Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC (GROW NC) have announced an expanded investment in the WNC Thrive initiative. The program supports children and families recovering from Hurricane Helene in 22 counties, offering free after-school, weekend, and summer camp programs that include mental health services. The total funding now stands at $3.75 million.
“This partnership is giving children and families a reprieve from the devastation Hurricane Helene left behind,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Not only are children getting to make new friends, but they are also receiving mental health care to help them heal from this traumatic event.”
“There is no right or wrong way to feel during a disaster, and the impacts of such devastation can stay with us for years to come,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We are committed to increasing access to care and resources for those impacted the most by Hurricane Helene, right now and for the long haul.”
The new investment of $2 million will allow Trillium Health Resources to provide additional respite events at Henry’s House at Victory Junction in Randleman, North Carolina. Founded by former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, Victory Junction offers year-round adaptive programs for children with complex medical needs at no cost to families. Details about upcoming WNC Thrive activities will be shared in spring 2026.
Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC, stated: “We are proud to collaborate with DHHS to provide additional out-of-school resources to recovering families. This program will be a lifeline for parents and children who are still healing from Helene. We are grateful for WNC Thrive and other resources available in western North Carolina that help us rebuild and reconnect.”
Previously, NCDHHS allocated $1.75 million through Vaya Health to expand similar support services following Hurricane Helene. These camps aim to help young people connect with their communities through safe activities.
Vaya Health partnered with various organizations across its service area so that eligible participants could attend these camps in one of the affected counties. Over 1,000 youth attended summer camps this past year through WNC Thrive programs hosted by Mountain Roots, Watauga County Schools, and Eliada Homes.
Additional recovery efforts coordinated by NCDHHS include expanding Mobile Outreach teams for crisis intervention among youth ages 3-21; establishing co-responder units pairing law enforcement with mental health responders; launching up to six Mobile Opioid Treatment Programs; supporting veterans through housing and employment initiatives; continuing assistance via the North Carolina Psychiatric Access Line (NC PAL) for K-12 schools; developing Hope4NC—a helpline offering free emotional support related to disaster recovery—and weekly resilience opportunities with Vaya Health.
Residents seeking crisis support can visit the North Carolina Crisis Services Website or call or text 988 or use online chat at 988Lifeline.org for immediate assistance from trained specialists. Spanish speakers may access counselors directly by calling 988 (option 2), texting “AYUDA” to 988, or chatting online at either 988lineadevida.org or 988Lifeline.org. Additional peer support is available via the NCDHHS Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762).
