NC FAMILIES UNITED, INC.

| March 2025

What's New @ NCFamU

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Awareness Month

A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy

March is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of TBIs, challenge misconceptions, and support those affected. For NCFamU’s Executive Director, Corinthia Harper, this awareness is deeply personal.

"I sustained a TBI in 2020. I slipped on the water and hit my head where I had a concussion. Initially, I didn’t realize I had sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury." Accepting the reality of her injury was one of her biggest hurdles. "The biggest challenge I faced initially was accepting that I had a TBI. I continued to try to cover it up or make excuses for my actions or lack of ability to keep up or do things that I was once able to do."

Balancing recovery with her responsibilities as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Executive Director of a Statewide Family Run Organization has been overwhelming at times. "The amount of work you need to do is more than what your brain is capable of doing in a timely manner, makes it that much more difficult, it adds more stress, makes it more difficult on your family life and it makes you feel less than." Despite these challenges, Corinthia continues to navigate her journey with resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to advocacy.

Navigating Recovery and Growth

One of the biggest challenges Corinthia faced was learning to manage her energy and cognitive load. "Your brain is a muscle," she explains. "Like when you strain a muscle, until it heals, it takes more work for the strained muscle to do what it originally did. The brain gets tired also, and I didn’t realize it, so I continued to 'hit the wall,' as my therapist would say." Recognizing these limits and giving herself grace became crucial.

Therapy played a key role in her recovery, particularly working with a therapist who had lived experience with a TBI. She learned the Three A’s—Acceptance, Acknowledgment, and Adjusting—which became guiding principles in her journey:

• Acceptance: Accepting that she is not the person she was before the injury.
• Acknowledgment: Understanding that while the accident changed her, it does not define who she is.
• Adjusting: Modifying how she works, setting limits on stress, and restructuring her life in a way that supports her well-being.

Another valuable lesson Corinthia's therapist shared with her, in addition to the Three A's, is the importance of self-compassion: "Part of my learning journey has been giving myself grace." But that has been easier said than done. As someone who has always been competitive, outgoing, and driven, stepping back to recognize her new boundaries was a challenge. "Growing up in a competitive family, I was taught to be strong, intentional, and unapologetic," she explains. Pushing through difficulties was ingrained in her, making it hard to acknowledge that resting before hitting the wall was now essential. Adjusting to new tactics, setting boundaries, and learning to pause when needed have all become critical parts of her journey toward balance and well-being.

To manage the long-term effects of her TBI, Corinthia has developed routines that help her stay on track. She has learned the importance of "stopping before I get too tired or stressed out" and recognizing that rest is not a sign of weakness, but an act of self-care. She also implements timers and reminders throughout her day to ensure she takes her medications, eats between meetings, and prioritizes her well-being. As she puts it, "if I get too stressed out, I am not going to be any good to me, my family, my team, nor the families we advocate for daily." By setting boundaries and practicing self-awareness, Corinthia continues to adapt and find balance in both her personal and professional life.

Breaking the Stigma Around TBI

One of the biggest misconceptions about TBI is that all injuries are the same. Corinthia stresses that "no two TBIs are alike" and that each person’s recovery journey is different. "There is not a one-size-fits-all for TBIs, whether in recovery time, severity, or symptoms," she explains. Some individuals experience visible physical effects, while others may appear unchanged but still struggle with cognitive or emotional challenges.

She also points out common myths surrounding TBI, such as the belief that "a TBI automatically ends your career or goals" or that "if you admit you have a TBI, you can’t drive." These misconceptions can create unnecessary stigma and barriers for those living with brain injuries. Corinthia emphasizes the importance of education and awareness, ensuring that people understand the diverse experiences of individuals with TBI and the many ways they continue to live fulfilling and successful lives.

Her TBI has influenced her leadership at NCFamU in unexpected ways. "I struggle with complex directions. Keeping up with passwords is difficult, and sometimes I do misinterpret things. There are times I’ve cried because I can’t say exactly what I mean." She continues, "But having a strong, smart, and intuitive team around me is the best thing I could’ve done for myself and the organization." Rather than seeing her injury as a setback, she has turned it into an opportunity to advocate for those living with TBIs, using her own experiences to educate,

empower, and inspire others.

Advice and Encouragement

For those newly diagnosed with a TBI, Corinthia emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention immediately and practicing the Three A’s. She also encourages families and communities to be intentional about learning how to provide support without making assumptions. "Do not be afraid to ask questions, and make sure that you are open and honest about not knowing what to expect or how to help. Vulnerable conversations can be difficult, but the outcome can be very rewarding when true understanding is accomplished, because at that point growth can occur."

She explains, "If I don’t take care of my mental wellbeing, then I can’t help, fix, advocate, feed, protect, manage, nor be available in any way, shape, form, nor fashion for anyone else. Therefore, I had to learn a new way of life, prioritizing my own mental wellness journey"

Join us this March in raising awareness for TBI, supporting those affected, and advocating for a world where brain injuries are better understood and addressed with compassion. As we observe TBI Awareness Month, Corinthia shares one final message: “My Mental Matters.”

Member Spotlight

Melica Wiley, Program Development

This month, we are excited to introduce Melica Wiley, the newest addition to the NCFamU team! As a therapist, Melica brings a unique blend of personal experience, academic knowledge, and clinical expertise to her work, making her a valuable asset to our mission.

Coming from a military family, Melica understands the importance of resilience, adaptability, and structure—qualities that have shaped both her professional and personal life. Her journey as a mother has also given her a deep perspective on family dynamics. Having her son at 16 and her daughter at 27, she has navigated two very different parenting styles, allowing her to connect with families from all walks of life.

In addition to her role at NCFamU, Melica is onboard to assist in the development of our STARR program, which focuses on rebuilding relationships between incarcerated parents and their children. Her experience and dedication to family advocacy will be instrumental in shaping this important initiative.

We are thrilled to welcome Melica to the team and look forward to the positive impact she will have in our community. Please join us in celebrating Melica Wiley and her commitment to supporting families and strengthening relationships!

Spotlights of the Month

National Social Work Month:

Honoring Those Who Make a Difference

The theme for National Social Work Month 2024 highlights the critical role these professionals play in creating stronger communities and lasting change. Their work goes beyond individual support—they are advocates, educators, and champions for a more just and equitable society.

As we honor National Social Work Month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate the social workers in their lives. Whether it’s a school counselor, case manager, therapist, or family advocate, their dedication makes a lasting impact. To all the social workers out there—thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping others. Your work truly changes lives.

Women’s History Month

Celebrating Strength, Leadership, and Legacy

Throughout history, women have shaped societies, led movements, and broken barriers across every field. Women’s History Month is a time to honor their resilience, achievements, and lasting impact. From politics to activism, education to labor rights, women have fought tirelessly for equality and justice. This March, we recognize four trailblazing women—each from a different racial and ethnic background—who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and beyond.

Dolores Huerta, a Mexican American labor leader and Chicano civil rights activist, co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union alongside César Chávez. She was instrumental in organizing labor strikes and advocating for farmworkers' rights, leading to landmark victories in fair wages and working conditions. Huerta’s famous slogan, "Sí, se puede" (Yes, we can), became a rallying cry for social justice movements. Throughout her career, she has championed women’s rights, education, and economic justice, making a profound impact on labor rights and activism.

Shirley Chisholm made history in 1968 as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, representing New York’s 12th district. A fierce advocate for racial and gender equality, she championed policies that supported education, childcare, and workers' rights. In 1972, she became the first Black woman to run for President of the United States, breaking barriers in politics and inspiring future generations of women to pursue leadership roles. Chisholm’s legacy as a trailblazer in public service and her famous motto, "Unbought and Unbossed," continue to empower women in politics today.

Women’s History Month is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of uplifting women’s voices in all spaces. From politics to activism, medicine to the arts, women continue to break barriers and redefine possibilities. This March, let’s celebrate the achievements of women past and present, amplify their stories, and commit to building a future where all women can thrive.

Patsy Mink, a Japanese American politician, made history as the first woman of color and first Asian American woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1964. She was the co-author of Title IX, the landmark law prohibiting gender-based discrimination in education, opening doors for women in sports and academia. Mink dedicated her career to civil rights, education reform, and women’s empowerment, leaving an enduring legacy of progress. Her work laid the foundation for gender equality in education and beyond.

Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving First Lady of the United States (1933-1945), transformed the role into one of activism and leadership. She was a key figure in human rights advocacy, helping draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a delegate to the United Nations. Roosevelt fought for women’s rights, racial equality, and workers’ protections, setting a precedent for future generations of women in politics and activism. Her unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity continues to inspire women across the globe.

Come Hang with Us...

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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