reasonable effort to provide accommodation for members to apply and serve.