The Relatives Family Update
Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this newsletter.
For Isaiah, moving toward independence started with taking care of his well-being.
When he connected with The Relatives, Isaiah was struggling with his mental health and trying to find his footing. Like many young people who walk through our doors, Isaiah found support that met his individual needs. Through his work with Mr. Battle, our Mental Health Specialist, Isaiah began showing up more consistently for therapy and taking steps toward a healthier, more stable future.
As he continued making progress with his mental health, another piece began to fall into place. Isaiah secured a job, giving him not only a source of income, but another step toward the independence he had been working toward.
His progress didn’t happen all at once. It came through showing up, accepting support, and continuing to move forward.
Isaiah’s story is a reminder that support at The Relatives can take many forms. Young people don’t have to be receiving ongoing case management to benefit from the programs, resources, and caring professionals available to them. Sometimes, one connection to the right resource can be the beginning of meaningful change.
Because of your support, young people like Isaiah have a place to turn, someone in their corner, and the opportunity to keep moving forward.
Last Month at The Relatives:
Finding Their Path At On Ramp
In August, we welcomed more than 15 employers to our third Job and Career Expo of the year. Participating organizations included NCIA, the U.S. Marines, Compass Group, Trans Tech, Coca-Cola, and several others. Our clients had the opportunity to connect directly with recruiters, apply for positions, and even interview on-site. Opportunities like these empower individuals to take meaningful steps toward building brighter futures for themselves and their families.
If you or someone you know believes in second chances and can offer employment opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to learn how you can make a difference.
A Message On The Sidewalk Near You
The Relatives is making its mark across the Queen City through our awareness campaign with Clean Graffiti by The Savage Way. With 12 locations across Uptown, Plaza Midwood/Central, and NoDa areas, we’re expanding our reach and building greater awareness of our mission throughout the Charlotte community.
Here’s our ask: As you’re out and about enjoying these more comfortable warm days and cool, breezy evenings, keep an eye out for our sidewalk art. Snap a photo and share it on social media! Tell your friends and neighbors that you’re a Relative. Share why our mission matters to you and how you support youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and other crises.
Together, we can spread awareness, inspire action, and help more people discover the life-changing work happening at The Relatives.
Meet Nehiesmey Navarro
This month, we’re shining a light on Nehiesmey Navarro, Youth Engagement Navigator at The Relatives. Since joining the team in June 2026, Nehiesmey has helped young people at the On Ramp Resource Center feel supported as they work toward their goals.
A big part of that support is helping young people find the resources they need to move forward. Whether she’s helping someone access basic needs like showers, laundry, and clothing or connecting them to healthcare, education, workforce development, housing, and mental health services, Nehiesmey works to meet each young person where they are.
She also provides Spanish-language instruction and facilitates human and civil rights workshops, giving young people tools to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Through it all, Nehiesmey takes the time to understand each young person’s strengths, aspirations, and potential. For her, the most important part of the work is simply being there.
“The most important part of my work is simple: being present. Listening without judgment, creating a safe space where young people feel seen and valued, and walking alongside them as they pursue their goals is the foundation of everything I do.”
Being Prepared Means Knowing Where to Get Help
Many of us have children, teens, or young adults in our lives whom we care about deeply. We hope they never face a situation where they need emergency help or support, but it is important for them to know where to go if they ever do.
By sharing the below information with the young people in your life, you can help them feel safer and more confident. The Safe Place network in our community managed by The Relatives provides trusted locations where young people can go to find help, support, and caring adults when they need it most.
✅ Being Safe Means:
• Feeling comfortable where you are
• Being treated with respect
• Having trusted adults you can talk to
• Being able to say “NO”
• Knowing you can ask for help anytime
⚠️ Get Help If:
• Someone is hurting, scaring, or threatening you
• You are being pressured to do something you don’t want to do
• You feel bullied, trapped, or alone
• Something just doesn’t feel right
🛡️ What You Can Do:
• Tell a trusted adult
• Stay where other people are around
• Trust your feelings
• Ask for help right away
• Remember: asking for help is brave!
❤️ Remember:
You deserve to be safe.
You deserve support.
You are not alone.
📞 Need Help?
Call the Youth Crisis Hotline at (704) 377-0602
Text SAFE + your location to 4HELP (44357)
Walk into anywhere you see a Safe Place sign
Coming Soon At The Relatives
Next Volunteer Orientation:
• 10/7/26 at 12 p.m. (Virtual)
Next Meet the Relatives Tour:
• 11/17/26 at 10 a.m. (On Ramp Resource Center)
Support Our Work
