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Latest Updates
As we enter the final quarter of the year, our team is gearing up for an exciting phase of growth and development! In September, our teams strategic planning meeting focused on setting the foundation for new projects that will launch in Q4.
We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), which will allow us to launch a new program specifically designed to support incarcerated parents and their children. We are thrilled about the impact this program will have on families across the state, and we are excited to share more details soon.
Additionally, we will continue our important work as the Statewide Family Network for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a role we’re honored to hold after being awarded the SFN grant. Through this opportunity, we are enhancing our advocacy, training, and support services across North Carolina, furthering our commitment to family well-being and mental health support. Stay tuned for more updates as these initiatives take shape!
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Leah Brooks, MBA
Director of Operations
Meet Leah, our Director of Operations. She joined NCFamU in April 2024 and has been essential in keeping our programs running smoothly and efficiently. With a passion for creating positive change in people’s lives, she brings energy and dedication to every aspect of her work. Leah is originally from Boulder, CO where she moved to Arizona in 2011 and then to North Carolina in 2018 to be closer to her family and loved ones. When she’s not overseeing our programmatic efforts, she enjoys spending time with her beloved dog, Khaleesi. We’re thrilled to have Leah as part of our team!
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Supporting Western NC Families
After Hurricane Helene
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The families and youth in Western North Carolina have been greatly impacted by the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene. This disaster has caused immense damage to homes, disrupted communities, and affected the lives of so many across our state. While the immediate physical needs may be at the forefront, we also know that the mental health challenges are only beginning.
Natural disasters like Hurricane Helene not only disrupt the daily lives of families but can also lead to significant mental and emotional struggles. The trauma of losing homes, dealing with displacement, and facing uncertainty about the future can have lasting effects on the mental health of individuals, especially children and youth. As we come together to support the recovery efforts, we must also recognize the importance of providing ongoing emotional and mental health support to help these families rebuild their lives.
NCFamU is stepping up to help
This week, we will be collecting donations to assist the families and communities that have been affected. Your contributions can make a direct impact on those in need, helping to provide both immediate relief and ongoing support.
If you would like to make a donation, please bring your items to the following address
Monday - Thursday 9-5pm
1925 Valway Rd NW, Lenoir, NC 28645
Thank you for standing with us to support Western NC families in their time of need.
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Accepted Items for Donation: | |
- Powdered Sports Drinks
- Powdered Hydration Packets
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers
- Baby Formula
- Bug Spray
- Trash Bags
- Manual Can Openers
- Plastic Sheeting
- Toothpaste
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- Toothbrushes
- Non-Perishable Foods
- Toiletries
- Pet Food (Dog/Cat)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sanitation Wipes
- Feminine Care Products
- Heavy Duty Gloves
- Socks (unopened)
- Bottled Water
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Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and together, we can make a difference in the recovery and healing of families and youth impacted by this disaster.
If you're not in the area but would still like to help, we welcome your support! To make an online donation, please visit our Helene Relief Effort donation page. Your support, near or far, makes a huge difference. Thank you for standing with our Western NC families in their recovery.
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Spotlight of the Month:
Explore, Learn, and Grow!
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Bullying and Domestic Violence Awareness | |
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In October, NCFamU is focusing on two important issues that affect families and communities across North Carolina: Bullying and Domestic Violence Awareness. Bullying remains a significant issue for many youth, impacting their mental health and well-being, while domestic violence continues to affect individuals of all ages.
Our goal is to shed light on these issues, share resources for support, and empower our communities to take action against these harmful behaviors. By raising awareness and offering guidance, we hope to foster safer environments for everyone in our state. Stay connected for tips, resources, and upcoming events as we work together to bring positive change.
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This October, 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. | | |
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Join Us for Trunk or Treating
When: Friday, October 25th, 3-5pm
Where: Downtown Lenoir, NC
When: Thursday, October 31st, 3-6pm
Where: Burke County Courthouse Square Morganton, NC
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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.
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Warm Hugs for Cold Nights
Help us keep North Carolina's homeless warm this winter! We're raising funds to purchase a bulk order of high-quality sleeping bags to distribute to those in need before the cold weather hits. Each donation provides warmth and protection for individuals and families facing the harsh winter without shelter. Your support can make a life-saving difference. Donate today and help us reach our goal to ensure no one is left out in the cold. Together, we can make a difference!
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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! | |
Building Skills, Building Futures | |
Parent Peer Support Provider Supervisory Training: October 22, 23, 24 | | |
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The PPSP Supervisory Training is a dynamic, three-day program designed to equip supervisors of Parent Peer Support Providers (PPSPs) with the skills needed to effectively guide and support their teams. Supervisors play a critical role in fostering PPSP development, and must take a developmental approach that values the unique lived experiences of PPSPs while encouraging ongoing professional growth. Recognizing lived experience as a powerful asset, this approach promotes continuous learning and refinement of peer support skills.
This curriculum is tailored to enhance supervisory skills, including creating a supportive, empowering environment for PPSPs. Supervisors will learn to maintain fidelity and accountability to the PPSP role, ensuring the integrity of peer support work. Emphasis is also placed on workplace wellness, understanding that both supervisor and PPSP well-being are key to long-term success. By prioritizing wellness and self-care, supervisors can prevent burnout and foster a positive, productive work culture.
Additionally, the curriculum provides strategies to promote PPSP growth and advancement, helping them to build on strengths and pursue professional development. Supervisors will be provided with suggested strategies, best practices, and practical tools to help their teams succeed while effectively supporting families and communities. This comprehensive training ensures supervisors are equipped to guide PPSPs toward personal and professional success.
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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! | | | | | |
