About Us

Mission Statement

Act Now Community Development Corporation, Inc., (Act Now CDC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization on a mission to connect, heal, reimagine, and transform communities with innovative initiatives to cultivate a thriving and unified Lenoir County.

Vision Statement

We envision a community that initiates positive internal transformation that will lead to positive external change.

Value Statement

The following values influence the organizational culture and the public image of Act Now CDC, as an effective community-based organization serving the citizens of Lenoir County:

• Compassion
• Connection
• Collaboration
• Courage
• Community

Hernika P. Cannon is dedicated to creating courageous, trauma-informed spaces where individuals and families can heal, connect, and thrive. With more than 15 years of experience across education, housing, and nonprofit leadership - and shaped by her own transformative healing journey - Hernika leads Act Now CDC with compassion, resilience, and purpose. 

In 2020, Hernika endured one of the most traumatic seasons of her life. Rather than retreat, she chose to re-emerge - declaring 2022 her Year of Emergence, reintroducing herself to the community with renewed purpose, strength, and hope.

Through every chapter of her journey, Hernika remains grounded in one core belief: “creating a community where no one has to experience the deep, deep pain caused by another person’s violent actions,”and her leadership continues to inspire community-driven solutions that turn pain into possibility and foster lasting change for families in Lenoir County and beyond. 

Her life, leadership, and work reflect courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief that transformation is possible - one person, one family, and one act at a time.