The Relatives Family Update
Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this newsletter.
For many young people, this time of year is filled with excitement and new beginnings. For others, it can be a reminder of dreams put on hold and an uncertain future.
When Marcus had to leave college and was kicked out by his family, the future he had envisioned suddenly changed. Facing homelessness and without the support he once relied on, Marcus was left trying to figure out what came next.
As he searched for resources and a way forward, Marcus found The Relatives.
With the support of Essence, our Employment Readiness Specialist at On Ramp, Marcus began rebuilding more than just his resume. He began rebuilding his confidence and hope for what was possible. Essence connected him with a job opportunity, helped him prepare his resume, and provided professional clothing so he could walk into his interview feeling prepared and ready.
Marcus didn’t just get the job. He was offered a higher position than the one he originally applied for.
His story is a reminder that when young people have someone who believes in them, encouragement can become confidence, opportunity can become achievement, and a setback can become a new beginning.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future. Thank you for being a Relative to young people like Marcus.
Last Month at The Relatives:
Elevating Their Work In Our Community
The last week of July was extra LOVEly thanks to Elevation Uptown. We were honored to welcome members of their congregation as part of LOVE Week, an initiative that reflects their commitment to serving the local community.
The week kicked off with a friendly pickup basketball game on the court at the Ally Activity Center and concluded with a much-appreciated beautification project at our lobby entrance. Throughout the week, volunteers brought warm hugs, joyful smiles, and plenty of laughter to our On Ramp Resource Center.
Thank you to everyone with Elevation Church Uptown who dedicated their time and energy to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.
Vacation Bible School Meets Slime?
The Relatives was thrilled to be the beneficiary of Dilworth United Methodist Church’s Vacation Bible School mission fundraiser in July.
VBS students raised money for the right to SLIME staff members of their choosing, with Pastor Justin Robins and friend of the Relatives Matt Sink earning the honor of being doused in slime!
Thank you to everyone who participated and got messy for a great cause.
A Note From Trish
The start of a new school year is a reminder of how much possibility can come with preparing for the future. For the youth and young adults we serve at The Relatives, that future may begin with returning to the classroom, earning a GED, preparing for employment, or taking another step toward independence.
Preparing for the future is something we can all take part in. August is Make-A-Will Month, a meaningful reminder to consider not only the future we are building for ourselves and our families, but also the impact we hope to leave on our community. Just as we help young people prepare for what comes next, thoughtful planning today can help ensure The Relatives is here for the young people who will need us tomorrow.
Through our 1974 Society, supporters who include The Relatives in their estate plans help ensure future generations of young people can find the support, stability, and sense of belonging they need to build brighter futures.
For more than 50 years, the generosity of this community has made it possible for The Relatives to show up for young people during some of the most important moments in their lives. Thank you for your continued support that allows us to meet their needs today while helping create opportunities for what comes next.
Relatives Then, Now, and Forever
Ann Sanders first became familiar with The Relatives through her work as an attorney representing children in juvenile court. There, she saw firsthand the challenges young people could face as they entered adulthood without family support or guidance. As an early champion of the On Ramp Resource Center, she helped turn a vision of expanded support for young adults into a reality.
Blaine Sanders became involved through Ann and serves as The Relatives’ pro bono attorney, giving him an even deeper appreciation for our mission, leadership, and commitment to young people.
Today, Ann and Blaine are members of The Relatives’ 1974 Society, our legacy giving society for those who have chosen to include The Relatives in their estate plans. Reflecting on why they made that commitment, they shared:
“The Relatives offers services to our children, teens, and young adults that are unique in our community, and we wanted to see this work continue beyond our lives. We believe strongly that The Relatives plays a vital role in our community.”
We are proud to recognize Ann and Blaine and the lasting connection they have built with The Relatives. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that with the right support and opportunities, every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
A planned gift to The Relatives through your estate helps ensure that future generations of young people have access to the care, resources, and support they need to achieve independence and thrive. Your legacy can help ensure The Relatives is where youth feel safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves in our community.
To learn more about joining the 1974 Society and making a planned gift, contact Director of Philanthropy Casey Field at 704-317-8124 or cfield@therelatives.org, or visit the 1974 Society webpage.
The Relatives Advancement Team
Back Row: Shaylynn Adams, Redia Baxter, Nick Stewart
Front Row: Shane Capps, Riley Kilpatrick, Justin Flack, Casey Field
We are excited to welcome Shaylynn Adams as the new Philanthropy Officer for our Advancement Team. We are also pleased to share that Shane Capps has stepped into a new role as Major Gifts Officer, continuing his important work alongside Nick Stewart.
Our team’s goal remains the same: to connect supporters of The Relatives to the real, life-changing impact of their generosity by sharing stories of those who are finding relief, acceptance, empowerment, and most importantly hope for the future through our programs.
You can learn more about The Relatives work and meet Shaylynn at our upcoming Meet The Relatives Tour on Tuesday, September 8th which you can RSVP to here.
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