Our Story

A private operating foundation since 2007, Second Family Foundation (SFF) works in the communities of Orange County, North Carolina. The Second Family Programs were developed by the Second Family Foundation in conjunction with the UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work. SFF has also benefited from numerous research efforts and projects, particularly those of the Casey Foundation. SFF works with teens who are experiencing risky situations, particularly in a foster care setting. 

SFF 7 Tenets

No Lying, Cheating or Stealing; Bettering One’s Mind, Body & Spirit; and Making Life Better for Others.

Pay It Forward

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, the 7 Tenets of SFF. 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.

Seeking A True Second Family

For those youth that demonstrate an interest and effort in SFF, the foundation offers a number of other services designed to give young adults opportunities to succeed later in life including assistance in job placement and financial assistance through college all with the expectation that the youth will “pay it forward.” Support continues after high school and SFWorks with Second Family supporting the youth’s chosen “next educational step”.

It starts with the SFF 7 Tenets. 

Work is a foundation.

The SFF commitment continues after SFF.

Pay it Forward is the expectation of the future.

Who We Are

Holly Kunkel Ainsley, Executive Director 

Holly has been with SFF since its inception in 2007. Her favorite food is nachos. She enjoys running and also likes a good game of tennis or doing some cleans in the gym. Holly’s first job was working at a hometown local hardware store.

Vickie Fornville, Lead SFF Technician

Vickie started with SFF in 2019. Her favorite food is anything out of the water and her favorite workout is dancing. Vickie’s first job was at McDonald’s. She began her North Carolina civil service career at the age of 16 and is now retired.

Shiala Baldwin, SFF Technician 

Shiala joined SFF in 2021. Her favorite comfort food is Chinese and she loves shoes, UNC basketball, and woodworking. Shiala’s first job was at Sports Endeavors. Shiala’s career has been focused on giving back to her community.