The Relatives Family Update
Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this newsletter.
When school lets out for the summer, the structure and stability it provides disappears too. For many youth, that means fewer safe places to turn—which is exactly why the Crisis Center becomes even more essential once summer break begins.
We’ve always worked to make the Crisis Center feel like a home, not just an emergency shelter. This goal grows more important in the summer months. During a season when youth may be especially vulnerable, we’re committed to ensuring our clients still get to have fun, make lasting memories, and simply be kids.
For our youth, that looks like water balloon fights in the backyard, movie nights, trips to Carowinds, and more. Every outing and opportunity is chosen with intention, giving our youth a chance to gain confidence, build healthy relationships, and be exposed to new, positive experiences throughout Charlotte.
The change we see happen over the course of a summer is remarkable. Youth who arrive withdrawn and quiet begin to open up, smile, form friendships, and feel like they belong. That kind of change happens because our dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors continue to show up and support our work, reminding youth they are valued, supported, and worthy of a brighter future.
This summer, the Crisis Center isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to grow, laugh, and truly enjoy being young. Because every child deserves a summer worth remembering.
Last Month at The Relatives:
GED Graduation Ceremony
Three Graduates. Three Success Stories. One Incredible Milestone.
On Friday, June 26, we celebrated the hard work, determination, and resilience of three remarkable GED graduates.
Two of the graduates worked closely with tutor Mrs. Pendle while also studying independently through the GED Works online program. As they earned their GEDs, they were already taking the next steps toward their career goals—one successfully passed the Real Estate exam, while the other is pursuing certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Our third graduate, a young mother, worked alongside her case manager to enroll at CPCC, taking an important step toward building a brighter future for herself and her son.
Each of these graduates has demonstrated that perseverance and dedication can open doors to new opportunities, brighter futures, and lifelong success. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to all they accomplish next.
The Relatives in the News
“When you volunteer here, you really feel like you’re making a difference,” Ted Northrup said.
For the past eight years, Ted has been giving his time to The Relatives. He began as a tutor, helping young adults with literacy and study for their GED. He now also helps them navigate Charlotte’s public transportation, namely the CATS bus system, so they can commute for job opportunities and access resources across the city.
Volunteers like Ted are filling the gap. “They connect in a different way than staff can, so they create that relational space,” Executive Director Trish Hobson explained.
We are so grateful for our everyday heroes. Thank you to Spectrum News for sharing our mission and spotlighting Ted!
A Summer of Service
Each summer, The Relatives hosts a college intern. And each summer we are blown away by the commitment, sincerity, and all-around helpfulness they provide to our team. This summer was no exception, as Shepard Peterson joined us in June and July.
Shepard is a rising senior at UNC Chapel Hill studying political science and global studies. She hopes to go into the nonprofit sector upon graduation and we couldn’t be more thrilled for her after the tangible impact she made with us this summer.
In her own words, Shepard shares what made her experience at The Relatives so special:
“During a Juneteenth and Pride Month cookout at On Ramp, I noticed a client sitting alone and felt compelled to start a conversation. What began as a simple introduction turned into a joyful afternoon of talking, laughing, sharing food, and discovering common interests. The experience reminded me that meaningful impact often comes from simply showing up for someone, and it deepened my gratitude for The Relatives as a place where people are met with love, acceptance, and care.”
Starting on the Right Foot
As the new school year begins, children at our Youth Crisis Center will be attending their regular schools each day while living away from the comfort and familiarity of home.
To ensure their stay with us is welcoming and comfortable, we have ongoing needs for everyday essentials like alarm clocks, body and face wash, hair care products, shower slippers, and shower caddies to help provide dignity and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.
By purchasing an item from our Amazon Wishlist, you can directly support a child in our care and help them start each day feeling confident, prepared, and valued.
New Faces and New Roles
Because of the generosity and belief of donors like you, The Relatives is growing in meaningful and visible ways. Your support helps us move closer to our vision of being there for every youth and young adult who needs safety, stability, and someone to believe in them.
At our Resource Center, your investment is helping us strengthen the care and guidance young adults receive. We are excited to welcome Arielle Jerome as Resource Center Supervisor, Kameron Johnson into the new Program Case Manager Supervisor role, and Anthony Wilson as Program Manager. Their leadership will help deepen the impact of an already thriving program. We have also added a Housing Navigator role; Bre Sorrell will be in that position expanding our efforts to prevent youth homelessness before it begins.
Your generosity is also helping our Crisis Center reach more young people in moments when they may not know where to turn. With Ricky Highsmith moving into the newly created Youth Outreach Navigator role, we will be able to extend support, connection, and hope to youth who need us most.
Looking ahead, we hope to continue expanding our Resource Center staff so that every young adult who comes to us for help can be met with timely support, compassionate guidance, and a clear next step—even before they are connected to case management.
None of this growth would be possible without you. Thank you for standing with The Relatives and for helping ensure that youth in crisis are met with care, dignity, and hope when they need it most.
Coming Soon at The Relatives
• Next Volunteer Orientation: 8/12/26 at 12 p.m. (Virtual)
• Next Meet the Relatives Tour: 9/8/26 at 10 a.m. (On Ramp Resource Center)
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