It's Mental Health Awareness Month!! | | |
Why Action Matters
Mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a community priority. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Month is so important. It’s a reminder that mental wellness impacts every area of life—home, school, work, and relationships—and that taking action can change lives. At North Carolina Families United (NCFamU), we know that awareness alone isn’t enough. Families need support, tools, and advocates who will walk alongside them. That’s where we come in.
At NCFamU, we serve families across North Carolina who are navigating mental and behavioral health challenges. Whether it’s a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, a young person in crisis, or a family trying to find the right services, we provide peer-led support, advocacy, and connection. Our team is made up of individuals with lived experience, which means we don’t just understand the systems—we’ve been through them. We use that experience to help families access care, build confidence, and create lasting change in their lives and communities.
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This month, as conversations around mental health gain momentum, we’re challenging ourselves and others to do more than raise awareness—we’re committing to take action. Here are a few ways you can take meaningful steps this month:
- 💚 Start the conversation: Talk openly about mental health with family, friends, or coworkers.
- 📚 Educate yourself: Learn more about mental health conditions, supports, and resources.
- 🧠 Check in with your own wellness: Prioritize self-care and know when to seek help.
- 📢 Advocate: Use your voice to support policies that increase access to mental health services.
- 🤝 Support others: Offer a listening ear or help connect someone to resources.
- 📲 Share on social media: Use your platform to spread facts, fight stigma, and amplify local resources like NCFamU.
At NCFamU, we believe mental health is a right, not a privilege—and together, we can make that belief a reality.
| | Children's Mental Health Action Week | | |
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to recognize Children’s Mental Health Action Week (CMHAW) from May 4–10—a national movement launched by the National Federation of Families. Created by and for families of children with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs, this week was established to shine a spotlight on the urgent need for accessible, family-driven, and youth-centered mental health support.
CMHAW is more than just an awareness campaign—it’s a call to action. It encourages families, professionals, and communities to come together and advocate for systems that work with families, not just around them. At NCFamU, we stand firmly in that mission. We support families through peer-led advocacy, system navigation, and education, ensuring that caregivers and youth feel empowered to speak up and get the care they deserve.
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Want to take action? Check out these tools from the National Federation of Families:
📘 CMHAW Activity Workbook – Activities and planning tools to promote awareness and support.
📅 CMHAW Family Activity Calendar – Daily themes and engagement ideas for the entire week.
This week and every week, let’s elevate children’s mental health as a community priority and ensure that no child or family has to walk this journey alone. Let’s use this time to uplift the voices of children and families, promote hope and healing, and work together to build a future where every child’s mental health matters.
| | Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | | |
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and countless contributions of AAPI individuals to our country’s growth, resilience, and social progress. From arts and advocacy to science and education, AAPI leaders have helped shape a more inclusive and vibrant society—despite generations of underrepresentation and adversity.
At NCFamU, we recognize the importance of cultural identity in mental health, family support, and youth empowerment. As we celebrate this month, we also uplift the experiences of AAPI families within our communities, and we remain committed to promoting cultural understanding, equitable access to care, and family-centered support..
Here are two inspirational AAPI figures who have left lasting marks on history:
| | Queen Liliʻuokalani (Native Hawaiian) – The last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, she stood as a powerful advocate for her people’s sovereignty and cultural preservation. Even after her overthrow, she remained a symbol of strength, dignity, and peaceful resistance. | | Fred Korematsu (Japanese American) – A civil rights activist who resisted the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. His courageous legal battle led to a landmark Supreme Court case and later inspired nationwide civil liberties reforms. | | NCFamU is excited to bring together young people through our engaging youth group meetings. These events provide a supportive space for youth to connect, share experiences, and develop skills for positive mental health. From our younger group to teens, these meetings are designed to encourage open conversation, build confidence, and create a sense of community. Together, we are empowering our youth to thrive and grow. | |
Annual Mental Health Awareness Field Day Festival
Get ready for a day full of fun, connection, and community! This May, we’re excited to host our 4th Annual Field Day Festival in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. Come out and enjoy activities for all ages, delicious food, and access to valuable community resources. Stay tuned for more details on how you can be part of this exciting event!
What: MHAM Field Day Festival
Where: 1002 N Main St Lenoir, NC 28645
When: Saturday, May 31st, 11am-4pm
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Limited Edition T-Shirts Now Available!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our limited edition t-shirts! 💚
Order yours today for just $20!
| | Volunteer with Us at Our MHAM Event! | | | | |
We’re gearing up for our Mental Health Awareness Month Field Day Festival on May 31st, and we need your help to make it a success! 💚
If you’re passionate about mental health, community engagement, or just want to lend a hand, we invite you to sign up as a volunteer.
Whether it's helping with set-up, managing activity stations, welcoming guests, or supporting vendors, there’s a role for everyone.
Join us in making a difference, one smile, one conversation, one action at a time.
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Monthly Webinar Series
Be sure to register for our Monthly Webinar Series! Each month, we dive into a variety of important topics focused on education and personal growth, with a special emphasis on holistic health. From mental and emotional wellness to physical health and nutrition, our expert guest speakers provide valuable insights that you can apply to your everyday life.
| | | If you or your family need support, guidance, or just someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out - NCFamU is here to help! | | We are Always Looking to Expand our Resource Network | | | Join us in making a difference - explore opportunities to collaborate, volunteer, or donate to NCFamU today! | | | | | |
