January 12, 2026
Continuing our focus on helping at-risk young people reach their full potential, Nantahala Health Foundation has awarded grant funding to seven regional organizations working to promote well-being for this population’s most vulnerable.
“Far too many young people in our region are facing nearly insurmountable challenges with the power to diminish their futures,” said NHF Board Chair Roger Plemens. “Poverty, lack of access to healthcare, limited educational opportunities, economic instability, and disengaged communities create roadblocks that prevent these kids from realizing their full potential.”
Organizations identified by the Foundation’s Board of Directors as having the highest potential to change lifelong trajectories and their funded program goals include:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC will design mentor-mentee relationships for approximately 75 new Littles (ages 6–10) and 75 high school Bigs (ages 16–18). Additionally, BBBS will build 80 middle school mentee groups across Cherokee, Swain, Graham counties, and the Qualla Boundary.
- Child Medical Collaborative will provide access to specialized medical care, including physical examinations, mental health screenings, and referrals for additional care if needed, to abuse victims up to age 18.
- Communities in Schools of North Carolina will remove barriers to success by re-engaging students who need help getting back on track academically at Smokey Mountain Elementary near Cherokee and Blue Ridge School in Glenville.
- Four Square Community Action’s Head Start program will ensure its students receive hearing and vision screenings before entering Kindergarten.
- Graham County Schools will expand its school-based health services for students identified as requiring mental health support services to school systems in Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.
- Hawthorn Heights WNC will provide comprehensive mental health services for youth in its care.
- Youth Villages North Carolina will remove barriers to academic success for those aging out of foster care.
Children growing up in struggling households face challenges that affect their future health and well-being. Without adequate support, they are likely to encounter educational, employment, and societal barriers that harm their ability to reach their full potential, said NHF Executive Director Lori Bailey.
“When quality healthcare is out of reach due to costs, transportation, and a shortage of providers, our most vulnerable fail to thrive,” Bailey said. “When our schools lack resources to engage struggling students, futures look bleak. Then, as they get older, these same kids are forced to postpone their dreams because of economic instability.”
However, interventions like those receiving NHF funding improve the likelihood that vulnerable young people stay in school, avoid substance abuse, and receive mental health services when needed, increasing their potential to contribute to their families and the regional economy, she said.
“Our goal with these grant funds is to strengthen community engagement and mentorship programs so that our youth are not navigating hardships alone,” she said.
“In every study we’ve read, it’s been proven that investing in young people now is a more cost-effective remedy than dealing with long-term consequences of neglect,” said Plemens. “But beyond the financial impacts, supporting young people is the right thing to do. I invite others to learn more about this work and join us.”
About Nantahala Health Foundation
Working since 2019 as a regional catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Nantahala Health Foundation partners with nonprofits and governmental agencies in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary to improve health and wellness outcomes for all.
By addressing the root causes of health inequities and removing barriers to quality healthcare, education and economic opportunities, the Foundation’s impact is felt in its partnerships with regional change-makers. The Foundation has awarded more than $4.3 million in support to some 232 programs totaling a financial investment of more than $20 million throughout the region.
Additionally, the Foundation has invested more than $254,000 to build the capacity of more than 150 regional leaders, equipping them to collaborate effectively with others and grow the people they serve, resulting in a richer, more inclusive, connected, and thriving community. Those who wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit Foundation may do so by visiting NantahalaHealthFoundation.org.