Celebrating STARR: Our First Graduated Cohort | | |
On January 22, we celebrated a milestone we’re genuinely proud of: the graduation of our first STARR cohort (Start Talking About Rebuilding Relationships). This moment represents commitment, from our team and from the fathers who showed up week after week with courage, humility, and determination.
We want to give special recognition to our STARR Facilitators, Fred and Cori, for the steady leadership and behind-the-scenes work that made this cohort possible. Facilitating this kind of program takes patience, structure, and heart, and they brought all three. From planning and coordination to creating a space that was respectful and growth-focused, their dedication mattered.
We also want to recognize Melica, our Director of Program Development, for helping strengthen the program foundation and supporting the cohort’s success through thoughtful program planning, development, and support.
And to the fathers who completed the program: your consistency is the story here. Completing STARR requires effort, engaging in hard conversations, learning new skills, and staying committed even when it’s uncomfortable. The dedication you showed is a powerful step toward stronger family bonds and healthier futures for your children.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration and partnership. When agencies and communities work together, families benefit, and this cohort is a real example of what’s possible.
Thank you to everyone who supported this first cohort. This graduation isn’t an ending, it’s proof that transformation is possible and worth investing in.
| | Black History Month Spotlight | | | | |
This Black History Month, we’re honoring Hortense King McClinton, MSW, a trailblazing social worker whose work helped shape child- and family-serving systems in North Carolina. McClinton served families through Durham County’s Department of Social Services and later became the first Black faculty member at UNC–Chapel Hill (hired in 1966), helping open doors for generations of social workers across the state. Her legacy lives on through her advocacy for equity, her mentorship, and her commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.
Why this matters to us: child welfare isn’t just policy, it’s people. It’s families navigating stress, systems, stigma, and hope. Leaders like McClinton remind us what it looks like to do the hard work with courage and compassion.
| | Teen Dating Violence Awareness | | |
What Teens May Be Facing - And How We Can Help
Teen dating violence can include physical harm, sexual pressure or coercion, emotional abuse, controlling behavior, stalking, and digital harassment. National survey data show that dating violence affects a significant share of high school students, for example, 2023 estimates show ~10.4% reporting physical dating violence and ~5.9% reporting sexual dating violence in the past 12 months. OJJDP
The CDC also summarizes teen dating violence as a widespread public health issue and highlights that some groups (including LGBTQ+ youth) face higher risk. CDC
Common warning signs teens might experience:
- Extreme jealousy, constant check-ins, or pressure to share passwords/location
- Isolation from friends/family (“If you loved me, you wouldn’t…”)
- Humiliation, name-calling, threats, or intimidation
- Sexual pressure, guilt-tripping, or ignoring consent
- “Digital control”: monitoring messages, comments, likes, or who they follow
How we can support (as parents, caregivers, or friends):
- Lead with curiosity, not interrogation. Try: “How does being with them make you feel about yourself?”
- Name what healthy looks like: respect, boundaries, consent, and freedom to be themselves.
- Keep the door open. Teens may shut down if they fear losing their phone, their freedom, or being blamed.
- Help them build a safety plan if needed (who to call, where to go, how to stay safe online).
- Know the support lines (even if they “don’t want therapy,” a confidential advocate can help in real time).
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Help now (confidential)
- love is respect: call 866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat online
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 800-799-7233 or chat online
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
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Stress + Nutrition = Real Body Consequences (and Real Hope)
Heart health isn’t just about age, it’s about what life is doing to our bodies day after day.
Stress and the heart: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and raise risk for heart attack and stroke. Stress can also make it harder to sleep, move our bodies, or eat in nourishing ways, which creates a feedback loop that’s brutally effective at wearing the heart down.
Food and the heart: The American Heart Association recommends focusing on overall eating patterns, more whole foods (fruits/vegetables/whole grains), and limiting added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.
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Every story has the power to inspire. At NCFamU, we believe that sharing experiences of challenge, resilience, and hope can uplift others and strengthen our community. We also welcome guest speakers whose knowledge, expertise, or lived experience can help educate and empower the families and youth we serve. Together, these voices create meaningful connections, spark healing, and foster lasting change.
We invite you to share your testimony with us. Submissions may be featured in our newsletter, on our website, across social media, or even as part of a future monthly webinar.
- Become a Guest Speaker – Want to share your story live during one of our monthly webinars? Submit your interest here: Guest Speaker Form
- Be Featured in Our Newsletter/Website/Social Media – Share your written story to inspire others across our platforms: Feature Form
Together, we can create a space where lived experiences fuel connection, healing, and change.
| | 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. | | We’re busy planning our next community events! Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with NCFamU. | |
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! | | | | | |
