The Relatives Family Update
Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this newsletter.
For many, January marks a time of fresh starts and new resolutions. For me, it’s always been a season of reflection and renewed dedication to service.
I’m fortunate. My needs are met, and most of my desires are, too. But that’s not the reality for the young people we serve at The Relatives. That contrast drives me every single day.
I come to work surrounded by colleagues who show up when others walk away. We’re there to celebrate birthdays, first apartment leases, and the birth of a child. We support young adults as they study for their GED, apply for jobs, and navigate their first doctor’s appointments on their own.
Our work reminds me of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s refrain: “Life’s most urgent and persistent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Every decision we make at The Relatives is driven by our commitment to the kids in our care. We routinely ask ourselves how our programs can better meet the needs of our community and how we can reach even more young people who need us. Our work is about doing right by a population too often ignored or forgotten.
In this new year, I hope you’ll renew your commitment to supporting The Relatives as a critical resource in our community.
Sincerely,
Trish Hobson
Executive Director
Fulfilling Our Promise: A short documentary of our impact
Every day at The Relatives, a promise started in 1974 continues and evolves: to serve the youth and young adults of our community with dignity, providing relief, acceptance, and empowerment to those who need it most.
In 2025, we brought forward the stories of Amber, Darion, and Jakoby who all had promises fulfilled by The Relatives thanks to the kindness and generosity of people just like you. To all who supported us in 2025, our deepest thanks for being true relatives to those in need.
Trish’s New Year’s Reflections:
As we close out the year, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible growth The Relatives has experienced, as well as the promises we still must fulfill.
Because of your support, 2025 was a year of transformation, both for The Relatives and for the over 2,500 lives of the youth and young adults that we serve.
Beyond the Job Description
At The Relatives, we offer formal support through counseling sessions with licensed mental health counselors, case management with trained staff, and access to everyday needs like washers/dryers, showers, and clothing donations. Our staff is here to serve youth and young adults each and every day, often at their lowest point. We are proud to serve our community through our programs, but what can sometimes go overlooked are the many informal ways our staff show up to serve the young people in our care.
In 2025 alone, our staff have gone above and beyond to show the youth and young adults we serve that they care. Just a few examples include:
• Arriving early at a young adult’s apartment to take them to their first job interview
• Accompanying a young man to the doctor for their first appointment in over 10 years
• Answering phone calls in the middle of the night to help someone through a panic attack
• Going to a Hornets game one night with kids staying at the Crisis Center
• Attending multiple high school graduation ceremonies for young adults
• Bringing cake and balloons to celebrate a child’s birthday at the Crisis Center
• Staying late to do face paint and makeup before kids went trick-or-treating for Halloween
These are only a few of the many ways our staff shows up each day. Said best by one of the young adults we support, Rayline: “My case manager was more like a father to me. At The Relatives…I finally had someone who believed in me and did everything they could to help me reach my goals.”
Our work is critical to the health and well-being of our community, and we are so thankful to continue doing this work. If you’d like to share a word of appreciation or encouragement with our program staff, please feel free to reply to this email and we will share it with our team.
Resolve to Make a Difference in 2026
A new year brings new resolutions, and new resolutions can lead to the most significant transformation. In 2026, we ask that you consider donating your valuable time by volunteering with your Relatives. There are ways, both large and small, to contribute, and the impact you’ll have on our youth and young adults will far exceed the time you give.
• Provide Relief by preparing or bringing a meal, or simply volunteering to help serve a staff-prepared meal
• Give Acceptance by meeting our young adults at On Ramp, welcoming them and assisting staff in caring for their needs; learn about our hospitality volunteer opportunities and contact Redia Baxter if interested
• Promote Empowerment at Freedom Friday. Our weekly gathering is where individuals and groups can meet, serve, and have fun with the young adults at On Ramp.
You can get started today by registering for a virtual Volunteer Orientation hosted by our Volunteer Engagement Officer Redia Baxter. Commit to service in 2026 and see the difference you will make!
Calling All Corporate Partners!
The Relatives is proud to announce the return of Corporate Partners Day where we hope to enrich, grow, and engage our network of corporate supporters.
All are welcome to join us! You can learn about opportunities for your business or employer to build a deeper connection with The Relatives. And feel free to invite other business leaders you know to this event.
Please RSVP by Friday January 23rd.
Support Our Work
