Alexander Youth Network

04/02/2026

Meet Ann Payne, one of our dedicated Lunch Buddies at Alexander Youth Network 🍎

Through something as simple as sharing a meal, Ann is building meaningful connections and creating moments that matter for the children we serve.

Becoming a Lunch or Dinner Buddy is a small commitment that can make a lasting impact. By setting aside just one hour each week, you can share a meal on campus and take part in enriching activities with a child during a weekday or weeknight.

Sometimes, the most powerful support is simply showing up.

Interested in making a difference? Individuals must be at least 21 years old to participate.

Learn more and get involved:
https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/make-a-difference/volunteer/

04/01/2026

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month 💙

In North Carolina, there are more than 115,000 investigated reports of possible child abuse or neglect each year. Behind every number is a child who deserves safety, stability, and care.

At Alexander Youth Network, we are committed to being part of the solution. Through prevention, early intervention, crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and family based services, we work to support children and families at every stage.

Together, we can create safer spaces and stronger futures for every child.

03/31/2026

Every child deserves a team.

Join us for a powerful and timely conversation on children’s mental health during Mental Health Night at the Spectrum Center.

We’re proud to host a special panel, Every Child Needs a Team, bringing together leaders and advocates who are committed to changing the way we show up for youth:

✨ Brennon D. Graham, President & CEO, Alexander Youth Network
✨ Mathu Gibson, Former Professional Football Player & Founder, Connecting the Dots
✨ Fonda Bryant, Founder & Executive Director, Wellness Action Recovery, Inc.
✨ Cali Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Therapist, Alexander Youth Network

🗓 April 3rd
🕒1:00 PM
📍 Spectrum Center
🎟 Free with event ticket: https://www.gofevo.com/event/AlexanderYouth23
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alexander Children's Foundation.

This conversation will center on resilience, access to care, and the life-changing impact of having the right support system. Because when one caring adult shows up, outcomes can change.

Then stay and be part of the energy. Doors open at 5:30 PM for shoot-arounds and pregame experiences before tip-off at 7:00 pm.

Let’s come together as a community to elevate the conversation around children’s mental health and show what it truly means to be part of a child’s team. @top fans

03/30/2026

03/30/2026

Ukeru has officially launched, and our kiddos are already hands-on 💚

Ukeru is a trauma-informed approach that focuses on comfort and creating safer spaces for children. It helps reduce the need for physical interventions by meeting kids where they are and supporting them in moments of stress with understanding and care.

A special shoutout to Patrick Brown, Tasheena Adhahn Sutton, Ashley Sparks, Marshand Hager, Brianna New, and our incredible team at our Facility-Based Crisis program for leading the way. They kicked things off by inviting the kids to paint the mats with bright colors, positive quotes, and fun characters. What started as part of the implementation quickly turned into a moment of creativity and joy.

This gave our kiddos a chance to feel included, take ownership, and help create a space that feels safe and welcoming.

03/27/2026

Alexander Youth Network and our affiliates, The Relatives and Youth Focus, have completed our triennial Joint Commission survey. 🎉

The Joint Commission is one of the nation’s most rigorous accrediting bodies for healthcare organizations. Many mental health providers choose not to pursue Joint Commission accreditation because of how demanding the standards are. We do, because children and families deserve care that is safe, consistent, and held to the highest expectations, even when no one is watching.

This survey takes a close look at how we do our work, from safety practices and clinical care to staff support and continuous improvement. While the final accreditation decision comes later, the survey itself went extremely well and reflects the strength of our organization and our programs.

This kind of result is only possible because of our people.

To every member of our Alexander, Youth Focus, and The Relatives team, thank you. You show up every day with compassion, skill, and persistence. You sit with young people in their hardest moments and keep believing in them. This survey outcome reflects who you are, not just what you do.

And to our Performance Improvement team, your tireless behind-the-scenes work makes excellence possible. This moment belongs to you.

Together, we build bridges to hope and healing—and we are deeply grateful and incredibly proud of the team doing that work every single day.💚

03/26/2026

An hour out of your day could make a lasting impact on a young person’s life. 💚

At Alexander Youth Network, volunteers help create meaningful moments for the children and families we serve. From supporting campus activities and special events to helping with projects or simply showing up with encouragement, every act of service matters.

We invite you to visit our campus, take a tour, and see how you can get involved. Your time can help create positive experiences and brighter days for the youth in our care.

Learn more about volunteering and sign up today: https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/make-a-difference/volunteer/

03/24/2026

💚 Celebrating 14 Years with Alexander Youth Network!

Today we’re celebrating Jesse Horn and his 14 year work anniversary with Alexander Youth Network.

Jesse currently serves as our Performance Improvement Manager, helping strengthen the programs and services that support the children and families we serve every day.

His commitment to learning and improvement helps make sure the support we provide today is even better tomorrow. That work helps create better outcomes for the children who rely on us.

Jesse, thank you for 14 years of dedication and for the difference you continue to make across our organization. 👏

03/23/2026

We are proud to recognize two team members whose words now help define who we are.

Congratulations to Toshia Dunlap, our Mission Statement winner, and Maggie Atkins Cook, our Tagline winner.

Toshia shared that being selected meant so much to her because it reflects the heart of the work we do every day for our children and families.

Our Mission
To transform the lives of children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. By building bridges to hope and healing, we empower children to grow, families to strengthen, and communities to thrive.

Maggie shared how meaningful it was to contribute something that represents our shared purpose and the impact we make together.

Together, We Build Bridges to Hope and Healing

We are so proud of our team and grateful for the voices that help shape who we are. Please join us in celebrating Toshia and Maggie for this incredible contribution.

03/20/2026

💚 Celebrating a new beginning.

Please join us in welcoming Carol Smith, who became a newly licensed foster parent with Alexander Youth Network on January 7, 2026.

Becoming a foster parent is a meaningful step that creates safety, stability, and hope for children who need it most. We are grateful for caring individuals like Carol who open their hearts and homes to support youth during important moments in their lives.

If you have ever thought about becoming a foster parent, this could be your moment to take the first step.

Our next foster parent training class begins May 4, 2026 and runs through June 15, 2026.
https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/how-to-become-a-foster-parent-nc/

Join us in helping children feel safe, supported, and cared for. 💚

03/18/2026

We’re grateful to our partners at NextGen Healthcare for highlighting our latest step forward in strengthening care for children and families.

As we continue growing our services, modern technology helps ensure our teams have the tools they need to provide the best possible support.

As our Chief Information Officer, Carolyn Spence shared:
“Our decision to move to NextGen Healthcare is about positioning Alexander for the future.”

Thank you to the NextGen Healthcare team for recognizing this work and helping us strengthen outcomes for the youth we serve.

Learn more 🔗
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260309297193/en/NextGen-Healthcare-to-Support-Alexander-Youth-Network-with-Modern-EHR-to-Enhance-Care-and-Strengthen-Outcomes-for-Children-and-Young-Adults
💚

03/17/2026

Our Lead Recreational Therapist, Malik McCrimmon, brought a little extra joy to our kiddos today in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

He helped them create their own charcuterie boards filled with all kinds of delicious green treats. From fresh fruits to fun snacks, it was a hands on activity that sparked creativity, laughter, and excitement.

Moments like this go beyond fun. They help children build connection, try new things, and create positive memories in a safe and supportive environment.

At Alexander Youth Network, it is the small, thoughtful experiences that make a lasting impact. 💚