In the heart of Fuquay-Varina lies a trusted Wake County resource that has transformed the way residents can access essential services. The Southern Regional Center stands as a testament to convenience, efficiency and compassion in delivering a wide array of services to the residents of Wake County since 1996. From vital documents to healthcare support and employment assistance, this one-stop shop has redefined the concept of public service, making life easier for all.
As the community grows at a rapid pace, the Wake County Southern Regional Center wants to introduce itself to new faces as well as continue to be a trusted location for those who have called our community home for years.
Led by director Richard Hayner since 2015, more than 100 staff members working at the Center are available to bring County services to residents in outlying communities.
A Hub of Diverse Services
Imagine being able to obtain a birth certificate for your newborn, secure a marriage license for your special day and seek medical attention for your family—all under one roof. The Southern Regional Center consolidates an impressive range of services, offering residents a single destination for their needs. Whether you require energy and utility assistance, WIC benefits or employment guidance, this center eliminates the need to shuttle between multiple offices or county locations, streamlining the entire process.
The full range of services offered at the Center includes:
Birth and death certificates
Employment assistance through NC Works
Energy and utility assistance
Food and nutrition assistance (FNS/food stamps/EBT)
Foster care and adoption services
Health clinics
Marriage certificates and licenses
Medicaid
Mental and behavioral health
Notary Public oaths
Potassium Iodide (KI) distribution
Tax administration and payments
Environmental service water testing kits
WIC
Vital Documents Made Accessible
Birth certificates, marriage licenses and other essential documents are the building blocks of an individual’s legal identity. However, obtaining these documents has historically been a time-consuming task involving visits to various government offices. With the Southern Regional Center, the process has been simplified.
The Southern Regional Center is the only location outside of downtown Raleigh that currently offers residents the option to obtain a marriage license or take the Notary Public oath. These expanded offerings launched in July 2023 by the Wake County Register of Deeds. Before expanding to the south, the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh was the sole location to support the needs of the more than one million people who live in the county.
This access allows peace of mind for those who call southern Wake County home and do not want to travel outside their community to secure vital documents and records.
Promoting Health and Wellbeing
Healthcare access is a cornerstone of any thriving community. The Southern Regional Center recognizes this and goes above and beyond by offering a range of healthcare services to residents. From clinics providing medical care to wellness programs, the Center fosters a healthier community. Through a partnership with Alliance Community Health, residents can access primary care and other health services at this location and through telehealth. Wake County Public Health services are anticipated to resume in early 2024 and are planning to expand to child clinic offerings.
The Center also partners with Monarch, statewide provider of comprehensive specialty mental health, and provides comprehensive care assessments, in-person and tele-med therapy and medication management at this location.
Moreover, the availability of child welfare services within the same facility underscores the commitment to comprehensive care for families.
One unique service the Southern Regional Center offers for residents that live or work in the area includes being a distribution site for Potassium Iodide (KI) pills due to the Center’s location to Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant. For those who qualify for these pills, they are provided at no cost and can be picked up at any time during business hours.
Empowering Through Employment Assistance
In an era when job markets are ever evolving, having access to employment resources is crucial. The Southern Regional Center acknowledges this need and offers employment assistance services to individuals seeking job opportunities or career advancement. From résumé building to job fairs, the Center empowers residents to enhance their professional lives, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
The Center also has a resource room available to residents that provides access to computers, fax machines and printers.
The Role of the Community Advocacy Committee at Southern Regional Center
While the Southern Regional Center offers an impressive array of services, its true strength lies in its commitment to putting the community at the center of decision-making. The Community Advocacy Committee stands as a testament to this dedication, providing a platform for residents to actively influence the services offered. This unique partnership between citizens and local authorities reflects a shared vision: to be a diverse, networked, community catalyst achieving measurable outcomes that help our neighbors thrive.
Every Wake County Regional Center and Health and Human Services Center has a Community Advocacy Committee (CAC). These volunteer groups are committed to working within communities to assure quality services are available for residents of that area. Members include local residents, community partners (representing private businesses, non-profit groups, government entities and educational associations) and county staff. They work together to identify and prioritize local needs.
The Southern Regional Center’s COVID-19 Response
In the face of an unprecedented global pandemic, the Southern Regional Center’s multifaceted response that included testing to vaccination and ongoing support showcased the power of community collaboration.
To date, the Southern Regional Center has:
Provided 179,171 COVID-19 tests
Administered 15,539 COVID-19 vaccines
Distributed 113,664 at-home COVID-19 test kits
As the pandemic journey continues, the Center will continue to offer care and remains committed to meeting the needs of the public. Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are still available at their location and can be picked up at any time during normal business hours – no appointment or identification needed.
Visit the Wake County Southern Regional Center
The Southern Regional Center stands as an example of effective governance and community-focused initiatives. By offering a multitude of services under one roof, it has reshaped the way residents can access vital resources. The convenience, efficiency and inclusivity that the Center embodies make it an indispensable asset to our county.
If you live, work or play around Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Willow Spring or southern Raleigh, there are services available to you!
Southern Regional Center is located at 130 N. Judd Parkway in Fuquay-Varina. It’s open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. (Payment window for taxes, certificates, licenses and oaths closes at 4 p.m.)
You can learn more about the Center by visiting wake.gov/SRC or calling 919-557-2501.
