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Shining a Light on Hope
The holiday season is meant to be a time of warmth, joy, and connection, but for families impacted by domestic violence, it can be one of the most challenging times of the year. This December, our Angel Tree Campaign is dedicated to supporting children from a domestic violence safe shelter, offering a small but powerful reminder that they are cared for, even in the face of hardship.
Domestic violence doesn’t just affect one person—it ripples through the entire family unit. It can lead to emotional and physical trauma, strained relationships, and, in many cases, displacement from the home. For children, the disruption to their routines, schools, and sense of stability can be especially painful, magnified by the societal and cultural pressures to experience happiness during the holidays
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For families seeking safety, the holidays can bring a mix of emotions—grief for what’s been lost, uncertainty about the future, and hope for new beginnings. Our Angel Tree Campaign aims to provide a spark of that hope. By fulfilling the holiday wishes of children in these shelters, we are not only giving gifts but also showing them that their community sees, values, and supports them.
Every contribution to the Angel Tree helps bring joy to a child who has faced more adversity than most of us can imagine. Together, we can help these children experience a holiday season filled with kindness, warmth, and the reassurance that brighter days are ahead.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our Angel Tree Campaign so far. If you’d like to join us in making a difference, click on the button below. Let’s spread hope and joy to families who need it most this holiday season.
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Corinthia Harper, Executive Director
This month, we are honored to feature Corinthia Harper, our inspiring Executive Director, who has led North Carolina Families United (NCFamU) since 2021. Prior to her role as Executive Director, Corinthia served on NCFamU's Board of Directors for several years, contributing her passion and vision to our mission.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Corinthia treasures her time with her seven beautiful granddaughters, who bring endless joy to her life. As the youngest of her siblings, she cherishes her role as “the baby of the family” and values the strong bonds she shares with her extended family. Her personal experiences as a mother and sibling have deeply influenced her dedication to fostering strong family dynamics.
Corinthia’s lived experience fuels her passion for our STARR (Start Talking About Rebuilding Relationships) program, which focuses on helping families affected by incarceration rebuild and strengthen their connections. For Corinthia, this work is both professional and personal, reflecting her unwavering commitment to family healing and support.
We are grateful for Corinthia’s leadership and the heart she brings to NCFamU. Her dedication continues to inspire meaningful change for families across our communities. Please join us in celebrating her remarkable contributions!
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Spotlights of the Month:
Explore, Learn, and Grow!
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Winter Wellness : Prioritizing Your Well-Being This Season
With the arrival of colder days and longer nights, winter often brings unique challenges for our well-being. From seasonal mood changes to holiday stress, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why it’s so important to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional health during this season.
One of the best ways to maintain your wellness is to stay active. While the cold might tempt you to stay indoors, even light movement can boost your mood and energy levels. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga at home, or trying a new indoor workout, regular activity can help reduce stress and keep your immune system strong.
Nourishing your body is another cornerstone of winter wellness. Warm, hearty meals filled with seasonal produce like root vegetables and citrus fruits provide energy and comfort. Staying hydrated is also key, and hot herbal teas are a great way to stay cozy while meeting your hydration needs.
Winter also offers the perfect opportunity to prioritize rest and self-care. Creating a consistent bedtime routine can help you recharge during the busy holiday season. Small moments of self-care, like curling up with a good book, journaling, or exploring a creative hobby, can also go a long way in maintaining balance.
Connection is vital during this time of year, especially for those who might feel isolated. Whether it’s reaching out to friends and family or participating in virtual events, staying socially engaged can make a big difference. If you find the lack of sunlight affecting your mood, consider spending time outdoors during the day or using a light therapy lamp to brighten your space.
To help you embrace wellness this winter, we’re excited to announce our Winter Wellness Webinar on December 20th. This session will cover practical tips for staying healthy, managing stress, and finding joy during the colder months. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with others and gain strategies to thrive throughout the season.
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Winter can be a time of reflection and renewal, and by focusing on your well-being, you can embrace all that this season has to offer. Stay warm, stay well, and join us on December 20th as we explore the gift of wellness together!
Check out the guide below for some helpful wellness tips.
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Reflecting on a Year of Impact:
2024 Accomplishments
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As we approach the end of 2024, North Carolina Families United (NCFamU) is proud to reflect on a year filled with meaningful accomplishments and milestones. This year, we deepened our commitment to supporting families and youth across North Carolina through hard work, collaboration, and the unwavering support of our community. Together, we have made a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
One of our most significant achievements this year was the progress made in developing the STARR (Start Talking About Rebuilding Relationships) Program. This initiative focuses on reconnecting incarcerated parents with their children and providing families with tools to heal from trauma and rebuild relationships. STARR reflects our dedication to fostering resilience and addressing the unique challenges faced by families impacted by incarceration.
In addition to program development, 2024 saw a strong focus on community outreach. Our "Warm Hugs and Cold Nights" campaign provided sleeping bags to individuals experiencing homelessness, thanks to partnerships with Kindness Project Inc., Allied Churches of Alamance County, and Block Love CLT.
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This holiday season, we are proud to support children in domestic violence safe shelters through our Angel Tree Campaign, bringing hope and joy to families during a challenging time. These efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration and the importance of extending care and compassion to those in need.
This year also marked significant growth in our educational offerings. We hosted impactful webinars like “Focus Pocus: Tips and Tricks for Thriving with ADHD”, “The Gift of Balance,” which covered managing addiction, family dynamics, and healthy boundaries, and our upcoming “Winter Wellness” session. These events equipped families with practical tools to navigate challenges and improve their overall well-being.
As we look ahead to 2025, with initiatives like the Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Walk in March already in motion, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey—we couldn’t do it without you. Together, we are creating stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future.
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This November, 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 our upcoming Provider Winter Wellness event—a relaxing sip-and-paint gathering to honor the incredible dedication of our providers who have tirelessly supported communities after Hurricane Helene. Bring your favorite beverage and enjoy an evening of creativity and appreciation!
Who: Hosted By NCFamU
Where: TBD*
When: Saturday, January 18th, 2025*
*Please stay tuned into our website and social medias for updates on this even
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TBI Awareness Walk
Mark your calendars! This March, join us for our Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Walk in Hickory, NC. Together, we’ll raise awareness, honor survivors, and support the fight for better resources and understanding of TBI. Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate and make a difference!
Who: Hosted By NCFamU
Where: Hickory, NC *
When: March 2025
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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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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! | | | | | |
