Life Guide Program: is a mentoring program that offers individuals in foster care ages 16 to 21 years old a caring adult to give support and life skills education as they transition to adulthood.  Make a difference, become a mentor.  For more information contact YMCA Resource Center at 762-7886 or Linda Huffman at 798-3563.

Reading-for-Results: is a program that allows social workers to visit low income families with children to encourage reading. The social worker models reading for the parent and then gives a free new book to each child in the home.  Individuals and organizations can donate new books or money to purchase books.  For more information contact Angelina Bernard at 798-3710.

Gingerbread Tree: for most people the Holiday Season is full of hope and happiness, but for children in foster care and group homes the holidays can feel sad and lonely.  In an effort to make the holidays a little brighter for children who can not be with their families the New Hanover County Department of Social Services, New Hanover County Department of Human Resources and the Guardian Ad Litem Association have partnered to bring gifts and good cheer to these special children.  You can assist by choosing a child from our gingerbread tree to purchase Christmas gifts for.  For more information contact Julie Steinbeck at 798-3545.

Summer Camp Opportunities: individuals and organizations can donate money to allow foster children the opportunity to attend camp.  For more information contact Julie Steinbeck at 798-3545.

Community Penny Drive: individuals, businesses, organizations and schools can assist families less fortunate than themselves with emergency financial needs by collecting pennies to go into our general assistance fund.  We provide the containers.  For more information contact Angelina Bernard at 798-3710.

Faith Community Fund: Churches donate quarterly to funds that assist families with emergency financial needs.  The New Hanover County Department of Social Services takes the responsibility of evaluating need and verifying request so you don’t have to.  For more information contact Christine McNamee at 798-3712.