Alexander Youth Network

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Alexander Youth Network! 💛

Today, we celebrate love in all its forms, the love we share with our families, our colleagues, and the children we have the honor of supporting every day. Every act of care, encouragement, and kindness makes a difference, and today we want to thank you for being part of our community and our journey.

Wishing you a day full of connection, warmth, and heart.

02/12/2026

We are excited to share that Alexander Youth Network is one of the agencies leading the way in bringing Ukeru to North Carolina as part of a statewide initiative across all North Carolina Psychiatric Residential Treatment programs.

Through this two-year pilot launched by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, providers across the state are adopting Ukeru as an alternative to restraint, focused on de-escalating crises with safety and connection at the center.

Our teams went above and beyond, demonstrating the highest level of engagement among all participating providers statewide. This reflects the dedication and heart our staff bring to the children and families we serve every day.

A special thank you to Marshand Hager for leading this effort and to our Learning and Development team, including Clarence Thomas, Earl Womble, Trinity Mosley, and Lakeitha Gaston. We are also grateful to our Executive Directors and program staff who continue to champion this work.

With the cultural assessment complete, we are moving into the next phase of implementation:

February: Staff training and building excitement around trauma-informed techniques that strengthen safety and well-being
March: Engagement activities with children in Facility-Based Crisis, Residential Treatment, and Transition House, supporting the therapeutic use of Ukeru pads

Not familiar with Ukeru? Check out the video below to learn how this innovative, trauma-informed approach prioritizes safety and connection.

We are proud to be part of this statewide movement and grateful to everyone making this work possible.

02/11/2026

Kids today spend a lot of time online, and what they see can shape how they feel. Platforms like YouTube, games like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Among Us, and social spaces like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord can be fun and creative, but they can also impact mental health.

What parents should watch for:
• YouTube: Inappropriate language or themes in comments and Shorts
• Roblox & Minecraft: Open chats with unfiltered conversations
• Fortnite & Among Us: Unpredictable voice chat with strangers
• TikTok & Instagram: Rapid content shifts affecting self-esteem; risky or unrealistic content
• Discord: Private servers where conversations may go unseen

Simple ways to support your child:
• Talk often about what they’re watching or playing
• Set healthy screen time limits
• Play or watch together when you can
• Encourage them to speak up if something feels wrong

Online safety is part of caring for a child’s emotional well-being. When kids feel supported at home, they are better prepared to navigate the digital world with confidence.

02/11/2026

⏰ Final Reminder ⏰

We are hosting an informative webinar tomorrow for anyone who wants to explore or learn more about our Intensive In-Home program.

This learning session is open to everyone. Whether you work directly with youth and families or support the mission in other ways, it is a chance to better understand how Intensive In-Home services help strengthen families and keep kids safely at home.

📅 Thursday, February 12
🕒 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eMARXGrq

In this 45-minute session, you will gain insight into:
• What Intensive In-Home looks like in real life
• Who benefits most from this level of care
• How families build safety, stability, and stronger connections
• How this service helps prevent higher levels of care

Small moments of learning can create a meaningful impact for families. We hope you will join us.

02/09/2026

Some work stays with you long after the day ends. This is that kind of work.

Today, we want to pause and shine a light on our Therapeutic Foster Care team. This team shows up with compassion, consistency, and care for children who need stability, safety, and someone who truly believes in them. The moments they create, both big and small, help shape brighter futures.

This work is demanding. It asks for patience, empathy, and strength. And this team delivers all of it, every single day.

Thank you for being steady when things feel uncertain, for advocating when voices need to be heard, and for creating spaces where children can feel supported and valued.

Please join us in celebrating this incredible team:

◽Tiffany Santos
◽Brenda McKay
◽Gina Tipton
◽Kathy Williamson
◽Laura Dunlap
◽Melody Frazier
◽Sherry Meeks
◽Tee Williams
◽Pakita Alston
◽Shirelene Coley
◽Cherice King
◽Clara Core
◽Teandrea Hogue
◽Calli Walker
◽Janet Pineiro
◽Carrie Brooks
◽Keenya Taylor
◽Lloiann Byers
◽William Raupp
◽Rae Ellerbe
◽Samantha Cole
◽Monique Peoples
◽Kimberly Hennesse

Your work matters. Your impact is real. And we are grateful for each of you.

02/06/2026

After a challenging week of inclement weather and unexpected school closures, it's uplifting to receive reminders of why our work matters.💚

We were grateful to receive a note from a parent in Fayetteville, NC, sharing how transformative our Day Treatment program has been for her son. Moments like these reaffirm our mission and the impact our teams make every day.

A heartfelt thank you to Jasun Thompson, Nina Sullivan, and Ashley Sparks for your continued dedication to children and families in Cumberland County. Your work truly changes lives.

Here’s an excerpt from the message to our team:

“I am writing regarding my son, who is currently enrolled in the district’s day treatment program. This program has made a tremendous positive impact on his behavior and emotional regulation, and I strongly feel that it has been instrumental in his recent success. I truly value the support the district and the day treatment program have provided, and I am grateful for the positive changes we have seen.”

02/05/2026

Our residential and crisis services operate 24/7, 365 days a year, just like first responders, and during this winter storm, you proved once again what that commitment looks like in real life. Even with ten inches of snow and difficult travel, you came in because the children needed stability, safety, and care.💚

You put our kids first, even when it meant pushing through challenges of your own.
We are deeply grateful for your dedication and your willingness to be there when it matters most. What you did made a real difference for the children and families we serve.

Thank you for showing up every day of the year, especially on the hardest days.

02/04/2026

🌟Sponsor Spotlight🌟

Alexander Youth Network is grateful for the continued support of Haynes Boone, one of the largest law firms headquartered in the United States. The Charlotte office has supported Alexander Youth Network since 2023 and brings deep expertise across complex finance and lending matters.

Thanks to the leadership of attorneys and Alexander Children’s Foundation board members Aleks Kopec and Roland Macher, our partnership with Haynes Boone has made a meaningful impact. From sponsoring our annual fundraising luncheon to supporting our children during the holidays, their generosity continues to bring care and joy to the families we serve. Aleks, a former board chair, and Roland also provide thoughtful leadership and unwavering support for children facing mental and behavioral health challenges.

When asked why they chose to support Alexander Youth Network, Roland shared:

"Haynes Boone is proud to support Alexander Youth Network because their work directly strengthens children, families, and the entire Charlotte community. We recognize that access to quality mental health care for youth is essential to long-term well-being, stability, and opportunity, and Alexander Youth Network provides that care with compassion, expertise, and consistency. We believe supporting their mission is an investment in brighter futures, and we are honored to partner with an organization making such a meaningful impact every day."

Thank you to Haynes Boone, Aleks, and Roland for investing in brighter futures for the children we serve.

02/03/2026

When families are going through hard seasons, understanding the right level of care can make a real difference.

We are hosting a learning session focused on our Intensive In-Home program and inviting everyone to join us. Whether you work directly with youth and families or support the mission in other ways, this session offers a clear look at how Intensive In-Home services help strengthen families and keep kids safely at home.

📅 Thursday, February 12, 2026
🕒 12:15pm to 1:00pm
84463f91-364f-4c8c-9a8e-bba6448253f7@bc0ceb88-db1a-4d23-bfdd-12c9ee4b14ef" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/84463f91-364f-4c8c-9a8e-bba6448253f7@bc0ceb88-db1a-4d23-bfdd-12c9ee4b14ef

During this 45-minute webinar, you will learn:
• What Intensive In-Home services look like in practice
• Which youth and families benefit most from this level of care
• How these services promote safety, stability, and healthier family dynamics
• Key considerations when connecting families to care
• How Intensive In-Home helps prevent higher levels of care and supports long-term success

✨Presenter: Ashley Sparks, MSW, LCSW
Executive Director, Facility-Based Crisis Center and Fayetteville SoPi Region

✨Facilitator: Erika Moss
Referral & Business Development Associate

Learning more helps us all show up better for the families we serve. We hope you will join us.

02/02/2026

We asked some of our staff members at the Facility-Based Crisis Center in Greensboro to share what Black History Month means to them. Their words reflect pride, resilience, and the power of honoring the past while showing up for the next generation.

Every day, our staff brings compassion, understanding, and care to children and families during some of their hardest moments. This month, we pause to listen, learn, and honor the voices that shape our work and strengthen our community.

We are grateful for their stories, their commitment, and the impact they make beyond these walls.

02/02/2026

01/30/2026

🌟 AYN University Leadership Institute: Investing in Our Team, Investing in the Future

At Alexander Youth Network, we believe that great leadership is the cornerstone of our success. That’s why we developed the AYN University Leadership Institute, a dynamic program designed to empower our employees with the skills and confidence they need to lead effectively and inspire change.

🎯 Why We Created the Leadership Institute:
Our goal is to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The Leadership Institute has allowed us to:

◽Identify and nurture emerging leaders within our organization.
◽Equip team members with forward-thinking leadership strategies and tools.
◽Build a strong pipeline of talented leaders prepared to guide AYN into the future.

📈 How It Benefits Our Employees:
Through workshops, mentoring, and practical exercises, employees will:

◽Develop essential leadership skills such as communication, decision-making, and strategic planning.
◽Gain valuable insights into team dynamics, conflict resolution, and organizational development.
◽Build confidence in their ability to lead, innovate, and make an impact.
◽Create a foundation for long-term career growth within and beyond AYN.

By investing in our employees, we’re not only enhancing their personal and professional development but also ensuring the continued success of Alexander Youth Network in creating brighter futures for the children and families we serve.
Learn more ➡️ https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/empowering-excellence-aynu/