In this 1-hour virtual program, parents and caregivers will learn how to connect with and support their child or teen during tough times.
In this 1-hour virtual program, parents and caregivers will learn how to connect with and support their child or teen during tough times.
In this 1-hour virtual program, parents and caregivers will learn how to connect with and support their child or teen during tough times.
Resources For Resilience is excited to announce that we have been awarded an IMPACT Grant from the WNC Bridge Foundation to expand our family-centered programming designed to help children and caregivers build resilience together.
Families throughout our region continue to navigate the lasting effects of Hurricane Helene. While many immediate needs have been addressed, the long-term impacts of stress, disrupted routines, financial strain, and caregiver burnout remain. This funding allows us to respond to those ongoing challenges by bringing practical, prevention-focused mental wellness resources directly into communities where they are needed most.
Since Hurricane Helene, Resources for Resilience has provided resilience education to thousands of caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, and community members across Western North Carolina. That work revealed a growing need for family-centered, preventive mental health support—especially in rural communities where access to services can be limited. RFR’s youth and family-focused programming was created in direct response to those conversations.
“Even the most resilient families can benefit from accessible tools, supportive relationships, and chances to reconnect and reset. This investment from WNC Bridge Foundation allows us to bring those opportunities to more communities and help families build skills they can use every day.”
Ann DuPre Rogers, RFR Executive Director
Through this grant, Resources For Resilience will host four (4) Resilient Family Adventures in rural and underserved communities between August 2026 and June 2027. Each event is designed to be welcoming, interactive, and accessible for families of all ages.
During each Adventure, families participate in hands-on activities that teach practical resilience skills through movement, play, connection, and shared learning. Children and caregivers will explore simple strategies for managing stress, strengthening emotional regulation, and building healthy relationships—all grounded in neuroscience and presented in engaging, everyday language.
Every event will also include a shared community meal, bilingual resources and support, take-home resilience toolkits, and opportunities to connect with local organizations.
Alongside the in-person community RFA events, RFR will also host up to to six(6) Resilient Families programs to provide continuing education and reinforce skill-building.
These 1-hour presentations will be offered in both virtual and in-person formats for parents to learn how stress manifests in children and teens, discover how to spot problems early on, and explore simple tools to boost connection and support.
This generous grant will support an estimated 400–700 children and caregivers across WNC, while strengthening partnerships with schools, faith communities, parks, libraries, and local nonprofits throughout the region.
By investing in prevention, connection, and practical resilience skills, the program aims to strengthen protective factors for children, increase caregiver confidence, and foster healthier, more connected communities.
Resources for Resilience is deeply grateful to the WNC Bridge Foundation for its commitment to supporting children and families across Western North Carolina. Together, we are helping ensure that families not only recover—but continue to grow stronger, more connected, and more resilient for years to come.
