ABOUT US Click HERE for our dowladable brochure.
our story
The Second Family Program is developed by the Second Family Foundation in conjunction with the UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work. The Foundation is focused on youth in foster care becuase: (1) as victims of child abuse and neglect, most foster youth have never been given a first chance at life, (2) despite the best efforts of numerous outstanding individuals at the local level, the foster care system is stressed, and (3) foster youth are a subset of America's most vulnerable children with little political representation, and therefore, public support for enhancing their prospects is insufficient. Second Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
With the commitment to "first, do no harm", Second Family's goal is to improve the lives of a few foster youth by providing resources so these youth will have the best chance to develop to their full potential mentally, physically and spiritually.
an "overlay" program
Second Family is an overlay program that is available to eligible foster youth in the Chapel Hill, NC area. The term "overlay" is used to emphasize the fact that Second Family's resources are considered enhancements to the regular foster care services already being provided by the county, not a replacement for such.
our belief in youth
Second Family believes that a youth's main job is self-development, and that one should be working on personal intellectual, physical, and spiritual development weekly. When youth are working on their self-development, this is considered giving back. As with the 'pay it forward' concept, our hope is that later in life, these youth will reflect on their experiences with Second Family and extend a similar helping hand to youth in need.
our commitment
Second Family is committed to subsidizing expenses that are typically above and beyond what foster care if able to pay for, and yet are usually considered standard expenses for the American teenager. Examples of such expenses could include music lessons, dance lessons, tutoring, summer camp, athletics, extra clothing, and health care that are not covered by Medicaid, state or county funds.
skills trainers
As appropriate, skills trainers will be provided to each program youth. Skills trainers are screened individuals who spend time with the youth in after school tutorial or recreational activities and practicing pro-social skills.
post high school
Support continues after high school with Second Family supporting the youth's chosen "next educational step."
