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We showed up this year—consistently, compassionately, and with purpose—so families and youth across North Carolina felt seen, supported, and connected when it mattered most.
What follows is a reflection on moments, memories, milestones, and meaningful work that shaped 2025, and the community that made it possible.
| | Opening the Door to Connections | | |
When we launched our newsletter sign-up in February 2025, we weren’t just adding a link to our website, we were opening a door.
Since then, 36 new subscribers have intentionally raised their hands to stay connected to our mission, while more than 400 community partners, families, and supporters were thoughtfully added to ensure critical resources, opportunities, and information reached the people who need them most. And people are listening.
In 2025 alone, our website welcomed 6,375 visitors, with a powerful peak of 1,154 visits in May during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and our Mental Health Awareness Month Festival. That surge wasn’t accidental. It reflected a community hungry for education, connection, and hope.
| | Community, Celebration, and Care | | |
At the beginning of the year, we focused on caring for those who care for others by hosting a Winter Wellness “Paint & Punch” Night for providers. This event created space for rest, creativity, and gratitude, recognizing the importance of wellbeing for those supporting families and communities every day.
Later in the year, we honored Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month with a meaningful 3K walk, led by lived experience and advocacy. Community members came together on the new Hickory walking trail to raise awareness, foster connection, and stand in solidarity with individuals and families impacted by TBI.
In May, we proudly hosted our 4th Annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Festival, a day rooted in joy, visibility, and community healing. Families gathered for bounce houses, old-school field day games, Kona Ice, nonprofit food vendors supporting men returning from incarceration, community partners, volunteers, prizes, and a unifying release of green biodegradable balloons. Our Executive Director spoke openly about mental health, reminding families that they are not alone.
As the year continued, we expanded our outreach by hosting a resource table at the Davie County Disability Resource Fair. There, we shared information on IEPs, disability supports, and family advocacy while building meaningful connections with other organizations doing critical work across the region.
| | | Showing Up Online and in Real Life | | |
Since October 2024, North Carolina Families United has hosted monthly webinars, creating accessible spaces for learning, conversation, and advocacy. Engagement continued to grow throughout 2025, with hundreds of views and strong attendance—proof that when families are offered relevant, timely information, they show up.
Our digital presence expanded significantly this year as well. After transitioning to a new Facebook page, from January 1 to December 1 our content generated an incredible 470,693 views, and we welcomed 1,178 new followers.
Each one represents a parent, youth, provider, or ally choosing to stay engaged with the work.
Visibility matters. So does consistency. We committed to both.
| | Reaching Families Where It Matters Most | | |
Throughout the year, we directly reached and served more than 200 youth, families, and community members, not including the countless individuals impacted through events and initiatives we supported or participated in.
Our leadership and staff also ensured family and youth voices were present where decisions are made. In 2025, our team actively participated in 20+ state advisory boards, workgroups, committees, subcommittees, and local collaboratives across North Carolina, advocating at every level for systems that work better for families.
| A Clear Focus, A Deeper Commitment | | |
In 2025, we sharpened our organizational focus on children of justice-impacted parents and their families, a population too often overlooked.
Through a targeted Back-to-School Drive, we served 96 children impacted by incarceration, addiction, and parental absence by providing backpacks and school supplies that helped families begin the school year with confidence. These efforts were made possible through donations from Bernhardt Furniture Company.
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This holiday season, as part of our STARR (Start Talking About Rebuilding Relationships) Fatherhood Program, we partnered with Bethel Colony of Mercy to support fathers currently participating in residential recovery.
Through this collaboration, fathers were able to select, wrap, and prepare gifts for their children, creating opportunities for reconnection, intentional parenting, and restored family bonds during the holiday season.
| | In October, we also took an important step forward by launching live STARR programming and conducting our first STARR cohort. This created space for fathers to begin rebuilding relationships with their children through guided conversation, reflection, and skill-building. This milestone marked a meaningful transition from planning to practice and laid a strong foundation for deeper impact moving into 2026. | | | Those Who Helped Make It Happen | | |
None of this work happens in isolation. Our impact this year was strengthened by individuals and organizations who chose to invest their time, resources, trust, and collaboration into the families and communities we serve.
We extend our sincere thanks to the following supporters who directly contributed to the success of our programs and initiatives this year:
- The Eagle's Den & Perk's Cafe
- Bernhardt Furniture Company
- Catawba County Sheriff's Office and Detention Facility
- Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Detention Facility
- OurJourney2gether
- Exodus Homes
- Highways to Hedges Ministry
- Bethel Colony of Mercy
- Catawba County Library
- Neuro Growth Counseling
- Somethings
- Nancy Hall
- Heather Justice
Your generosity and partnership helped us reach families where they are, deepen our programming, and continue building trust across systems and communities. We are grateful to walk alongside you in this work.
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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! | | | | | |
