The Relatives Family Update

Volunteering brings a special kind of light to The Relatives, and it is impossible to overstate how much that presence means. We are deeply grateful for EVERY individual who chooses to give their time, talent, patience and heart to our youth and young adults who need it most.

Whether you are providing a meal, hosting activities, or simply showing up with consistency and care, YOU are creating safe spaces where our youth and young adults feel seen, valued, and supported. Your kindness becomes a steady source of encouragement, reminding them that they matter and that their future holds promise.

Because of volunteers like YOU, we’re able to grow stronger than we ever could alone. We are truly thankful for your dedication and the empathy you bring, as it creates a lasting impact in the lives of countless young people. You inspire confidence; you nurture resilience; and you plant seeds of positivity that continue to grow long after your time is given.

THANK YOU for being a Relative; YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

With Gratitude,

Redia Baxter
Volunteer Engagement Officer
The Relatives

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A Note From Trish

Dear Volunteers,

I want to take a moment on behalf of me, and everyone at The Relatives, to say thank you.

Your willingness to show up makes a real difference in the lives of young people and families we serve. Every hour you give, every conversation, and every act of care helps The Relatives become family to youth in our community who need us.

This work is not always easy, and the challenges our clients face can feel overwhelming. Your presence reminds our young people that they matter, that they are valued, and that someone cares.

What I admire most about our volunteers is how you show up, with respect, without judgment, and with genuine belief in the potential of every young person. That belief is at the heart of The Relatives, and you embody it every day.

Please know you are essential to this mission. Our staff feels your support, the young people in our care feel the difference you make, and I am deeply grateful to serve alongside you.

With sincere appreciation,

Trish Hobson
Executive Director
The Relatives

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Last Month at The Relatives:

NSPWeek 2026!

As the only youth shelter in Mecklenburg County, The Relatives proudly serves as the local managing partner for the National Safe Place Program. During National Safe Place Week, we joined partners across the network to raise local awareness and uplift the thousands of young people experiencing crisis.

Throughout the week, we connected with the community through several outreach events, including the SHARE Charlotte Nonprofit Fair hosted by Ally and the District 4 Public Safety Town Hall hosted by the University Regional Library.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Charlotte Knights hosted our annual Robert’s Walk—a one-mile walk honoring the journey of a young man who traveled from Freedom Park to the Youth Crisis Center in search of a safe place. To close out an impactful week, we held a second Robert’s Walk on Friday at the On Ramp Resource Center.

We are deeply grateful to the many volunteers and donors who supported these events. While we celebrated Safe Place Week in March, our commitment to outreach and community engagement continues year-round.

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This month, we recognize the impact of the Community School of Davidson. For years, teacher Janis Houlihan has brought her small advisory group to The Relatives for a monthly volunteer engagement. Collectively, they’ve volunteered over 375 hours and are always willing to tackle any task put in front of them. Janis reflects on the deep engagement she’s had with The Relatives:

“Volunteering is important for our Advisory because it turns our values into action. It allows us to step outside of the classroom and directly support young people who need stability, encouragement, and real opportunities to move forward. By giving our time and energy, we’re not just helping meet immediate needs; we are contributing to a stronger, more compassionate world where every young person can have the chance to succeed.

Our Advisory may only play a small part in contributing to the mission and vision of The Relatives, but we look forward to our time volunteering and working together each month to make a difference in the lives of young people in our greater Charlotte community.”

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We Hope To See You Soon

As we celebrate the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to those served by The Relatives, we’re reminded of one simple truth: volunteers make our work possible.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your time could make an impact, the answer is yes. Whether you can give an hour a week or just once a year, your contribution matters. You’ll meet great people, support meaningful work, and become part of something bigger than yourself.

This month as we honor those who already serve, we invite you to join them. Step forward, get involved, and help us continue serving the most vulnerable members of our community.

Your time is powerful. Your heart is needed. Your impact can start now.

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Support The Relatives in the Community

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Coming Soon at The Relatives:

• Spring Clothing Drive @ On Ramp: Friday, April 17th, 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Volunteer to assist @ our Spring Clothing Drive
• Cocktails and Conversations @ On Ramp: Thursday, April 23rd, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon @ On Ramp: Friday, April 24th
  • Interested in learning more? Contact Redia Baxter at rbaxter@therelatives.org